Embracing Shamanistic Practices in the Modern World

A Path to Connection, Healing, and Wholeness

If you are looking for information about shamanism to determine if it is right for you, it is important to understand what shamanism is, where it comes from, and what it entails.

In the modern world, many people feel disconnected from themselves, each other, and the natural world. The stresses and demands of modern life can leave us feeling empty, anxious, and unfulfilled.

However, shamanistic practices offer a way to reconnect with the natural world and tap into deeper aspects of our consciousness. In this article, we will explore the usefulness of adopting shamanistic practices for modern humans.

What is Shamanism and its origin

Shamanism is a practice that involves a practitioner, known as a shaman, who acts as an intermediary between the human world and the spiritual realm. The term shamanism comes from the word "shaman," which originated from the Tungus language of Siberia, and was first used to describe the spiritual practices of the indigenous people of that region.

Shamanism is often associated with the use of various altered states of consciousness, such as trance, to communicate with the spirit world. These altered states can be induced through various means, such as drumming, chanting, dancing, or the use of hallucinogenic plants.

The origins of shamanism are difficult to trace, as the practice has been present in various cultures around the world for thousands of years. However, it is believed to have originated in Siberia and spread to other parts of the world through migration and cultural exchange.

Shamanic practices have been found in various cultures, including those of North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Despite the diversity of these cultures, shamanism is often characterised by a belief in spirits, the use of altered states of consciousness, and a focus on healing and restoring balance to the individual and community.

Shamanism: an Anthropological term

Shamanism is an anthropological term used to describe a set of practices and beliefs that are found in various cultures around the world. Anthropologists have studied shamanism extensively, and the term has been used to describe a broad range of practices that involve communication with the spirit world, healing, and other forms of spiritual and social guidance.

The anthropological study of shamanism has helped to shed light on the diversity of human spiritual practices and beliefs, and has provided insights into the ways in which different cultures understand and interact with the natural world.

How was the term Shamanism spread in the western world?

The term "shamanism" was perhaps first introduced to the Western world by Russian anthropologist, ethnographer, and explorer, Dmitry Merezhkovsky, in the late 19th century. He was studying the spiritual practices of the indigenous people of Siberia and used the Tungus word "shaman" to describe their spiritual leaders and their practices.

The term "shamanism" was later popularised by the Norwegian ethnographer and explorer, Carl Gustav Jung, in the early 20th century. Jung was interested in the spiritual practices of indigenous people and used the term to describe a set of practices and beliefs that were shared by various cultures around the world.

Since then, the term "shamanism" has been widely used by anthropologists and other scholars to describe a broad range of spiritual practices and beliefs found in various cultures around the world.

The Anthropologist Mircea Eliade’s contribution to the spread of the term “Shamanism”.

Mircea Eliade (1907-1986) was a Romanian historian of religion and philosopher who is best known for his work on shamanism, mythology, and the history of religions. He is considered one of the most influential scholars of religion in the 20th century and his work has been widely studied and debated by scholars in various fields, including anthropology.

Eliade's interest in shamanism began during his fieldwork in India, where he encountered a variety of indigenous spiritual practices that he saw as similar to shamanism. He later expanded his research to include shamanic practices from other parts of the world, including Siberia, North and South America, and Central Asia.

Eliade's work on shamanism was groundbreaking, as he argued that shamanism was not just a set of primitive and outdated practices, but a complex spiritual system that could offer insights into the nature of human consciousness and the relationship between humans and the natural world. He also argued that shamanism was a universal human phenomenon that could be found in various cultures around the world.

Eliade's work on shamanism and other religious traditions continues to be studied and debated by scholars in the fields of anthropology, history of religions, and philosophy.

What are some confusions in the contemporary world about what a shaman is and does?

There are several misconceptions and confusions in the contemporary world about what a shaman is and does. Some of the main ones include:

1) Equating shamanism with a specific religion:

Shamanism is not a religion in itself, but rather a set of spiritual practices and beliefs that are found in various cultures around the world. While shamanism may be practised within the context of a specific religion, it is not limited to any one religion or belief system.

2) Confusing shamanism with New Age spirituality:

In recent years, shamanism has become popularised in New Age circles and has been associated with various spiritual practices and beliefs that are not necessarily rooted in traditional shamanic practices. This has led to confusion about what shamanism actually is and what it entails.

3) Assuming that all shamans are the same:

While shamanism shares certain commonalities across cultures, there is no one-size-fits-all definition of what a shaman is or what they do. Different cultures have their own unique practices and beliefs associated with shamanism, and there is significant variation even within cultures.

4) Overemphasise the use of hallucinogenic plants:

While the use of hallucinogenic plants is often associated with shamanism, it is not a necessary component of all shamanic practices. Additionally, the use of these plants requires specific training and preparation, and should not be viewed as a casual or recreational activity.

5) Romanticising shamanism:

There is a tendency in some circles to romanticise shamanism as a mystical, otherworldly practice that is free from the problems of modern life. This view can obscure the challenges and complexities of actual shamanic practice, and overlooks the fact that shamanism is deeply rooted in the social and cultural contexts in which it is practised.

Benefits of Shamanistic Practices in the Modern World

Shamanistic practices can offer several benefits to modern humans. Firstly, shamanism provides a way to connect with the natural world and tap into the healing power of nature. This can be particularly important in a world where many people spend most of their time indoors or in urban environments. Secondly, shamanistic practices can offer a way to access deeper levels of consciousness and gain insights into our own psyche. This can be particularly useful for people who are struggling with mental health issues or who feel stuck in their lives. Finally, shamanism can offer a sense of community and connection to others who are also on a spiritual path.

Avoiding Cultural Appropriation when Exploring Shamanism

It is important to approach shamanism with respect and awareness of its cultural context. Cultural appropriation occurs when individuals or groups adopt shamanistic practices from other cultures without understanding or respecting the cultural traditions from which they originate. It is important to learn about the cultural background and history of shamanistic practices and to approach them with sensitivity and respect.

Some critics argue that the adoption of shamanistic practices by modern humans can be seen as a form of cultural appropriation, and that it can undermine the integrity and authenticity of those practices. Additionally, some critics argue that shamanism can be used as a way to escape from the problems of modern life, rather than confronting them directly.

Embracing Shamanistic Practices in the Modern World: 

A Path to Connection, Healing, and Wholeness

Shamanistic practices can offer a path to connection, healing, and wholeness in the modern world. However, it is important to approach these practices with respect and awareness of their cultural context, and to avoid using them as a way to escape from the challenges of modern life.

By embracing shamanistic practices with sensitivity and intention, we can tap into deeper aspects of our consciousness and connect more deeply with ourselves, each other, and the natural world.

While shamanistic practices can offer a way to reconnect with the natural world and tap into deeper levels of consciousness, it is important to acknowledge that shamanism is a product of its cultural context and history. 

The adoption of shamanistic practices by modern humans can be seen as a form of cultural appropriation, particularly when those practices are divorced from their cultural origins and commodified for profit. 

Additionally, the emphasis on individual spiritual growth and personal transformation in modern shamanism can be seen as a reflection of the individualistic and consumerist values of modern society.

To fully embrace shamanistic practices, we must approach them with awareness of their cultural context and history, and be willing to engage in critical reflection and dialogue about their role in modern society.