Firewalking can be a safe and powerful experience when guided by experienced facilitators. In our ceremonies participants are prepared step by step and the fire is carefully managed to ensure safety.

Does firewalking hurt?

In a well prepared firewalk ceremony most participants do not experience pain. The preparation and the way the fire is built allow participants to cross the embers safely.

How hot are firewalk coals?

The embers used in a firewalk can reach temperatures between approximately 400 and 600 degrees Celsius. Experienced facilitators prepare the fire so participants can walk safely.

Can anyone do a firewalk?

Most people can participate in a firewalk ceremony. No special fitness level or previous experience is required. Participants simply need to be willing to engage in the preparation process.

Where do you offer firewalk ceremonies?

We offer firewalk ceremonies across the UK and Europe for retreats, leadership events, festivals and community gatherings.

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Shamanism for our Times

Shamanism is one of the oldest spiritual traditions and lifeways on Earth.

Found in cultures across the world, it is a way of working with the unseen dimensions of life, connecting with the spirit world, the natural world and deeper layers of consciousness to bring guidance, help, healing and balance.

At Alchemy of Worlds we draw on Core Shamanism, a contemporary form of shamanic practice that makes these ancient techniques accessible and relevant for people living in modern societies.

Our work integrates shamanic journeying, ceremony and ritual within our wider transformational ecosystem of rites of passage, space clearing and community practice.

What Core Shamanism?

Core Shamanism is a contemporary form of shamanic practice developed by anthropologist Michael Harner. Rather than belonging to a specific culture, Core Shamanism focuses on universal practices found around the world, including drumming and rattling, the shamanic journey, connection with spirit allies, healing & power restoration and ceremonial work with nature and the elements.

Core Shamanism allows people to access ancient forms of wisdom and reconnect with the living intelligence of the natural world.

We regularly offer CORE SHAMANISM workshops & Practice days.

The shamanic journey is a key technique. Through rhythmic sound, participants enter a light altered state of consciousness and travel to the spirit world with a clear intention. During these journeys people may meet helping spirits, receive guidance, or bring back insight and healing for themselves and others.

Core Shamanism allows people to access ancient forms of wisdom and reconnect with the living intelligence of the natural world.

Shamanism in our Work

Shamanic practice underpins many of the offerings within Alchemy of Worlds.

Our House and Land Space-Clearing Work draws on shamanic techniques to restore harmony and balance in homes, land and workplaces, including practices such as journeying, ritual and working with spirit allies.

Shamanic journeying, ritual and spirit guidance are woven into our Rites of Passage ceremonies and transformational gatherings and embodied Snake Medicine shedding ceremonies.

Firewalk ceremonies are often included in a wide range of contexts:

- Retreats and wellness events : as a transformational centrepiece of the gathering

- Leadership and corporate teams : to build courage, trust and resilience

- Festivals and community gatherings : as a powerful collective initiation experience

- Individuals and small groups : as a personal rite of passage

- People facing major life transitions : including grief, change, new beginnings or important decisions

Each ceremony is adapted to the group and the intention of the event.

Many participants arrive with hesitation or doubt.

During the preparation process, they reconnect with their inner strength

and their capacity to move through fear.

A firewalking ceremony creates a powerful moment of transformation that often leads to greater confidence, courage and self-trust.

For this reason, firewalk experiences are often included in transformational retreats, leadership events and conscious community gatherings across Europe.

Seasonal & themed Workshops

For several years we have offered themed shamanic workshops inspired by the energetic cycles of the Chinese zodiac, including the Year of the Dragon, the Year of the Wood Snake & Year of the Fire Horse.

These gatherings combine teaching, ceremony, and guided journeys that explore the deeper symbolism and medicine of each archetype.

Firewalking can be a safe and powerful experience when facilitated by trained and experienced practitioners. Eva and Claire have guided hundreds of participants through firewalk ceremonies across retreats, trainings and community gatherings.

Safety is never an afterthought. It is part of the entire preparation process.

Participants are guided step by step and no one walks before they feel ready.

The fire is carefully prepared, and the ceremony is held with clear safety protocols, presence and collective support.

A firewalk ceremony typically unfolds through several stages.

Preparation
Participants are guided through exercises that help focus attention, build trust and create collective presence.

Opening the ceremonial space
The fire is prepared and the ceremonial container is established.

The walk
Participants cross the embers at the moment that feels right for them.

Integration
After the walk, participants reflect on the experience and integrate the insight into their everyday lives.

Each phase of the ceremony supports the experience as a rite of passage rather than simply a physical challenge. In this way fear is gradually transformed into courage long before anyone reaches the coals.

This structure is what turns firewalking into a genuine rite of passage rather than simply a challenge.

Our Approach

We approach shamanic practice with respect, humility and responsibility. Core Shamanism offers a way to engage with universal techniques of spirit connection without claiming or replicating specific indigenous traditions.

Our intention is to honour the ancient roots of shamanic wisdom while practicing it in a way that is ethical, grounded and relevant for our time.

A firewalk ceremony typically unfolds through several stages.

Preparation
Participants are guided through exercises that build focus, trust and collective presence.

Opening the ceremonial space
The fire is prepared and the ritual container is established.

The walk
Participants cross the embers at the moment that feels right for them.

Integration
After the firewalk experience, participants reflect on what shifted and how the experience can support everyday life.

This structure is what turns firewalking into a genuine rite of passage rather than simply a challenge.

A typical firewalk ceremony lasts between three and four hours and can also be integrated into half-day or full-day retreat programmes.

Learn Shamanism with us

We offer introductory and experiential workshops that teach the foundations of shamanic journeying and spirit work.

Our Core Shamanism workshops & practice days introduce participants to the shamanic journey

meeting spirit allies, working with intention & basic ceremonial practices.

These workshops provide a safe and grounded way to explore shamanic practice and begin building a relationship with the spirit world.

workshops

What can Shamanism help with?

In today's fast-paced and tumultuous world, Shamanism remains as relevant as ever, offering transformation at the deepest level. Through Shamanism, you can navigate life changes, cultivate meaningful relationships, experience profound healing, and find connection and harmony in a world in turmoil.

learn more

A firewalk ceremony typically unfolds through several stages.

Preparation
Participants are guided through exercises that build focus, trust and collective presence.

Opening the ceremonial space
The fire is prepared and the ritual container is established.

The walk
Participants cross the embers at the moment that feels right for them.

Integration
After the firewalk experience, participants reflect on what shifted and how the experience can support everyday life.

This structure is what turns firewalking into a genuine rite of passage rather than simply a challenge.

A typical firewalk ceremony lasts between three and four hours and can also be integrated into half-day or full-day retreat programmes.

FAQ

Why would I want to come to a shamanic workshop?

You would like to:
* explore how this ancient practice can support you in your everyday life.

* learn about foundational shamanic practices like journeying, drumming and connecting with spirit helpers and how it can be useful in your life.

* learn effective tools that can offer help, guidance, clarity and healing.

* connect with an ancient, down to earth spiritual practice and life way, beyond a specific religion or cultural practice.

* feel empowered in your personal life, overcome stuckness and move into flow.

* like to gain or regain balance in your life.

* enjoy learning about yourself and connect with others in a small group.

* want to feel safe and confident to participate in other shamanic workshops and gatherings such as our advanced shamanic days, retreats or workshops.

Are there any pre-requisites to come to the shamanic workshops ?

Our Core Shamanism workshops do not require any previous knowledge of shamanism. However, an intro (or an equivalent workshop) is a prerequisite for any other shamanic workshops and courses we are offering.

Can Shamanism help me with trauma?

Shamanic journeying can be healing and illuminating, but it is not therapy. If you are in an acute mental health crisis, have a history of schizophrenia, extreme dissociation or untreated PTSD, the journey work of this intro day is not suitable. If you are unsure, please get in touch and we are happy to chat with you. Please email us at [email protected]

What can I expect to happen on a Core Shamanism workshop day ?

The day will introduce you to the basics of shamanism and teach you methods to help you connect more deeply with nature, your deeper self, and how you can restore spiritual power.

We will begin with a comprehensive introduction to shamanism, its origins, and its significance in different cultures around the world. You will learn the fundamental principles of shamanism and how it can be applied in your everyday life.

* Learning the Practice of Shamanic Journeying:

You will be guided through the steps of shamanic journeying and learn how to connect with your own spirit guides and teachers. We will use the shamanic drum and rattles for this.

*Finding and Working with Your Own Spirit Helpers and Teachers:

You will discover how to establish a close relationship with your own spirit helpers and teachers. You will learn how to identify their signs and symbols, receive messages, and interpret their guidance for your own spiritual growth and healing.

You will also have an opportunity to do a journey to ask for guidance or help for a personal issue.

Can anyone attend a Shamanic workshop or Ceremony ?

Most people can attend a shamanic workshop or ceremony and our workshops are open for adults of any age, sexual orientation, cultural background. For the Core Shamanism workshop, no previous experience is required. We are committed to holding an as safe, inclusive and trauma informed space as possible, however please note that if you are in an acute mental health crisis, have a history of schizophrenia, extreme dissociation or untreated PTSD, the journey work of this intro day is not suitable. If you are unsure, please get in touch and we are happy to chat with you. Please email us at [email protected]

Queer community/ LGBTQI+ members are particularly warmly welcome!

How many people can participate ?

We work with groups from 6 to 50+, depending on the event format. Some shamanic workshops are small, like in our workshops at 'THE HIVE', Saltdean, UK- some shamanic ceremonies for festivals can accommodate around d 50+ people.

Where do you offer your workshops?

We offer our shamanic workshops & rites of passage and Snake Medicine ceremonies across the UK and Europe for retreats, events, festivals and community gatherings. Our base is at 'THE HIVE' in Saltdean near Brighton, UK. We run intimate workshops & Rites of Passage days from our temple space at THE HIVE.