About SSPNE
Our Origins: A Call to Community
The Society for Shamanic Practice-Northeast (SSP-NE) began in November 2005, when SSP board members Tom Cowan and Dr. Cecile Carson invited a group of practitioners to Albany, NY. Their vision was to encourage practitioners to gather regularly within their own regions to share experiences, support one another, and build a local shamanic community.
“We Need Each Other”
Our regional group serves as a vital link for practitioners across the Northeast—from New England to Pennsylvania—providing a sacred space to share wisdom, co-create ceremony, and deepen our connections to the natural world.
A Legacy of Sacred Work
For nearly two decades, SSP-NE has been a leader in the regional shamanic movement. Our history includes:
- National Leadership: Creating altars and ceremonies for national conferences like the 2007 “Light on the Path” and the 2009 Menla Retreat.
- Regional Gatherings: Hosting annual events at sacred sites like Easton Mountain, Camp Little Notch, and Windhover.
- Growth & Community: Our revival in 2014-2016 helped expand our circle to hundreds of members through digital platforms and heartfelt in-person gatherings.
Join the Circle
Whether you are an experienced practitioner or just beginning your journey, there is a place for you. We invite you to join us at our next gathering to weave your personal intentions into our collective loom.
Historical Archive
2007 SSP Conference: Tony Allicino, Tom Cowan, Lucy Walker, Ellyn Rosenthall, Ardia Diel, and Cecile Carson.
Foundational Reading
- “We Need Each Other”
By Tom Cowan (2017) - A History of SSP Northeast
By Tony Allicino (2017) - Timeline of Gatherings
2005 – Present
Note: Historical rosters are kept private to protect the contact information of our early members.