Shamanism is one of the oldest spiritual practices in human history, with roots reaching back thousands of years. The shaman has traditionally played a central role in many indigenous societies, functioning as a link between the physical world and the spirit world.
Traditional methods of selecting and training shamans
The selection of a shaman is rarely an arbitrary process. In many cultures, becoming a shaman is considered a calling rather than a choice. This calling can manifest itself in various ways:
Inheritance and lineage
In some traditions, including the Sámi, the role of shaman often passes down through inheritance. The Sámi noaidi (shaman) could transfer their knowledge and power to a chosen descendant, often a grandchild. This ensured continuity in the spiritual practice and the preservation of traditional knowledge.
Signs and visions
Potential shamans may be identified through signs or visions. In Norse tradition this could include dreams of gods or ancestors, or unusual events in nature that were interpreted as a calling.
Natural talent and sensitivity
Individuals who show an unusual sensitivity to the spiritual or a natural ability to communicate with the spirit world may be designated as potential shamans. In Kven and Forest Finn tradition this was often connected to the ability to see and communicate with nature spirits.
Initiation rites and "shamanic illness"
Initiation into the shamanic role is often an intense and transformative process. A central concept in many shamanic traditions is the idea of "shamanic illness":
Symbolic death and rebirth
In many cultures the prospective shaman undergoes a symbolic death and rebirth. This can take the form of intense visions or dreams in which the candidate experiences being torn apart and put back together again. In Norse tradition this is reflected in the myth of Odin, who hung himself on the world tree Yggdrasil in order to attain wisdom.
Physical and psychological ordeal
"Shamanic illness" can manifest as a period of serious physical or psychological illness. In Sámi tradition this could involve periods of intense fever, visions or apparent madness. Surviving and mastering this condition was seen as a sign that the person was suited to the shamanic role.
Isolation and self-reflection
Many initiation rites involve periods of isolation in nature. In Forest Finn tradition this could involve long stays in the forest, where the prospective shaman learned to communicate with nature spirits and to master various ecstatic techniques.
The shaman's various functions
The shaman fills many roles in their society, and these can vary between different cultures:
Healer
One of the shaman's primary functions is as a healer. In Sámi tradition the noaidi used their ability to journey in the spirit world to diagnose and treat illnesses. This could involve retrieving lost souls or negotiating with spirits that caused illness.
Seer and diviner
The shaman often acts as a seer, with the ability to foresee the future or interpret signs and omens. In Norse tradition this was connected to the practice of seiðr, a form of divination often associated with Odin and Freyja.
Psychopomp
An important function of the shaman is the role of psychopomp - a guide for souls between worlds. This includes leading the souls of the dead to the afterlife and helping newborn souls into the physical world. In Kven and Forest Finn tradition this was often connected to notions of various soul aspects and their journeys.
Upholder of cosmic balance
The shaman is responsible for maintaining the balance between human society and the spirit world. This can involve performing rituals to ensure a good hunt, fertility or protection against natural disasters. In Norse tradition this was connected to the concept of fate (ørlög) and the maintenance of cosmic order.
Bearer of tradition
The shaman functions as a living link to the wisdom of the ancestors and traditional knowledge. In Sámi culture the noaidi was responsible for preserving and passing on myths, sacred songs (joik) and ritual practice.
The shaman's tools and techniques
The drum
The drum is perhaps the best-known shamanic tool. In Sámi tradition the rune drum (goavddis) was a central instrument for inducing trance and communicating with the spirit world. The drum's rhythm was seen as the heartbeat of the cosmos itself.
Costume and ritual attire
The shaman's costume is often charged with symbolic meaning. In Norse tradition this could include cloaks of bird feathers, associated with the ability to fly between worlds. Sámi noaidis often used special headdresses and belts decorated with symbols and power objects.
Ecstatic techniques
The shaman uses various techniques to attain altered states of consciousness.
Drumming and rhythmic song
Dance and physical movement
Fasting and isolation
Power objects and amulets
The shaman often collects and uses various objects considered to hold spiritual power. In Forest Finn tradition this could include special stones, animal teeth or herbs.
Modern interpretations of the shamanic role
Cultural revitalisation
There has been a growing interest in reviving traditional shamanic practices, especially within a Sámi and Norse context. This is often connected to broader movements for cultural revitalisation and indigenous rights.
Integration with modern health practices
Some modern practitioners integrate shamanic techniques with contemporary psychology and alternative medicine. This can include the use of shamanic drum journeys in therapeutic settings or the combination of traditional plant knowledge with modern pharmacology.
Ecological awareness
Shamanism's emphasis on the connection between humans and nature has gained renewed relevance in light of today's environmental challenges. Many modern shamans see their role as defenders of ecological balance and sustainability.
Globalisation and cultural exchange
Modern shamanism is often marked by cultural exchange and syncretism. Elements from various traditions are blended together, which has led to debates about cultural appropriation and authenticity.
The role of the shaman and the initiation process represent a deep and complex tradition that has survived and adapted over millennia. From the intense initiation rites to the diverse functions the shaman fills in their society, we see the picture of a spiritual practitioner who stands with one foot in the physical world and one in the spirit world.
In a Nordic context, especially within Norse, Sámi, Kven and Forest Finn tradition, we find unique expressions of this universal practice. These traditions reflect the specific landscape, climate and culture of the northern regions, with a strong emphasis on the forces of nature and the connection between humans and their surroundings.
At the same time as we see a growing interest in reviving and preserving these traditions, modern shamans face the challenge of adapting ancient practices to a rapidly changing world. The balance between tradition and innovation, between the local and the global, is a central issue in shamanic practice today.
No matter how the shamanic role develops in the future, the core of the practice remains the same: to serve as a bridge between worlds, to heal and guide, and to maintain the delicate balance between humans, nature and the spiritual.
References
Bäckman, L. & Hultkrantz, Å. (1978). Studies in Lapp Shamanism. Stockholm: Almqvist & Wiksell International.
Price, N. (2002). The Viking Way: Religion and War in Late Iron Age Scandinavia. Uppsala: Department of Archaeology and Ancient History.
Pentikäinen, J. (2007). Golden King of the Forest: The Lore of the Northern Bear. Helsinki: Etnika.
Wallis, R. J. (2003). Shamans/Neo-Shamans: Ecstasy, Alternative Archaeologies and Contemporary Pagans. London: Routledge.
Vitebsky, P. (2001). The Shaman: Voyages of the Soul, Trance, Ecstasy and Healing from Siberia to the Amazon. London: Duncan Baird Publishers.
