Your Own Sacred Story with Jeff Stockton and Christina Pratt August 21 Why Shamanism Now Radio Show

JERSEY CITY, NJ, August 20, 2012 (Press-News.org) Streaming live on the Co-Creator Radio Network on Tuesday, August 21, at 11 a.m. Pacific time/2 p.m. Eastern time, on her show "Why Shamanism Now?: A Practical Path to Authenticity," shaman and founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing Christina Pratt welcomes guest Jeff Stockton as they ponder the question: Where are you in your own Sacred Story? Pratt and Stockton tell listeners that our stories can weave and hold us together or it can unravel you bearings in life and tear us from your true selves. Stories have power; they can heal and they can harm. Stories, when be wielded with mastery by the Storyteller, can shape the hearts and souls of a people. "Shamans are and always have been the storytellers, the wisdom keepers," explains Stockton, winner of the prestigious international 2012 Storytelling World award. "It is essential to have stories in the medicine bag and to have relationships with them--e living experiences of stories of power."

In this episode of "Why Shamanism Now?" titled "Your Own Sacred Story", Pratt and Stockton explore the power of stories to illuminate our deepest sense of self and to shape the narrative of our healing and transformation. In our world, we are "the story species," as Stockton says. All species have memory and insight and instinct and many have complex language, but as far as we know, we are the storytellers.

Stockton talks to Pratt as part of a series of "Why Shamanism Now?" interviews sponsored by the Society of Shamanic Practitioners (SSP). Throughout this series, Pratt explores how contemporary shamans are meeting the challenge of their world where the relations of things--the living and the dead, the humans and nature, and the technological world and the spirit world--are profoundly out of balance. It is the ancient role of the shaman in all cultures to tend the balance of things, and the question is asked: how are these shamans meeting this extraordinary need today?

Christina Pratt is an authentic, non-traditional contemporary shaman. In practice since 1990, she specializes in mending the soul and transforming the parts of life that feel impossible. A teacher of exceptional clarity, humor, and inspiration, Pratt brings the power of shamanism into the practical grasp of anyone willing to take responsibility for improving the quality of their life. Her well-received book, An Encyclopedia of Shamanism (Rosen), is an 800-page, two-volume set with over 750 in-depth entries that clearly discuss the basic concepts of shamanism, methods, and traditions of over 50 different shamanic peoples. Pratt is the founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing in Portland, OR, and New York, NY, creator of the original Foundations of Shamanism and Shamanic Healing course at the University of Minnesota, and a frequent and honored speaker for the American Holistic Medical Association.

Jeff Stockton is an award winning Storyteller and Celtic Harpist. Since 1997 he has been performing nationally and internationally in concert with full ensemble and in intimate settings with solo harp. He weaves stories on the strings of the harp at conferences, storytelling festivals, performance showcases, children's festivals, Celtic festivals, and school audiences. Stockton has released three recordings of his work: 'Sacred Ground", "Beneath the Boughs", and "Wisdom of the Woods", which was awarded the prestigious international 2012 Storytelling World award, naming it one of the best storytelling recordings of the year. Stockton works extensively in the realm of Celtic Shamanism and Spirituality delving into the power of song and story in group retreats and in work with individuals. http://www.jeffstockton.ca/

"Why Shamanism Now? A Practical Path to Authenticity", a live internet talk radio with host Christina Pratt, airs Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Pacific time/2 p.m. Eastern time on http://www.co-creatornetwork.com/hosts/shamanism/host_bio.htm. Each week host Christina Pratt and guests explore the practical application of shamanic skills in our contemporary lives to create robust well-being, strong and clear community connections, and life enriching spiritual maturity. Listeners can ask questions by calling 512-772-1938 or via Skype. Prior episodes from "Why Shamanism Now" can be downloaded for free by visiting http://www.whyshamanismnow.com. Pratt also talks about Shamanic Healing on YouTube.

For more information on Christina Pratt, the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing, and workshops and classes with Pratt, or to order An Encyclopedia of Shamanism at a special discounted rate, visit http://www.lastmaskcenter.org. Upcoming classes with Pratt include Shamanic Journey Circles third Tuesday of every month; Wisdom of the Shaman talks every third Friday; and Qigong classes every Wednesday, all in Portland, Oregon. For additional information or to arrange an interview with Pratt, please contact Linda Woznicki, 845-417-8811, marketing@lastmaskcenter.org.