The whispers of ancient prophecies are now a tangible reality: we're in an unprecedented era of significant shifts in consciousness.
These profound changes are here, challenging us to navigate unfamiliar terrain.
Change can feel daunting, presenting unknowns that make it difficult to find your footing.
How do you move forward when the path ahead is unclear?
The key lies in self-awareness.
Awareness helps us access the inner teacher who guides us back to wholeness.
We want to live in a state of health, happiness, humour, hope and harmony.
To accomplish these things requires a presence, a motivation and a focus of attention.
This is an act of living in awareness.
Joining us for a Shamanic Journey removes you from your normal life and immerses you in a world of self-empowerment, bringing greater awareness of the natural gifts, strengths and talents needed to align to change. As you become more aware of what's happening in your inner world and how to satisfy your true needs, you relate with the outer world in a new way.
Founded in the ancient Twisted Hairs wisdom, these Teachings equip you with the knowledge, tools and techniques to let go of what doesn't work so you can grow and evolve. Give yourself the gift of time to focus and cultivate your personal ecology, direct your attention back to self first, then life, then others.
You have the power to choose and change your reality. Invest in the most precious thing you have; YOURSELF! This is how shift happens.
WEAVING WILLOw
COME, SIT WITH US IN THE GREAT CIRCLE OF LIFE
Together, let us explore the Great Medicine Wheel - ancient traditional teachings of the circular nature of life, the Everything and this Planetary Dance we share together.
We ask the wisdom of the Red People to help us penetrate our western boundaries of time and space to see beyond our own perceptions of reality, of how we relate to others and how we engage with the world around us. We look to our Earth Mother as our first teacher and listen deeply to her warnings and her wisdom.
For the truth to reveal itself, we must first suspend our beliefs.
Everything in the Universe is circular, and it is from within the circle, that these Medicine Wheels and Keys become alive and dance us awake. They stretch us into more of who we desire to be. They expand our personal self-growth and development. They teach us to live in balance and harmony with our Selves, Life and Others.
We welcome you into this circle of power.
Hyemeyosts storm
These Shamanic Journeys are facilitated by Lou Worldweaver and Laurel Weaving Willow, both dedicated apprentices of the Twisted Hairs lineage. They bring a wealth of experience in guiding individuals through shamanic teachings, ceremonies, and rites of passage, aiming to empower participants to reclaim their wholeness and live in alignment with the natural world.
Since I’ve discovered that my identity doesn’t define me, I’m happy to say, I don’t know who I am.
This path I walk through life, this sacred journey, is my exclusive masterpiece. The movement between my light and darkness brings depth and form to my uniqueness. As the painter and the canvas, I choose how to express my beauty.
May we all walk in Beauty.
An alchemist at heart, I am inspired by the capacity that life's experiences have to birth forth power, magick and beauty.
My commitment to seeking out my darkest depths has revealed to me my greatest shining. This is my way with self, life and others. I carry my heart on my sleeve and make no excuses for who I am or how I feel.
My deep compassion for all living things reflects back to me through the beauty that is my life experience.
sean Majical wolf
Under the auspices of the Twisted Hairs Lineage, the impact of a shamanic journey stretches beyond what happens in the physical. Its impact reaches out into the collective, for ancestral and inter-generational healing, growth and evolution.
To embark on a Shamanic Journey, is to unveil your true self, release old patterns, heal and connect with inner wisdom for profound clarity and transformation.
Discover hidden strengths, foster deep spiritual connections, and gain practical insights to empower your everyday life.
This is your invitation to explore your inner landscape and return home to your most authentic, vibrant, healthy self.
The theme, intent and teachings that are curated for each unique journey set a strong container, with enough flexibility for organic exploration. The perfect marriage of structure and spontaneity to birth the experience needed in the moment.
This opens the space to support and meet the unique needs of each participant who intends themselves into the circle.
Under the auspices of the Twisted Hairs Lineage, the impact of these journeys stretches beyond just what happens in the physical, its impact reaches out into the collective, for ancestral and inter-generational healing, growth and evolution.
Our facilitation method is dynamic and comes from more than 40 years of combined teaching experience. We have an extensive toolbox filled with teachings, exercises, ceremonies and techniques available to us.
These are some of the experiences you will have during our time together:
wihan dancing cougar
Each Shamanic Journey is unique and guided by the intent, duration and participants.
Having a sense of how the journey flows allows your nervous system to settle and your heart to open more fully.
It creates a safe container where you can surrender, knowing you are held within something intentional.
The rhythm of each journey is carefully curated to balance deep inner healing, ceremony, movement, stillness, integration and connection with others.
This flow invites your spirit to begin the work before we even gather.
A VARIETY OF TEACHINGS, CEREMONIES AND PRACTICES ARE USED DURING THE COURSE OF EACH DAY, DEPENDING ON THEME, DURATION & PARTICIPANTS.
Arrival & Opening the Space
Take your time to greet the space, unpack, set up your place in the circle, orient yourself with the land, and connect with fellow journeyers.
6:00 PM - Communal Meal
Informal connection and nourishment.
7:00 PM - Opening Circle
Welcome, agreements, intention-setting, Introduction to the theme.
Guided Shamanic Journey, Pipe Ceremony, Breathwork or Dreamtime Intending.Process Work & Transformation
Silent walking in the Medicine Gardens, breathwork, movement, or meditation.
8:30AM - Breakfast (Shared Meal)
Morning Check-In
Personal sharing, theme related reflections, opening the space for unlearning, learning & re-learning.
Medicine Wheel Teachings, Movement, Sound & Grounding Techniques, Sorcery Passes, Breathwork, Somatic Practices, Self-Reflection, Ceremony & Medicine. (Part 1)
Lunch (Shared Meal)
Medicine Wheel Teachings, Movement, Sound & Grounding Techniques, Sorcery Passes, Breathwork, Somatic Practices, Self-Reflection, Ceremony & Medicine. (Part 2)
Dinner (Shared Meal)
Check-In
Personal sharing, theme related reflections, preparing for the dreamtime.
Rest, personal integration, journaling, dreamwork, or fire medicine.
Integration & Closing
Silent walking in the Medicine Gardens, breathwork, movement, or meditation.
8:30 AM - Breakfast (Shared Meal)
Integration Circle
Self-reflection practices, reclaiming tools for the return journey, personal ceremony, connecting to nature as our guide, confidant and comforter.
Closing Circle
Final Sharing, gratitude & acknowledgment.
Lunch (Shared Meal)
Farewells & Departures.
This isn't just a venue - it's the space that holds us, a living, breathing part of your journey. This sacred land invites you to return to something essential. Simplicity. Earth. Fire. Stillness. The parts of ourselves we often lose touch with in the rush of daily life.
In this space, we leave devices behind - a phone-free - screen-free space. Not as a rule, but as a ritual.
By unplugging, we begin to tune into the rhythms of nature, our own intuition, and each other.
We become more available to the moment, more present in our bodies, and more connected to the shared energy field we co-create.
Nestled in the breathtaking Valley of a 1000 Hills, midway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, Sacred Journeys is a sanctuary to help you step away from the daily grind and truly focus on you.
The center offers a spacious open-plan teaching area, a communal kitchen, indoor bathrooms, along with a rather "magickal" outdoor shower. Accommodation is rustic yet comfortable, with four modest bedrooms that can sleep up to 8 people.
One of the most unique aspects of Sacred Journeys is its "SCREEN-FREE" policy. To encourage a true detox from technology, you won't find televisions, radios, or magazines, and you are kindly requested to leave laptops, tablets, and other technical devices at home. This allows you to truly disconnect and be present.
The Centre is a communal space where mindfulness, mutual care, and consideration is fostered. You're encouraged to make yourself at home while respectfully sharing the space with others. Everyone is expected to participate in keeping the center tidy, organized, and clean, and be mindful and considerate of using precious resources, such as water and electricity.
Beyond the buildings, you'll find lovingly tended medicine gardens, and just beyond those, acres of natural bush teeming with an abundance of bird, plant, and mineral life – perfect for mindful walks and immersing yourself in nature.
As part of your shamanic journey, you will be sleeping & dreaming in shared accommodation.
This creates an environment where our individual dreaming spaces can intertwine, often bringing collective insights, heightened awareness, and a deeper sense of connection within the group. It's an opportunity to extend the sacred container of our journey even into the realm of dreams.
Interconnected, we eat together, dream together, share our stories, sit in silence and move through each experience as a conscious community.
The land holds us as we let go of what is no longer true and remember who we are beneath the noise.
kerri night lightening
At Sacred Journeys, sharing food is more than just sustenance - it's a ceremonial and communal act woven into the rhythm of the weekend.
The way we relate to food reflects the values of connection, mindfulness, self-care and reciprocity, an important part of our shared experience.
For most of our Shamanic Journeys, rather than being catered, each participant is an active part of mealtime, and contributes towards the meals for the group (this is organised collectively in the whatsapp group beforehand - as soon as your place is secured, you will be added to SHAMANIC JOURNEY Whatsapp Group)
Keep in mind that we are deeply nourished by food prepared with mindfulness, intention, and love.
Meals are a communal activity, eating together becomes a time to ground, reflect, celebrate and connect - not just feed the body, but to honour the soul.
We encourage bringing food that’s alive, natural, and made with love. This is not just cooking - it’s crafting an offering. Bring food that is wholesome, nourishing, and ideally homemade. It can but does not have to be vegetarian. Consider the energy, the season, and the support we may need on this deep journey.
Depending on the group and setting, participants may rotate responsibilities - such as setting up, serving, or cleaning. This is not seen as a chore but as a contribution to the circle, reinforcing community and cooperation.
Some meals might be shared in intentional silence, allowing space for inner integration. Others may be more social and expressive, offering a chance to share insights, laughter, and stories around the table. This creates a sense of belonging and community. Moments of reflection and slowing down. A ritual of care - turning the ordinary into the sacred. An invitation to experience food as medicine and connection, not just consumption. An understanding of what can be experienced in the simplest acts.
simone eagle seeking light
Preparing yourself for a shamanic journey is about more than packing a bag — it’s about aligning your body, heart, and spirit with the path you’re about to walk. The shamanic approach invites us to meet ourselves beyond the surface — to listen, to unearth, and to remember. To honour this sacred journey, we invite you to prepare with presence and care, because your journey has begun the moment you say "yes!".
Preparing well supports your sacred journey - so you can arrive with the right clothing, tools, mindset and openness to meet each phase of the journey with presence and trust. It also ensures you have the gift of immersing yourself in this sacred container for the duration of your journey.
Sacred Journeys is nestled in the Valley of a 1000 Hills, approximately 45-60 minutes from King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Durban and about 40 minutes from Pietermaritzburg.
Driving: Specific directions to Sacred Journeys will be provided once your booking is confirmed.
Flying In: We highly recommend flying into King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Durban.
Airport Transfers: We can provide you with details for trusted local shuttle services OR you can rent a car and collect it from Durban airport if you prefer personal transport and wish to explore the region. Remember, South Africa drives on the left-hand side of the road. A GPS/Sat-Nav is highly recommended.
We highly recommend you come fully prepared so that you do not need to leave the land for the duration of your journey. This gives you a rare and precious opportunity to completely surrender to your experience.
Take time in the days leading up to your journey to reflect: What am I ready to release? What am I seeking to remember or reclaim?
Let this intention live quietly in your heart — no need to force it into words.
Slow Down - Reduce digital noise, commitments, or distractions if you can. Begin softening your pace. Listen to your dreams. Let spaciousness find you.
Cleanse Your Energy Field - A salt bath, time in nature, breathwork, or smudging with sage or palo santo can support you in releasing old residue and coming into alignment.
Eat Simply - In the 24–48 hours beforehand, consider light, nourishing foods. Avoid alcohol, heavy meat, sugar, salt and processed food if possible. This creates a clearer channel for energetic and intuitive work.
Stay Hydrated - Drink plenty of water to support physical and energetic detoxification.
Rest Well - Honour your nervous system with good sleep and quiet moments. Integration begins before the journey even starts.
It took a measure of self-worth to make the decision to embark on this shamanic journey. Take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate yourSelf for this.
Bring a Sacred Object - A stone, photo, feather, or symbol for the altar helps anchor your intention and connect you to your deeper self.
Trust What Arises - You don’t need to “know how” to journey. The wisdom is in your bones. Trust that your spirit knows the way.
Come with an Open Heart - Curiosity, humility, and a willingness to meet the unknown will serve you far more than expectation or control.
We can accommodate up to 8 participants sharing in 4 modest bedrooms.
Our very comfortable single beds have mattress protectors, just bring your sleeping bag, pillow, and blanket – depending on the season.
Earplugs or eye masks are suggested if you're sensitive to sound or light.
Warm layers for nighttime, especially during cooler months.
A full kit list with personal essentials is included in the Booking Form for each upcoming Shamanic Journey.
We have plenty of cushions for sitting inside, but you might want to consider a camping chair, howzit chair or back support while taking notes.
Extra snacks or comfort items you like to have on hand.
An open heart and a willingness to meet yourself deeply.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers flights, accommodation, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations.
Currency: The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). ATMs are widely available at the airport and in major towns. Most establishments accept credit cards.
Mobile Connectivity: You can purchase a local SIM card at the airport if you wish to have local mobile data. Wi-Fi is generally available at the airport.
Time Zone: South Africa Standard Time (SAST) is GMT+2.
Visa Requirements: Please check the visa requirements for South Africa well in advance of your travel. Visa policies vary significantly based on your nationality. You can typically find this information on the website of the South African Department of Home Affairs or your nearest South African embassy/consulate..
I NOW HAVE THE TOOLS TO becomE THE RAINBOW warrior of my own journey."
careen midnight puma
The theme, intent and teachings that are curated for each shamanic journey set a strong container, with enough flexibility for organic exploration.
The perfect marriage of structure and spontaneity to birth the experience you need in the moment.
We already have several Shamanic Journeys ready to step into, and we’re always open to crafting new ones as needs arise.
Spaces are limited so if you feel the pull, don’t wait. Reach out and connect with us or if you are ready, complete the Booking Form and confirm your place.
Now is the time. Trust your inner knowing and take the first step.
NOTE: Not all our shamanic journeys are held at our homebase Retreat and Training Centre in KwaZulu Natal.
As our Twisted Hair Elders before us, we are also travellers, movers and shakers - so we have the priveledge of going where spirit and the people need us.
We can co-create a unique theme and outline for shamanic journey that supports your needs. If you would like to discuss hosting us, feel free to contact us.
DISCLAIMER
These Shamanic Journeys are experiences focused on personal growth and holistic well-being. It is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider for any questions regarding a medical condition. All teachings, ceremonies, and tools for application are offered with reverence and respect for ancient traditions, adapted for modern application.