Oakenleaf

Welcome to the website of Oakenleaf a shamanic practice based here in Perth Scotland where sessions are offered along with remote distance work across the world.

My name is Brian Anderson and I have worked with shamanism personally since 2006. I have a background in counselling and psychology and a natural progression has led me to offer shamanism as well as my work with Tarot as a therapy. (www.brianandersontarottherapy.co.uk)

I work with individuals in standard personal sessions along with a wider range from a healing day/s to longer process. I lead ongoing workshops and trainings which are held locally in Perth Scotland, across the UK and have led these internationally. I also work with healing of land and houses and with the offering of blessings to our land and homes also.

All details of individual work, workshops and trainings are on these website pages please do contact me with any questions or further information.

I have a personal expereince of Shamanism for my own healing which has changed the shape of my life helping me claim a more natural and personal rhythm. I have opened myself to power to move beyond the stories and events that shaped me. I feel that with my ongoing commitment and dedication to these ways the benefits are leading deeper into a more authentic and natural expression of who I am.

This healing process opens new possibilities where we can become the ones that shape and create a life that has personal meaning is fulfilling, creative and sustainable. We open to find our unique qualities so we can share them with our ourselves our families, communities and the land where we live.

I continue to deepen into this work and have trained here as a shamanic practitioner in the UK (2006) with the Sacred Trust as well as extensively with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. I also have learnt with Sandra Ingermann, Jonathon Horowitz and Zara Waldeback as well as having had the opportunity to  learn with a number of indigenous Teachers that grew up with these ways from the Americas and my homeland of Ireland.

I am a qualified counsellor graduating from the University of the West of England and worked in this way and as a trainer for 15 years. Working mainly in education settings, restorative justice, alongside the NHS and in residential and community based therapeutic support.

My work forms a bridge between ancient knowledge and spirit led wisdom to a grounded and practical application of the trans-personal along with our modern ways of psychology and therapy which I am trained in. I also off course bring myself as someone who is walking this path of return home.

As the work I offer I have experienced in my own healing journey this has shown me that I am not bound by the stories and events of my life and with willingness and courage new possibilities have emerged as my own healing story unfolds.

With this personal healing and the grounding it brings along with my professional training, I am able to offer a safe and compassionate space. I am able to accompany those that are looking for healing that empowers you and offers you practical ways to bring and incorporate this into your everyday life.

It is important to understand that Shamanism is not something that is “done to you” it comes as an offering and blessing for you and as such asks for your own commitment and dedication to your healing process as you integrate and bring about the changes you wish for into your everyday life.

It is a path that leads to a more authentic and creative expression of who you are though it may take courage and a commitment to bring this through as the unlearning of what stops this unravels. The work we undertake in the session offers insight and power for you to do this then it is your responsibility to bring this offering out into your own life.

If you are interested in shamanism and the way I work please contact  to book a session or with any questions via email (imbasdarachduille@outlook.com) or by phone (07976264432). Sessions are held in person near Perth Scotland and can be offered at a distance across the world using Zoom/Skype/Phone as a way to connect. .

Shamanism is a ancient healing method that has been practiced across all cultures in various forms and has enjoyed a return to our awareness in the western world since around the 1950’s.

A definition that captures something about shamanism for me is “that while in a shamanic state of consciousness the shaman works by asking for help from the spirits, bringing this information back and then doing something with it!” In my work I attain this state of consciousness through working with the drum, rattle and song as our ancestors did.

To talk about shamanism without talking of spirit would be like an electrician working away while denying the existence of electricity. The spirits do not see us in our perceived failings, but in our authentic creative and powerful nature, guiding and inviting us towards this.

When I talk about shamanism with people, I often find there is a sense of familiarity that comes through, as if the act of speaking about it unlocks a memory within our psyche – maybe this is because it has been such a part our past history. It is likely that your own ancestors would have experienced these ways at some time, as such this is a time tested and ancient practice.

The word “shaman” comes from the Tungus language of Siberia; however, it has been practiced in a local form, across all cultures, throughout the world, including here in Europe. It translates roughly as “the one who sees”, “the one who knows”, or “the one that can see in the dark”.

What it is that they see, and know well it is the spirit world. Shamans develop trusting relationship with helping compassionate spirits as partners in their healing work and learn how to navigate in these realms safely and effectively.

So, what are these spirits? My understanding is evolving with my experiences; Today I feel that what we are connecting with, and call “spirit”, is the wisdom and intelligence that creates, sustains and supports life.

Using shamanic methods this wisdom can be communicated with as we access the healing and guidance available to find solutions to the challenges we face, and questions that we bring. One of the most amazing benefits for me in practicing shamanism is to feel how supported we actually are and using our questions and intentions as a key unlocks the wisdom and empowerment and healing that is available. We have our own free will to do with what we will and choose with the answers and healing we receive.

The spirits present themselves in ways we can relate to, for example as “power animals”. As we develop a working relationship with this spirit, we ask for what we need; as we bring this guidance out into our everyday lives and see results, we develop trust in the method and our relationship with spirit.

I am, though, aware that trying to define something such as this is really difficult, and there also is a great mystery to spirit that can only come to be understood through our personal direct encounter. However Shamanism is empirical, do these other realities and spirits exist, well we can learn to journey or expereince healing and put it into practice and we can see what we experience and the benefits for our life!

I can say from my own experience though personally and observing those I work with that if you engage with shamanic methods and work in partnership with your spirits, your life will change in ways you may not of imagined and new opportunities will emerge.

From a shamanic perspective, the word “power” means that we are with spirit. To be “dis-empowered” from a shamanic perspective would to be with our perceived limitations and fear.

This power, though, is not over others, but self-mastery as we come to know ourselves in a deeper way. Our healing is not in isolation, but ripples out into our communities. This community though is not only people, but the land we walk upon and all life upon it.

One thing I know, through hard-won personal experience, is that it is possible to transform our lives. This happens when our willingness and openness to change meets supportive conditions, and when this happens so much more is possible.

My role as a practitioner is to create those conditions for you, and your responsibility after the session is to step back into your life in a new and different way – all that you need to do this will come through in the session, and will support and guide you to this. The responsibility is with you to bring this into your own everyday life and create the life you are seeking or is seeking you.

“With practice and dedication shamanism opens a new yet old relationship with life inviting a way of being that honours the sacred and holds respect of all life helping us to see the reality of the cause of pain in the world while allowing us to see the beauty and feel the joy too”

I remember my first encounter with shamanic healing – as I lay there I opened my eyes and for a moment in the candle light seeing the practitioner drumming and singing, This all felt very familiar to me and I thought this is my way I felt at home, from that moment I liked shamanism and shamanism seemed to like me. I have been exploring and following where this has led me ever since and what a journey that has been and continues to be!

With a background in counselling and psychology it made sense to me to follow my inner impulse to train in these ways and very soon after my first healing session I began my training. First with a local practitioner then with the Sacred Trust based in the UK and also the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. I also learnt with Sandra Ingermann and a number of indigenous teachers that grew up with these ways form the Americas and my homeland of Ireland.

In my own life I have experienced a number of traumatic and distressing events which have impacted my life greatly and are the reason I came to a healing path. I needed it seems to expereince such a disconnection in order to seek such a deep re-connection that shamanism offers – I really needed relief from my distress and my own awakening occurred in 1999 and so begun what I refer to as my own conscious healing path which I had always been seeking or it had been seeking me.

As a result of my ongoing healing process these events no longer hold such power over me. Shamanism has been the catalyst to let go of these experiences and find a inner strength and flow with life. With the support and wisdom of spirit in a helping partnership, I have been able out of this to shape a life that works for me and transform my wounds into a way that can serve life.

Nature has always been a immense support for me as a child it was the place I want to be as it still is very much today. When my own healing process began the call from the natural world came and so much healing and insight has come to me simply by deepening my connection with the land in physical and spiritual ways. My own shamanism is rooted in natural cycles both my own and those of nature to follow and flow with these brings immense well being and opportunity, everything has its season.

I am a qualified counsellor and trainer graduating after four years from the University of West of England in 2006 in counselling and psychology. I worked in this way working with individuals and groups in a variety of settings, education, restorative and criminal justice, alongside the NHS in residential and community therapeutic programs until 2012 when I left this work to focus and dedicate to my shamanic work.

This background I feel gives me a good foundation and practical way of working to my offering with shamanism. I also work as a Tarot Therapist details of this work can be found on my website www.brianandersontarottherapy.co.uk

Meeting Shamanism changed the course of my life and brought a deep connection and acceptance of both my gifts and my shadow. The integration of these has brought a growing peace creativity and joy and where once the traumatic events of my life pulled me down they now serve the work I offer. When challenges come and they do I have a rich resources to call on for help to address them.

I believe shamanism offers a new hope and vision for individuals as well as our society as a whole. I am inspired by the courage of people that come as they heal from there own challenges and I love to lead workshops showing those that come the possibilities that await as we learn to safely and effectively navigate the world of spirit.

I have a daily practice that includes prayer and meditation, shamanic work, walking with nature, exercise and yoga and divination. I practice Ahimsa as a way of intention (the way of non-harm) as well as my creative practices with writing and music. I play the guitar, recorder and am learning keyboards.

As a word weaver I have been published with articles on shamanism, animism and nature based topics in Indie shaman as well as other magazines and blogs. Currently I am writing my first book based on the course I offered “Communion with Trees” this will be available at the end of 2023!

I am learning in such a transient world to put roots and connect and build a sacred relationship with the land you live on has great benefit for human beings and all that live on that land also. As part of this developing connection I am  involved in local conservation and re-wilding projects.

In offering myself as a shamanic practitioner I feel its important you have a sense of who I am and why I do this and hope these words meet this for you and may all blessings be yours, I wish you well in your life’s journey.

Face to Face sessions are held in a dedicated space, created and built in ceremony and partnership with spirit, so that the building can be in harmony with the land it now sit upon. For distance and remote working we can use zoom/phone/Skype as a way to connect, you are invited to prepare a space in your home to receive the work offered.

When we make a decision to change or let go of something, the healing process begins. We are asking and opening ourselves up to something new and different to come forward into our lives and awareness. We are really not meant to live life and struggle alone and may need help to bring through and resolve the issues we are facing, we all need help at times.

Arranging a session can be seen as a commitment to the decision you have made, as you are taking action to follow this through the session will then become a part of your healing process. As with all healing, it is driven by your intention and is an active process asking for your participation. Once you commit then so do I to be with you in this process.

It will be help the work greatly to prepare with some simple practices to support you before we meet. I have found this helps the session there is great benefit to engage with them.

Firstly, to be with nature and on the land as much as possible before the session. While out there, try to sense that, as you go, you are being seen by nature itself – there you may wish to ask and contemplate the following questions.

• Why am I coming to shamanism at this time?
• What is it I am searching and hoping for, or looking to change or let go of?
• What is my vision and feeling of how I would like my life to be?

The asking is as important as getting the answer, as it opens us up, so do not worry if you do not have complete clarity consider what happens when you ask these questions in how you respond. It will also help to be aware of any dreams you have, and any synchronicity or omens you encounter.

You may wish to work with a creative project with these questions and answers you receive. For example art such as painting or creating a collage or movement and dance, music, poetry whatever calls to you. We are all artists if we allow the space to be that, working in this way helps us become artists of our life!

Finally, the night before we meet, as you go to sleep ask for a dream that will support you in our work the next day. As you wake, take a moment to give thanks for your life and all that is to come.

There really is no typical session; each is a unique meeting, and I work with each person in different ways, depending on your needs, and by asking and listening to spirit. Together we co-create the session; my role is to act as a facilitator and holder of the space and to bring the healing through to you from spirit.

Before you arrive I will have prepared the space so that it is dedicated to your healing and well-being. This creates a safe and sacred place that holds and will support the work we are about to engage with.

There will be time to talk and let you settle when you arrive, and again afterward there will be a time to talk where I will share any healing stories and practices that support the integration of the healing as well as to make sure you’re ready and grounded, as you re-engage with your life now in a new and different way.

I feel it is important to support you both before and after, so once we have both committed to the session, I am here to support you to help integrate the work done and answer any questions or to listen to your experiences. However in the spirit of the work it is you that is responsible for how this will unfold for you and your experiences.

Sessions tend to last an hour and a half to two hours, though I will always work with your process as it shows itself in the session so a session can be longer or shorter in time depending on what is needed. I am flexible with time so please check for availability. It will help if you can have a relaxed day afterwards if you can get time to yourself in the natural world this will be a great support in your integration.

I ask the fee of £75/£65/£55 for each session please pay what is appropriate for your current circumstances from the sliding scale. I ask that you pay before the session using pay-pal my account name is this email address-imbasdarachduille@outlook.com- or bring cash or a cheque on the day or ask for my bank details. I have found it useful to have at least two sessions to support your healing and integration.

This work is not a replacement for medical and psychological interventions but can work hand in hand with these interventions.

“In this context the word power is understood to mean aligned with our own nature the essence of who we are , that which lies beyond the wonder of our personalities! From this centering we come into a aligned relationship with spirit from this co-creative partnership we come to a life of power|”

The shamanic path ultimately leads us into one of service to life, rising up from the relationship we have with our inner power or nature together in partnership with helping spirits. I am offering to be a companion along with you as we uncover the map of your journey with my skill expereince and as a human support to guide and nurture this process.

Over a 9 month period we work together as you become a apprentice to your power and encounter your own unique offering, qualities and skills in the world with authenticity and integrity. This ask for commitment and dedication from us both. Firstly to yourself, spirit, the land, ancestors, and our process. The journey is unknown until it begins as over the 9 months we begin to work to heal and resolve that which blocks these connections to your own nature as they show themselves.

From the freedom this offers we can then encounter and embrace your own unique nature and from this awaken contact with your power so that it can be available and of service to our world. Finally by understanding how to be effective and spirit led we awaken our relationship to power with ourselves and spirit. This dynamic offers a co-creative partnership that is much needed at this time in our history.

If this is a journey you are interested in taking with me as your guide please contact to explore and discuss the details of this process, practicalities, costs and the commitment required of this sacred journey to yourself . It is important that we both are committed to take this step into the unknown, led by your courage and willingness, held by my knowledge and expereince within the unlimited generosity of spirit.