Spells and Healing I – Course
Thu–Sun, November 6–9, 2025
Kolin Mattila, Koli National Park, Finland
Instructors:
Noora Korppi & Helena Karhu
Guest instructor: Jaana Louhelainen
The aim of this course is to deepen your understanding of the use of spells within the Finnish folk healing tradition. We will focus especially on healing spells—their meanings, symbolism, words, and uses. We will study ancient Finnish spell poems and respectfully invite words from the powerful nature of Koli.
The course includes lectures on animistic-shamanistic approaches to healing and another focused on healing spells. In addition, we will do hands-on practices. We will learn new spells—and also create our own, if they wish to come through us.
The course will be joined by Jaana Louhelainen from Koli, whose "Kolin Loitsurumpu" (Koli Spell Drum) exhibition was on display at Koli Nature Center Ukko in autumn. Jaana will bring the drums from the exhibition to the course, allowing us to experience the healing power of the spell drum.
Our Northern animistic-shamanistic perspective can help cultivate stability in our lives—by strengthening our connection to our roots and to nature, through our voice, body, and emotions. We will explore spellcraft techniques and exercises that center on deep listening to nature, intuitive sensitivity, emotional presence, openness—and traditional knowledge.
Together we will delve into the nature-connected dimensions of our own folk tradition—through singing, writing, listening, and silence. We will reflect on nature spirituality through the lens of our own cultural roots, celebrating the globally significant tradition of spells, the soundscapes of our native nature, and our ancient heritage.
There will be a unique opportunity to create your own spell and receive guidance from Noora Korppi on how to compose it musically. If you have your own instruments, you are welcome to bring them.
Spells are the most essential core of Finnish folk tradition—unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Research traces their origin back at least 2,000 years, rooted in ancient Finnish shamanistic culture. Spells are ritual poems based on folk knowledge of väki, a force or power inherent in nature and words. The language of spells differs from everyday language due to the magical potency of words. Kalevala-meter spells were referred to as “luku” (reading) or “sana” (word). In traditional rural communities, the use of spells was very common and widely known.
The tradition is still very much alive today. A new generation of spell-singers is emerging—deeply connected to ancient words and rhythms, while also blending them with contemporary language.
Instructors
Noora Korppi:
I am an emotional and consciousness coach, as well as a singer-songwriter. These two worlds come together in the spell songs I create and channel—whose magic I hope to share with you during this course. My path into the world of spells happened “by accident”—I didn’t consciously choose this way, but feel that the spells chose me.
In 2018, I received a call to begin hosting the Korppi Spell Song Circles. These circles are a shamanic journey through emotions carried by the spells I’ve created. Many people have shared that these spells helped them process their emotions—which I see as the most important task of spells in our current world.
I look forward to strengthening our connection to ourselves, our roots, nature, and the spell tradition—together.
Helena Karhu:
I am a shamanism teacher, cultural producer, and researcher from North Karelia. My soul’s work takes place in Karhun Talo (The House of the Bear), which is dedicated to remembering our deep connection to nature—as a source of consciousness, well-being, and community. I seek to understand, remember, and live folk cultures and wisdom traditions together with you all.
I chair the Pielinen Center of Traditional Knowledge Association, which aims to support and live the wisdom traditions of our North Karelian ancestors.
My passion lies in bringing out the illuminating, collaborative, and empowering aspects of the animistic-shamanistic cultural heritage—offering space for everyone to simply be, and the freedom to become who they truly are. As your guide, I aim to be inspiring and grounded—centered in simplicity and natural living.
Course Venue:
Kolin Mattila, in the heart of Koli National Park—walking distance from Koli peaks and harbor. Kolin Mattila is a serene, traditional log-building retreat space surrounded by nature. It offers an ideal setting for our course: peaceful, rooted in tradition, and lovingly cared for. We’ll enjoy home-cooked vegetarian meals and the warmth of a wood-heated forest sauna. More info: https://www.kolinmattila.com/
Is this course for me?
This course is open to anyone with a natural interest in the subject. Previous experience—such as a basic course in shamanism—is recommended (see the basic courses at Karhun Talo). Please note: the venue is not accessible for people with mobility challenges. Normal mobility is required. The course is fully alcohol- and substance-free. All meals are vegetarian.
Registration and Pricing:
Early bird until July 31, 2025: €330 (incl. 25.5% VAT)
From August 1 onwards: €375 (incl. 25.5% VAT)
Accommodation with full board (Thu dinner – Sun lunch) in shared rooms: €360.
Single rooms are not available, but we can help you find nearby accommodation if you prefer a private room.
Register by email: info@karhuntalo.com
The course fee does not include travel to/from the retreat center or travel insurance. All participants must read and understand the booking and cancellation policies before registering.
Accommodation with Full Board:
We strongly recommend that all participants stay at Kolin Mattila to maintain the energetic container of the course. This allows you the time and solitude needed for your personal process. Full-board accommodation (Thu dinner to Sun lunch) in shared rooms: €360 / person / 3 nights.
The course is 100% alcohol- and substance-free.
Contact:
Questions? Contact us at: info@karhuntalo.com
Preliminary Program
Thursday:
16:00 – Arrival
17:00 – Course Opening:
• Introduction round
• Welcome spells
• Offering mandala
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Korppi's Spell Song Circle
Friday:
08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Morning meditation & lecture: Shamanic Healing
10:30 – Break
• Healing Spells
12:00 – Lunch
13:00 – Visit to Koli’s sacred natural sites & spellcrafting with Noora
• Rest break at the guesthouse
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Let the Koli Spell Drum Sound – visit from Jaana Louhelainen
20:30 – Sauna
Saturday:
08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Morning meditation & lecture: Healing Spells
10:30 – Break
• Creating your own spell outdoors / visit to sacred natural site
12:00 – Lunch
13:00–15:00 – Break
15:00 – Shamanic Healing & Spells
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Evening meditation & unwinding
20:00 – Sauna
Sunday:
08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Spell Ceremony
12:00 – Lunch break
13:00–14:00 – Course closing circle
