What is Shamanism?, Origin of Shamanism, Shamanism in today’s world, What exactly does a Shaman do?, Science Vs. Shamanism
What is Shamanism?
Shamanism is an ancient practice found in many cultures. Shamans can talk to spirits. Shamans can enter different states of mind, often by using rituals, drumming, singing, or unique plants.
You must have seen this in movies where a shaman dances to the loud drumming and also sings some weird songs.
Once they achieved the state, they made their connection with the otherworldly spirits. In these states, they communicate with spirits to get help or guidance.
Shamans help their community by healing the sick, predicting the future, guiding souls after death, and keeping a balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
In short, shamanism is about connecting with spirits to keep harmony in the world. Shamans act as go-betweens, helping to heal and restore balance.
Origin of Shamanism
The most ancient tribes of the world also followed Shamanism practices; even before man’s invention of Gods, these Shamanic practices existed.
Shamanism started a long time ago, even before organized religions existed. It likely began over 10,000 years ago. People in many different places around the world, like Siberia and the Americas, practiced shamanism.
The word “shaman” comes from a language spoken in Siberia. Even though it started there, similar practices appeared in other cultures, too. Shamanism developed as a way for early humans to understand and control the world around them.
Shamans were the first spiritual leaders.
Shamanism in today’s world
This ancient technique is not extinct. Shamanism is still around today.
It hasn’t ended. People in different parts of the world still practice it, especially in places like Siberia, Mongolia, the Amazon, and Africa.
In some areas, shamanism has mixed with other religions or spiritual practices.
In recent years, more people in the West have become interested in shamanism.
As Shamanism also acts as a psychological relief for some people. They often look to it for healing, personal growth, or a closer connection to nature. This modern interest is sometimes called “neo-shamanism.”
So, shamanism has changed over time, but it hasn’t disappeared. It remains vital to many people worldwide.
What exactly does a Shaman do?
1. Healing: Shamans help people feel better by using special rituals, herbs, and spiritual practices. They believe that spiritual problems cause some illnesses, so they work to bring back balance.
2. Talking to Spirits: Shamans can enter particular states of mind, often by drumming, chanting, or meditating. In these states, they talk to spirits, ancestors, or other beings to get advice or help for their community.
3. Guiding Souls: Shamans help the souls of people who have died to find peace. This is important during funerals or when someone has died suddenly.
4. Predicting the Future: Shamans use their connection with spirits to predict the future or solve problems. They might read signs in nature, talk to spirits, or interpret dreams.
5. Protecting the Community: Shamans protect their communities from evil forces or spirits. They perform rituals to keep away harm and keep the community safe.
6. Leading Ceremonies: Shamans lead important ceremonies for births, marriages, deaths, and seasonal changes. These ceremonies help connect the community with the spiritual world.
Science Vs. Shamanism
Just like religions fail to cope against science, and most of their claims fail against science, Shamanism is not a 100% genuine scientific thing.
Whatever the cultural practices People might believe in, Science doesn’t just work on belief systems.
Shamanism is not scientific. Science is based on experiments and evidence that can be measured and tested.
Shamanism, on the other hand, is based on spiritual beliefs and rituals. It involves communicating with spirits, which cannot be tested or measured like scientific things.
Shamanism comes from cultural traditions passed down through generations. It focuses on spiritual and metaphysical aspects of life, which science does not usually study.
While shamanism can make people feel better or bring a sense of community, these effects are understood by science in terms of psychology or social bonds, not as proof of a spiritual reality.
do read our book for more detailed information about Shamanism : https://amzn.in/d/ekaWEy3