EP 189 S06: Can Shamanism Be a Helpful Philosophy?

What if ancient wisdom could help you find balance and boost your personal power? Would you try shamanism to change your life? #AdvancedQualityPrograms #TheQualityGuy #Shamanism #NotYourGuru

Shamanism is a spiritual tradition found in many Indigenous cultures worldwide, especially in Siberia, Mongolia, and northern Europe. It has existed for thousands of years—possibly dating back to the Paleolithic era. The word “shaman,” meaning “one who knows,” likely comes from the Tungusic Evenki language and was introduced to Western discussions in the 17th century.

Anthropologists believe that shamanism naturally develops in human societies to help people understand the world and their place in it. Rituals such as dancing, drumming, chanting, or using hallucinogenic plants create altered states of consciousness, enabling shamans to predict animal behavior, solve problems, plan migrations, and strengthen community bonds.

The Principles of Shamanism

Shamanism is not a single, unified belief system—it is a collection of practices shaped by different cultures. However, most forms share a few common principles:

• Spirits Are Central: Spirits are believed to influence health, nature, and society. Some spirits are helpful, while others may cause harm.

• Shamans as Mediators: Shamans serve as a bridge between the human world and the spirit world, using their abilities to heal, guide, and protect.

• Trance States: Drumming, chanting, dancing, or using special plants helps shamans enter altered states, which allow them to connect with the spiritual realm.

• Animal Spirits: In many Mesoamerican and North American traditions, shamans work with animal spirits that act as protectors, messengers, or symbols of personal growth and guidance.

• Healing and Balance: Illness is seen as a sign of spiritual imbalance. Healing rituals, herbal medicine, and protective objects like amulets help restore harmony.

What Can We Learn from Shamanism?

Many shamans say they receive their calling through visions, dreams, or personal crises. This process—sometimes called the “wounded healer” journey—deepens their connection to both the spiritual world and their community.

Traditionally, shamans helped maintain balance in their communities. For example, the Tucano people believe that breaking hunting taboos can cause illness. Shamans “release” the souls of animals to restore balance and ensure respectful, sustainable hunting. Inuit shamans  or angakkuq, communicate with mythic beings to improve hunting success.

Shamans also play important everyday roles in their communities by participating in hunting, gathering, and managing household tasks, as well as performing rituals that strengthen communal bonds. People trust them not only because of their special skills but also because they believe in their ability to maintain harmony in their community.

Shamanism Today

Shamanism continues to evolve in the modern world. Many Indigenous communities are reviving traditional practices, and scholars now use terms like “shamanhood” or “shamanship” to recognize its cultural diversity instead of treating it as a fixed system.

One recent development is the rise of shamanic tourism, such as ayahuasca ceremonies in South America, where shamans offer spiritual experiences to travelers. This creates both a cultural exchange and an income source for Indigenous shamans. Historically, female shamans in Korea’s Chosun Dynasty gained financial independence through their work, demonstrating that shamanism has long been both a spiritual and economic resource.

Modern thinkers also compare shamanic beliefs to scientific ideas like ecology and systems theory. Indigenous views on connection to nature are aligned with modern understandings of ecological balance, while shamanic healing often considers personal, social, and political influences to bring balance. This holistic approach suggests that healing is not just a personal matter—it depends on community support and participation.

Is Shamanism a Useful Philosophy?

Beyond its mystical or esoteric elements, shamanism is about balance—between life, soul, and environment. As a philosophy, it can help people find guidance and harmony when properly focused and applied. However, while shamanic ideas can offer valuable insights, they should not be used as an excuse to avoid personal responsibility.

If shamanism helps you find your balance and empowers you, embrace it. Use these insights to strengthen your own path to personal power.