OUR STORY
Shamanic Space was founded to create a bridge through Shamanic healing and journeys from the modern world of our clients to the indigenous Shamans and Inca wisdom of Peru.
Over twenty-five years ago, Peruvian-born Shaman and renowned archaeologist Dr Rubén Orellana PHD had a chance meeting with American psychotherapist and shamanic practitioner Michele Costa Lukis in the Amazon Jungle. After an accident which required a life-saving spinal operation, Michele had journeyed to the jungle to find healing in working with Ayahuasca and later to the highlands to work with Wachuma (San Pedro). Since what her neurosurgeon calls ‘a miraculous recovery’, Michele and Rubén formed Shamanic Space to offer a safe connection to traditional Ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremonies to allow others to explore the profound healing benefits of the medicine plants, learning from the traditions that have survived.
From the Amazon Jungle to the high country, we are honoured to have held space for over 25 years with renowned and highly experienced indigenous Curanderos and Ayahuasqueros, holding traditional ceremonies on sacred sites throughout Peru.
Over the years, Shamanic Space has evolved to offer shamanic workshops and retreats in the UK, Europe and New Zealand offering safe and legal opportunities to experience the profound healing benefits of working with the sacred plant medicines.
It is our honour and privilege to hold space, set and setting on your journey to healing.
DR RUBÉN ORELLANA PHD
Dr Rubén Orellana PHD is a Peruvian born and trained shaman who has made significant anthropological and archaeological contributions to the study and understanding of the Andean way of living. As the Director of the Institute of Inka Research (Inika), he is dedicated to researching and valuing Andean culture.
Born in Cusco, Rubén has been following the shamanic path since the age of nine. His career as an archaeologist culminated with being named Head of Archaeology at Machu Picchu where he discovered forty-four new sites surrounding the Crystal City, including the North Inca Trail. For these discoveries, he was on the cover of Time Magazine in South America. Rubén has lead extensive research into the mystical aspects of many significant sites and uncovered the true use of many temples in the empire.
Rubén has held ceremonial tours of Peru since 1976 and has brewed for many psychonauts including Terence McKenna who referred to him as ‘the Indiana Jones of Peru’. He has been interviewed in Ross Heaven’s books Cactus of Mystery and The Hummingbird’s Journey to God in which he is described as the ‘Maestro of San Pedro’ and has been featured on Medicine Woman among other documentaries for the Discovery Channel.
Rubén feels that his role as a scientist and a Shaman is to bridge between the indigenous Ayahuasqueros and Curanderos (Shamans) and the modern world. He continues to combine his experience with his excitement for the work and his deep love for all people into a vision of subtlety and divine power.
MICHELE COSTA
Michele Costa is a Transpersonal-Psychotherapist, shamanic practitioner, Maestra of San Pedro, Reiki Master and spiritual healer based in London. She has spent over forty years studying spiritual and psychological healing, including the study of Shamanic traditions from around the world. For over twenty-five years, Michele has run a psychotherapy and shamanic practice in London, in addition to teaching workshops in meditation and Shamanic studies. She holds a monthly spiritual and healing circle and regularly leads plant medicine and shamanic workshops throughout Europe and Peru.
Michele is a native Californian who studied at the University of California. At twenty-two, Michele turned to the Berkeley Psychic Institute to begin her training in higher awareness and went on to earn a diploma in Psychotherapy from The Psychosynthesis and Educational Trust. She has studied and continues to work with spiritual teachers both indigenous and in core Shamanism. Her spiritual journey has taken her through North America, South America, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, Fiji and to The Sacred Trust in England. Michele’s most influential mentors include Nan Beecher-Moore with whom she studied for twenty years, Dr Rodger Woolger, Simon Buxton, Piero Ferrucci, Dr Gabor Maté M.D and Dr Rubén Orellana PHD of Peru. Michele is deeply indebted to her indigenous teachers of the Amazon and Andes.
Michele’s work reflects her diverse background and her commitment to helping others on their journey to healing and empowerment. With the help of Ruben, Michele works to bridge her clients with the indigenous wisdom keepers of Peru. She is a member of the Society for Shamanic Practitioners and is committed to living and practicing the Principles of Integrity as described by the society. Michele is actively involved in providing Ayahuasca and other medicine plant aftercare and is committed to helping people to integrate and process their experience of the medicines.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews with Dr Ruben Orellana & Michele Lukis as featured in:
AYAHUASCA, SAN PEDRO & THE JOURNEY BACK TO SELF
In this illuminating and soul-stirring episode, we journey through the ancient world of plant medicine, where healing is not about fixing symptoms but remembering who we truly are. Michele and Ruben share stories of transformation, initiation, and the vital role of play, presence, and ritual in our healing journeys.
Hosted by Julian Issa, The Beyond Tomorrow Podcast brings you the people, ideas, and breakthroughs shaping the future. Each episode explores innovations in longevity, health, technology, and human potential to help you live a healthier, more prosperous life.
SEEKING THE SELF;
DEATH, LOSS, INITIATION WITH MICHELE COSTA
Michele’s recent interview with Dr Aaron Balick and Nathalie Nahai for their podcast, ‘Seeking The Self’, in which she discusses her relationship with Ayahuasca and the events that lead to her shamanic path.
ANNA FELLOWES LUKIS
Anna is a dedicated wellness practitioner, breathwork instructor and yoga teacher who has spent the last decade exploring healing practices and holistic philosophies from around the world.
Her journey has led her into the world of sacred plants, from the warm embrace of the Amazon jungle in ceremony with Ayahuasca, to working with Wachuma in the Andes and onwards to the Dutch countryside working with psilocybin. Following her profound experiences with these sacred plant medicines, Anna continues to expand her understanding of their traditions and heritage, learning to brew the medicine under the guidance of Peruvian Curandero, Dr Rubén Orellana. She is passionate about facilitating safe and supported space for others to explore the profound healing benefits of the practices that have deeply impacted her own life and it is her honour to be of service.
Anna has completed 200-hour yoga teacher trainings in Forrest Yoga with founder Ana Forrest in Bali and in Hatha Raga Yoga with Ambra Vallo at the renowned Indaba Studio in London. Her yoga practice enhances the plant medicine experience, providing space for deeper connection and integration.
Recently, Anna trained as a breathwork teacher in the mountains of Australia with Johannes Egberts, who studied under Wim Hof. She has found breakthrough breathwork to be a powerful tool for releasing blocked energy, trauma, and anxiety and it is now a key component of her life and her offerings.
Anna continues to explore the union of mind, body and spirit through shamanic practice, yoga and breathwork and hopes to help clients release blocked energy, trauma and anxiety stored in the body, bringing forth a renewed sense of creativity and well-being. It is her honour to share space with our group members and to help them on their healing journey.
OSCAR OSORES VEGAS
We have been honoured to have our dear friend, Oscar, as part of the Shamanic Space family for the last 20 years. With over 25 years of experience as a certified Tour Guide by the Ministry of Tourism in Peru, Oscar brings a deep well of wisdom, heart and cultural knowledge to every journey through the sacred landscapes of his homeland. His offerings are rooted in a lifelong passion for the ancestral traditions of his ancestors and he is honoured to collaborate with renowned archaeologist Dr. Rubén Orellana and psychotherapist, Michele Costa, united in their dedication to preserving and sharing the richness of Peruvian heritage.
Oscar is a core part of our team in Peru, helping us to create offerings that honour the rhythms of nature, ancient traditions and modern local customs. From the incredible heights of the Andes to the vibrant heart of the Amazon, his intention is to open a gateway to deeper connection with the land, with the culture, and with oneself. He is a highly experienced facilitator and joins us on each step of our annual Peruvian pilgrimages, offering support and guidance as we navigate Peru and evolve through sacred ceremonies.
As a devoted student of shamanic practices and ancient Peruvian history, Oscar invites us to see the landscape not just as a backdrop, but as a living teacher. His guidance offers more than just information, it opens a space for transformation, where every journey becomes a sacred encounter with the spirit of this ancient land.