A Journey of Integrated Healing

My journey to becoming a Classical Homeopathic Practitioner and Co-Founder of Prometheus Homeopathic Institute emerged from a tapestry woven with early mystical inclinations, transformative life experiences, and devoted study across multiple healing traditions. Beyond homeopathy, which is now fully infused within my mind stream, my path has encompassed the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism, yoga, anthropology, astrology, complementary and alternative medicine, psychology—including Psychosynthesis and Jungian approaches—chemical dependency and family treatment counseling, shamanism, past-life regression therapy, hospice care, death doula training, and numerous other spiritual and healing modalities.

My approach is rooted in understanding the Life Force – the unseen energy that animates all things. This life force can sometimes wane, become broken, disappear, or even be seemingly stolen through life’s challenges. My work delves into the profound importance of this vital energy, recognizing its dance of emergence and unbounded sway in seamless harmony with the Cosmic Field, the boundless intelligence of the universe itself. From this vastness, remedies act like portals to the source, allowing us to access inherent wisdom. Restorative currents billow forth like clouds, rectifying impairments, mending breaks, and renewing what has diminished or been disrupted in our life force. These universal currents, empowered by the very essence of cosmic purity and wisdom, return to us as light and healing nectar, helping to restore our innate vibrancy and wholeness.

Early Life & Foundational Studies

My quest for deep mastery of two distinct healing arts, astrology and homeopathy, was made possible by my early immersion in intensive study. From a young age, I displayed a natural mystical inclination, finding myself deeply drawn to nature, art, and imaginative play, while voraciously devouring everything I could find on mythology, the mythopoetic, world religions, and spiritual traditions—especially those related to shamanism and healing on all levels.

My journey into the healing arts began remarkably early. I started studying astrology at the age of ten, and by eighteen, I was already in professional practice, offering readings at Stonehenge Rocks & Rituals in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where I cultivated my craft and served clients for ten years.

My love of learning, curiosity, and sense of wonder was further encouraged by the progressive education I received at the Saint Paul Open School (Minnesota), one of the country’s earliest public alternative schools. At age 16, I was given an auspicious start in studying various healing modalities, benefiting from the guidance of talented mentors who were knowledgeable in past-life regression therapies, rebirthing, spiritual guidance, and astrology. It was during this formative time that I began studying with the noted Western Herbalist and Homeopath Matthew Wood, author of Seven Herbs.

Additionally, I studied hospice care under the mentorship of some of the first hospice nurses at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Saint Paul. At the school, I also had the privilege of teaching Greco-Roman and Celtic Mythology to seventh through twelfth graders.

Shortly after graduating from high school, I began studying and practicing Tibetan Buddhist dharma while simultaneously delving into classical homeopathy. The concepts of the vital force, the life force of the cosmos, and the interconnectivity of all beings absolutely thrilled me and resonated deeply with my spiritual understanding.

The Cosmic Field & Life Force: My Core Philosophy

The Field is the womb of stars and stories—an unseen matrix where myth, matter, and meaning coalesce. To the astrologer, it is the cosmic web through which archetypes speak. To the physicist, it is the quantum sea, humming with potential. To the mystic, it is the dharmadhatu, the all-encompassing space of pure awareness. Everything arises from it, dances within it, and returns to it—shaped by intelligence, saturated with memory, alive with presence.

In Classical Homeopathy, the Vital Force (dynamis) is the immaterial, spirit-like essence that animates the living organism and maintains its harmonious operation. Hahnemann describes it as an intelligent, purposive force that acts as the intermediary between the invisible and visible, orchestrating life through its unbounded sway (§9, Organon of the Medical Art). When in balance, it produces health; when disturbed, it expresses disease through perceptible symptoms, altering sensations and functions.

This is not merely a biological animating force, but an expression of prana—the subtle winds that move within the nadis, the channels of the subtle body, intimately intertwined with consciousness. At the most refined level, this force becomes indistinguishable from the luminous awareness that pervades all appearances and is the basis of both samsara and nirvana.

When considered on a cosmic scale, the Vital Force becomes the universal dynamis—a spiritual, ordering principle not confined to the body, but shaping the very fabric of creation. It is the same archetypal energy that animates the individual, also manifesting in planetary rhythms, elemental balance, and the evolutionary impulse. Remedies, in this expanded view, are not merely medicinal; they are signatures of cosmic intelligence—keys that re-attune the microcosmic Vital Force with its macrocosmic source.

My immersion in Tibetan Buddhism deepened this understanding profoundly. Starting at age 18, I was sparked by meeting Pema Chödrön and voraciously devouring the voluminous writings of both Pema Chödrön and her teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche—two pivotal figures in contemporary Tibetan Buddhism who opened doorways to ancient wisdom. I then discovered the writings and teachings of another master teacher, Robert Thurman, including The Jewel Tree of Tibet, which further illuminated these profound concepts. These teachings revealed how the Vital Force operates not just as healing energy in homeopathic terms, but as the very ground of awakened awareness itself—showing me that healing and spiritual awakening are fundamentally interconnected expressions of the same life force that animates all existence.

When the Vital Force withdraws—whether from a star collapsing into supernova, a planet entering silence, a body exhaling its final breath, or a black hole blooming at the heart of implosion—what remains is essence. In the Tibetan Book of the Dead, this is the great unbinding: the winds dissolve into consciousness, and consciousness into space. The five elements disintegrate in sequence, and the luminous ground reveals itself. A black hole is not an end, but a threshold—an event horizon where form, time, and identity dissolve into the unknowable.

The Sacred Encounter: A Life Transformed

My personal healing journey and spiritual development are intimately woven with my practices of healing, spirituality, and transformation. My homeopathic treatment and study of classical homeopathy began simultaneously in September 1990 during a period of profound illness. I was suffering from migraines, allergies, and asthma, compounded by a long history of allopathic medication suppression—all of which have since been cured through lengthy and dedicated homeopathic treatment.

That first consultation remains vivid in my memory: everything I shared was thoughtfully documented by hand and carefully considered, allowing my practitioner to truly grasp my unique experience. We explored every dimension of my being—how I moved through the world, my thoughts and feelings, my spiritual life, and my physical concerns. When the session concluded, the homeopath offered these simple words: “I believe homeopathy can help you.”

In that moment, I felt genuinely seen and understood for the first time. I found myself responding, “If homeopathy helps me, I will dedicate my life to learning it and helping others with it.”

On my way out of her office, I noticed The Science of Homeopathy by George Vithoulkas. When I asked if I could read and return the book at my next visit, she hesitantly agreed. Before I left, she wrote down another title on her prescription pad: Lectures on Homoeopathic Philosophy by James Tyler Kent. She advised, “This book was originally published in 1900, with Kent’s preface to the first edition dated July 1, 1900. It’s written in the English of its time, so it’s a slow read. I’d recommend reading this along with Vithoulkas’ book—it will give you a much firmer grounding in classical homeopathy.”

I took that book from her shelf, purchased Kent’s book, and read both books once a year for eleven years—wrestling with the meaning, struggling to understand the antiquated language deeply—before enrolling in the Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2001. I also discovered Elizabeth Wright-Hubbard’s A Brief Study Course in Homeopathy, which I read daily for eleven years during work breaks.

On page 8 of Vithoulkas’ book, he writes: “Despite modern trends to the contrary, this holistic perspective has been understood very clearly throughout history, as illustrated by the following quotation from a very ancient Sumari text, The Sacred Script of the Covenant:

‘Honor your body, which is your representative in this universe. Its magnificence is no accident. It is the framework through which your works must come; through which the spirit and the spirit within the spirit speaks. The flesh and the spirit are two phases of your actuality in space and time. Who ignores one, falls apart in shambles. So it is written…'”

My life was completely transformed through homeopathy, the homeopathic interview, these foundational texts, and a single dose of Phosphorus 1M.

Education, Certifications, & Training: A Tapestry of Wisdom

My dedication to integrated healing and spiritual development unfolds like a rich tapestry woven from diverse threads of learning and practice. My formal journey began in October 1988, while attending the Saint Paul Open School, with Past & Parallel Life Therapy Training with Miriam Katz and Bracha Fiegel, and Hospice Training through Saint Joseph’s Hospital—early initiations into the mysteries of consciousness and compassionate care. It was also then that Tara Cindy Sherman introduced me to yoga as a spiritual path, beginning a lifelong practice of union between body, mind, and spirit.

In 1989, I began weekly astrology lessons with Patricia Marable, a mystic and astrologer in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I furthered my astrological studies in 1992, enrolling in Astrological Applications from Astrology by Moonrabbit and earning a Certificate in June 1994. Moonrabbit was also instrumental in introducing me to the United Astrology Conference in 1993. On my way to that conference, I met Brenda Brush, who profoundly taught me that astrology is an ancient and sacred language, a deep study of planetary cycles, and their effects on human behavior. The 1993 United Astrology Conference allowed me to study and engage with many world-renowned astrologers, including Wendy Ashley, Alan Oken, Alice Kashuba, Brenda Brush, Buz Myers, Greg Bogart, Marguerite dar Boggia, Michael Lutin, Ray Merriman, Richard Tarnas, Rob Hand, and Zipporah Dobyns.

My compassionate service to those struggling with addiction led me to pursue Chemical Dependency & Family Treatment Counseling at the College of Saint Catherine, completed in May 1996. My academic pursuits flourished, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts from Metropolitan State University in May 2000, focused on Anthropology, Holistic Health Studies, and Psychology—three disciplines informing my understanding of human nature across cultures, health, and psyche. This period also included a Certificate in Holistic Health Studies from the College of Saint Catherine in July 2000.

A few years after my initial homeopathic consultation, I took my first homeopathic first aid course with Eric Sommermann, PhD, CCH, RSHom (NA), a doctor of biochemistry and homeopath—a true mystic and explorer of the mysteries of life and the healing journey. My first practitioner taught me the importance of being clear and precise and understanding my way of being in the world. Eric, as my mentor, taught me the importance of self-knowledge and the continual exploration of what I didn’t know about myself from a non-egocentric perspective, cultivating a radical acceptance that would assist me throughout my life, no matter what path I was on.

During these foundational years, I also undertook a highly influential Seminar with Dr. Edward Christopher Whitmont, MD, studying “Homeopathy & Individuation.” Dr. Whitmont, a homeopathic physician and Jungian analyst, became my most influential teacher in the dance between healing and individuation—the process by which one becomes distinct, distinguishing oneself from all others.

With professional homeopathy training via Misha Norland’s School of Homeopathy, seeing the need for more professional training in the US, I was one of many who encouraged my local mentors in Minneapolis to form Northwestern Academy, even providing astrological guidance for its founding. I also started mentoring longtime professional homeopaths, many of whom became my patients. They valued my insights from the many other disciplines I had studied, including Tibetan, Chinese Medicine, and Ayurvedic medicine, plus my insights from intensive study of Kent and Vithoulkas. I began seeing homeopathic patients in April 2003. (Many of them are still with me as patients.)

I became a Certified Astrological Professional through the International Society of Astrological Research in October 2002. That same year, I earned a Certificate in Psychosynthesis from the Psychosynthesis Institute of Minnesota, embracing this transpersonal psychology approach that seeks to synthesize all aspects of human experience.

My formal homeopathic journey began in January 2001 with comprehensive training at the Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy, where I immersed myself in the art and science of gentle healing. During my time at the Academy, I was fortunate to learn from inspiring mentors whose combined wisdom has guided my work in supporting individual healing and transformation. After completing my Certificate in Classical Homeopathy in April 2005, I continued deepening my understanding through advanced studies.

This ongoing education included training at the Dynamis School for Advanced Homeopathic Study in October 2007, followed by the Luminos Homeopathic Master Clinician Course in March 2011. Later that year, I began studies at The Other Song Academy, completing their Homeopathic Training program in August 2011 and earning an additional certificate from them in January 2015.

Each of these learning experiences contributed to my evolving understanding of homeopathy’s profound potential for healing and transformation.

My foundation in diverse healing traditions was further enriched when, in July 2005, I attended the Hoffman Institute Process and experienced a wonderful reframe of my worldview regarding my beloved family of origin. This transformative work deepened my understanding of how family patterns and unconscious dynamics influence both personal healing and one’s capacity to serve as a healing practitioner. The profound impact of this experience led me to begin leading the Hoffman Graduate Groups in Minnesota in 2009, where I could share these insights with others seeking to integrate their own family-of-origin healing into their spiritual and personal development journey.

In March 2012, I embarked on an extensive journey into the Magyu Lineage, a profound and distinctive branch of Tibetan Buddhism that focuses on the feminine wisdom traditions within Buddhist practice. This spiritual path, guided by the esteemed Lama Tsultrim Allione—a renowned American-born Tibetan Buddhist teacher and author—delves into the unique insights of the ‘Mother Lineage’ tradition, which emphasizes the feminine principle in spiritual development and honors the wisdom teachings passed down through female Buddhist masters and dakinis (enlightened feminine beings). Unlike more commonly known Buddhist lineages that may emphasize masculine approaches to awakening, the Magyu Lineage specifically explores how feminine wisdom, intuition, and embodied spiritual practice can lead to profound transformation and liberation. This tradition recognizes that both masculine and feminine energies are essential for complete spiritual development, offering teachings and practices that integrate emotional wisdom, compassionate action, and the fierce compassion that characterizes the feminine aspect of enlightenment.

In April 2012, I completed Yoga Teacher Training through intensive Ashtanga Yoga study with Mary Beth Nehl at the Yoga Loft in Willmar, Minnesota. This training deepened both my personal practice and my ability to guide others in the ancient practices of conscious movement and breath. The experience enriched my understanding of how yogic principles naturally complement healing work, and I continue learning with Mary Beth to expand my appreciation of yogic wisdom.

I remain grateful to Marcia Seim Brown, who introduced me to the Yoga Loft in 2011, creating a meaningful connection that would become transformative for my practice and understanding of integrated healing approaches.

This embodied approach to healing naturally integrates into my homeopathic practice, where I may recommend particular asanas for my clients depending on their individual constitutional needs, helping to unite the physical and spiritual aspects of their healing journey. Drawing from this rich foundation of diverse traditions, I currently incorporate principles of Roberto Assagioli’s Psychosynthesis, Inner Work from the Jungian tradition, shadow work, somatic trance work, Negative Love Syndrome techniques from the Hoffman Institute, and other gestalt techniques with my homeopathy patients, creating a holistic approach that honors both the classical homeopathic method and the deeper psychological and spiritual dimensions of healing.

In September 2015, I formally committed to the Buddhist path, taking refuge and receiving my aspirational spiritual name—meaning a name to live into—Nyingje Norbu, which translates as “the Jewel of the Awakened Heart.” This commitment deepened my understanding of compassion and wisdom as fundamental healing principles that infuse all aspects of my practice. This is why people refer to me as Je Norbu.

I study with Lama Tsultrim Allione, Dorje Lopon Chandra Easton, Dorje Lopon Charlotte Rotterdam, Chagdud Khadro, Lama Karma, Lopon Karla Jackson-Brewer, and Lopon Polly Ryan.

With this rich background in diverse healing traditions, I further dedicated myself to compassionate service by completing Inspired Endings: End-of-Life Doula Training in February 2020. My unique training offers a fresh perspective on sacred end-of-life transitions, enabling me to guide individuals and their loved ones through this profound transformation with the integrated wisdom of multiple spiritual and healing modalities. This experience, illuminated by the dharma and my years of study across traditions, significantly enhanced my compassion and deepened my understanding of how healing encompasses not just physical remedy, but the full spectrum of human experience from birth to death.

My journey across various healing modalities has taught me that true healing often requires drawing from multiple traditions—a perspective that grew beyond what Northwestern Academy could accommodate. When the time came to leave NAH, it was a difficult transition, but the encouragement from students who connected with this integrative approach inspired me to explore creating a space where this broader vision of healing education could flourish.

In 2020, I was blessed to co-found Prometheus Homeopathic Institute (PHI) with Desirée Brazelton, CCH, where we humbly attempt to bridge classical homeopathic wisdom with contemporary understanding. We’ve learned that one of the most important aspects of healing work is recognizing that as healers, we too are on a journey of growth and transformation. This understanding shapes PHI’s approach, where we explore not only homeopathic methodology but also nurture the qualities of love, curiosity, and wonder that seem essential for anyone hoping to serve others in their healing journey.

If you’re drawn to studying homeopathy and exploring this integrative path, I’d like to gently invite you to consider what we’re building together at PHI. Our program offers thorough grounding in classical homeopathic principles while exploring how wisdom from various healing traditions can inform what we’re calling Neo-Classical or Integral Homeopathy.

We’ve designed our program for those who feel called to the healing arts and understand that our own personal growth and spiritual development are deeply connected to our capacity to serve others with presence, compassion, and wisdom. We welcome students who sense that healing is both a practice and a sacred responsibility—one that asks us to continue learning, growing, and cultivating the openness that allows us to witness the profound mystery of life’s healing force.

If this approach speaks to your heart and sense of calling, we would be grateful to walk alongside you on this journey of becoming a practitioner who can offer themselves as a humble vessel for the healing wisdom that flows through humanity’s rich therapeutic traditions.

A Path of Deep Restoration

For those drawn to profound and resonant healing that reconnects them with their essential nature—their vitality, clarity, and inner knowing—my work offers a sacred pathway of deep restoration. Whether one is navigating the complexities of chronic illness, the depths of existential grief, or the disorientation that comes with spiritual awakening, I create a sanctuary for the kind of transformation that is both subtle and luminous. This is not merely treatment in the conventional sense, but a gentle return to one’s innate rhythm, authentic nature, and unbounded sway within the greater Field of cosmic intelligence.

My approach recognizes that true healing occurs when we realign with the deeper currents of our being—when the microcosmic vital force within us resonates once again with the macrocosmic source from which all life emerges. Through the twin wisdom traditions of classical homeopathy and astrological counseling, I guide individuals back to their center, where healing becomes not just the absence of symptoms, but the restoration of one’s natural capacity for wholeness, presence, and creative expression.

Affiliations: A Community of Practice

I maintain strong professional affiliations with several key organizations in my fields of practice, actively weaving myself into communities of like-minded practitioners and scholars who share my commitment to integrative healing approaches. I am certified by the Council for Homeopathic Certification and am a member of the North American Society of Homeopaths, connections that keep me current with evolving homeopathic practice and research. In the realm of astrology, I am a lifetime member of both the International Society of Astrological Research and the National Council for Geocosmic Research, organizations that support my continued exploration of how celestial wisdom informs healing work.

My commitment to psychospiritual development is evident through my lifetime membership with the Psychosynthesis Institute of Minnesota, and I am also connected with the Hoffman Institute—affiliations that deepen my understanding of how psychological and spiritual transformation supports physical healing. Furthermore, I am a lifetime member of the Minnesota Homeopathic Association, reflecting my deep roots and continued engagement within the homeopathic community where I both learn from and contribute to the collective wisdom of practitioners dedicated to this profound healing art.

These professional connections serve not merely as credentials, but as living networks through which I continuously expand my knowledge and refine my practice, ensuring that my clients benefit from the most current insights and methodologies drawn from these diverse yet complementary healing traditions—a testament to my enduring dedication to the healing arts and my belief that true mastery requires lifelong learning within community.