What Is Shamanism? Discover the Ancient Practice of Spiritual Healing and Wisdom
I love the timing for this blog, as I’m currently teaching a class on Introduction to Shamanism, something I haven’t offered in many years. While I won’t give away all my trade secrets, I do want to share several key points to help you understand what shamanism truly is and why it matters.
1. Shamanism is the oldest spiritual tradition.
The word “shaman” comes from the Tungus people of Siberia. Shamanic practices may date back to the Paleolithic era, long before organized religion, with evidence of shamans as far back as 30,000 BP in what is now the Czech Republic.
This is significant because shamanism is the oldest known spiritual tradition. Over time, as Christianity rose in power, people who practiced these earth-based traditions were labeled “pagan.” The Catholic Church often forced conversion, and when that failed, persecution followed. Women skilled in herbalism were frequently branded as witches and either drowned or burned.
2. The word “shaman” is neither male nor female.
Unlike many patriarchal religions that reserved spiritual leadership for men, the term “shaman” itself is not gendered. Anyone, regardless of gender, can walk the shamanic path if they feel called and choose to train.
3. Shamans enter altered states of consciousness.
At its heart, a shaman is someone who can enter an altered state of consciousness to gain insight or healing for themselves, others, or their community. Historically, shamans used natural psychedelics to reach these states. Today, many rely on drumming, breathwork, and meditation to journey into what is known as non-ordinary reality to seek answers to important questions or spiritual guidance.
4. Shamans work with spirit animals and guides.
A central part of shamanic practice is deep respect for the animal world. Each animal carries unique medicine, lessons, and strengths. Practitioners often have an assigned spirit animal they work with in each lifetime but also receive guidance from many other animal allies.
Beyond animals, shamans communicate with ancestors and spirit guides who often find them. For example, my first spirit guide, a Native American chief, found me in the basement of my home in Arvada. He had been searching for someone to help cleanse the land, which is another important aspect of shamanic work. Chief has remained with me ever since as a strong guide.
5. Shamans are healers who clear negative energy.
Shamans help remove negative or stagnant energy from people, places, and the land. Traditional shamanic belief includes an upper, middle, and lower world but does not include the concept of “hell.” While we acknowledge dark or harmful energy, the purpose is always cleansing and healing. Shamans also play an important role in death rituals, helping guide souls peacefully across the Rainbow Bridge so they pass over whole and restored.
6. Raising vibration helps reveal truth.
A key part of shamanic practice is raising our own vibration and the vibration of those around us. Living at a higher vibration helps us see truth more clearly, including recognizing when someone might wish to deceive or harm us. I learned firsthand that ignoring my intuition once left me vulnerable to theft. Today, as manipulation becomes more common, it is more important than ever to stay centered and grounded. The human ego can easily be misused for power or profit, but shamanism helps bring us back to balance.
Shamanism is for everyone.
Shamanism is not reserved for a chosen few. It is a practice and philosophy that anyone can explore. It brings more harmony, healing, and awareness into our lives and, in doing so, helps uplift the vibration of the entire universe.
If you feel curious to learn more or feel called to explore this path, I would love to guide you. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or would like to join my next Introduction to Shamanism class.