Catherine Björkstén - Shamanic Practitioner | Spiritual Counsellor | Retreat Facilitator | Author
I am a dedicated shamanic practitioner, spiritual counsellor, and facilitator of consciousness exploration. With a background in business and media, I transitioned from a corporate career into a profound spiritual journey, integrating animistic consciousness, shamanic traditions, and transpersonal psychology into my practice.
My path began with a psychic development training at the College of Psychic Studies in London (2005-2007), followed by the Hoffman Process (2007) and studies in transpersonal psychotherapy (2010-2011). A pivotal Vision Quest in the Pyrenees (2014) and plant medicine work led me to train extensively with indigenous wisdom keepers. I undertook a three-year apprenticeship (2015-2018) in the Andes with the Altomesayoq Paqos, followed by ongoing mentorship from indigenous elders across various traditions. From 2021-2023, I deepened my studies with a three-year shamanic training under Jez Hughes in Sussex, UK.
In 2014, I founded Akasha Awakening, a platform for grounded spiritual transformation, and have since facilitated retreats, workshops, and one to one sessions. I have consulted at the College of Psychic Studies and Lifespace in London, and in 2021, I published You Are Loved: Essential Spirit Guides & Guardians (Random House).
With a focus on embodied spirituality, I guide individuals through cycles of transformation, helping them reconnect with Spirit, Earth, and their true Essence. My work bridges the seen and unseen, offering a grounded approach to spiritual awakening and personal evolution.
Key Training & Experience
Diploma in Spiritual Counseling, Holistic Healing College, London (2014)
Vision Quest & plant medicine work (2014)
Three-year apprenticeship with Altomesayoq Paqos, Andes, Peru (2015-2018)
Mentorship with indigenous elders & wisdom keepers (2015-present)
Consultant at College of Psychic Studies & Lifespace, London (2016-2020)
Retreat facilitator, speaker, and workshop leader (2016-present)
Womb Awakening apprenticeship with Azra & Serene Bertrand (2018)
Women in Power initiation, UK (2019)
Three-year shamanic training with Second Sight, UK (2021-2023)
My mission is to support others in navigating their spiritual awakening with depth, integrity, and authenticity—helping them reclaim their wisdom, power, and connection to the natural world.