Shamanism

:This article is about the practice of shamanism; for the musical groups, see Shaman (musical group), Shaaman or The Shamen.

Related Topics:
Shaman (musical group) - Shaaman - The Shamen

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Shamanism is a range of traditional beliefs and practices that involve the ability to diagnose, cure, and sometimes cause human suffering by traversing the axis mundi and forming a special relationship with, or gaining control over, spirits. Shamans have been credited with the ability to control the weather, divination, the interpretation of dreams, astral projection, and traveling to upper and lower worlds. Shamanistic traditions have existed throughout the world since prehistoric times.

Related Topics:
Axis mundi - Spirits - Divination - Astral projection

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Shamanism is based on the premise that the visible world is pervaded by invisible forces or spirits that affect the lives of the living. In contrast to animism and animatism, which any and usually all members of a society practice, shamanism requires specialized knowledge or abilities. This might be better expressed as 'shamans are the experts employed by animists or animist communities'. Shamans are not, however, often organized into full-time ritual or spiritual associations, as are priests. It is questionnable whether there was an -ism called "Shamanism" until such a thing was invented in the West out of the diverse practices of indigenous people in particular locations worldwide.

Related Topics:
Animism - Animatism - Priest

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