Shamanism
Shamanism is a religion or cult were an individual (shaman) goes into a trance state and is believed to be
possessed by a spirit control that speaks and acts through him or her. The word shaman derives from the Tungus (of
Siberia) phrase meaning “one who knows.” Though it gets its name from a culture in Siberia, evidence of Shamanistic practices are found all over the world. These civilizations practiced shamanism as early as the Paleolithic era.
Anthropologists believe that the desire for a successful hunt or gathering of food led to the formation of Shamanism. The shamans would help to ensure that food would be brought back. As Shamanism evolved the shamans came to be
important figures within communities, as their sole responsibility was to regulate relations between the spirits and the society in order to guarantee their well-being. Specific jobs of a shaman are to attract game or fish, control the weather, detect the causes that are bringing misfortune, expel harmful spirits, foretell the future, cure the sick, including infertility in women, and guiding the souls of the dead to the spirit world. In order to become a shaman one must go through an ordeal of some sort. Shamanistic rituals utilize drums and chants as well as some hallucinogenic plants.
Shamanism is not seen much in contemporary times. Other religions, such as Christianity, have overpowered shamanism. Also, the modern view that shamanism is “primitive,” allows for its decline in popularity. However, some remote areas are unaffected by the world’s perception of Shamanism. For example, some Inuit still practice Shamanism.
Also, it could be argued that what are referred to as “mediums” are shamans, because they connect with the dead and can relay messages. Essentially though, there are few cultures that practice Shamanism. Shamanism is so widespread that
there was no standard form. However, within individual civilizations, we can assume that they fell into the trap of becoming ruled by human ambition, rather than the founding principles of Shamanism itself, because they did not endure. Shamanism, unfortunately, is another example of belief systems corrupting their founding principles.
possessed by a spirit control that speaks and acts through him or her. The word shaman derives from the Tungus (of
Siberia) phrase meaning “one who knows.” Though it gets its name from a culture in Siberia, evidence of Shamanistic practices are found all over the world. These civilizations practiced shamanism as early as the Paleolithic era.
Anthropologists believe that the desire for a successful hunt or gathering of food led to the formation of Shamanism. The shamans would help to ensure that food would be brought back. As Shamanism evolved the shamans came to be
important figures within communities, as their sole responsibility was to regulate relations between the spirits and the society in order to guarantee their well-being. Specific jobs of a shaman are to attract game or fish, control the weather, detect the causes that are bringing misfortune, expel harmful spirits, foretell the future, cure the sick, including infertility in women, and guiding the souls of the dead to the spirit world. In order to become a shaman one must go through an ordeal of some sort. Shamanistic rituals utilize drums and chants as well as some hallucinogenic plants.
Shamanism is not seen much in contemporary times. Other religions, such as Christianity, have overpowered shamanism. Also, the modern view that shamanism is “primitive,” allows for its decline in popularity. However, some remote areas are unaffected by the world’s perception of Shamanism. For example, some Inuit still practice Shamanism.
Also, it could be argued that what are referred to as “mediums” are shamans, because they connect with the dead and can relay messages. Essentially though, there are few cultures that practice Shamanism. Shamanism is so widespread that
there was no standard form. However, within individual civilizations, we can assume that they fell into the trap of becoming ruled by human ambition, rather than the founding principles of Shamanism itself, because they did not endure. Shamanism, unfortunately, is another example of belief systems corrupting their founding principles.