This notion that all shamans use intoxicants or psychedelic substances is a common misconception. In reality, the practice varies considerably between different shamanic traditions, and many shamans do not use such substances at all. This is especially clear when we look at Sami, Norse, Kven, and Forest Finn shamanic tradition.
Sami shamanism
In Sami shamanic tradition, known as noaidevuohta, the use of psychoactive substances was not a central part of the practice. Sami noaidis (shamans) attained altered states of consciousness primarily through drumming, song (joik), and other non-chemical methods.
Norse shamanism
In Norse tradition, seid and galdr were the primary forms of shamanic practice. These usually did not involve the use of intoxicants, but rather rituals, incantations, and trance-inducing techniques such as song and dance.
Kven and Forest Finn shamanism
Kven and Forest Finn shamanism, which has roots in Finno-Ugric culture, emphasised the forces of nature and the use of rituals without the need for psychoactive substances. Central elements of these traditions included:
The use of the runic drum (kannus) to attain trance
Sacred places in nature for rituals
Healing rituals and the art of divination
The use of the sauna for cleansing and well-being
Modern practice and Sjamanistisk Forbund
Today many modern shamanic practices continue to follow these traditional methods without the use of intoxicants. Sjamanistisk Forbund in Norway, for example, has no practice that involves the use of intoxicants or psychedelic substances. They adhere strictly to Norwegian law and focus on revitalising Norse and Sami shamanism through legal and traditional methods.
In many shamanic traditions, including the modern ones, the use of psychedelics and intoxicants is seen as an unethical shortcut and also a trap one can fall into. One can either believe one has done the work required and be deceived by the spirits into thinking one is a great shaman, while in reality one has skipped over the whole thing (so-called spiritual bypassing). Or one can be led into delusions that can often lead to psychoses and hospitalisation.
It is important to understand that shamanism is a diverse practice that varies considerably between cultures and traditions. While some shamanic traditions may involve the use of psychoactive substances, this is far from universal. In Sami, Norse, Kven, and Forest Finn tradition, as well as in modern practices such as those followed by Sjamanistisk Forbund, altered states of consciousness and spiritual experiences are attained through non-chemical methods such as drumming, song, dance, and meditation.
Membership of Sjamanistisk Forbund is free
References
Rydving, H. (2010). Tracing Sami Traditions: In Search of the Indigenous Religion among the Western Sami during the 17th and 18th Centuries. Instituttet for sammenlignende kulturforskning. Pentikäinen, J. (2007). Golden King of the Forest: The Lore of the Northern Bear. Etnika. Kulturminnefondet. (2021). Skogfinske kulturminner. Retrieved from https://kulturminnefondet.no/skogfinske-kulturminner/
If you have read our articles and feel inspired by the wisdom of shamanism, you may consider becoming a member of Sjamanistisk Forbund. We are a faith community that exists for you who find the sacred in nature.
Membership with us is free, but it requires that you withdraw from other faith communities. We offer an inclusive community where you can explore nature-based spirituality, take part in ceremonies, and become part of a community that values the power and wisdom of nature.
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