What is Shamanism? 

 

Shamanism is a way of life. It is the most ancient spiritual practice known to humankind. Due to evidence of artefacts and cave paintings it is said by anthropologists it dates back over 100,000 years. The word Shaman comes from the Tungus tribe and mean Spiritual healer or one who sees in the dark. The Shaman sees through the heart. Shamanism has been practised all over the world in many different cultures in places like Siberia,Australia, Europe, Africa and Native North, Central and South America. The Shaman could be female or male and would be known to the community as the healer, doctor, storyteller, priest/priestess or mystic. 

The Shaman would interact with the spirits to help the community in various ways such as finding where to camp, find food and water to performing ceremonies and healing illnesses. 

 

Globally Shamanism is still very much practised today and many Shamans have had to go into hiding when other cultures tried to impose upon them. Some cultures such as the Sami tribes had to bury their drums as it was illegal for them to drum. They believe in the spirit in all things and that we are all interconnected by a web of life. The belief that we are all part of nature is very important and a large part of illnesses are when we are disconnected from nature.  

 

There is a resurgence of Shamanism in the way that other cultures are returning and reconnecting with their roots and also western cultures are becoming more and more interested in these ancient ways of healing and using divination tools to access information. Shamanism is called the path of ecstasy who use various methods to get into an altered state they may use the drum, rattle, dance, song or plant medicines. The Shaman gets themselves out of the way and move into and ecstatic state so spirit can come through them …..this is also known as the hollow bamboo or hollow bone. Some Shamans will dance, drum and sing for hours even days to connect with the spirits. Shamanism is known as the path of direct revelation