Meet Ember Markussen | Shamanic Guide & Ritual Breathwork Healer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ember Markussen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ember, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I began to do the work of healing my own wounds, I realized how few people are able to receive that healing. No one teaches us to do the inner work, yet it’s arguably the most important skill we possess. Sharing knowledge is my gift, so it only made sense to me that I give that information and those techniques to as many people as I could. I think we’re all responsible for trying to help each other grow. Even if someone only completes one session with me, or uses one resource, that’s a beginning. A ripple. It may take years to move slowly through the shadow work and wounds and generational patterns that keep us trapped…but every step brings us to a new choice. And that new choice may completely change our story.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am called to guide those who are facing a transformation of the self, whether they sought out a change or had one thrust upon them. These can be big life changes, such as divorce or disease, or spiritual awakenings calling you to your next level. I focus on shadow work, because that’s often where the most support is needed. It’s scary to go deep into your own fears and your hidden pain, and I provide a strong and nurturing hand to hold as you travel within. My combination of ritual breathwork, energy healing, cosmic guidance, and grounding embodiment practices allow me to tailor everything for your story, and welcome each shadow according to its needs.

My work is constantly evolving to meet the needs of my clients and my own practice. The biggest challenge has been capturing the everchanging nature of what I do, because the high level of customization means the journey is truly different for each client, at each session. It is incredibly impactful for those who are doing the work, but difficult to explain in a sound bite or social media post. I truly believe, however, that those who are truly called to the depths will find me, just as I found my healers when I needed them.

Magic works in mysterious ways. If you find me in your life, there is a reason for it. My story intersects with yours at the place where you’re ready to grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here in Orange County, I think we struggle to find authentic spaces, but that simply means I treasure them all the more when they appear.

Obviously, if you’re in Southern California, you can’t miss the beaches. I like Newport Beach for convenience and Laguna Beach if I feel like braving the drive. Near Newport Beach is Hola Adios coffee shop, which is often on my route, and I will say that if I’m going to Laguna Beach I’m stopping at La Rue du Chocolat, my all time favorite chocolaterie.

If the beach doesn’t suit, I love the short but gorgeous hikes at Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim Hills, and the super over-the-top bakery Sugar Buzz nearby. It will definitely bring joy to your inner child!

For me, our Old Towns offer a much more grounded feel. I love visiting Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen in Orange for dinner. The shrimp enchiladas can’t be beat. You can make reservations to follow a day of thrifting in The Plaza, which sports a wide range of vintage and antique stores.

With all of that being said, I prefer a vacation that focuses on rest and relaxation. A few yoga classes at OH Yoga, a day at iSpa in Irvine, and a lot of time by the waves and trees is what most of us really need more than shopping and fancy food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My awakening came at the hands of Jennifer Henkle, who not only guided me through my first round of shadow work but connected me to training so that I could walk my path in alignment. David Elliott has been a wonderful teacher, and Emily Celis of S.A.G.E. a tireless cheerleader of my work. I am especially grateful to her Holistic Healers Collective, where I have been able to befriend likeminded folks who know how heavy this work can be and offer consistent and loving support.

Website: https://www.thestorypriestess.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestorypriestess/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestorypriestess

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thestorypriestess

Image Credits
Photos by Katelyn Such and Ember Markussen