Reindeer shamanism was an indigenous shamanic practice in the Nordic (Scandinavian) Arctic, among the tribes of people who followed the migrating reindeer herds approximately 7,000 to 10,000 years ago. Over thousands of years, it evolved into the more intricate practice of Sami shamanism, which was eventually suppressed when shamanic practices came under attack in Scandinavia in the 17th to 20th centuries.
The lineage I have been initiated into is ancient, predating the Sami culture by thousands of years, and seeks to revive a simple but powerful magical practice.
Reindeer, both the animal and its spirit, was, and is, central to Reindeer Shamanism. The Reindeer Tribes followed the migrating herds, which kept them alive during the long, dark winters. A deep relationship with this animal developed – a mutual relationship of survival (nearby humans kept wolves away from reindeer herds) and 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 had once served as 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. Several months later, I experienced spontaneous shamanic journeys, in which I began to learn the shamanic work we had done 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 same shamanic path. Returning to that path as a mother and mature woman, and experiencing my past initiation and death, completed the initiation I had begun thousands of years ago. 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.
In less than three years, I completed two more shamanic initiations, participated in and led ceremonies in the spirit and physical realms, learned healing techniques, and began working with my two power animals. Through journey work, I experienced over a dozen past lives as I healed old wounds. My teaching and guidance have been strictly passed down through my shamanic family from the spirit realm.
The result has been the rebirth of this ancient lineage of shamanism. I am bringing it forth so that others can experience and practice the healing art of Reindeer Medicine.
Reindeer Shamanism Today
Modern Reindeer Shamanism is a simple and direct practice that seeks to connect people with spirit and the natural world through workshops, ceremonies, and classes at various levels. Reindeer is our guiding spirit; he/they and my ancient lineage have provided the container for this practice and influence much of what goes into it.
Reindeer Shaman Antler Headdress, created by Cynthia & Obo Menard.
Aspects of later (and more southerly) Norse magical practices have also become part of our tradition. I began working closely with a Viking Norse shamanic guide in 2025, who is now helping me co-create the future of our lineage. He offers aid in divinatory and spirit-connection work, as well as in blending Nordic magical practices across eras and regions.
Much of my work is empowering others to heal themselves. I love teaching people to journey and offer shamanic energy healing sessions that help people connect with the spirit realm for deep healing. I host a monthly shamanic journey and drumming group in central, MA, and a multi-level Reindeer Shaman class series is available to take interested students on a deeper dive into my shamanic lineage and practice.
Throughout the year, I offer Reindeer healing ceremonies that connect participants with my lineage and tradition. We gather in beloved community to celebrate the seasons and to offer healing to ourselves and the world. I am also available to lead private ceremonies.
Please join my mailing list to stay up to date on healing ceremonies, classes, and other events. And check my Program Calendar for currently scheduled events.
I have been journaling my shamanic events and journeys to keep track of what I learn and experience. Some of these experiences are published in my blog. If you’d like to read my story, you can find it under the blog category of ‘My Shamanic Path‘.
Header image by Warren Sammut on Unsplash.
