Strong connection to nature and traditions
Welcome to explore the wisdom traditions around Lake Pielinen in North Karelia, Finland!
Pielisen Tietäjäkeskus is a non-profit cultural association founded in November 2020 in Finland. Our name reflects the deep connection between nature, wisdom, and tradition that lies at the heart of our mission. We currently have around 130 members, along with thousands of followers and friends who engage with and support our work.
Our goal is to unite people, creativity, and practical ideas to foster a deep connection with nature and preserve cultural heritage. Situated by Lake Pielinen, on our ancestral lands, we honor the legacy of those who lived in harmony with both the visible and unseen realms of the natural world.
Tietäjäkeskus is composed of two Finnish words: Tietäjä, meaning "wisdom keeper" or "knowledge bearer," and keskus, meaning "center." Together, they represent this region and lake as the focal point of our work. The word Pielinen refers to the vast and sacred lake in North Karelia, surrounded by revered natural sites, including the majestic Koli mountain—an iconic national landscape of Finland.
We warmly invite you to join or support our association and connect with our community.
The Pielisen Tietäjäkeskus association continues the lineage of Karelian and Finno-Ugric wisdom culture and shamanic traditions. We honor both the deep-time expressions of these traditions and a reciprocal connection with nature, while also working to make a positive societal impact.
Our purpose
Sanctuary of wisdom and tradition
The purpose of Pielisen Tietäjäkeskus is to promote the continuation of Karelia’s and Finland's wisdom and shamanic traditions. We cherish the deep-time expressions of these ancient traditions, which are deeply rooted in a connection with nature. Pielisen Tietäjäkeskus brings together, preserves, revives, and promotes the unique wisdom traditions of Karelian culture. We honor the natural cycles, folk healing, poetry, and the traditional crafts of food, handicrafts, and building practices.
Our long-term goal is to establish a physical space in the Lake Pielinen region. This center will serve as a sanctuary where we can step into mythical time and space, embracing sacredness and art.
In Reciprocity with Nature
At Pielisen Tietäjäkeskus, we believe that the source of wisdom lies in a deep, reciprocal relationship with nature. We honor the diversity of nature and the equality of all species, guiding others toward a natural way of life, aligned with the rhythms and terms of the natural world.
Our mission is to revive forgotten traditions—remembering, updating, and living by them within modern society. Our work is grounded in both scientific research and the rich wisdom of folklore. We live and celebrate Northern traditions, deeply rooted in Karelian, Finnish, Baltic Sea Finn, and Finno-Ugric cultural heritage.
We celebrate the cycles of the year and mythologies through ceremonies and rituals, while supporting innovative ways to express these wisdom traditions. Our aim is to integrate shamanic and wisdom traditions into modern societal conversations and practices.
Pielisen Tietäjäkeskus also promotes knowledge of folk healing, natural remedies, and the wisdom of medicinal traditions. We emphasize the importance of the old sauna tradition and its healing qualities. The association connects folk and shamanic artists, fostering collaboration and networking through cultural and artistic events.
We actively engage with the travel industry in North Karelia, promoting our region as a unique center of Finland's wisdom traditions. Our rich history and cultural heritage offer vast opportunities for learning and celebration. Our work is deeply respectful of sacred natural sites and local culture, including ancestral lands, gathering places, and ancient pathways that are central to our activities.
On an international scale, Pielisen Tietäjäkeskus fosters Nordic and global collaborations, building connections with indigenous cultures, promoting networking, and organizing international projects.
The association unites those who share a passion for shamanic roots, Karelian and Finno-Ugric culture, mythology, the sacred power of nature, and community-driven living. Through these efforts, we aim to empower and enhance the well-being of our members and all who engage with our work, drawing strength from cultural roots and the natural world.
Are you called to learn more about the ancestral traditions of the Lake Pielinen region?
Would you like to support our work?
Do you seek a journey into the myths and nature?
Our Activities
While our activities are currently published in Finnish on the Finnish version of our website, we warmly welcome everyone to join us! Many of our members speak a variety of languages, so you’ll find a place here.
TRADITIONAL CELEBRATIONS
We host two annual traditional celebrations. Ukonvakat, held during selected weekend in May or early June, is a traditional celebration, while Kekri, our largest event of the year, is a harvest ceremony that marks the end and beginning of the year. Kekri takes place in a selected weekend in October or beginning of November. In 2024, Kekri takes place in 4-6 October at Nevala Nature Farm, close to Koli at North Karelia.
COURSES AND EVENTS
We offer courses on traditional poetry singing, lament crying, traditional handicrafts, and dances, among other topics. These courses are typically held in locations around or near Lake Pielinen in North Karelia.
ONLINE EVENTS
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We host many online gatherings throughout the year to engage and serve our members living outside the North Karelia region. These events include a book club, where we explore books on shamanism and wisdom traditions, often featuring the authors themselves to present their work. We also offer online lectures and a poetry circle.
Join and support
Membership
By becoming a member you get to participate in developing and supporting Pielisen Tietäjäkeskus. Our association offers you a community and base where to network and come together.
As a member you get discount for activities organized by the association.
The membership fee in 2024:
25 EUR / regular member or 12 EUR / students, unemployed, retired, and persons with low income.
We have transferred the member register to the Membook platform to facilitate the member register better and help with more simple way of communication. Your data is still safe! Only the administrator (association secretary) has access to member information. The invoice for the membership fee will be paid through Membook.
Become a member by registering via the button below. It is easy!
If you are not able to register trough the button, you can send us email info@tietajakeskus.org
Support membership / sponsorship:
Do you want to see Pielisen Tietäjäkeskus growing even faster? Join as a support member and sponsor our action with the amount you like. As a support member you get the same benefits as members and also loads of gratitude!
Payment information
for support membership or sponsorship
The payment is done by a bank transfer to Pielisen Tietäjäkeskus bank account. Please use the correct reference number when paying. Send a copy of the receipt to our email info@tietajakeskus.org and add the following details to your message: Name, address, phone number.
Pielisen Tietäjäkeskus ry
FI36 5770 0520 5351 44
Reference numbers
Support member: 1012
We hope to add a link to PayPal here soonest.
Thank you for your interest and for your support!