Many cultures around the world use the term shamanism.In the Western world, the term is often used to describe traditions that borrow from other cultures.Many people have found fulfillment, knowledge, or the ability to help others through all types of shamanism, but be aware that traditional and non-traditional shamans do not always see eye to eye
Step 1: Understand the history of shamanism.
The exact meaning of the word "shaman" is not known.The term "shamanism" has been adopted by many native Americans and anthropologists have spread the term to describe spiritual practitioners of many cultures.There are many types of traditional shamanism practiced across the world.
Step 2: Understand neoshamanism in Western culture.
In the 20th century, the historian Mircea Eliade and the anthropologist Michael Harner argued that many types of spiritual traditions around the world could be defined as "shamanism," with core principles at the heart of different practices and beliefs.Many new traditions were started by white Westerners, such as "core shamanism" and "neoshamanism."
Step 3: Understand what's going on.
Traditional shamanism, in its hundreds of different forms, is still alive today, and its practitioners as well as scholars of religion have a range of reactions to more recent shaman traditions.Although it is not uncommon for shamans to charge for services, some new "shaman" are willing to do so.Traditions from other cultures are used by most new-style shamans.This can be done respectfully or in an incorrect way that many find offensive.Many older traditions cause harm to the shaman, include "evil" or "grey area" practices, or focus on helping the community, while Western shamanism is often taught as a self-improvement technique.
Step 4: Western neoshamanism can be studied.
If you want to learn more about shamanism, you can find many materials online or in mass-produced books.Most of these are unique theories and practices developed by a single person, but a few resources listed below are examples of influential voices.In the section below on practicing shamanism, you can read more about general trends in these movements.The Foundation for Shamanic Studies claims to teach essential principles at the core of shamanism."Tensegrity" is a pseudo-Mexican shamanism practiced by Cleargreen Incorporated.The influential supporter of shamanism in the 1990s was Terence McKenna.
Step 5: Study shamanism.
The method of becoming a traditional shaman varies from culture to culture, but typically involves a sudden supernatural event, inheriting the position, or training as an apprenticeship.You may need to visit an indigenous community to study under a shaman if you don't belong to a culture with shaman traditions.The book Ancient Land, Sacred Whale by Tom Lowenstein describes the rituals and myths of the Alaskan Tikigaq whale hunters, as well as other books that describe shamanistic practices of a specific culture.The article talks about how shamanism is different from other rituals in Nepal.
Step 6: Induce a drumming rhythm.
One of the most common shamanic practices is entering the spirit world.There are a lot of ways to enter a trance.Try blindfolding yourself and beating a drum with a steady beat until you reach a different state of awareness.
Step 7: Meditate for a while.
It is possible to become in touch with your inner self by practicing meditation.Many people consider it a solid foundation for any spiritual path, and a source of health benefits that match well with some shamanic tradition's message of self-improvement.It all starts with closing your eyes and sitting in a quiet place.
Step 8: You should listen to your dreams.
People practice shamanistic rituals and often have dreams.They may be holding spiritual significance.If you keep a dream journal, you will be able to write or draw pictures when you wake up.The images you draw could hold power.If you don't know what they represent, be cautious.
Step 9: Understand spirits and other entities.
You cannot be a shaman if you don't encounter these entities.You may encounter another being during a trance, meditation, or sudden experience.This could be a nature spirit, a spirit in the afterlife, or something else.There is no single pantheon that can explain what you encounter, but an experienced shaman can help you identify them and teach you how to make deals with them, serve them or master them.Some of these entities may be difficult to deal with.Drugs, sacrifice, or other sources of power can attract potentially more dangerous entities.
Step 10: You can find a teacher.
Most people find the guidance of a fellow journeyer helpful, even though they can develop their own practices.A shaman from a "neoshamanism" tradition could be this person.If you have a frightening or dangerous encounter with spirits, this step is recommended.
Step 11: Be careful with drugs.
Entheogens can be powerful allies in affecting our consciousness, but they are not always necessary.Learn how to hone your own abilities as a shaman before you integrate them into your practice, and learn to use them with people you trust.Tobacco is one of the legal substances used in shamanism.When used by people who can prove they are part of traditional culture, drugs such as peyote and ayahuasca are legal in the United States.
Step 12: Conduct healing rituals
Many shamans work on healing.The teachers usually pass on the exact ritual.Dancing, singing, or playing instruments can be used to attract spirits.To the spirits of food, drink, tobacco, and other substances.The spirits are usually brought inside your body first.Sickness can be drawn out of the body into an animal, object, or symbol.It is possible to intercede with the spirits on behalf of a sick person.
Step 13: It's a good idea to perform divination.
A lot of New Age shamans use divining rods.Some attempt to see the future, while others use these tools to seek guidance for their own life or to communicate with spirits in the afterlife.