Its hard to describe The Serpent Fool workshop. Firstly because it left me practically speechless and secondly because its transformative potential is so huge. Both in terms of ones own personal development but also how this specific work can serve as a catalyst in the major shift that is needed between the feminine and the masculine, between the humans and earth herself. The Teacher holds the work with grace, compassion, sincerity and humour. As a trained actor I knew that there are sacred and healing aspects of the fool that we haven’t seen in our time. But that I could be so powerful, true and funny, I could never have guessed. The healing mirrors that the Serpent Fool holds up is very much needed in our time.
Nina Ossavy
Actor & Director
As I near the end of the 3 year professional shamanic practitioner training I am better able to see what has worked most and best for me. It would include the wealth of shamanic knowledge evident within each component; the clear and progressive structure of topic delivery; a suitably intimate sized group and by no means least, my feeling that I was being held in the most compassionate of embrace as I moved through a personal journey of incredible growth and depth of healing.
As a result of modular inspired spiritual growth, coupled with a clear and concise methodology tool set, I was finally brought to the realisation that to become a shamanic practitioner is a closer reality than I had first supposed. Of the countless decisions I have made within my life, stepping onto this training is one of my very best and I cannot thank The Sacred Trust enough for this opportunity.
Jean Ormerod MSc
Software Developer
I had wanted to do shamanic work for a long time and it was really important to me to have teachers I respected who had integrity. I was aware of Simon Buxton and looked at The Sacred Trust website from time to time in my busy life, usually concluding that Dorset was too far away from my home in the North West of England to travel to for training courses.
Then, one day, I read the testimonials on the website. I loved what people were saying about Simon, Naomi and The Sacred Trust.
Still the cynic, I booked myself and my husband on The Shaman’s Pathway (then The Way of the Shaman) workshop in London to see for myself what the teaching was like. Light bulb moment after light bulb moment occurred during the 2-day training, questions my previous shamanic experience had generated were answered in a truly satisfying way. Simon impressed me with his intellect, tolerance and knowledge.
I applied for the 3 Year Professional Shamanic Practitioner Training shortly afterwards. I’ve just attended component 5 of 9 in the training and I have no words for what occurred. Each component is more incredible than the last.
I am with the same 21 other students on each training component. They are amazing – I have found my people. I can’t tell you how much being in this loving, supporting community means to me. My face aches from laughter when I’m with them yet I can depend on them to be with me whenever I need them, in person or in spirit, between components. As each technique is learned, we perform them on each other, resulting in the most exquisite personal healing journey.
Through various methods taught to me, I have seen Simon as the boy, the student and the teacher. His integrity and compassion are profound. He also has a wicked sense of humour on occasion which is much appreciated. I couldn’t ask for more in a teacher. My links, through Simon, to his own teachers feel like an honour I am amazed to be afforded. Simon’s 30 year shamanic experience is utterly evident as we, aspiring shamanic practitioners, are steered around possible pitfalls and guided clearly on the path yet left to make (and trust) our own discoveries.
My advice to anyone contemplating studying with The Sacred Trust is don’t hesitate, this is the real deal. Everyone should be lucky enough to learn with them – held in safety, honour and respect.
Dr Mary Hernon
Consultant Gynaecologist (Retd)
The Spirit of the Drum course was beautifully constructed and taught to deepen and broaden our relationship with the drum in many heartfelt ways. It was a very full. rich, powerful and compassionate time. It has been a transformative healing experience, and has caused a big shift in my life. I am so grateful for its many gifts, which continue to grow.
Kate Bell
Reiki Practitioner
I would love to share my utmost admiration to this unique body of work, known as The Path of Pollen.
I am writing these lines as a complete beginner along the shamanic path. Although I find this work suitable for everyone feeling called to it, even if they don’t know why, yet.
I won’t describe my personal journey because everyone’s is unique and there are simply not enough words for it. The work and practices taught are empowering, healing, mind enhancing although grounding, igniting, spiritually connecting and ascending and very transformative on so many levels. It is absolutely intriguing to be taught some of these arcaic practices and I simply love and trust it. I feel that it brings harmony back to the body, mind, soul and spirit and teaches us to listen to our womb wisdom and the ancient female instincts long forgotten and so much more…
With these lines I thank India, Deborah and Arianne for their hard work, energy, love and dedication along this Path. Who can truly move between these worlds at ease and it is an honour to witness these exceptional practices. I am glad and grateful those teachings are brought into this world by you with such a lovely touch of humour!
You are creating a very safe and sacred place for this beautiful and compassionate Path of Pollen and connect it into this contemporary time. I also felt very held and cared for. There was always someone you could double check with, the instructions were clear and the work very authentic! Now it is up to everyone practicing what has been taught to bring forward the individual change we desire.
And not to forget, the place where it is held is already very charming and magical, with beautiful woods and ancient trees! And on top of it, there is super delicious healthy food. In every way, the student is very much looked after!
Katharina Mehnert
Carer
The Spirit of the Drum course dropped me into depths and connection with the drum I have not experienced before. Simon’s facilitation and guidance felt very grounded and authentic, enabling the establishment of what felt for me to be a strong cohesive group. This in turn enabled me to quickly trust Simon, the group and the process and to be open and receptive to what the drum was bringing forth for me to experience. It is definitely a course I would recommend and one I will want to experience again.
Anne Woodcock
Teacher, Art Therapist & Supervisor
The Sacred Trust’s Spirit of the Drum workshop was possibly the most extraordinary four days of my life.
I’ve never had to work so hard, been so challenged, so full of wonder and had so much fun all in one place before. The Sacred Trust training’s always seem to give you way more than you bargained for – but in a good way! I feel stronger, more settled, better aligned, braver, full of optimism and energy even a week after this workshop ended. Its experiences and teachings will stay with me for life.
The other 19 participants were exceptional group of people with whom it was an honour to work, and Simon Buxton is simply the best teacher I have ever met. You couldn’t wish for someone with greater wisdom, kindliness, sheer strength, a safer pair of hands – or indeed a better sense of humour (which sometimes he certainly needed!)
Blessings, delights and grateful thanks to all of you for a truly astonishing time.
Nikki Bradford-La-Brooy
Author, Artist & Storyteller
What happened on The Spirit of the Drum weekend for me was profound beyond the spoken word.
For anyone who desires the sweet surrender of truth – will find the most beautiful arms to be held in with The Sacred Trust.
Allow yourself to be guided by these wonderful teachers…they will show you the possibilities like no others! And then, when all is done…you will experience the beyond…the sensation of connectivity. The one that humanity is crying out for in these times.
Lesley Gough
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist & Soul Guide
Arte Triptych Melissae, beautiful work, which the more I practice, it brings me ever deeper into embodied and loving relationship with my body. A re-learning of my body as a temple. A healing of the desecrated and an enlivening of the forgotten. A magical empowering experience that has launched me back into the world with practices to play with and my perception of the world altered.
Emma Sampson
Artist
Through the exceptional quality of teaching, guidance and care of India and Deborah you are taken on an insightful path of self-discovery which by its nature will be unique to each person who accepts the invitation to expand. For me this was a life altering experience which I am gently weaving into my work with magical effect. I highly recommend Arte Triptych Melissae if you feel called. I am looking forward to more next year. A heart felt thank you to you all.
Sue Marcantonio
Shamanic Body Worker