Åsbacka Center for Shamanic Healing
Åsbacka is a small retreat center in southern Sweden. It is also the home of Jonathan Horwitz and Zara Waldebäck. We hold workshops in shamanism, animism and healing story. We also offer personal healing retreats, ongoing groups, shamanic guidance and advanced mentoring.
2022 update: Åsbacka is currently closed for visitors. We hope to open later in 2022-23.
*** ÅSBACKA FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN ***
as part of Jonathan's 80th birthday celebration, we asked for gifts and donations to help fund essential maintenance for two guest houses. We are hugely grateful for your support. The work is now under way and the fundraising campaign is still open for donations: https://www.gofundme.com/f/aasbacka
Find more information about our courses and events, including many online offerings, at the Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies https://www.shamanism.dk/
ÅSBACKA SPACES
Nestled within a large wild forested area, we are at the end of a dirt road. It is very quiet and peaceful, with a few neighbours, but no one close enough to see. Nearby is a nature reserve and many walking trails. Åsbacka is like a small village, with several wooden cabins, all of a simple standard
Torpet - a small house where Jonathan and Zara live all year round
Vinkelstugan - guest house accommodation for 6-7 people incl bathroom & kitchenettes
Dansstugan - the Dance House, workroom circle space, plus sleeping loft for 3-4 people
Lillistugan - tiny guest house, basic accommodation for 1-2 people
Backstugan - the oldest cabin, built into a hill. A communal gathering place
Bastu - bathhouse with shower and sauna
Fireplaces - outdoor ceremonial fireplace and social fireplace
The Pond - tucked away at the edge of the land is a small quiet lake
Dansstugan
holding circles, courses & treatments
The Pond
a place of power and healing
Backstugan & Lillistugan
the oldest buildings
ÅSBACKA HISTORY
This special place has only had three human owners in over 100 years. The first known custodians were Elof and Thelise, who lived here a long time and built the main house. Elof was a gardener and known for his roses. In 1962, it was sold to the Folk Dancing Friends of Helsingborg, who used it as a communal gathering place, mainly in Summers, to dance, sing, play and enjoy life. They brought indoor toilets, running water, and two more buildings. In 2006, Jonathan was taken here by the granddaughter of one of the folk dancing elders, and the Spirits told him this was the place for him. Soon after, he met Zara and in 2007 they made it their permanent home. Every time Åsbacka has been sold, everything has been included and passed on. Much of the furniture and decoration is the same as it always has been. Living here is a balance of caring for the past and building for the future.
Whatever we do here, we do together with the Spirit of Åsbacka. It is very welcoming and helpful. Before we make changes or big decisions, we always talk to this Spirit and ask for its perspective and wishes. We receive a lot of support and guidance from our relationship, and are very grateful to live here together in this way.
ÅSBACKA LOCATION
We are in southern Sweden, in the forests of Hallandsåsen in north-west Skåne. It is roughly 2hrs north of Copenhagen airport, and 2hrs south of Gothenburg. For a map click here
