When most people think of shamanic journeying, they picture someone lying still, eyes closed, with a steady drumbeat in the background. While this approach works, it’s not the only way to access the unseen realms. For some, it’s not even the best way.
If you’ve ever struggled to “drop in” during a journey—finding your mind too restless or distracted—you’re not alone. Stillness can be useful, but it’s not a requirement. In fact, movement might be the missing key you’ve been looking for.
Why Movement Supports Shamanic Journeying
Movement activates the body’s natural rhythms, which sync beautifully with shamanic trance states. Just think about how your body responds to repetitive motion: walking, swaying, rocking. These actions naturally quiet the “thinking mind” and bring you into a more intuitive, body-led state of awareness.
Here’s why this works:
Regulates the Nervous System – Movement releases stress and grounds you. If you’re tense, it’s harder to enter a trance. Movement helps regulate your nervous system, making it easier to access the liminal space.
Activates the Lower Cauldron – Your lower cauldron—the seat of instinct and physical life force—responds to movement. You ‘wake up’ this vital power centre when you engage your legs, hips, and core.
Bypasses “Mind Chatter” – If you’ve ever had racing thoughts while trying to lie still, you’ve experienced what’s called “monkey mind.” Movement draws attention away from the chatter and into the body’s felt experience.
Invites Spontaneous Symbolism – When you’re in motion, you’re less in control—and that’s a good thing. Your mind can’t “steer” the experience as tightly, so spontaneous imagery, messages, and sensations are more likely to arise.
Ways to Use Movement in Your Shamanic Practice
There’s no single “right” way to use movement in journeying. Here are some simple, accessible methods to try.
1. Walking Omen Walk
Instead of lying down for your journey, go outside. Walk slowly, breathing deeply with every step. Each footfall is an act of presence. Notice the animals, plants, and objects you’re drawn to. Ask for guidance as you walk and see what’s revealed. This practice connects you with the land spirits; the omens you spot can bring profound insights.
How to do it:
- Set an intention before you begin (e.g., “Show me what I’m not seeing about this situation”).
- Walk and stay curious. If you’re drawn to a crow, a feather, a certain path—follow it.
- When you’re done, reflect on what you noticed. Write down symbols, feelings, and messages.
2. Drumming While Standing or Swaying
If you’re used to journeying while lying down, try this instead. Stand barefoot if possible. Sway from side to side as you play a frame drum or listen to a drumming track. Let your hips move naturally with the rhythm.
How to do it:
- Play a drum (or use a recording).
- Stand with knees soft and feet hip-width apart.
- Begin to sway side to side, forward and back, or in small circles, letting your body follow the beat.
- Close your eyes, and allow any images, sensations, or “knowing” to rise.
3. Rocking Ritual
If standing feels too intense, sit on the ground with your legs crossed or in a chair with your feet firmly on the floor. Slowly begin to rock your torso forward and back. It’s a simple, primal movement our bodies already know from childhood.
How to do it:
- Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and begin a gentle forward-back motion with your torso.
- Imagine you’re being “rocked” by the ancestors or the spirit of the land.
- As you rock, allow images, messages, or feelings to surface. Notice what’s present in your body, not just your mind.
4. Sacred Dance
This method is especially effective when you’re seeking a power boost or need to move stuck energy. It’s also ideal for invoking deities like The Morrighan or calling on your Guardian Guide for protection.
How to do it:
- Put on rhythmic music with a strong, steady beat.
- Stand in a clear, open space where you can move freely.
- Move your body naturally—shake, spin, stomp, sway.
- Set an intention and embody the energy as you dance.
Movement as Medicine
Shamanic journeying doesn’t have to be a “lie down and visualise” experience. Your body’s natural movements can become a bridge to the unseen. Walking, dancing, rocking, and swaying are ancient, embodied ways to reach altered states. Our ancestors knew this well.
Try adding movement if you’ve felt “stuck” or restless during journey work. Movement frees the mind, stirs the cauldrons, and opens you to unexpected guidance. The spirits often speak to you through the body first 🤩
Reflection Questions:
- Which movement practice do you feel most drawn to? (Walking, dancing, swaying, etc.)
- How does your body feel before, during, and after movement-based journeying?
- What might shift for you if you trusted your body’s natural rhythms to guide your journey?
🥰 Try it, and see where your body’s wisdom takes you.