Satu Palosaari
My roots are found deep in the soil of Kuusamo, and I draw my strength from nature and about animals. I am a wife, mother and mami(stepmom) to four children, and our family includes them as well Lapland reindeer hounds and reindeer.
I am a sixth generation reindeer herder and have spent more than 20 years as an experience service entrepreneur in the tourism industry, but my path as a shaman has followed me throughout my life for.
I grew up in nature, and returning there gives me strength. I love the wonders of nature exploring, gathering herbs, berries and mushrooms, and fly fishing is close to my heart. My hands are constantly finding new things to do, because working with their hands and utilizing natural materials are my passion. As a natural product adviser, I have also been able to share information about the treasures of the Forest – theirs of primordial and unifying forces. It is important for me to cherish and share this knowledge both in everyday life and in the shaman’s journey.
My journey as a shaman began as a child, with the guidance of my father, the Kuusamo shaman. His personality, his connection with nature, his songs and spells ignited in me the desire to learn and continue this ancient tradition. I am combined what I learned with my own experiences and life story, and thus built my shamanism calming and wholesome moments around, where old traditions meet today’s needs.
I offer versatile experiences as a shaman.
I guide drum relaxation and drum meditations, which combine shamanistic chants, spells and the calming power of nature. I also love to develop rituals and moments that help to find balance and strength in the middle of everyday life. My services are often organized in the heart of nature, at home or by the fire, in which case the environment supports a deep connection with oneself and nature. Every moment is individual and intended precisely for the needs of the participants.
Mika Lappalainen
My roots are deep set in the ancient forests of Kainuu, eastern Finland, but the north has always been my heart’s desire. Forests, fells and rivers are a constant source of joy for me. My father introduced me to fishing when I was five years old, and I still remember many childhood fishing trips. I took up fly-fishing in 1997.
Previously, I worked in the Finnish Defence Forces as a trainer and sergeant major, until I studied to be a wilderness and nature guide and a fishing guide. In 2009, I was able to turn a beloved hobby into a professional guiding service. In this work I can pass on my knowledge and skills to my customers. In 2010, I moved to live permanently in Kuusamo with my wife, Satu, where we now together continue the family’s old livelihood, reindeer husbandry. At the same time, we also carry on the tourism activities started by Satu’s father, Reino.
Alongside fishing, I have discovered a second passion in life, reindeer husbandry. Living in sync with the cycle of nature, with all its joys and sorrows, is peaceful in its own way. When working with reindeer, I can follow the signs of nature much more closely than when just wandering in the wilderness. In nature, everything has an effect on everything else. Having our own Lapp reindeer dogs join me in working with the reindeer is rewarding. Years of training gives back many times over when I see a dog leading reindeer to roundups in autumn.
When winter turns to spring, there is time to organise/guide ice-fishing trips and long snowmobile safaris to Sweden. I enjoy safaris of several days with the same guests, as then there is time to get to know people better. On these excursions, the wilderness takes on a whole new meaning and each excursion is unique.
