Shamanism is a worldwide phenomenon. All across the globe, different cultures evolved remarkably similar ways of interacting with their environment and the spirit world beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though the word “shaman” may be derived from a word for a Buddhist monk, it came to mean a spiritual leader among the Ural-Altaic people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From there, its use has expanded to encompass anyone of any culture with specific beliefs and methods for approaching the spirit world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shamanism is a set of beliefs and practices that govern how humans interact with spirits. These can vary pretty widely from culture to culture — some shamans, for example, undergo a kind of deific possession during their rituals, while others do not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shamans serve an important role in their communities. They act as healers, diviners, interpreters of omens and dreams, and maintainers of balance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
People often turn to shamans to help them cope with trauma, recover from emotional, mental, or physical problems, or connect more deeply with nature and their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While shamanism can be part of a larger religious or spiritual framework, it isn’t a religion itself. In Tuvan culture, for example, shamanic practices are part of Tengriism or Buddhism. For many neoshamans, shamanism is part of a modern earth-centered religion like Wicca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n