The word 'shaman' comes from the Tungus language in Siberia. The term refers to the spiritual leaders of certain societies, usually small-scale societies without centralized political organizations and occupational specialization.
The shaman's primary function is to serve as an intermediary between his or her community and the spirit world. He has direct contact with the spirit world through trance states, uses the trance state for healing, bewitching and divining for his people, and uses his connections to spirits to achieve good or evil goals. Because of this perceived power, he is often the most feared person in the society.
The techniques used in shamanic religions have been adopted by individuals and groups of non-shamanic societies seeking access to the spirit world. Modern versions of shamanism emphasize healing of self and others, but often lack the community foundation of traditional shamanic religions. In these contexts, shamanism is no longer a religion but rather a spiritual practice borrowed from traditional beliefs.
List of contents of this UK magazine on Shamanism, Animism, earth wisdom, native spirituality and ecology, with some material online. Also shopping. www.sacredhoop.org
The mission of the Dance of the Deer Foundation Center for Shamanic Studies is to preserve the Huichol culture and its shamanic practices and traditions. www.shamanism.com
Shamanic resource center for shamanic and personal development with details of a home study course, bookstore, craft-work section, news-letter, down-loads section and articles. www.shamana.co.uk
A journal of the International Society for Shamanistic Research, published semiannually with original articles, reviews of current books, films, videos, records, tapes and CDs, accounts of works in progress and announcements of coming events. Contents of www.arts.u-szeged.hu/journal/shaman/shaman.html
A non profit educational organization founded by Michael Harner. Includes the Way of the Shaman Basic Workshop, Advanced Shamanic Training, Books, Videos and Tapes. www.shamanism.org
Provides educational information and links to information on shamanism. Also links to shamanic practitioners, teachers, and teaching organizations listed by city and state or country. www.shamanlinks.net
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