Sámi Ceremonies
Amidst the vast Arctic landscapes of Northern Norway, where the sky comes alive with shimmering auroras, the Sámi people have long embraced the natural world as a source of wisdom, guidance, and spiritual connection. Their traditions, deeply rooted in respect for nature and ancestry, offer a glimpse into a worldview where every element—fire, wind, light, and earth—holds sacred significance.
Through ancient ceremonies led by Sámi shamans, visitors are invited to experience this rich cultural heritage firsthand. Whether gathered around the warmth of a lavvu fire, sipping sacred chaga tea, or standing beneath the dancing Northern Lights, each ritual is a journey into the heart of Sámi spirituality. These ceremonies are more than cultural encounters; they are immersive, transformative experiences that bridge the past and present, allowing participants to connect with the Arctic landscape and its ancestral spirits.
Join us in Isogaisa Siida at Kvernmoen for a profound exploration of Sámi traditions, where myths, nature, and spiritual wisdom intertwine under the Arctic skies.
Ronald Kvernmo
Sámi Shaman
A Spiritual Journey Under The Arctic Skies
Edelweiss_Loren Bedeli
Northern Lights Ceremony
In Sámi culture, the Northern Lights are more than just a celestial phenomenon; they are a sacred connection to their ancestors, who, according to tradition, dance across the Arctic skies. The Northern Lights Ceremony, led by a Sámi shaman, invites participants to explore this deep spiritual meaning while experiencing the awe-inspiring natural wonder of the aurora borealis.
The ceremony begins with a warm cup of chaga tea, a sacred drink made from birch fungi that is believed to provide strength and energy for the journey ahead. As you sip the tea, the shaman explains the significance of the Northern Lights in Sámi mythology, where they are seen as guardians and companions to the reindeer herders navigating the cold Arctic moors. While science attributes the aurora to electrical particles from the sun hitting the Earth’s atmosphere, the Sámi view them as the souls of forefathers, creating a personal and mystical connection for each observer.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
A nutrient-rich fungus that grows on birch trees, has been used for centuries in Sami shamanistic ceremonies. Revered for its healing properties and energy-boosting effects, chaga is brewed into a tea believed to strengthen the body and spirit, making it a sacred element in Sámi traditions.
Participants are invited to offer a piece of tinder to the fire as a symbolic gesture of respect and gratitude to their ancestors. The shaman shares ancient stories and songs about the Northern Lights, blending science with spirituality, and encourages reflection on your own relationship with your forebears. Each participant develops their unique connection to the aurora, making this ceremony a deeply personal and moving experience.
Whether you see the Northern Lights as a scientific marvel or a spiritual guide, this ceremony offers an unparalleled opportunity to view them through the lens of Sámi culture. Join us for this transformative experience, where the past and present converge under the Arctic skies.
Did you know?
In Sámi kindergartens, children are introduced to the wonder of guovssahas (the Northern Lights) through traditional songs and stories passed down through generations.
Guovssahasat vihket, lip lip lii Buoidi njálmmis, lip lip lii Veahčir gállus, lip lip lii Ákšu sealggis, lip lip lip.<
The Northern Lights run, lip lip lii Grease in the mouth, lip lip lii Hammer in the pan, lip lip lii The axe in the back, lip lip lip.
The song is safely sung indoors, as Sámi tradition warns that singing it outdoors could result in a mouse-tail if the Northern Lights hear. As they grow, Sámi children learn to respect the Northern Lights, seen in their mythology as the souls of forefathers dancing in the sky, reflecting a deep bond with nature and ancestry.
Discover the Mystical Heart of Sámi Culture
Michael Ulriksen
The Lávvu Ceremony
Step into a traditional Sámi lavvu, a cone-shaped tent, and embark on a journey into the spiritual and cultural heart of the Sámi people. The Lavvu Ceremony, guided by a Sámi shaman, reveals the stories, traditions, and unseen forces that govern life inside the lavvu.
The shaman begins by sharing the rich history of the Sámi people, touching on their joik (traditional chanting), language, reindeer-herding practices, and the role of the lavvu in their daily lives. However, the experience extends beyond visible traditions, delving into the spiritual guardians of the lavvu:
Uksáhkká
The guardian of the lavvu entrance, Uksahkka decides who may enter. Defying her could have consequences.
Sáráhkká
The goddess of birth, Sarahkka lives under the fireplace. She supports expectant mothers and celebrates new life. Sometimes glimpsed in the fire’s flames, she appreciates shared coffee and her joik.
Juoksáhkká
The bow-woman, Juoksahkka guards the boaššu, where hunting weapons are stored. She influences hunting success and luck in life. Offerings to her may bring fortune and success.
As you sit by the warm glow of the fire, the shaman conveys messages from the Sami spirits and the natural world, creating a sense of connection to the unseen forces that shape life in the Arctic. The Lavvu Ceremony is more than a cultural experience; it is an invitation to engage with the spiritual essence of the Sámi people and their harmonious relationship with nature.
Join us in the lavvu for an unforgettable journey into Sámi traditions, where storytelling, spirituality, and cultural heritage come together in a truly magical setting.
