Shamanism 
 
 

Shamanism is perhaps one of the oldest divinatory practices in the world to 
promote healing. By archaeological and anthropological evidence the practice has 
existed for some 20,000 to 30,000 years, perhaps since the beginning of the 
human race. Evidence of shamanism has been found globally in isolated regions of 
the Americas, Asia, Africa, regions of Europe and Australia. 

It is most prominent in tribal cultures. Although differences of the practices 
are found among the cultures similarities are found too. The shaman is a person 
who can enter an ecstatic state of altered consciousness. While in the state of 
altered consciousness or trance he communicates with his guardian spirit who 
gives him information and/or power to heal the sick person. Usually the shaman 
who enters the trance is said to seek information in another reality. 

Most believe that they must have a close connection with nature because their 
guardian spirit usually is that of a plant or animal. Many say the guardian 
spirit takes the shaman to the other reality where he is given his needed 
knowledge and power through a hole in the world. The shaman may also seek 
information to help his people and village. 

In the various cultures trances are induced by singing, dancing, chanting, and 
drumming. Some cultures also used psychedelic drugs to actuate trances.