Shamanism is one of the oldest spiritual practices in human history, with roots that stretch back several thousand years. This tradition exists in various forms all over the world, adapted to the unique cultural and geographical contexts in which it has flourished. The term "shaman" originates in the Tungusic languages of Siberia, but shamanic practices have existed in various forms all over the world
Origin and early history
Archaeological finds suggest that shamanic practices may have existed as far back as 30,000 years ago. Cave paintings from the Paleolithic period show scenes that can be interpreted as shamanic rituals. These early forms of shamanism were probably connected to hunting and the forces of nature, with shamans serving as intermediaries between the human group and the spirits.
Traditional forms of shamanism
Siberian shamanism
Siberian shamanism is among the oldest documented forms and has had a great influence on our understanding of shamanism in general. Siberian shamans are known for their complex rituals involving drumming, song, dance, and the use of costumes to achieve trance
African shamanism
African shamanism is as diverse as the continent itself. It includes a wide range of practices, from healing and spiritual guidance to protection against evil spirits. Many African shamans use drums, dance, and song in their rituals to communicate with the spirits of the ancestors
Sami shamanism
The Sami of northern Scandinavia have a rich shamanic tradition. Their shamans, known as "noaidi", used rune drums and joik to achieve trance and communicate with the spirits
Norse shamanism
In Norse tradition, shamanic figures were known as völva or seidmenn. The völva, who were often women, were seers and spiritual leaders who could look into the future and communicate with spirits through rituals known as seidr. This often involved entering a trance by means of song or the use of staffs
Indigenous American shamanism
Various indigenous groups in North and South America have practised shamanism for thousands of years. These traditions vary considerably between different tribes and regions, but often include the use of sacred plants and complex rituals. Not all indigenous groups practise shamanism, but most practise some form of animism
Aboriginal shamanism
Australian Aborigines have a deep spiritual connection to their land, which is reflected in their shamanic practices. Their shamans, known as "ngangkari", use Dreamtime stories, song, dance, and art in their rituals
Hungarian shamanism
Hungarian shamanism, also known as táltos, has roots in the beliefs and practices of the ancient Magyar people. The táltos were healers and spiritual leaders who had the ability to communicate with the spirit world. They used song, drumming, and dance in their ceremonies to achieve trance and gain insight
Tibetan shamanism
Tibetan shamanism, often referred to as "civilised shamanism", is deeply integrated with the Buddhism of the region. Tibetan shamans, known as lhapa or delog, perform rituals for healing, divination, and communication with spirits. They often use ritual objects such as the phurba (ritual dagger) in their ceremonies
Korean shamanism
Korean shamanism, known as Musok or Muism, is one of the oldest religious traditions in Korea. Korean shamans, mainly women called mudang, perform kut ceremonies to communicate with spirits, heal illnesses, and bring good fortune. In modern times, young Korean shamans have begun to use social media to reach a wider audience
Nepalese shamanism
Nepalese shamanism, known as jhākri, has existed for thousands of years and is still an important part of the country's spiritual practice. Some main features of Nepalese shamanism include:
Diversity: There is no single universal form of shamanism in Nepal, but many variants connected to different ethnic groups such as the Tamang, Magar, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung.
Rituals and equipment: Nepalese shamans use drums (dhyãngro), special costumes, and bells in their rituals. They often perform healing ceremonies, divinations, and communication with spirits.
Training: New shamans undergo intensive training rituals, including gufa (a seven-day fast) and meditation in sacred rivers.
Modern adaptation: Although traditional practices continue, Nepalese shamanism also adapts to modern times. Some young shamans, for example, use social media to reach a wider audience
Finnish shamanism
Finnish shamanism has roots going back to prehistoric hunter-gatherer societies and has undergone significant changes over time:
Historical development: The earliest form of Finnish shamanism can be traced back to the Mesolithic Suomusjärvi culture (8300–5000 BC).
Noita and tietäjä: Two main types of shamans in Finnish tradition were the noita (the original wilderness shaman) and the tietäjä (a later development with more specialised roles).
Practices: Finnish shamans used drums, song (including rune singing), and trance states to communicate with the spirit world and perform healings.
Modern revival: Although traditional Finnish shamanism was suppressed by Christianity, there is now a renewed interest in these practices. Modern practitioners often combine old traditions with newer spiritual approaches
Modern shamanism and neoshamanism
From the mid-twentieth century there has been a growing interest in shamanism in Western countries, which has led to the emergence of modern forms of shamanism:
Core shamanism
Developed by the anthropologist Michael Harner in the 1970s, core shamanism is a Western approach to shamanic practices that attempts to distil universal principles from various shamanic traditions
Neoshamanism
Neoshamanism is a broader term for modern shamanic practices that often blend elements from traditional shamanic cultures with New Age philosophy and Western psychology. This movement began to take shape in the 1960s and 70s
References
Religioner.no. "Sami religion". https://religioner.no/ressurser/fagartikler/samisk-religion/
Wikipedia. "Shamanism". https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sjamanisme
Webpsykologen.no. "Can spirituality become scientific?". https://www.webpsykologen.no/artikler/spiritualitet-engler-vitenskapelig-psykologi/
Klokkervoll, A. (2005). "Seid, sjamanisme og ergi – en kontekstuell analyse". University of Tromsø.
Udir.no. "Working with Sami content in KRLE". https://www.udir.no/laring-og-trivsel/lareplanverket/stotte/stotte-til-arbeid-med-samisk-innhold-i-fagene/samisk-i-krle/
Garnes, M.S. (2020). "Master's thesis". Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
Saamiblog.blogspot.com. "Pre-Christian Sami Religion, Shamans and Gods". http://saamiblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/pre-christian-sami-religion-and-gods.html
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