Shamanic Trekker logo
John Whitehorse and Kristen White - founders of Shamanic Trekker

About Shamanic Trekker

What Makes Shamanic Trekker Different?

Shamanic Trekker is grounded in authentic shamanic training, direct lineage-based initiation, and decades of lived experience in spiritual practice, energy healing, and personal transformation.

John Whitehorse was trained directly in the Andes of Peru by Q'ero shamans, an unbroken lineage of indigenous medicine men and women whose traditions have been passed down for thousands of years. Through this process, he received the full series of rites and initiations, which are not taught intellectually, but transmitted through ceremony, energetic attunement, and relationship with the lineage itself.

This distinction is important.

In traditional shamanic cultures, one does not simply decide to become a shaman. The path is initiated, guided, and recognized within a lineage, and it requires years of dedication, personal transformation, and direct experience working within the energetic and spiritual realms.

Shamanic practitioner in traditional Q'ero poncho and chullo, arms open in the Peruvian Andes

Rooted in Lineage, Not Self-Declared Practice

In today's world, there is a growing interest in shamanic healing, energy work, and spiritual practices. While this increased awareness is meaningful, it has also created confusion around what constitutes authentic training.

At Shamanic Trekker, the work is not based on self-identification or short-term study. It is rooted in:

  • initiated shamanic training
  • ongoing relationship with indigenous teachers and traditions
  • and a deep respect for the ceremonial and energetic foundations of the work

This ensures that each session is grounded in structure, safety, and integrity, rather than interpretation or performance.

A Grounded and Non-Performative Approach to Energy Healing

Shamanic healing sessions at Shamanic Trekker are intentionally quiet, focused, and non-performative, reflecting the way this work has traditionally been practiced.

There is no emphasis on creating a dramatic or theatrical experience. Instead, the focus is on:

  • working within the energetic field
  • supporting the nervous system
  • and allowing shifts to occur in a way that is natural and sustainable

Many clients are surprised by how subtle the experience can feel in the moment, while still creating meaningful changes over time. This approach honors the understanding that real healing does not need to be forced or exaggerated to be effective.

Painting of an eagle's eye in vivid color
Mixed-media winged sacred heart sculpture

Ethical Shamanic Practice and Clear Boundaries

A core part of what makes Shamanic Trekker different is a strong commitment to ethical spiritual practice and client-centered care.

This includes:

  • no fear-based guidance or predictions
  • no pressure for additional sessions or ongoing work
  • no upselling of additional "energy clearing" services
  • and no work performed without consent

Each session is designed to be complete, respectful, and empowering, allowing individuals to leave with a sense of clarity and autonomy rather than dependency.

Integration of Ancient Shamanic Healing with Modern Life

One of the most important aspects of this work is its ability to bridge ancient shamanic traditions with the realities of modern life.

Shamanic Trekker does not ask individuals to step outside of their lives or adopt a specific belief system. Instead, the work supports:

  • greater self-awareness
  • emotional and energetic balance
  • and the ability to move forward with clarity and grounded perspective

This integration allows clients to take what they experience during sessions and apply it in a meaningful, practical way in their relationships, careers, and daily lives.

Stained-glass mosaic of mountains and a soaring bird
Q'ero shamans and paqos gathered on a ceremonial mesa with sacred khuyas and offerings

A Shared Path of Experience, Training, and Personal Transformation

Both John Whitehorse and Kristen White bring decades of experience in spiritual practice, energy healing, intuitive development, and personal transformation.

Kristen's background as a psychic medium, spiritual teacher, and certified life and business coach, combined with John's initiated shamanic training, creates a unique and complementary approach that supports both insight and integration.

Together, their work reflects not only training and study, but a deep commitment to living the principles they teach, and supporting others in doing the same.

A Practice Anchored in Integrity and Respect

At its core, Shamanic Trekker is built on a foundation of:

  • authentic lineage-based training
  • respect for indigenous traditions
  • ethical, non-performative practice
  • and a commitment to supporting each individual's unique path

This is not work that was learned casually or adopted as an identity.

It is work that was entered into, trained in, and carried forward with care.

A Path That Unfolded

What neither of them could have predicted was how deeply their lives would intertwine - not just personally, but spiritually.

Through Kristen, John was introduced to a world he had never experienced before - one of energy, intuition, and spiritual practice.

Soon after, he was invited on what he believed would be a rugged mountain trekking trip in Peru.

Instead, that journey became something entirely different.

It was there, in the Andes, that John had his first direct encounter with the Q'ero shamans - the same lineage they continue to work with today.

What began as curiosity became a turning point.

Ceremony with Q'ero shamans in the Andes

From Two Paths to One

As John's journey unfolded, their lives became a shared path of:

  • transformation
  • spiritual study
  • initiation into ancient traditions
  • and a deep commitment to helping others

Together, they now offer the work of Shamanic Trekker, blending:

  • shamanic healing
  • intuitive guidance
  • spiritual teaching
  • and real-world integration

Their work is grounded in lived experience - not theory.

John Whitehorse and Kristen White - Shamanic Trekker

Their Work Today

Through Shamanic Trekker, John and Kristen offer a space where:

  • healing meets real life
  • spiritual insight becomes practical
  • and transformation is both grounded and meaningful

Their work is not about escaping life.

It's about learning how to walk your path - with more clarity, awareness, and connection.