Dievturi, also known as Dievturība, is a modern continuation of the ethnic religion of the Latvians before their Christianization in the 13th century. The religion is primarily based on Latvian folklore, folk songs and mythology.
Dievturi shares several features with shamanic traditions:
Nature-friendly worldview
Like shamanism, Dievturi sees the human being as an integral part of nature, not above it. Humans are considered inherently good because of the will of Dievs (the supreme god). This corresponds with shamanism's respect for nature and its forces.
Trinity of soul, spirit and body
Dievturi regards the human being as threefold, consisting of the physical body (miesa/augums), the astral body (velis) and the soul (dvēsele). After death, the physical body decomposes, the astral body gradually fades into the "realm of shadows" (veļu valsts), while the soul is eternal and is united with Dievs. This resembles shamanism's understanding of soul, life force and physical existence.
Spirit world and ancestor worship
Dievturi acknowledges the existence of a spirit world and practices ancestor worship, especially in autumn when deceased relatives are commemorated. This is a central part of many shamanic traditions.
Triadic divine structure
Although Dievturi primarily worships Dievs as the supreme god, it recognizes a trinity consisting of Dievs, Māra (the material aspect of Dievs) and Laima (fate and causality). This can be compared to shamanism's emphasis on triads and balances in the universe.
Although Dievturi has roots in Latvian folk belief, it thus shares several fundamental features with shamanic traditions, particularly when it comes to a nature-friendly worldview, the understanding of the soul, the spirit world and the divine structure.
