Meet Sand Carter | Shaman

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

Hi Sand, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Born in Los Angeles and adopted after 2 months in county care, my journey embodies the sacred path of the shamanic practitioner in unexpected ways. While my ancestry is to the Chumash people, I wasn’t raised within this rich cultural tradition – a circumstance that would later reveal itself as part of my spiritual initiation.

In shamanic traditions worldwide, the medicine person often walks between worlds, standing slightly apart from the community they serve. My experience of adoption and the deep sense of being “outside” that accompanied it wasn’t just a childhood circumstance – it was preparation for my role as a bridge between worlds. That early feeling of not belonging anywhere became my greatest teacher, helping me understand what it truly means to be a hollow bone for spirit medicine to flow through.

Today, I recognize that what seemed like displacement was actually divine alignment. My journey from adopted child to shamanic practitioner mirrors the ancient pattern of the wounded healer – one who transforms personal challenge into medicine for others. This unique path has given me both the perspective and the compassion needed to guide others on their own journeys of connection and healing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My approach to shamanic practice honors the ancient ways while creating bridges for today’s seekers. This isn’t watered-down spirituality – it’s ancestral wisdom made accessible and practical for modern life, without losing its sacred essence. I help people integrate these timeless teachings into their contemporary lives, illuminating how our ancestors’ knowledge remains powerfully relevant.

My path to becoming a medicine keeper wasn’t a straight line – it was a spiral dance of discovery. Working across various industries while navigating life as a neurodivergent person taught me valuable lessons about persistence and adaptation. But it was blind trust that ultimately led me home. After finding my birth family, I discovered that being a medicine keeper wasn’t just a calling – it was my lineage. Sometimes the longest road leads exactly where you’re meant to be.

What sets my practice apart is the depth of understanding that comes from lived experience. Being adopted, surviving an abusive childhood, and walking through life as a neurodivergent person didn’t just challenge me – these experiences became my medicine. They taught me how to be a hollow bone, a clear channel for spirit medicine to flow through. They showed me how our greatest difficulties can become our most powerful teachers.

I’m most proud of maintaining the integrity of ancient teachings while making them accessible to modern seekers. My work isn’t about following someone else’s path – it’s about helping each person discover their unique spiritual journey, guided by their ancestors, helping spirits, and inner truth.

What I want the world to know is this: your challenges aren’t obstacles to overcome – they’re gateways to your authentic path. My brand stands for deep acknowledgment of ancestral wisdom and the understanding that each person’s journey is unique. Whether through journey work, ceremony, or healing practices, I create sacred space where ancient wisdom meets modern seeking, where personal truth meets ancestral guidance.

This path continues to unfold. Each day brings new lessons, deeper understanding, and profound gratitude for the ability to serve as a bridge between worlds.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend were visiting for a week, I’d love to share the vibrant spirit of Temecula Valley and our surrounding areas. Our first stop would be the yoga studio and wellness center where I practice, allowing them to experience some of our transformative offerings and get a taste of our healing community.

Old Town Temecula is a must-visit, with its perfect blend of historic charm and modern energy. For something uniquely fun, I’d take them to ‘Portals’ – an amazing indoor blacklight mini golf experience that brings out the playful spirit in everyone!

The beauty of our location means we’re just a short drive from some of Southern California’s most enchanting beach cities. We could spend a day exploring the spiritual vibe of Encinitas, the laid-back charm of Oceanside, or the coastal beauty of Carlsbad. Each city has its own unique energy and gorgeous shoreline.

For unforgettable experiences, we’d take to the skies in a hot air balloon, floating above the valley for a truly magical perspective. And when it’s season, there’s nothing quite like blueberry picking – it’s a simple pleasure that connects you with the earth and its abundance.

These spots offer the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty – much like Temecula Valley itself!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My path to healing and purpose has been illuminated by several profound influences. The adoptee community has been instrumental in my journey, particularly through Adoptees Connect and the insightful ‘Adoptees On’ podcast. These spaces provided not just understanding, but a sense of belonging I had long sought.

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies opened doorways to ancient wisdom, while my teacher Renee Baribeau, ‘The Practical Shaman’, helped ground these spiritual teachings in everyday reality. Under her guidance, I learned to bridge the gap between traditional shamanic practices and modern healing needs.

These combined influences – the adoptee community’s embrace and the shamanic teachings – have woven together to create a unique tapestry of support, enabling me to transform my own experiences into medicine for others. Through these connections, I’ve discovered that what once felt like displacement was actually preparation for my role as a medicine keeper and bridge between worlds.

Website: https://www.3sticks2spiritshaman.com

Instagram: @3sticks2spiritshaman

Linkedin: Sand D

Image Credits
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