Shamanism has a rich history dating back to the emergence of man. As the people moved and adapted to their different lifestyles, the shaman also had to adapt. The cultural diversity of shamanism has provided such insight into the many different ways to honor the divine, that it is only natural that the modern shaman would similarly adapt.
Shamanism has gone by many names and manifested in many forms; medicine men, herbalists, witch doctors, neo-shamanism, and urban shamanism, all of which today's modern shaman draws strength from. While it might seem eclectic, the modern shaman embraces the knowledge of today while weaving in the relevant lessons from the past.
The Role of the Shaman
Shamanism is not a religion, but a shaman can be religious. Like paganism, shamans come from diverse backgrounds, have varying interests, and may choose to follow or not follow any of the numerous religions. Religion in shamanism is completely at the discretion of the practicing shaman.
When broken down to its core elements, shamanism is the quest for enlightenment. In the quest for answers, much of the knowledge gained is attributed to the shaman's ability to connect with the spirit world. It is a common belief in shamanism that all elements of the earth, including humans and animals, are interconnected spiritually, and it is this bond that the shaman harnesses.
It may seem that a shaman in a city setting might be stifled in his path, but part of shamanism is being where the people are in order to assist them. In this way the shaman can better relate to the trials that a person might be going through, and offer them alternative wisdom that they might not have through mainstream sources. The shaman has a way of cutting through the haze to strike at the heart of the crisis.
The shaman traditionally works as a healer, usually by helping someone who is suffering from illness or disease by targeting the affliction in a spiritual and holistic approach. Another healing technique used in many forms of shamanism is that of soul retrieval. The shaman acts as a guide to the participant's own journey through the psyche to overcome past trauma and reintegrate the self.
The shaman's role in modern day society also includes that of teacher and counselor. By showing others how to identify problems and solve them in a positive way, the shaman shares his knowledge. He also reintroduces people to healing techniques such as music, dance, meditation, drumming and other methods of focus and relaxation.
Shamanism and the Future
The future of shamanism seems destined for growth. The technological advancements being made each day provides an ever expanding database for the shaman to tap into. In addition, people's awareness of the benefits of natural stress relief and holistic healing is expanding as they explore what shamanism has always known.
Additional Resources:
Vitebsky, Piers. The Shaman. London: Duncan Baird Publishers 2001
Madden, Kristin. The Book of Shamanic Healing. US: Llewellyn Publications 2002
Cohen, Kennth. Honoring the Medicine. US: Random House Ballantine Publishing Group, 2003
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