What Is Shamanism

Shamanism is perhaps one of the oldest divinatory practices
in the world to promote healing. By archaeological and

it. While in the shamanic state the shaman sees other
nonworldly realities, perhaps multiple realities

anthropological evidence the practice has existed for some
20,000 to 30,000 years, perhaps since the beginning of the

simultaneously. It is in this state that the shaman accesses
information that is unavailable to him in the ordinary

human race. Evidence of shamanism has been found globally in
isolated regions of the Americas, Asia, Africa, regions of

reality.

Europe and Australia.

It is essential for the shaman to be able to enter the
shamanic state at will. He practices techniques that allow

Usually shamans are called to their profession in two ways:
by heredity or by spontaneous and involuntary election by

him to do so such as drumming, rattling, chanting, dancing,
sexual abstinence, sweat baths, staring at a flame,

the Supernaturals. There are some who seek out the training,
but these individuals are not considered as powerful. An

concentrating on imagery, and isolating himself in darkness.
Although some societies use psychedelic drugs for this

exception to the latter is found the Native North Americans
because many undertake vision quests to ask for healing

purpose, others claim drugs are not essential

power or the help of a guardian spirit. The shaman is
distinguished from others by the greater number of his

In the shamanic state the shaman has various powers that he
does possess in ordinary reality. He can see spirits and

guardian spirits, by the intensity of his vision, and by his
greater power.

souls, and communicate with them; make magical flights to
the heavens where he serves as intermediary between the gods

Although differences of practices are found among the

and his people; and descend to the underworld, the land of
the dead. These flights are accomplished by shape-shifting

cultures similarities are found too. The shaman lives in two
worlds: the ordinary and the nonordinary reality, also

(see Metamorphosis), he rides mythical horses or the spirits
of sacrificed horses, travels in spirits boats, and the

called the "shamanic state of consciousness." To enter the
shamanic state the shaman must experience an ecstatic

like.

trance, or he will not be able to perform all the required
functions or duties. This qualification is what sets the

Most believe that they must have a close connection with
nature because their guardian spirit usually is that of a

shaman apart from all other priests and adepts.When entering
the nonordinary reality, which is an unique altered state of

plant or animal. Many say the guardian spirit takes the
shaman to the other realities through holes between worlds

consciousness (see Altered States of Consciousness), the
shaman has access to the three zones of most cosmologies:

where he is given his needed knowledge and power to help his
people and village. This latter purpose makes it essential

earth, sky, and the underworld, which are connected by a
central axis represented by a World Pillar, World Tree, or

that the shaman remains lucid throughout his shamanic
journeys, so he can bring back vital information that will

World Mountain. He is lucid throughout his altered state,
controls it, and recalls afterward what transpired during

help his people. A.G.H.