A Guide to Practicing Shamanism

Study the origins of shamanism. The term 'shaman' comes from the Evenki language in Siberia, though its precise meaning remains uncertain. Over time, anthropologists have adopted this word to describe spiritual healers from numerous cultures. Many Indigenous groups, including Native Americans, have embraced the concept. The diversity of shamanic traditions around the world is immense.

• Shamanism is built on the belief that all entities—be they animals, plants, celestial bodies, or even human-made creations—possess spirit and can communicate with humans.
• Shamanism is not considered a formal religion, and it has historically lacked a structured organization.

Explore the concept of neoshamanism in Western culture. In the 20th century, historian Mircea Eliade and anthropologist Michael Harner both independently proposed that various global spiritual traditions could be unified under the term 'shamanism,' with shared core principles. This led to the emergence of new practices, particularly by white Westerners, such as 'core shamanism' and different forms of 'neoshamanism' or 'New Age shamanism.'

Understand the controversy surrounding modern shamanism. Traditional shamanism, in its diverse forms, still exists today, and its practitioners (as well as scholars) have varied reactions to newer shamanic traditions. Here are some points to consider as you explore the world of shamanism:

• While it's common for shamans to charge for their services, some modern 'shamanic businesses' are seen as opportunistic.
• Many contemporary shamans adopt traditions from other cultures. This can be done respectfully or in ways that may be seen as offensive, especially if practiced without proper understanding.
• Modern Western shamanism is often framed as a self-help tool, while older traditions may involve practices that can harm the shaman, include morally ambiguous practices, or focus more on community service.

Learn about Western neoshamanism. If you're interested in modern shamanic practices, you can find many resources online or in widely available books. Most of these represent personal interpretations, though a few notable figures have influenced the field. Below are examples of particularly impactful contributions:

• The Foundation for Shamanic Studies teaches 'core shamanism,' which claims to present the fundamental principles found across global shamanic practices.
• Cleargreen Incorporated offers 'Tensegrity,' a modern, pseudo-Mexican shamanism.
• In the 1990s, Terence McKenna was a key figure in linking shamanism with New Age philosophies and psychedelic experimentation.

Study traditional shamanism. Becoming a traditional shaman varies by culture, but generally, it involves a supernatural experience, inheriting the role, or training as an apprentice. If you're not part of a culture with shamanic traditions, you may need to visit an indigenous community to learn from a shaman or someone in a similar role. You can also deepen your understanding by reading works by anthropologists who document the shamanic practices of specific cultures:

• The book Ancient Land, Sacred Whale by Tom Lowenstein explores the rituals and myths of the Alaskan Tikigaq whale hunters.

Enter a drumming trance. A common shamanic practice involves crossing into the spirit world or accessing parallel realities. One of the most effective ways to do this is by entering a trance. To begin, blindfold yourself and drum steadily for several minutes, continuing until you begin to feel yourself shift into a different state of consciousness.

Practice meditation. Meditation is another powerful tool for entering a trance or connecting with your inner self. Many consider it the foundation of any spiritual path, offering health benefits that align well with shamanic traditions focused on self-improvement. While there are various forms of meditation, it all starts with finding a quiet space and closing your eyes.

Pay attention to your dreams. Dreams are deeply significant in shamanic traditions and are often seen as carriers of profound truths or spiritual messages. Keep a dream journal to capture these messages, recording or sketching the images upon waking.

• Be mindful that the images you record could hold power, and some may remain mysterious until you understand their meaning.

Engage with spirits and other entities. Encountering spirits is an essential aspect of many shamanic practices, though there is no single way to meet them. During trances, meditations, or even unexpected experiences, you may come across nature spirits, ancestral souls, or even deities. While there is no unified worldview explaining these encounters, experienced shamans can guide you on how to recognize these entities and teach you how to interact with them—whether through negotiation, service, or mastery, depending on your tradition.

• Be cautious, as some spirits may be malevolent or challenging to handle, particularly when rituals involve potent substances, sacrifices, or other sources of power.

Seek a teacher. Though it is possible to develop your own shamanic practices, most people benefit from the guidance of an experienced mentor or fellow practitioner. Your teacher could be someone following traditional shamanism within their culture, or a practitioner of a 'neoshamanism' path. This step is especially vital if you face a dangerous or unsettling encounter with spirits.

• Simply believing that all things possess a spirit you can communicate with and using these forces for healing or the benefit of others does not make you a shaman. It indicates that you are attuned to shamanic practice, but there is still much to learn on your journey.

Exercise caution when using substances. Entheogens, or substances that "awaken the divine within," can serve as powerful tools for influencing our consciousness, but they are not always required. First, focus on refining your skills as a Shamanic Practitioner before incorporating these substances into your practice. If you choose to use them, ensure that you have trusted individuals nearby to support and monitor you.

• Various legal substances, such as tobacco, are commonly used in shamanic rituals. In the U.S., substances like peyote and ayahuasca exist in a legal grey area, where they are permitted for those able to demonstrate participation in traditional cultural practices.

Perform healing rituals. Healing is a significant responsibility for many seasoned shamans. The precise rituals may vary and are typically taught by mentors. These practices may include:

• Dancing, singing, or playing musical instruments to summon spirits.
• Offering food, drink, tobacco, or other gifts to the spirits. (In some cases, the spirits are invited into the practitioner’s body beforehand.)
• Extracting illness from the body and transferring it to an animal, object, or symbol.
• Embarking on journeys to alternate realities to intervene with spirits for the benefit of the sick person.

Engage in divination. Many modern shamans practice divination with tools such as rods, crystals, or other mystical implements. Some use these tools to foresee the future, while others rely on them to gain insights for their personal lives or to connect with spirits from the afterlife.

• Respect the beliefs and practices of others. Be mindful that your visionary experiences may not always be easily understood or embraced by those around you.

In many cultures, shamans are not considered as figures of authority. Do not expect to receive personal recognition or fame from this role.