The mysteries of the spiritual world have always called to me and even as a child I sensed and inexplicably knew things beyond common perception. My deep connection with the natural world developed through an exceptional childhood in the wilderness of the state park where my father worked as a superintendent. I initially put my artistic aptitude and intuitive gifts to use as a Sacred Smith, creating magical tools and jewelry from precious stones and metals, a profession I’ve followed for fifty years. The spiritual aspect of my life deepened when I began formal shamanic studies in 1989, initially exploring the traditions of the Maya and Q’ero peoples. Subsequently, I trained in massage therapy and subtle energy work, and maintained a private bodywork practice for eight years.
In 2000, after six years of diligent searching, my husband and I purchased a very special tract of wooded land in the Saura foothills of Piedmont North Carolina which we named TwoTrees. From the beginning we cultivated a sacred relationship with the land and its spirits and eventually built a home on a high bluff deep in the hemlocks, working with the land to develop sacred and worship sites.
In time, I was drawn toward exploration of the shamanic heritage underlying the beliefs and spiritual practices of the Nordic people often referred to as The Vikings. In the traditional way of indigenous shamans, I eventually underwent a series of traumatic near-death experiences during which I was claimed by Freya, the Norse Goddess of Seiðr (magic and divination), also associated with gold, amber and cats. In Her honor, I committed myself to the heritage of my Norse, Germanic and Saami ancestors through formal apprenticeship in the Northern Tradition.
I am now an Elder and member in good standing of the Northern Shamanism Guild, in service to My Lady. It is my pleasure to offer my services to the public as I continue this rich tradition by offering classes, ceremonies and by training my own students and apprentices.
We walk in the steps of our Ancestors –
They live in the songs we sing.
We honor their courage for life was hard,
So let our praises ring!
Hail, hail the Ancestors who live in us this day.
And so we sing to honor them, who help us find our way,
And so we sing to honor them who help us find our way.
copyright 2019 Susannah Ravenswing