Institute of Urban Shamanic Practice

A 2026 Center for Transformative Shamanic Studies. We bridge ancient spiritual wisdom with contemporary urban life, offering certification programs, workshops, and immersive experiences designed for the modern seeker.

Explore Our 2026 Programs

About Our Institute

Modern Pathways to Ancient Wisdom

Founded in 2018, the Institute of Urban Shamanic Practice has evolved into a leading global center for contemporary shamanic education. As we move through 2026, our mission remains: to adapt core shamanic principles for urban environments and modern consciousness.

We reject cultural appropriation, instead focusing on the universal aspects of shamanic practice—journeying, soul retrieval, energy work, and communion with nature—and frame them within a modern, ethical, and psychological context.

Our 2026 curriculum integrates neuroscience, eco-psychology, and trauma-informed practice with traditional techniques, creating a holistic approach for healers, guides, and individuals seeking profound personal transformation.

Learn More About Our Philosophy
Shamanic practice in nature

2026 Certification Programs

Our 2026 programs are designed to provide deep, structured training over 9-12 months. All programs include online modules, in-person intensives, and supervised practice.

Urban Shamanism Fundamentals

Urban Shamanism Core Practitioner

A comprehensive foundation in contemporary shamanic practice. Learn journeying, energy cleansing, ritual creation, and working with spiritual allies in an urban context.

Starts Mar 2026 12 Months
Program Details
Shamanic Healing

Shamanic Healing & Integration Specialist

Advanced training in shamanic healing techniques including soul retrieval, extraction, psychopomp work, and integration with modern therapeutic models.

Starts Jun 2026 18 Months
Program Details
Eco-Shamanism

Eco-Shamanism & Urban Animism

Focus on rebuilding sacred relationship with the urban and natural world. Deepen connection with land spirits, urban ecosystems, and practice ritual for ecological healing.

Starts Sep 2026 9 Months
Program Details

2026 Workshop Schedule

Date Workshop Instructor Format Status
Jan 15-17, 2026 Introduction to Shamanic Journeying Dr. Alena Rivers Online Filling Fast
Feb 5-7, 2026 Urban Ritual Design Marcus Thorne In-Person (NYC) New
Mar 12-14, 2026 Dreamwork & Symbolism Dr. Li Chen Hybrid Open
Date Workshop Instructor Format Status
Apr 10-12, 2026 Working with Ancestral Lines Isabella Gomez Online Open
May 22-24, 2026 Shamanic Sound Healing Kiran Patel In-Person (Sedona) Open
Jun 5-7, 2026 Plant Spirit Communication Dr. Alena Rivers Hybrid New
Date Workshop Instructor Format Status
Jul 17-19, 2026 Elements of Urban Magic Marcus Thorne Online Open
Aug 14-16, 2026 Psychedelic Integration (Ethical Framework) Dr. Li Chen Hybrid Open
Sep 25-27, 2026 Shadow Work & Integration Isabella Gomez In-Person (Portland) Open
Date Workshop Instructor Format Status
Oct 9-11, 2026 Sacred Commerce & Ethical Practice Kiran Patel Online Open
Nov 6-8, 2026 Winter Rituals & Darkness Work Dr. Alena Rivers Hybrid Open
Dec 4-6, 2026 Year-End Reflection & Ceremony All Faculty Online Open

Our 2026 Faculty

Our faculty are experienced practitioners, healers, and teachers who bring diverse backgrounds in psychology, anthropology, ecology, and traditional healing arts.

Dr. Alena Rivers

Dr. Alena Rivers

Core Faculty, Director of Studies

PhD in Transpersonal Psychology, 20+ years shamanic practice. Specializes in journeywork and integration.

Marcus Thorne

Marcus Thorne

Faculty, Ritual & Community Practice

Urban ritualist and community organizer. Focus on creating accessible, place-based ceremony in cities.

Dr. Li Chen

Dr. Li Chen

Faculty, Neuroscience & Consciousness

MD, neuroscientist researching altered states. Bridges shamanic practice with modern understanding of the brain.

Isabella Gomez

Isabella Gomez

Faculty, Ancestral & Trauma Healing

Licensed therapist and generational healing practitioner. Integrates somatic therapy with shamanic techniques.

Upcoming 2026 Events

22
May
2026

Global Shamanic Summit 2026

Location: Virtual & In-Person Hubs Worldwide

A 3-day gathering of leading shamanic practitioners, researchers, and thinkers exploring "Shamanism in the Age of AI and Ecological Crisis." Features keynote talks, panel discussions, and experiential workshops.

Register Interest
10
Aug
2026

Summer Solstice Urban Retreat

Location: Portland, OR & Synchronized Online

An immersive 5-day retreat focusing on solar energies, personal empowerment, and community building. Includes fire ceremonies, urban nature walks, and creative ritual design.

Retreat Details
15
Nov
2026

Practitioner's Conference & Networking

Location: Santa Fe, NM

Exclusive for IUSP graduates and advanced students. Focus on professional development, case studies, and deepening peer networks in the field of contemporary shamanic practice.

Graduates Portal

Contact Us

Get in Touch

Interested in our 2026 programs or have questions about your path? Our admissions team is here to help.

Mailing Address

Institute of Urban Shamanic Practice
PO Box 2026
Portland, OR 97201

Phone

+1 (503) 555-2026
Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm PST