What is Shamanism?

Shamanism is an ancient animistic religion that originated among the indigenous people of Siberia. The word ‘shaman’ means ‘an excited or agitated person’ and describes the trance-like state that the shaman falls into when communicating with the spirit world. In the shamanist system of belief, everything has a spirit, including mountains, birds, stones and trees, and forms part of a web of power in which all things are connected. The shaman is thought to tap into this power by communicating with the spirit world, using a spirit guide who selects him and whom he cannot refuse. Occupying a position of great prestige in the tribe, the shaman is believed by his followers to shield humans from destructive spirits by rendering them harmless. He is consulted for the healing of illness, to reverse bad luck and is believed to be able to see into the future.