What is Reindeer Shamanism?

Reindeer Shamanism was once an extinct line of shamanism. It was practiced by indigenous people thousands of years ago in what is now northern Scandinavia. These people knew themselves as the Reindeer Tribe or Reindeer People. They followed the migrating herds of reindeer across the sub-arctic and arctic long before the domestication of reindeer (which began roughly 3,000 years ago). 

Reindeer, both the animal and his spirit, was central to Reindeer Shamanism. Their people followed the reindeer herds, which kept them alive during the long, dark winters. A deep relationship with this animal developed. It was a mutual relationship of survival because nearby humans kept wolves away from reindeer herds. It was also a mystical relationship of spirit. 

Why Reindeer Shamanism?

In the summer of 2022, my deceased Norwegian grandfather called me to the path of Reindeer Shamanism. During a healing session, I discovered that my grandfather was once my guardian and shamanic teacher when we lived with the Reindeer Tribe. He told me I was meant to bring Reindeer Medicine back to the world. Later, a spontaneous shamanic journey revealed some of the work we did together thousands of years ago.

I eventually learned that I died as a young woman during my shamanic initiation, failing a test of strength at the age of thirteen. My work was to step back onto that shamanic path. Returning to that path as a mother and mature woman completed my initiation. This took place in the spirit realm in a ceremony led by my Grandfather at the end of 2022. Our lineage of Reindeer Shamans guided my initiation, lifting me up as their shaman in the physical realm. I continue to work in the spirit realm with my shamanic guides, learning our tradition to bring into the present.

The result has been the rebirth of this ancient tradition of shamanism. I am bringing it forth so that others can experience and practice the healing art of Reindeer Medicine.

Reindeer Shamanism Today

Even without the Christian persecution of shamans worldwide for over a thousand years, Reindeer Shamanism as I am learning it wouldn’t exist today in northern Scandinavia. The Reindeer People in that part of the globe are now called the Sami. Sami shamanism is what this practice evolved into, changing and growing with its people. But shamanism in Scandinavia was oppressed to near extinction, as in other parts of the world. Little remains of pre-Christian Sami shamanism, so it is hard to know how different those practices might have become. 

As a result, putting together a practice in this tradition required research into shamanism in general. It also involved adding and modifying rituals, ceremonies, and practices. I felt my way into my shamanic practice and determined what felt in alignment with my shamanic heritage.

Reindeer Shaman Antler Headdress, created by Obo & Cynthia Menard.

Many of the ceremonies and practices I’m developing are adaptations of what I’ve learned in the spirit realm. Some are based on other shamanic practices that fit this practice or are adapted to fit. Still others are informed by my Western esoteric training and practice.

Part of my outer Reindeer Shaman work is empowering others to self-heal. I offer shamanic body consciousness healing sessions. In these sessions, I teach others how to journey and engage with their body consciousness for deeper healing.

Throughout the year I offer pubic Reindeer healing ceremonies for those looking for healing and interested in experiencing this tradition. Please join my mailing list to stay informed about healing ceremonies, classes, and other events. And check my Program Calendar for currently scheduled events.

You can find a complete list of my shamanic healing services and events on my Shamanic Offerings page.

If you’d like to learn more about the shamanic path I’m walking, you can find my story under the blog category of ‘My Shamanic Path‘.

Header image by Saad Chaudhry on Unsplash.