Resources for the Modern Psychopomp
The primary function of the psychopomp is to help the spirit or soul of an individual to cross over to a safe place at the time of death. While it is true that some are born with a natural inclination towards this work, it is also a skill that can be learned.
There are a number of ways to enter a state of consciousness where one can tap into the unseen realms and assist with a "good death" or communicate with spirits who may be earthbound. These include meditative states, dream states, shamanic states, hypnogogic states (such as waking dreams where the individual is awake, but their brain waves indicate they are still sleeping), and other altered states of consciousness.
Most people can benefit from some guidance at the time of death, even if they are not fully conscious at the time. For example, images from dreams, myths and stories can be shared, which enable the person to envision a safe passage to the other side, prayers or blessings can be offered, and there are methods that can help energetically release the spirit from the body. One can also enlist the help of guiding forces, such as spirit guides, religious figures, and other helpful entities, who can assist with the process.
For those who are interested in helping others through the death and dying process, or who may be called to help those still lingering after their death, there are a growing number of resources for psychopomps, some of which are listed here. And, if you feel strongly called to this work, or were born with the innate ability to connect with those who need such help, don't forget to also listen to your own intuitive source of knowledge. You may find that you already possess many of the skills that are needed as a psychopomp.
Shamanic Training for Psychopomps
Around the world shamans are well-known for their role as a psychopomp, therefore many people who are interested in caring for the souls of the dying may want to consider some form of shamanic training. There is a growing number of opportunities available for those who are interested in either indigenous or non-indigenous shamanism. You may want to start by finding what resources and teachers are available in your immediate area, or for those who are interested in "core" or cross-cultural shamanism, classes are available through Michael Harner’s Foundation for Shamanic Studies. The foundation offers advanced weekend workshops, including a course on Shamanism, Dying, and Beyond, and more intensive 2-week or 3-year programs, which also delves into psychopomp work.
ShamanicTeachers.org also offers a comprenhensive list of teachers around the world, some of whom offer training related to death, dying, and psychopomp skills at www.shamanicteachers.com/instructors.
Dying Consciously, The Greatest Journey
www.dyingconsciously.org is a project of the Institute for Energy Medicine, which is connected to Dr. Alberto Villoldo's Four Winds Society. It offers information and videos about the dying process, ritual and ceremony, and creating sacred space for the dying. There is also information about the Dying Consciously Teacher Training offered by the Four Winds' Light Body School.
Soul Midwife Training
Felicity Warner, founder of The Hospice of the Heart Trust in England, teaches the Gentle Dying method, which is used by Soul Midwives to help the spirit and soul make the final transition at the time of death. This is a nationally recognized method of holistic care in the UK. Additional information is available at www.soulmidwives.co.uk
Books for Those Interested in Expanding Their Psychopomp/Death Midwifery Skills
by Joellyn St. Pierre D.Div BookSurge Publishing 2009.
A book how to offer spiritual guidance at the time of death, for both professionals and lay people.
by David Kowalewski PhD. iUniverse, 2015.
Presents over ninety cases from around the world of those who do psychopomp work to help those who need assistance being guided to the Other Side.
by Laura Perry. Moon Books, 2018.
An collection of essays on the art of Deathwalking, or Psychopomping, from a Shamanic perspective.
by Robert Moss. New World Library, 2010.
Excellent book on dream tending, which includes exercises on how to to use the dream state to map out the afterlife, assist the departed, and make death your ally.
by Chris Allauns. Moon Books, 2021.
A good overview of the role of the Psychopomp, as an escort of the dead to the realm of the ancestors, and an aid in letting go of earthly attachements that may keep them bound to the physical world.
by Kathy Kalina, Pauline Books & Media, 2007.
Written from the persepctive of a hospice nurse, this book centers around helping the physical body birth the soul into the afterlife
by Felicity Warner. Hay House UK, 2011.
The latest edition of what used to be called "A Gentle Dying." It provides helpful information for anyone interested in being of service to another at the time of death.
by Felicity Warner. Hay House UK, 2013.
One of the best books on the subject of caring for the dying from the founder of the Soul Midwive's school in the UK.
Additional Reading
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