What is Shamanism?

Shamanism is an ancient nature-rooted spiritual practice that honours the Earth and all that exists upon it and within its solar system as living conscious beings. This includes, and goes beyond, fellow humans, animals, plants, trees, rivers, mountains, oceans, the wind, the sky, the clouds, the sun, the moon, and all that exists within the cosmos. Shamanism honours the consciousness, the life force and the sacred energy of all creation, while at the same time recognising the possibility for direct communication with all of these beings.

The History of Shamanism

The term Shaman was first recorded in 1672 by Russian colonisers during a visit to Eastern Siberia where they came across the Tungusic community. The word itself originates from the Tungusic language and translates into ‘the one who sees in the dark' or 'the one who knows'. The word Shaman was then used by the Anthropologists of the Western world to refer to the spiritual and ceremonial leaders of Indigenous cultures worldwide, and it became a term that was often used to replace former terms such as Witch Doctor, Healer, Medicine Person, Dream Teller and Psychic. The role of a Shaman within an Indigenous community varies from culture to culture, however, the commonality of the role, which can be seen across various cultures and traditions, is that a Shaman communicates with spirit on behalf of their community. This form of spiritual communion acts to serve the community through providing healing to individuals within the community, speaking to the land and bringing forth botanical knowledge, and working with the spirit of an animal for hunting, alongside many other purposes.

The term Shamanism evolved as a broader term to reflect the ancient spiritual practices of Indigenous cultures, and is defined by the recognition of a common wisdom based on ancient or Indigenous spiritual traditions. It is not known how far Shamanism dates back, however, it is highly possible that it is as old as humankind itself, as cave drawings and ancient burial sites have been uncovered that depict forms of Shamanistic practice. Shamanic cultures, and traces of it, can be found across all five continents of the world, and the knowledge preserved by these Indigenous Shamanic communities has been passed down through thousands of human generations. These communities act as custodians of these important ancient methods, and as almost none of their cultures have written records it is only from their remaining representatives that we can learn the Shamanic principles. Sadly, the tragedies of the inquisition of the Witches and the Druids, the Shamans of the United Kingdom and some European countries, led to the loss of Shamanic knowledge in this area and timeframe. Shamanic practices are ancient healing methods that are practiced within Shamanic cultures and communities across the world, including amongst those of the Witches, the Druids and the Pictish people of ancient Britain.

Shamanism in the Modern World

Shamanism was reawakened in the Western world during the 1960’s, mainly by two individuals, Carlos Castaneda and Michael Harner, at the time of the 60’s revolution, a time when many people were seeking a new way of living. A calling for a spiritual democracy arose and people were seeking direct revelations and experiences with the divine, and direct access to spirit as a way to embody personal power rather than conform to the hierarchy of religion. Since then, Shamanism has been an ever-growing practice in the Western world, while still being practiced today amongst the remaining living Indigenous communities across the globe. There are many branches of Shamanism reflecting the variety of practices amongst the Indigenous cultures across the globe, but also within Contemporary Shamanism such as, Neo-Shamanism, Core-Shamanism, Cross-Cultural Shamanism, and New Age Shamanism, which indicates that the practice of Shamanism continues to evolve. However, the foundations of Shamanic knowledge and its basic principles of healing remain widely unchanged worldwide and even within nearly all branches of Contemporary Shamanism these principles remain rooted in ancient knowledge. The ancient healing methods found within Shamanism provide the foundations and tools to open the line of communication with all that exists and allows us to establish a deeper understanding and awareness of ourselves and of our day-to-day experiences, as well as enabling the possibility of deep healing and transformation as individuals and as a wider collective.

Today, the term Shaman generally refers to a person with a direct Shamanic lineage to an Indigenous community or Native culture where the role of Shaman is ceremonially handed down through generations, and bestowed upon an individual who will continue to live within their traditional culture and community practicing as a Shaman. On occasion, is it known that the role of Shaman is passed on outside of a particular Native or Indigenous culture to a person who will act to serve as a bridge between that traditional culture and community and the modern Western world. Within Contemporary Shamanism, in Western societies, the term Shamanic Practitioner is widely used to refer to a person who has been called by spirit to serve the needs of others in a healing capacity and who has undergone extensive Shamanic training. Generally, the Shamanic Practitioner will have no direct link to an Indigenous culture or has been unable to trace their original Shamanic roots, however, they will usually have a strong sense of connection to Shamanic cultures and practices. The role of the Shamanic Practitioner in modern Western society is to facilitate methods of healing and transformation while in communication and under the guidance of their spirit allies.

The Shamanic Journey

In traditional Shamanic practices the Shaman of the community would communicate with the unseen world, the sacred energy of all creation, to bring development, wellness and healing to their community through Shamanic Journeying. The Shamanic Journey is practiced within many Indigenous and Native communities across the globe, and is considered as a core-practice within Cross-Cultural Shamanism.

In Shamanism, the physical reality that we live in is often described as the ordinary reality, and it is within and around this reality where the non-ordinary reality exists, a parallel universe or the spiritual realm, which is filled with beings just as much as the ordinary reality. The Shamanic journey is a Cross-Cultural core method that is used as a primary tool to enable this communication between the ordinary and the non-ordinary reality to take place. The method of Shamanic journeying is a powerful visionary tool that can be used for healing purposes, problem solving and general well being either for the self, another individual, the community, or the land and its inhabitants, and remains a core practice of Shamanism today.

The Benefits of Shamanism

Shamanism, is in essence a philosophy and a way of life. It is a method for healing that can be adapted to suit any lifestyle or belief system, and can be interwoven with existing beliefs and practices. Shamanism does not provide a framework in which we must see the world through, there are no leaders, spiritual masters or gurus, instead the principles of Shamanism are based upon direct personal experience and the interpretation of those experiences. By tapping into the tools and healing methods of Shamanism we can find spiritual balance, understand our place in the universe, and live in harmony with the spirits of nature. Through Shamanic practice the possibilities for self-enquiry, deep healing and transformation are endless. Shamanism invites us to learn to see with our own eyes and to access the wisdom rooted within ourselves, within nature, and within all of the realms that surround us. Shamanic practice provides us with a set of tools that we can use to heal, step into self-empowerment, awaken to conscious awareness, embrace the life-death-life cycles, align with our authentic selves, reconnect with our souls purpose, deepen our relationship with ourselves, with others, with nature and with the wider collective, and live a harmonious life filled with love, light, and compassion.

The Core Principles of Shamanism

The Shamanic way of life is rooted in the core principles of Shamanism which emphasis connection, harmony, and balance in all aspects of life. The Shamanic way of life is a holistic way of living that honours nature, spirit, and the community, and seeks to promote personal growth and spiritual development, while working towards the greater good of the world.

Connection with Nature

In Shamanism, the earth is honoured as a living, conscious and intelligent being that is aware and communicative. The Shamanic way of life respects nature as an elder, as a teacher, as a friend, as a lover, and as a source of wisdom.

Living with Intention

In Shamanism, it is believed that everything has a purpose and that living with intention is essential for personal growth and spiritual development. The Shamanic way of life encourages living with purpose and aligning our actions with our values and beliefs.

Connection with Community

In Shamanism, the importance of community is recognised, honoured, and nurtured. The Shamanic way of life seeks to build strong, supportive, healthy, positive and nurturing relationships with others, while maintaining the awareness of how our actions and energy can have an impact on others, and vice versa.

Awareness of Energy

In Shamanism, it is believed that everything is made of and connected through energy within the web of life and the mythic quantum world. The Shamanic way of life seeks to practice and maintain balance and harmony in one’s own energy system.

Manifesting with Creativity

In Shamanism, the manifestation of our intentions and experiences through art, music, dance, and storytelling is an important part of Shamanic life. The Shamanic way of life encourages the nurturing and expression of creativity.

Practice of Self-Care

In Shamanism, the importance of self care is recognised and practiced on a regular basis. The Shamanic way of life promotes looking after our wellbeing in order to better serve our community and the world.

Celebration of Life

In Shamanism, life is considered sacred and every moment is honoured and appreciated. The Shamanic way of life encourages the joyful celebration of life and the greater life of which we are an integral part of. 

Embracing the Unknown

In Shamanism, the mysteries of life are accepted and embraced. The Shamanic way of life invites us to surrender to the unknown and recognise that every experience holds a lesson and the possibility for growth and healing.

Practice of Gratitude

In Shamanism, the cultivation of gratitude and appreciation is a key aspect of daily life. The Shamanic way of life reminds us that everything is interconnected and that each moment is a gift to be honoured as inherently sacred.