About Me

My Story

My name is Robbie Priestley. After studying computer science in college, I entered into a successful career working in business. However, in time I came to realize the life I was living was not in alignment with my true nature. I embarked upon a personal healing journey, which was deeply transformative. I experienced a spiritual awakening, which activated further healing.

Robbie With Drum

One day, my shamanic initiation spontaneously began. I received support from my beloved teacher and mentor, an experienced shaman. Releasing my remaining resistance, I set foot on my shamanic path. After completing my initial training, I heard my calling to become a healer. In answer, I started working as a shamanic practitioner.

My formal shamanic training was with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies based in California. I completed their comprehensive Online Shamanic Healing Training Program. I have also received additional training, instruction, and support from several experienced shamans. My shamanic training is ongoing, and I remain a focused and dedicated student.

My Shamanic Tradition

My shamanic tradition is Core Shamanism, as defined and taught by the late anthropologist Dr. Michael Harner, founder of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies based in California. Core Shamanism is a modern, accessible shamanic tradition based on the common (or "core") shamanic practices found in all shamanic traditions around the world. While Core Shamanism is a genuine and authentic tradition, it also strongly respects cultural identity, and does not appropriate any unique cultural or indigenous practices.

Ethics

My shamanic tradition (Core Shamanism—see above) includes a set of very strong ethical principles. The most important of these principles is that express permission must be obtained from any client before conducting shamanic work on their behalf. Informed consent is required because only the client is able to decide what is right for them in matters that may affect their soul or spirit. For more information, please see: Foundation for Shamanic Studies - Ethical Considerations in Shamanic Healing. Also, please refer to my Terms & Conditions.

My Ancestral Connection

Everyone alive today has an ancestral connection to shamanism. For some people, that connection may seem distant, yet it exists. My personal ancestral connection to shamanism is through my ancestors in Europe during the Mesolithic era (about 10,000 years ago). These semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers practiced shamanism as part of everyday life.

My ancestors lived and thrived in the vast, wild forests existing in Europe before the agricultural revolution occurred. Since then, the original European shamanic tradition nearly became extinct as a result of changing cultural factors and oppression. Now in modern times, the lost shamanic traditions of old are being actively rediscovered and revived.