Gretchen McKay is an initiated Sangoma and shamanic practitioner who bridges ancient African traditions with contemporary spiritual practice. She completed an intensive apprenticeship with Traditional Doctor P.H. Mtshali in Swaziland (2000–2001), undergoing traditional Sangoma initiation that deepened her commitment to ancestral medicine and the path of service. Her shamanic training spans core shamanism (1997), Celtic traditions (1999–2001), extraction work with Michael Harner (2002), and soul retrieval with Sandra Ingerman, including her two-year teacher training (2004–2006). She also studied Hawaiian shamanism with Larry Kessler and holds expertise in herbalism and aromatherapy. With over two decades of experience, she integrates bone divination, soul retrieval, and energetic extraction with ceremonial medicine, herbs, and spiritual light to support reflection and insight on both personal and collective levels.

How did your first travels to East Africa shape your connection to ancestral wisdom?

When I first visited East Africa, I experienced a profound sense of belonging. Reading about the continent and hearing stories had sparked curiosity, but being there in person revealed the living traditions, landscapes, and rhythms of the people. These experiences awakened a deep connection to my African sangoma lineage and set the foundation for my ongoing work with ancestral guidance and spiritual practice.

What impact did your consultation with a Zulu traditional healer have on your spiritual journey?

In 1999, meeting a Zulu traditional healer transformed my understanding of spiritual practice. In parts of southern Africa, traditional healers play recognized cultural and community roles, and their practices have been discussed in public health and anthropological literature, including work referenced by the World Health Organization. Observing this living tradition showed me how ancestral knowledge is actively used and transmitted, deepening my own practice and approach to guiding others.

How have your experiences across African, Celtic, and Norse traditions informed your teaching and mentorship?

My African sangoma lineage, combined with Celtic wisdom and the Norse practice of Seiðr, shapes the way I approach spiritual guidance. Each tradition offers a unique perspective on the unseen, the natural world, and human growth. Bringing these teachings together allows me to create rich, multi-layered experiences in shamanic journeys, elder-initiation circles, and ecological explorations along the Southern California coast. My work is grounded in these lineages while being practical, experiential, and deeply rooted in the traditions themselves.