Foundation for Shamanic Studies (FSS)

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable and educational organization dedicated to the preservation, study and teaching of shamanic knowledge for the welfare of the planet and its inhabitants. It was founded by anthropologist Michael Harner, whose synthesis of core shamanism, the near-universal methods of the world's shamans, opened the practice to Western students while respecting its indigenous sources.

The FSS training program is the backbone: a full range of workshops, online and in person, beginning with The Shamanic Journey and building through healing methods and advanced initiations, taught by its faculty of experienced practitioners. Named programs include work with the dead and dying in the psychopomp tradition, soul retrieval, extraction healing and power animal work, alongside Harner Shamanic Counseling certification.

Beyond training, the foundation maintains the Michael Harner archives and preservation work, publishes the Shamanism Annual, articles, videos and a podcast, and teaches shamanic drumming. Its community side runs regular public meetings, a member directory and drum circles. Four decades on, it remains the largest teaching institution in core shamanism. The institution's stated mission: To preserve, study, and teach shamanic knowledge for the welfare of the planet and its inhabitants.