Today I sit down with Helena Choi Soholm, PhD. A Korean American who grew up in a Protestant family, in 2018, Dr Soholm was initiated into becoming both a transpersonal psychologist and a Korean shaman (or mudang). Our conversation focuses on her experience navigating the intersections of archetypal energies, trance states, and possession by ancestral spirits. Along the way, we talk about her initiation in Korea, the centrality of music in shamanic ceremonies, how Korean adoptees reestablish ancestral connection, and about the goal of integrating transcendent and immanent spirituality.
If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in multidisciplinary conversations about Asian healing and mystical traditions, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. Also check out our members area on Substack (blackberyl.substack.com), as each episode our guests share downloadable PDFs of articles, book chapters, and other materials for you.
One last thing: we are planning an “Ask Me Anything” episode coming up soon, so reach out via Substack or my website, piercesalguero.com, and let me know your questions. Ok, on with the show!
Resources relevant to this episode:
* Helena’s upcoming events
* Helena’s shamanic services
* My interview with Jeff Kriple (BBP 3.18)
* Intangible Asset No. 82
Subscribe on blackberyl.substack.com to unlock our members-only benefits, including the following:
* Helen Choi Soholm, Brief Guidelines for an Ancestor Honoring Ritual (PDF)
* Intangible Asset No. 82 (streaming video)
Get full access to Black Beryl Podcast at blackberyl.substack.com/subscribe
