Korean Shamanism: Ancestral Ceremony

Join Helena Soholm for an in-person workshop exploring Muism, the ancient practice of Korean shamanism, through the practice of a powerful ancestral healing ceremony.

Korean shamanism, known as Muism, dates back to prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence suggesting it was part of Bronze Age culture. As a highly syncretic religion, Muism has absorbed elements from Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism over centuries.

Korean shamanism evolved from a male-centred, politicised role into a practice primarily performed by women in more informal settings. Throughout Korean history, shamans – called Mudang or Manshin – have faced systematic suppression and persecution. Today, shamanism is thriving in modern Korea, even as social stigma and distrust of mudang remain common.

There are two types of Korean shamans: Gangshinmu, those who become possessed by spirits, and Seseupmu, hereditary shamans born into a family of priestly technicians.

What to expect

In this workshop, Helena will share her personal journey of becoming a mudang – a rare perspective as a Korean American woman who was not raised within the culture and spiritual milieu of shamanism. As a Gangshinmu, Helena experienced Shinbyeong (spirit illness) before travelling to South Korea in 2018 to receive a Naerim Gut (shamanic initiation). Her account offers an intimate window into the living reality of shamanism in Korean society and beyond.

Helena will then lead you in an ancestral honouring ritual, including a guided shamanic journey designed to help you connect with your ancestors and guiding spirits. The ritual focuses on healing ancestral lineage and transforming unhealthy energetic patterns within family systems. This is an interactive, experiential workshop – expect to participate fully in the ritual work.

This in-person workshop includes:

• A lecture on the history and practice of Korean shamanism (Muism)
• Helena's personal account of her initiation as a mudang
• A guided ancestral honouring ritual
• A shamanic journey to connect with ancestors and guiding spirits
• Simple rituals you can take home to cultivate an ongoing relationship with your ancestors

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is open to everyone, whether walking the shamanic path or completely new to this world. Those called to deepen their connection to ancestral lineage, practices and wisdom will benefit, as will those with shamanic or intuitive abilities seeking guidance on expressing their spiritual gifts with the support of the ancestors. Healers, therapists, healthcare professionals, coaches, spiritual practitioners and artists curious to explore shamanism further will find this work particularly interesting.

Spaces for this workshop are limited, given its intimate and experiential nature. Book now to secure your place and begin your own journey toward ancestral connection and healing.

What to bring:

• A small family object (photo, jewellery)
• A journal and pens
• A hand drum, rattle or shaker instrument if you have one
• An eye pillow or sleep mask if you have one

Meet your tutor, Helena Soholm

Helena Soholm brings a rare and deeply personal perspective to Korean shamanism. As a Korean American woman who did not grow up within the tradition, her path to becoming a mudang was one of unexpected calling – marked by Shinbyeong and culminating in her initiation in South Korea in 2018. Her outsider-to-insider journey makes her uniquely positioned to guide Western participants into this ancient practice, translating its wisdom for those approaching it for the first time while honouring its living, authentic roots.