What is shamanism, simply explained?

Articles08/01/2025By Sjamanistisk Forbund

Hva er sjamanisme, enkelt forklart?

Shamanism is an ancient spiritual practice found in many cultures around the world. Simply explained, shamanism can be described as follows.

Basic concepts

A link between worlds

Shamanism is based on the idea that both a physical world and a spirit world exist. The shaman serves as a link between these worlds.

Communication with spirits

A shaman has the ability to communicate with spirits, ancestors, and other spiritual beings in order to seek help and guidance.

Healing and balance

One of the shaman's main tasks is to restore balance and harmony, whether it concerns physical health, mental problems, or imbalances in nature.

The shaman's methods

Altered state of consciousness

The shaman attains contact with the spirit world by altering their state of consciousness, often through techniques such as drumming, dance, or song.

Soul journeys

In this state, the shaman can undertake so-called soul journeys to other worlds or dimensions to retrieve knowledge and power.

The use of nature's forces

Shamanism is closely connected to nature. Shamans often use nature's elements and forces in their work.

Shamanism's worldview

Animism

In the shaman's world, everything in nature is considered alive and ensouled, including stones, trees, and rivers.

Holistic approach

Shamanism takes a holistic approach to existence, in which everything is seen as interconnected.

It focuses on direct, personal experience of the divine or spiritual, without the need for intermediaries or strict dogmas.

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