Welcome
My approach
I offer a warm and compassionate approach, providing a space for you to be completely yourself, regardless of what you are currently going through.
I meet you where you are, with warmth, curiosity, and respect.
I am Steve Altman, a shamanic practitioner based in North London, rooted in the teachings of the Maya, Toltec and Inca lineages. I walk a path dedicated to healing, connection, and remembrance. My work is guided by the wisdom passed through these traditions, wisdom that teaches us how to live in harmony with the natural world, our ancestors, and our own inner landscape.
Through years of study, ceremony, and personal transformation, I have learned to hold space for others as they navigate their healing journeys, offering practices that support clarity, grounding, and deep inner awakening.
I am also a shamanic drum maker, crafting each drum with intention, reverence, and respect for the spirits of the materials. Drum making is both a creative process and a sacred responsibility, an opportunity to birth instruments that carry healing vibration and help people connect with their rhythm and power.
My Shamanic Offerings
Obsidian Mirror
The obsidian mirror is a reflective tool traditionally used for deep introspection, clarity, and spiritual insight. Made from volcanic glass, obsidian has long been valued for its ability to reveal hidden truths and bring unconscious patterns to the surface. When used with intention, the mirror becomes a gateway for self reflection, helping you explore your inner world, release emotional blockages, and gain a clearer understanding of your personal journey. Working with an obsidian mirror encourages honest self inquiry, transformation, and energetic cleansing. Its reflective surface invites you to look beyond everyday distractions and connect with your deeper wisdom. Many people turn to this practice during times of transition, when they are seeking clarity, cultivating intuition, or letting go of limiting beliefs. Ultimately, the obsidian mirror serves as a powerful ally for those seeking personal growth, grounding, and renewed alignment with their inner truth.
Ancestral Healing
It has been proven that we are affected physically and mentally by the traumas carried through at least the three generations that came before us. I offer a very powerful and effective ancestral healing technique to support you in clearing away the heavy energies that may still be held in your body and psyche. It is also important to remember that our ancestors offer us many gifts. They carry skills, strengths, and joys that can be passed on to you. I combine this cleansing work with a shamanic journey to help you connect with a wise ancestor so that you can receive their gifts and deepen your relationship with them. Ultimately, ancestral healing is about remembering who you are, where you come from, and stepping into a more empowered and compassionate version of yourself.
Soul Retrieval
Soul retrieval is a healing practice that helps restore the parts of you that may have become disconnected due to trauma, stress, or challenging life experiences. When you go through situations that are overwhelming, aspects of your energy or vitality can retreat as a form of protection. Over time, this can leave you feeling fragmented, stuck, or disconnected from your purpose and joy. Soul retrieval gently guides you back to these lost pieces, allowing you to reclaim your wholeness and inner strength. By reintegrating these soul parts, you create space for deeper clarity, resilience, and emotional balance. The process invites you to reconnect with your true essence, release old patterns, and feel more grounded in who you are. Soul retrieval supports profound transformation, helping you return to your life with renewed energy, authenticity, and a greater sense of inner harmony.
Shamanic Drum Making
The shamanic drum is one of the oldest tools used by healers across the world. The beat of the drum can take you into a deep meditative state and help you access the wisdom of your unconscious, as well as supporting you to unwind after a difficult day and disentangle from heavy energies. Made from various animal hides, including goat, reindeer, horse, stag, and buffalo, I make personalised drums in a meditative way, connecting with the Mayan calendar to tune into the energy of the day and the intention behind each drum so that the instrument may support you in your life. I also tie a crystal of your choice into the handle. I offer the option of making a personalised drum for you or guiding you in person to make your own. All the materials you need are provided.
Traditions I Follow
Incas of Peru speak of ayni, reciprocity, the divine interchange of energies. It is the reminder of how important it is to share our gifts with the world while receiving the goodness and abundance of nature in return. I have spent time meditating by the Andes in Peru and feel a deep connection with the living Inca practices that help us connect harmoniously with the elemental forces.
The ancient Toltecs of Mexico spoke of the value of bringing the wisdom of the dream world into everyday life, as well as using sacred tools such as the obsidian mirror.
I have also been following the cycles of the five thousand year old Mayan calendar. Each day carries its own harmonising energy, such as the crocodile as a symbol of abundance or the day of the web which invites us to reflect on where we may feel caught. The Mayan day signs guide the way I work, informing my drum making, the ceremonies I lead, and the shamanic treatments I offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kind Words
I'm so happy with my drum. Steve carried out exactly what I wanted. I have the most beautiful smoky quartz crystal laced into the handle for me to hold whilst journeying. I highly recommend him.
Sihan Hoyles
Kind Words
I booked the drum making workshop for my seven year old son and myself. We had such a beautiful wholesome day together. Steve was so patient and made the whole day into a great memory for us both. He even made us a yummy lunch. The drum is an amazing sacred instrument and to have made it ourselves to take to festivals and retreats helps us feel more connected to the sound and the drum itself. Thank you so much Steve for an amazing day making our drum.
Carlie and George Bond
Kind Words
I love the drum made by Steve. It has a unique sound and it quickly became my favourite tool at work. I was impressed with the way Steve approaches his business. He had time to chat with me and learn about what I need. I believe the drum to be my energy. I am grateful for his work and I am recommending his drums to all of my friends. It is obvious that Steve has an authentic passion for shamanic journeys backed up by wisdom and experience.
Barbara Bracka
Let's Begin
If you would like to explore this work or need support choosing the right offering, please reach out. I am happy to help.