Finnish shamanism has deep roots in Finnish folk religion and mythology. A central figure is the tietäjä, which can be translated as "the one who knows" or "knowledge." The tietäjä was a magically powerful person who wielded supernatural powers based on great knowledge.
The tietäjä's roles and knowledge
The tietäjä had several important roles in the Finnish tradition:
Telling myths and legends, as well as reciting rune poems from the Karelian tradition. Practicing healing and folk medicine by reciting prayer formulas and incantatory verses. Maintaining cosmic balance by controlling the forces and beings of the spirit world. The tietäjä's power lay in the knowledge of the origin and creation of things. By knowing the creation myths, they could influence and control phenomena and beings. They also had knowledge of powerful "taikasanat" (magic words) that were kept secret.
Journeys to the spirit world
In Finnish shamanism, the tietäjä could travel to the spirit world in trance, often with the help of drumming or a protective spirit bird. The aim was to restore balance, whether physical, social or in nature. The figure of the tietäjä bears clear similarities to the Sámi noaidi tradition, where the noaidi also served as a spiritual adviser and healer by traveling to the spirit world.
Revitalization of Finnish shamanism
In recent decades there has been a revitalization of interest in Finnish shamanism and the old tietäjä tradition. Central figures in this revitalization include:
Virpi Hurtola, Finnish shaman and author of books on Finnish shamanism. Annikki Hintsa, Finnish shaman and founder of the Shamanic Studies organization. Tapio Lind, Finnish shaman and teacher of Finnish-Karelian shamanism. These and other practitioners work to revive the old Finnish shamanic tradition by studying historical sources, practicing old rituals and techniques, and spreading knowledge through courses and books. The revitalization is inspired by the growing interest in indigenous spirituality and shamanism globally. The Finnish shamanic tradition is highlighted as an authentic and indigenous practice with roots in Finnish nature religions. At the same time, it is blended with elements from other shamanic traditions and new religious currents
