The question “What Is A Shaman?” is increasingly common, reflecting a growing interest in ancient spiritual practices and alternative approaches to healing. As shamanism gains popularity in the West, it’s essential to understand its true meaning and distinguish it from misconceptions. Often, the term “shaman” is loosely used to describe anyone with a connection to nature or a nature-based spirituality. To gain a deeper understanding, it’s beneficial to turn to authoritative sources like the Foundation for Shamanic Studies (FSS), a leading organization in this field, founded by the renowned anthropologist Dr. Michael Harner.
Michael Harner, a pioneer in the study of shamanism, dedicated his life to researching, experiencing, and exploring shamanic practices across cultures. His work led to the development of Core Shamanism, a non-cultural specific yet powerful method for contemporary practitioners. Core Shamanism focuses on the universal aspects of shamanism, making it accessible for people today to engage with these ancient techniques while respecting indigenous traditions. This is particularly relevant in Western societies where traditional shamanic knowledge was largely suppressed.
According to Michael Harner, defining shamanism requires acknowledging its core characteristics while recognizing variations in practice. Harner stated, “Shamanism is universally characterized by an intentional change in consciousness to engage in purposeful two-way interaction with spirits.” He emphasized that the most distinctive, though not universal, feature is the “out-of-body journey to other worlds.” While not all shamans undertake journeys in the same way, their shared foundation lies in “disciplined interaction with spirits in non-ordinary reality to help and heal others.” This definition, drawn from his book Cave and Cosmos, highlights the shaman’s role as a mediator between the ordinary and non-ordinary realms, working with spirits for healing and community well-being.
Shamanic drum ceremony, symbolizing altered states of consciousness and spirit communication.
In essence, a shaman is not simply someone who feels connected to nature. A shaman is a practitioner who intentionally alters their state of consciousness to interact with the spirit world. This interaction is purposeful, aimed at gaining knowledge, power, and assistance from spirits to benefit their community, primarily through healing and guidance. The resurgence of interest in shamanism, particularly Core Shamanism, offers modern individuals a pathway to reconnect with their spiritual heritage and explore powerful methods of healing and perceiving reality. For those seeking a deeper dive into shamanism, resources like the Foundation for Shamanic Studies website provide further exploration into animism, shamanic practices, and the path to becoming a shaman.
