Transmuting, Course Correcting, & Sparks in their own Community: Conversation with Shannon Bushnell

I spoke with Shannon about her energetic work, Reiki, SRT, listening to bands and music as it segues into the metaphysical realm (with a bit of Mongolian metal along the way), her influences and aspirations, as well as her experiences doing this work during the pandemic and raising her son.

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Pappas-Kelley: First of all, I was wondering if you could talk a bit about the modalities you do or could give a bit of an introduction to what you do and your interests in it?

Shannon Bushnell: I utilize a blend of energy healing modalities. I am a Reiki master and shamanic practitioner. I also work with a practice called Spiritual Response Therapy (SRT) which I am certified in and have done advanced level coursework in etheric surgery as a continuation of that system. Using a set of guide books and a pendulum I work with guides to assist in working with a person’s multi-dimensional self, accessing Akashic records and healing past life trauma and ancestral lines.

Occasionally, people’s passed relatives come through when I am doing energy work on them with a message, but I am not specifically a medium. I do some psychopomp work and can usually get some information about a soul about to cross or recently crossed over, including pets. Over the past eight years I started channeling light language and use that in all of my sessions as it comes through naturally when I am working. I often assist people remotely when they are going through major medical procedures such as surgery to support the process and recovery. Currently, I work with Tarot and other oracle decks and tend to channel information during these sessions. I also typically run a person’s astrology chart if we are doing a reading so that I can look at what transits might be affecting them.

"Music is still a huge part of my life! Where that segues into the metaphysical realm is really fascinating to me. There are lots of sound healers using toning bowls, tuning forks, gongs, and sound baths to facilitate consciousness shifts."

PK: We met years ago in Olympia and then went on to do our own things, but seem to pop up on each other’s radar from time to time. Back then, a lot of it was around bands and music, so I was wondering a bit about that journey for you and how you think that fits with what you are doing now with this work?

SB: Music is still a huge part of my life! Where that segues into the metaphysical realm is really fascinating to me. There are lots of sound healers using toning bowls, tuning forks, gongs, and sound baths to facilitate consciousness shifts. I love that musicians are out there creating healing music with binaural beats and drone music. I’ve attended some Kirtans which are lovely to experience. I also like seeing modern musicians using ancient and traditional musical instruments; I love Mongolian metal music for that reason. These types of modernizations in popular music create a rich and profound crossover between the spiritual and social aspects of sound.

PK: What do you feel is your specific emphasis or what do you bring to this work?

SB: Really, the essence is Love. I know it sounds cheesy to say that, but bringing in the vibration of love transmutes, transforms and transcends the fear, pain, shame, anger and darkness that causes so many of us to suffer. Assisting people in raising their vibration and shedding the energetic baggage they are shouldering to promote healthy shifts and growth is so gratifying. Watching people lighten and brighten and have happier existences is truly heartwarming, magical and inspiring. I get to communicate information that puts people at ease and reassures them or gives them some sense of peace. That really feels wonderful to be a part of. It’s an honor that I get to witness miracles regularly.

PK: Are there other people that you work with a lot or that you have been influenced by on this journey?

SB: Mainly my teachers along the way. I was Reiki attuned in the Usui tradition by Ginger Lee Frost. I did most of my Shamanic workshops with Beth Beurkens through the Society for Shamanic Practice. I trained in SRT with Jan Harris. I did my Multi-Dimensional Healing studies with Kathryn Hamilton-Cook and Barbara Standiford. I have studied Astrology with Chani Nicholas via online classes and Suzanne Gerber via zoom and attended classes though the Tuscon Astrologer's Guild. My knowledge of Tarot is predominantly from books.

PK: Where do you think you are going with this work?

SB: That is a tough question to answer for me. I am just following Spirit on that one. I have really been focused on raising my son and creating an enjoyable life. I keep thinking that I will do the healing work full time but have not moved in that direction yet. I had an office for a while but stopped doing in-person hands on treatments during the pandemic. I am working on some online modules to teach folk the basics of what I offer. I would also love to team up with other practitioners and do some retreats, that has always been a dream of mine.

PK: How do you think this fits with the current state of the world?

SB: I think it’s tantamount to the survival of the human race to raise our collective consciousness. Teaching this work to others who will then become sparks in their own communities is a part of my mission.

"It can create radical shifts and sometimes there is resistance to those shifts that can be painful because although it is time to grow there is a mourning or grief process when letting go of outmoded life patterns. Be prepared for change to occur!"

PK: What do you think is important for people approaching this work to understand?

SB: It can be really disruptive and challenging to process through what comes up to clear. It can be derailing, and it is important to have integration time set aside to rest and reset. It can create radical shifts and sometimes there is resistance to those shifts that can be painful because although it is time to grow there is a mourning or grief process when letting go of outmoded life patterns. Be prepared for change to occur!

PK: What are you currently excited about with this or what inspires you?

SB: I just love that I don’t feel like such a freak anymore. I can talk openly with people about my gifts and not feel like I am about to be persecuted or excommunicated.

PK: How do you think this work is changing or has changed in the past few years?

SB: It definitely helped me through the pandemic and helped me help others keep their spirits up. It also absolutely held me up through the challenges of having my son solo. We did tons of energy work while I was pregnant and when he was tiny. He is such a bright and happy soul; I am so grateful I get to be his Mama. I truly think the new generations of human are so special and here to course correct our relationship with Earth, the universe and one another.

Shannon D. Bushnell is busy living her best life in Athens, GA where she raises her son Levi to be wild at heart and a sovereign soul. She does energy work remotely by private session and works in person behind the chair at Model Citizen Salon as a stylist and "hairapist."

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Transmissions: Voices in Transformation

Pappas-Kelley: I have always been intrigued by interesting people talking about the work they do, what makes them tick, their ideas, and what they find themselves drawn to as well as their approach. The Transmission Series is a conversation with (for better words) energy workers/transformational/spiritual/intuitives and beyond, to do just that.

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