Michael Dunning

During the late 1980’s Michael became extremely ill as a result of an encounter in the far north of Scotland with a powerful otherworldly being that he refers to as the Sulfur Daemon - Daemon is not meant here in the Biblical or Medieval sense but as related to the Sanskrit Deva, meaning 'to shine' or' shining.' Several years later and close to death, Michael was led to an ancient female yew tree in the south of Scotland. He spent over nine years under this yew where he was healed and where he was given the template for a shamanic practice (yewshamanism) and a mystery school based on the direct teachings of the yew tree as custodian to the vast healing and regenerative powers of the Otherworld, (Annwn.) Michael refers to the teachings of the yew as the Yew Mysteries.

Michael emigrated to the USA in 2003 and currently resides in rural Western Massachusetts.

While living in Scotland Michael studied Craniosacral Therapy with Donald Howitt D.O. and offers a two -year foundation training, individual sessions and practitioner mentoring in a unique form of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. Learn more here.

Michael currently teaches the Yew Mysteries in Wales and Scotland, UK as well as in USA. He has written about his experiences with the yew in the book Soul Companions and in many other publications including Sacred Hoop and the Journal of Contemporary Shamanism. Michael is currently writing a book about his experiences with the yew.

Endorsements

Michael Dunning brings powerfully transformative, richly integrative and profoundly expansive insight and skills to the energetic healing world. His healing eyes penetrate the most callous wound. His ability to engage the wise voice of the physical and energetic bodies upholds and empowers the client as the ultimate healing force in the process of wellness and restoration. I cannot recommend him enough!
Orion Foxwood, author of: The Faery Teachings, The Tree of Enchantment & The Candle and the Crossroads
Michael was called to his healing path in true shamanic fashion, and then dedicated himself fully for many years to learning what the ancient Yew was offering . Now that he shares the richness and power of that great and hard-won gift with us, we and the world are better for it. Thank you, Michael.
Brooke Medicine Eagle, Earthkeeper and author of: BUFFALO WOMAN COMES SINGING
Michael Dunning is truly extraordinary. His subtle approach flows deeply into the interface between body and consciousness. Highly recommended.
Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen and Leonard Cohen, The School For Body Mind Centering (BMC)
Michael Dunning is an unusual and gifted healer. His refined attunement to the body, mind and environment opens many doorways to health and well-being.
Joseph Goldstein, author of: The experience of Insight & Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening
Michael Dunning’s unique and deeply personal experience of yew trees and one ancient Scottish yew in particular, has involved a journey across many years which few people could ever make. As a result he has gained compelling, insightful and astonishing understanding of the complex and mysterious relationship between humans and yews - a sacred relationship containing revelations almost, but not quite, lost to the modern world and which are revealed by his brilliant, compassionate and vital work in raising awareness of this special relationship. I am honored and privileged to be a witness to his endeavors on behalf of yew trees and the dedication and character of the truly remarkable and rare man which Michael is.
Paul Greenwood, co-founder of the Ancient Yew Group (AYG), author of: William Wordsworth and the Yew-Trees of Borrowdale

Public Engagements

Michael has offered classes, workshops and presentations at the following venues, events and locations:

  • Still Meadow Conference and Retreat Center, Portland, OR
  • The Sacred Circle of Great Mystery Shamanic Society, Squamish, BC Canada
  • Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
  • The Faery Congress, WA
  • Clark University MA
  • St Michael’s College VT
  • The ARC (Alternative Research Community) Convention, Bath UK
  • Cranwell Resort, Lenox MA
  • Earthdance, Plainfield  MA
  • The Green Mountain Druid Order VT
  • Spirit Fire Festival NY
  • Rites of Spring MA
  • Feast of Lights MA
  • Sacred Stone Center For Holistic Education RI
  • Unicorn Books and Spiritual Resource Center MA
  • Nine Mountain Retreat Center MA

md-and-tall-yew-tree