Women & Shamanic Practices: Reclaiming Ancient Wisdom
In ancient pagan societies, every village had its wise woman. She was the keeper of herbal knowledge, the healer of the sick, and the midwife ensuring safe childbirth. Her wisdom, passed down through generations, was an essential pillar of the community. However, as Christianity spread and sought to centralize spiritual authority, these women were labeled as witches—feared, persecuted, and silenced. Their expertise challenged both religious and medical institutions, leading to an enduring stigma designed to limit female influence outside the domestic sphere.
Fortunately, in today’s world of accessible knowledge, the role of the wise woman has been reclaimed. Shamanic practices—once suppressed—are now flourishing, with both men and women stepping into their ancestral roles as healers and spiritual guides. The wisdom that was always ours to access is resurfacing, reminding us that true spiritual connection was never evil but simply misrepresented.
The Role of Women in Modern Shamanism
Education has been a great equalizer for women, allowing them to reclaim their place as leaders in spirituality. I was recently reminded of this at a Friends of SaddleBrooke Libraries board meeting, where I witnessed many brilliant women using their knowledge to benefit the community. It reinforced the importance of lifelong learning—something that has always been at the core of shamanic wisdom.
My own introduction to shamanism came through an exceptional Denver-based teacher and practitioner. Learning from her felt like stepping back into a time when wise women were central to tribal life, guiding their communities with ancient knowledge. One of the most influential women in shamanic education today is Sandra Ingerman, author of twelve books, including Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self, Medicine for the Earth, Walking in Light, and The Book of Ceremony. Her drumming CDs accompany all my journeying sessions and fire ceremonies, and I highly recommend exploring her work at Sandra Ingerman’s website.
Why Shamanic Women Are Needed Now More Than Ever
Reclaiming shamanic wisdom is about more than personal enlightenment—it is an urgent call to action for our planet. Shamans understand that protecting Mother Earth is central to their practice. One of the first journeys I lead my students on is to meet their spirit animals, reconnecting them with the natural world. We are at a tipping point, where climate change threatens our very existence. Now, more than ever, we need spiritual leaders ready to fight for the earth’s survival. This is why shamanism is re-emerging: our planet is calling us back to the wisdom we once held sacred.
The second reason why shamanic women are crucial today is the ongoing battle for reproductive rights. It is staggering that we are once again fighting for autonomy over our own bodies—something that wise women freely taught and supported thousands of years ago.
The Spiritual Connection Between Women and the Land
Beyond activism, shamanic practices also provide deep personal and communal healing. I experienced this firsthand when my daughter, who is highly sensitive to the spirit world, began hearing strange noises in our downstairs family room. Seeking answers, I was led to my shamanic teacher, who helped me uncover the presence of a Native American chief lingering in our community. His spirit had been searching for someone to bless the land, a ritual that had been overlooked before development began. When I performed the blessing, it marked the true beginning of my shamanic journey. The chief’s presence remains with me to this day—I even honored him as a character in my book, When the Birds Stopped Singing.
If you are moving into a new home or preparing to sell your current one, I strongly encourage you to invite a shaman to cleanse the space. Clearing negative energy not only enhances the well-being of those who live there but also deepens your relationship with the land. A properly blessed home fosters gratitude, and in return, nature rewards you with abundance—a thriving garden, a peaceful dwelling, and a greater sense of harmony.
Honoring Women’s Wisdom
Looking at history through a different lens allows us to see the true value of women’s contributions to spirituality, healing, and community leadership. Let’s revive these conversations, honoring the wise women of our past and present. Use this as a discussion topic with your friends and family—together, we can uplift the women in our lives and reclaim the wisdom that was once denied to us.