About Madeline.

Shamanism is a spiritual practice found around the globe and throughout time. It involves co-creating with spirit (earth, land, nature, elements, plants, animals, well ancestors, and other beings) a Life that is in alignment with all living things.

Shamanism often involves the use of altered states of consciousness, through a variety of means (shamanic journeying, dancing, power objects, ritual, plant medicines, etc), in order to connect directly with the spirit realm.

At the foundation of shamanism is the belief that we all came into this life in order to bring our particular medicine to serve the needs of the time and place in which we are born. In other words, shamanism involves the belief that we each have a unique genius that we are meant to be embodying in all that we do. In essence, shamanism is about regeneratively living our soul’s purpose.

Animism is the belief that all things have a living spirit. Madeline uses this term in conjunction with “shamanism” because the term shamanism has unfortunately been greatly misused in contemporary western circles to denote a different kind of new age spirituality than she is practicing. Animism is a lesser known term, but more specifically references Madeline’s attempt to live and practice in right relationship with all living things.

There is a wealth of information online that is both correct and incorrect about shamanism. Madeline's teacher Christina Pratt has an incredible index of podcasts (Why Shamanism Now) about all topics relating to shamanism. Sandra Ingerman’s books and website are also a good places to start.

However, the most effective way to understand shamanism is to courageously jump in and experience it in your body and soul. You and Madeline can always talk more about what this all looks like when you meet for a consultation.

A shamanic/animist practitioner is someone who practices shamanism/animism in the service of others in their community.

In other words, they are a person who works with spirit on behalf of another person or group of people.

This is not a specific process of certification nor does it ever include a diploma, but rather involves a calling, many years of personal healing and gaining the skills necessary in order to work with spirit in this way.

Madeline do not use the term “shaman” for an important reason. This word holds incredible weight and denotes a person who is truly initiated as a shaman, either by spirit or tradition, and who serves a community who gives them this title of great respect.

No, understanding shamanism is not necessary.

Madeline will be working with you step-by-step and meeting you where you are on your journey so that you understand the aspects of the work that you need to in order to enact the change or ceremony in your life that you are seeking.

To many, shamanism feels surprisingly familiar and natural. It’s not crazy woo woo magic that is disconnected from reality; shamanism is grounded and rooted in the natural world we all inhabit and brings us back into a relationship with who we each are at the core of our human being. In this way, shamanism brings us home, a place where we already somehow ‘understand.’

Knowledge and facts are not necessary. Openness and curiosity will take you where you need to go.

No.

You can be an atheist, can believe in God, practice any religion, or work in a different cosmology and still effectively work with Madeline.

You don’t even need to believe that there is such thing as spirit - Shamanism is practical above above all else, so you technically don’t even need to believe it’s real for it to work.

Fun fact - When Madeline started on this path, she didn’t know there was such a thing as spirit let alone believe in it.

Both.

Madeline does sessions online via zoom or in person in Fort Collins, Colorado.

This goes for journeywork, practice, or ceremony.

Community events will mostly take place in person, although some will also be offered via zoom. Sign up on the email list to get up to date information on community offerings.

Book a 20 minute consultation to confirm you and Madeline are the right fit -

Fill out this contact form or reach out to madeline@madelinereno.com.

Madeline has been a student of The Last Mask Center for Shamanic Studies and in The Cycle of Transformation for the last six years. The Cycle of Transformation offers both training in shamanic skills and rigorous psychospiritual and psychoemotional development.

Madeline came to this work with a master’s degree in phenomenological philosophy and another master’s degree in clinical psychology. In her prior academic life, she taught and mentored undergraduates, conducted research, wrote publications, and has experience as a therapist.

For more information on Madeline’s background, click here.

Madeline has worked with clients in a variety of other ways. Reach out here or at madeline@madelinereno.com com to share your ideas here, so you and Madeline can creatively brainstorm together.