Shamanism is based on the belief that all things (animals, plants, sun, soil, even man-made things) have spirit and life in them, and can be communicated with. Shamanism is not a religion, and historically, there was no organization for it.
Although it is not uncommon for shamans to charge for services, some new “shaman businesses” are often considered cynical. [4] X Research source [5] X Research source Most new-style shamans use traditions from other cultures. This can be done respectfully and knowledgeably, or in an uninformed or incorrect way that many find offensive. [6] X Research source Western shamanism is often taught as a self-improvement technique, while many older traditions cause harm to the shaman, include “evil” or “grey area” practices, or focus on helping the community. [7] X Research source
The Foundation for Shamanic Studies promotes “core shamanism,” claiming to teach the essential principles at the core of shamanic traditions worldwide. Cleargreen Incorporated practices 20th-century pseudo-Mexican shamanism called “Tensegrity. " Terence McKenna was an influential supporter of shamanism in the 1990s, tying it to many New Age theories and psychedelic experimentation.
The book Ancient Land, Sacred Whale by Tom Lowenstein describes the rituals and myths of the Alaskan Tikigaq whale hunters. This article describes thriving shamanic traditions across Nepal, and discusses how they are different from other ritual practices.
The images you draw may hold power. Be wary if you do not know what they represent.
Be aware that some of these entities may be malevolent or tricky to deal with. Often, rituals that involve drugs, sacrifice, or other sources of power attract potentially more dangerous entities.
If you believe that all things have some sort of spirit that you can communicate with, and that you can utilize these different unseen forces for healing or for benefiting others, it doesn’t make you a shaman yet. It only means that you have shamanic capabilities and are tuned into shamanic practice, but you still have a lot to learn.
Plenty of legal substances are used in shamanic traditions, such as tobacco. In the United States, drugs such as peyote and ayahuasca are legal or in a legal grey area when used by people who can prove they are part of traditional culture.
Dancing, singing, or playing instruments to attract spirits. Making offering to the spirits of food, drink, tobacco, and other substances. (Sometimes, the spirits are brought inside your body first. )[9] X Research source Drawing the sickness out of the body and into an animal, object, or symbol. Traveling to another reality to intercede with the spirits on the sick person’s behalf.
