What is shamanism?
Shamanism is a term used for a range of spiritual traditions in which a specialist, called a shaman, acts as an intermediary between the human community and a world of spirits. This is often done through altered states of consciousness, such as trance induced by drumming, chanting or dancing. The shaman is typically expected to heal, divine, guide the dead or help the community in times of crisis.
Scholars debate whether “shamanism” is best described as a single religion or as a label for similar practices that appear in many unrelated cultures. Most prefer the second view.
Origin of the word and the tradition
The word “shaman” comes from the Tungusic (Evenki) word šaman, reported from Siberia and spread to European languages through Russian. European travelers and scholars later applied the word to similar roles in other parts of the world, including the Americas, Asia and elsewhere. Many communities have their own words for such specialists, and some object to the generic term.
Is shamanism the oldest religion?
It is often described that way, but this cannot be proven. Religion in the deep past left little direct evidence, and archaeologists interpret prehistoric finds, such as cave art, in different ways. Some researchers suggest that shaman-like practices are very old, while others caution against assuming that modern practices reflect prehistoric ones. A careful answer is that shamanic practices may be among the oldest forms of religious activity, but this is a hypothesis and not a settled fact.
Core beliefs
Beliefs vary by culture, but common themes include:
- The world contains spirits, or the natural world is alive with spiritual significance.
- There are multiple realms, such as an upper world, middle world and lower world, that the shaman can travel to.
- Illness may have spiritual causes, such as soul loss or spirit intrusion.
- Ancestors and animal or plant spirits can help or harm.
- Balance and reciprocity with the spirit world matter.
The role of a shaman
A shaman’s role varies, but may include:
- Healer: diagnosing and treating illness thought to have a spiritual component.
- Diviner: seeking information about the past, future or hidden causes.
- Psychopomp: guiding the souls of the dead.
- Mediator: negotiating with spirits on behalf of the community.
- Keeper of tradition: preserving songs, stories and rituals.
In many communities, a shaman is chosen or called, sometimes through illness or dreams, and is trained by an elder, and not simply a self-appointed hobbyist.
Practices of shamanism
- Drumming and rhythm: a common way to enter trance.
- Spirit journeying: a trance-like experience of traveling to other realms.
- Chanting and singing.
- Healing ceremonies, which may include herbs, offerings or symbolic acts.
- Divination.
- Offerings and ritual objects, such as masks, costumes or amulets.
- Use of plants in some traditions. This carries legal and health risks, and nothing here is advice to try it.
Where is shamanism most practiced?
Traditional shamanic practices are documented in Siberia and Central Asia, Mongolia, Korea (where shamans are known as mudang), parts of the Arctic, the Sámi region of northern Europe, parts of Nepal and the Himalayas, and many Indigenous communities in the Amazon basin and other parts of the Americas. It is difficult to say where it is “most” practiced, since numbers are hard to establish and definitions differ.
Shamanism and paganism
Shamanism and paganism overlap in some themes, such as reverence for nature, but they are not the same. Paganism, in the modern sense, usually refers to contemporary religions inspired by pre-Christian traditions, such as Wicca or Heathenry. Shamanism refers to a type of spiritual role and practice found in many cultures, including some that would not call themselves Pagan. See witchcraft in Paganism and our overview of witchcraft for how these relate.
Is shamanism a closed practice?
It depends. Many Indigenous shamanic traditions are tied to a specific community, lineage and initiation, and members of those communities often ask outsiders not to imitate them. For that reason, many people consider such traditions to be closed practices. Other approaches are open to everyone.
Neoshamanism
Neoshamanism refers to modern, often Western, approaches that borrow shamanic ideas. “Core shamanism,” developed by anthropologist Michael Harner, tries to extract techniques such as drum-led journeying without tying them to a single culture. Supporters say this makes the techniques accessible. Critics say it can strip practices of their cultural context. Anyone interested should research the sources and treat claims about healing with caution, and it does not replace medical care.