Intermediate Courses
Shamanic Pathways of Transformation in
the Non-Ordinary World
​
Cross the bridge into non-ordinary reality where all things are possible
and the laws of nature as you know them no longer apply. Learn to
transcend limitations, expand horizons, and become the person
you're destined to be.
We walk the sacred four directions of the Chakana, the Andean
bridge between the worlds. As you traverse the directions, you straddle both the
physical and the spiritual, easily moving between ordinary and non-
ordinary reality. In each direction you explore another aspect of
you and the universe, gaining deeper awareness, understanding,
knowledge, and wisdom.
​
After traversing non-ordinary reality, the student completes their own Hero's Journey back through the Chakana to ordinary reality where they will learn how to integrate the knowledge and wisdom received into their everyday life.
​
Residency allows the student to be physically present with instructors and other members of CISS to create and share sacred space while furthering their shamanic experience and practicing techniques learned in class.
200: Awareness - East
We enter the Shaman’s Journey in the East, where we become aware of
ourselves and our place in the universe. Our spirit guide in this
direction is Eagle and Condor, and we learn how to cultivate the mind
and spirit of the shaman. We practice the ways of non-judgment, non-
suffering, non-attachment, and to walk in beauty. We learn about the
mesa, the shaman’s sacred medicine bundle, and begin the process of
creating our own mesas. We learn about the Q’ero, our original
teachers, and the Quechua language, and their relevance in the
modern world. We learn about and begin working with our energy
bodies.
​
​
​
​
203: Wisdom - North
We come to the North where the spirit guide is Hummingbird.
Hummingbird flies on invisible wings, teaching us how to accomplish
what seems impossible. We learn the way of the sage—to see beauty
and possibility in all situations. We practice working with time and
overcoming the perceived restrictions that time imposes on us. We
learn how to find and acknowledge our own projections, forever
changing how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us.
Through this work we release the unhealthy roles we have taken on and
consciously create a new, soul-purposed life for ourselves.
201: Understanding - South
In the South, our spirit guide is Serpent. We learn of the eternal nature
of the universe and everything within it. We learn about the way of the
seer, one who walks softly on the earth. We practice the art of the
beginner’s mind—that childlike state we all were born into but later lost
touch with. We discover what it means to live consequently, to both
understand the consequences of our actions and to choose our
actions wisely and well. We practice transparency, the art of truly being
who we are at the level of the soul, and we practice integrity—being
true to ourselves at the deepest level. When the skills of the South are
mastered, we are ready to engage one of the most important
responsibilities of the shamanic person—dreaming the world into
being.
300: Mastering the Return: Shamanic Reintegration into the Ordinary World
Having gained profound insights into yourself and the vibrant, living
universe around you, it’s time to weave these lessons and experiences
into a cohesive shamanic philosophy of life. This course is designed for
the student who has journeyed deeply into shamanic practices and
now seeks to effectively reintegrate their experiences into everyday life.
Students will explore the process of returning from non-ordinary states
and how to ground their insights and healing in the ordinary world. At
the end of this course, the student will have developed the skills and
understanding necessary to master the process of reintegration,
empowering them to live fully in the ordinary world while embodying
the wisdom and insights gained through their shamanic journeys.
202: Knowledge - West
We enter the West, where the spirit guide is Jaguar. Here we learn the
ways of the Luminous Warrior, not a warrior of battle but of
fearlessness. Jaguar shows us the way beyond death—both literally
and metaphoric death of loss, estrangement, and loneliness. We learn
of non-doing—waiting for things to unfold for the highest and best
good. We practice the art of certainty, the knowledge that the path we
each choose is the one best path for us. We learn about non-
engagement, meeting challenges on our own terms and not those of
others or society. We weave these practices together to create the kind
of shamanic warrior who is ready to engage their calling as a healer or
teacher.
​
​
399: Intermediate Residency
Students desiring a Certificate of Completion in Intermediate
Study must attend two Intermediate Residencies. Residencies are two
and a half days in length and are offered twice per year in Colorado.
Residencies provide in-person, hands-on experience with your fellow
students and instructors.