Mary Mueller Shutan is a spiritual healer, teacher, and author. She is the author of several books on consciousness, including The Spiritual Awakening Guide, The Body Deva, and Shadow Work for the Soul. Her upcoming book Beyond the Adoption Rift, explores the experiences of adult adoptees (2027).
She has served her community since 2004, combining a grounded and pragmatic approach to spiritual and energetic work with extensive education in the holistic and bodywork sphere.
Personal Bio
I have been interested in mysticism, philosophy, and psychology since early childhood. At age 10, I picked up my first book on meditation, along with a tape on chakras that I listened to with fascination. During my teenage years I began exploring energy work, herbalism, and esotericism, while also establishing a regular meditation practice.
In 2003, I earned of Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Publishing and the Non-for-Profit Arts. After college, I spent a few years in bartending and retail jobs as well as a memorable stint as an obituary guestbook reviewer-editor while continuing my studies in healing arts and becoming a Reiki Master Teacher.
From 2003-2019, I studied extensively with the Upledger Institute, completing courses in Visceral Manipulation and Clinical Massage techniques. My primary focus was on CranioSacral therapy, where I completed the Advanced 3 course with Dr. Chas Perry and became a Diplomate of CranioSacral Therapy (CST-D).
I also become certified in Zero Balancing, studying with its creator Dr. Fritz Smith, as well as Mary Murphy and other teachers. This modality focuses on body structure, bone, and the energetic currents that move through the skeletal system.
In addition, I studied with the Chikly Health Institute, where I trained in Lymph Drainage as well as Brain Curriculum (a focused meditative and energetic practice that involves extensive study of neuroanatomy), and Heart Centered Therapy.
From 2004- 2009 I studied at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (now called Pacific College of Health and Science) where I earned my Massage Therapy License (LMT, 2005), completed a 695 hour certification in Asian Bodywork (including Shiatsu, Thai Massage, and Tui Na, 2006) and received a Master of Science Degree in Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine) in 2009.
Between 2004-2008, I studied Thai Bodywork with Chuck Duff, completing over 200 hours of training. His approach combines traditional Thai Bodywork techniques with trigger point therapy to address pain and other difficult-to-treat conditions.
In 2005, I worked as a massage therapist at a spa, taught at the massage school I graduated from, and began my solo first clinical practice.
From 2003-2016 I maintained a holistic health practice, working with clients in private practice, integrative clinics, spas, and a hospice/end of life facility focused on cancer and ALS. My work integrated Chinese Medicine, CranioSacral Therapy, and energetic-spiritual healing. In 2016, I closed down my in-person practice and shifted my focus toward writing, distance healing, and teaching.
Between 2003-2019 I focused extensively on my studies and personal spiritual practices, traveling to take workshops and find gurus and teachers in an effort to find some sort of deeper truth. From 1995-2019, I maintained a dedicated meditation practice, performed extensive shamanic and magical-occult ritual workings, and immersed myself in the study of thousands of books, all while moving through profound periods of inner transformation and initiation.
Over time, these experiences and studies have brought me full circle. I hold deep gratitude for the teachers, gurus, books, and educational institutions that have been such a large part of my path.
In 2019, I arrived at a place of peace, where I simply desired to be of service to others and to experience reality as it is. I began a process of letting go, and of allowing practices and experiences that once so defined my life and identity to release. My practices these days are focused on communion and learning to listen and be with the forces that surround and flow through me.
After decades of study and practice, my focus has shifted to meaningful human connection and living my life as fully and authentically as possible. The question that guides my personal practices is how I can become more loving towards myself, others, and life itself.