Shamanic Journeying: My First Journey to the Lower Realm

AI rendering of the Lower Realm grotto from my first shamanic journeying—a waterfall, a healing pool, and a sacred space of comfort and renewal.

I was first introduced to shamanic journeying through the Sweetwater Ashram. We learned about shamans in broad strokes and the long history of their practice. 

I instantly noticed the similarities across culture, across continents, across centuries. For me, those common threads land as a quiet certainty: this way of seeing and healing touches something true. While there are many commonalities among shamanic journeyers, each individual’s experience will differ. As such, many shamanic practitioners keep the specifics of their personal stories to themselves. A practice I respect out of reverence. 

However, I feel called to share my story – to lift the curtain just a little in case it helps someone else listen for their own inner knowing. Note: I have intentionally left out some important aspects of the ritual as these practices are not recommended for the inexperienced to attempt alone. If you are interested in trying shamanic journeying for yourself, please find a shamanic practitioner to guide you through the ceremony. I thought I was simply stepping into an exercise. I didn’t realize I was walking toward a place that would soften something deep inside me.

As our instructor led us through the meditation of entering the Lower Realm, I was immediately transported to a sacred space I recognized and where I felt safe.

I was introduced to my Lower Realm guide, Grolph. A gnome who resembles the ceramic garden gnomes sold in landscaping stores – with the red hat, the long white pointy beard, the blue shirt, and few words he stands about waist-high to me. I’ll admit I was surprised by his form – so ordinary at first glance – yet his presence felt unmistakably sacred, steady, and kind. Grolph wordlessly led me down the dirt tunnel with roots clinging to the walls. The tunnel was small, but I didn’t feel cramped. Instead it felt comfortably snug like I was being held in the hands of a loving giant. Curiously, there was no light source, yet I could see just fine.

We walked deeper and deeper into the earth. Like in dreams, I had the sense that hours had passed without actually experiencing the passage of time. Also like in dreams, I was not tired after descending such a long path. I was filled with wonder at this magical tunnel.

Finally, we reached the bottom and the tunnel opened into a large grotto filled with life. There were exotic flowers in bright colors to my right, surrounded by lush greenery; and more green vines hung from the ceiling which was too high to really see. Again, there was no light source, but the clarity with which I could see was amazing. To the left in the mid-distance was a waterfall that cascaded down into a cool pool of crystal blue water surrounded by a sandy shore. Inexplicably the sand was warm on my bare feet; a nice contrast to the coolness of the water as I waded in ankle-deep. 

Without words, Grolph told me that the water was a pool of healing; that I could visit anytime I liked. I understood that this whole place is a sacred place for my use and I am welcome. I waded deeper into the water and sat in the healing (suddenly warm) pool that was very reminiscent of a hot tub with natural waters that needed no bubbles. I was filled with wonder and curiosity that turned into a sense of love and unconditional acceptance. Worries melted away.

After hours of soaking and basking in warmth, it was time to return to the surface. Once again, Grolph led me through the earthen tunnel. Up, and up, and up. Back into my body in the physical world, where only 20 minutes had passed. 🙂

Since that first journey, I’ve visited my Lower Realm numerous times. Some features change over time, new guides have appeared as I’ve needed them. Different lessons, different healing has happened. One thing that remains the same is the sense of unconditional acceptance that I receive when I’m there. 

Know that this level of vivid detail and intense healing does not come easily to all individuals who journey. (There were others in the class who envisioned swirling colors or a vague sense of healing.) I’ve come to understand that – even though I’m still a student and don’t belong to an Indigenous lineage – this kind of journeying work is part of my path. All I can say is that this feels ancestral in me – like an old remembering rising up from somewhere beyond words. I am called to practice and keep learning, and to share my personal experiences with others who feel drawn to this kind of inner work.

If this resonates and you’d like support exploring your own inner landscape, I offer Spiritual Journey Coaching – shamanic journeying is one tool I may weave in when it’s appropriate. If you’re curious, you can learn more about working together here or email me to schedule a free consult.