Shamanism: Secrets, Traditions of Shamanic Tribes

Shamanism is an ancient and fascinating spiritual practice rooted in many cultures worldwide. In this article, we will delve into its various aspects, including what shamanism is, its branches and forms, where true shamans live on Earth, and which substances are used in its rituals. Additionally, we will learn how Amazonian shamans support their tribes and forest conservation.

Introduction to Shamanism

What is Shamanism?

Shamanism is an ancient spiritual practice that dates back to the earliest times. It is a complex system of beliefs and rituals closely connected to the spiritual world and nature. Within shamanism, a person known as a shaman plays a key role. A shaman is not only a healer but also a spiritual guide and mediator between people and spirits.

The main goal of shamanism is to establish contact with spirits, who play a significant role in everyday life and the mental and physical health of people. Shamans believe that illnesses and suffering have spiritual sources, hence they conduct rituals and ceremonies aimed at gaining guidance from spirits and healing the body and soul.

Shamanism exists in many varieties worldwide, each culture having its own traditions and beliefs. There is Siberian, African, Thai shamanism, and many others. Despite differences, a common element is the shaman’s role as a mediator between the material world and the spiritual.

Shamanic rituals often include elements such as music, dance, the use of plant substances that elevate consciousness (like ayahuasca or peyote), and contact with spirits through visions and trances. Shamanism can help people solve problems, gain spiritual guidance, heal diseases, and find the meaning of life.

Modern medicine and psychology also appreciate the therapeutic aspects of shamanism, and some shamanic techniques are utilized in therapy. However, shamanism is not just a healing system; it is also a deep source of spiritual knowledge and wisdom that helps people find their place in harmony with nature and spirits.

Branches and Forms of Shamanism

Shamanism, as an ancient spiritual practice, takes various branches and forms depending on the culture in which it developed. It is a complex spectrum of beliefs and rituals that share a common faith in the spiritual world and the shaman’s role as a mediator between people and spirits. Within shamanism, many branches can be distinguished, each with its own unique features and traditions.

Siberian Shamanism

Siberian Shamanism is a branch of ancient spiritual practice that developed among the indigenous peoples of Siberia. It reflects the rich culture and traditions of Siberian peoples, such as the Evenki, Yakuts, Tuvans, and many others.

In this particular branch of shamanism, shamans, often called “tadzhy“, play a crucial role in communities. They are considered mediators between the material world and the spiritual. Their task is to communicate with spirits, heal the body and soul, and solve community problems.

Shamanic rituals in Siberia often include intense dance and the use of shamanic drums, which help the shaman enter a trance. In this state, shamans establish contact with spirits and receive spiritual guidance, which aids in healing and coping with difficulties.

Siberian Shamanism also has strong connections with nature and beliefs related to it. Shamans often integrate their rituals with the animal cult, which are considered spiritual guides.

This branch of

shamanism is not only a source of spiritual wisdom but also an important element of the culture and identity of the peoples of Siberia. Siberian Shamanism provides a fascinating example of how spirituality and nature come together, shaping the life and beliefs of communities.

African Shamanism

African shamanism is a diverse and fascinating branch of shamanism that develops on the African continent in various forms and cultural traditions. It is characterized by deep spirituality, strong connections with nature, and the role of shamans as healers, spiritual advisors, and community healers.

Within African shamanism, many different traditions and practices can be distinguished. Shamans in African cultures are often called “witch doctors” or “masters of herbs“. They use knowledge of medicinal plants to treat diseases and communicate with the spiritual world.

Shamanic rituals in Africa often include musical elements, such as drums, singing, and dancing, which help shamans enter a trance, during which they establish contact with spirits and receive spiritual guidance. It is believed that many community problems have their roots in the spiritual realm, hence shamans play a crucial role in resolving conflicts and healing the body and soul.

African shamanism is also closely related to the faith in ancestral spirits and respect for animals and nature. Medicinal plants play an important role in rituals and healing.

This branch of shamanism is an integral part of African culture, rich in diversity and deep beliefs. African shamanism shows how a strong connection between people and spirits and nature shapes the life and identity of many communities on the African continent.

American Shamanism

American Shamanism is a fascinating branch of this ancient spiritual practice that develops on the American continent, encompassing various cultures and traditions of indigenous peoples. It is characterized by deep spirituality, strong connections with nature, and unique techniques and rituals.

In American shamanism, shamans play a crucial role as mediators between the material world and the spiritual. Shamans are often known for their contact with spirits and the ability to heal the body and soul. Their functions vary depending on the culture, but they always aim to support communities and individuals.

Shamanic rituals in America include various elements, such as music, dance, prayers, and visions. Some cultures also use psychoactive plant substances, such as ayahuasca and peyote, to enter a trance state and establish contact with spirits.

American shamanism often relies on beliefs related to spirits of nature and animals. Spiritual guides in the form of animals play an important role in many cultures. All of this aims to maintain balance between people, spirits, and nature.

This branch of shamanism is an integral part of the life and identity of many indigenous cultures in America. American Shamanism shows how a strong connection between people, spirits, and nature shapes the beliefs, rituals, and values of these communities.

Tajik Shamanism

Tajik Shamanism, also known as “bakhshi“, is a branch of shamanism that develops in the Republic of Tajikistan in Central Asia. It is a fascinating area of spirituality and tradition deeply rooted in the local culture.

In Tajik shamanism, shamans play a crucial role as intermediaries between the material world and the spiritual. Their task is to contact spirits, heal the body and soul, and solve community problems. Tajik shamans are often called “bakhshi“, referring to their role as spiritual healers.

Shamanic rituals in Tajikistan include musical elements, such as singing and instruments, which help shamans enter a trance state. During this trance, shamans establish contact with spirits and receive spiritual guidance. It is believed that many community problems have their roots in the spiritual realm, hence shamans play a crucial role in resolving conflicts and healing.

Tajik Shamanism also has strong ties to the belief in ancestral spirits and respect for nature. Medicinal plants and herbs play an important role in rituals and the healing process.

This branch of shamanism is an integral part of the culture of Tajikistan, rich in diversity of traditions and deep beliefs. Tajik Shamanism shows how a strong connection between people and spirits and nature shapes the life and identity of this community.

Aboriginal Shamanism

Aboriginal Shamanism is the indigenous

faith and spiritual practice of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia. This branch of shamanism is deeply rooted in the culture of this continent and reflects a spiritual connection with nature and ancestors.

In Aboriginal shamanism, shamans, known as “ngangkari” or “clever men“, play a crucial role in their communities. They are considered guardians of the “Sacred Songs“, spiritual paths and guides that pass this spiritual knowledge to the next generations.

Aboriginal shamanic rituals often include singing, dancing, body painting, and the use of instruments such as the didgeridoo. These elements help shamans enter a trance and establish contact with spirits and ancestors.

Aboriginal Shamanism is also closely related to the belief in spiritual guides in the form of animals and spiritual beings. Each Aboriginal is assigned to a certain guiding spirit, which plays an important role in their life and provides protection.

This tradition also has strong ties to nature and the land. Aboriginals believe they are one with nature and that every element of nature has its own soul.

Aboriginal Shamanism is not just a spiritual practice, but also an integral part of the culture, identity, and way of thinking of these indigenous communities. It is a spiritual heritage that shows how close connection with nature and ancestors shapes the life and beliefs of Aboriginals.

Thai Shamanism

Thai Shamanism, also known as “baan phi“, is a branch of shamanism that develops in Thailand. It is a deeply rooted spiritual practice that combines ancient beliefs and traditions with today’s culture of this country.

In Thai shamanism, shamans play a crucial role as spiritual healers and healers. They are known as “phi kru“, which means “spiritual masters“. Their task is to contact spirits and heal the body and soul. It is believed that spirits play a significant role in everyday life and can be the cause of various problems and illnesses.

Shamanic rituals in Thailand often include prayers, music, dance, and the use of musical instruments, such as drums. Shamans enter a trance state, during which they establish contact with spirits and receive spiritual guidance.

Thai Shamanism also has connections with the Buddhist tradition, which influences some aspects of this practice. You can find elements of the Buddhist temple cult and religious ceremonies in shamanic practice.

This tradition is an integral part of Thai culture and society. Thai Shamanism shows how people strive to maintain balance between the material world and the spiritual and how life and identity of this community are shaped by close connections with spirits and the spiritual world.

Nepalese Shamanism

Nepalese Shamanism, also known as “Jhakri“, is a branch of ancient spiritual practice that develops in Nepal. It is a fascinating area of spirituality that is deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of this country.

In Nepalese shamanism, shamans, or Jhakri, play a crucial role as intermediaries between the material world and the spiritual. Their task is to contact spirits, heal the body and soul, and solve community problems. It is believed that spirits influence people’s lives, both in good and bad ways.

Shamanic rituals in Nepal often include singing, dancing, using drums, and musical instruments. These elements help shamans enter a trance, during which they establish contact with spirits and receive spiritual guidance. During these rituals, Jhakri often play the role of healers, treating various ailments and disorders.

Nepalese Shamanism is based on beliefs related to ancestral spirits and respect for nature. Nepalese shamans consider nature an integral part of their practice and believe that maintaining balance between the material world and the spiritual is key to harmony in life.

This spiritual heritage is not only an important part of Nepalese culture but also plays a key role in the life and identity of many communities in this region. Nepalese Shamanism shows how close connection between people and spirits and nature shapes their daily lives and beliefs.

Chinese Shamanism

Chinese Shamanism is a branch of this ancient spiritual practice that develops in China, deeply rooted in the local culture and traditions. It is a fascinating area of spirituality that combines ancient beliefs with a modern approach.

In Chinese shamanism, shamans play a crucial role as mediators between the material world and the spiritual. Their task is to contact spirits, heal the

body and soul, and solve community problems. It is believed that spirits influence people’s lives, both in good and bad ways.

Shamanic rituals in China include musical elements, such as singing, dancing, using musical instruments, and drums. These elements help shamans enter a trance state, in which they establish contact with spirits and receive spiritual guidance. During these rituals, shamans play the role of healers, treating various ailments and disorders.

Chinese Shamanism also has connections to Chinese philosophical tradition, including Taoism and Confucianism. This influences some aspects of this practice, as well as its place in Chinese culture.

This spiritual heritage is an important part of Chinese culture and identity. Chinese Shamanism shows how close connection between people and spirits shapes their daily lives, beliefs, and way of thinking.

Other Forms of Shamanism

In addition to these main branches, shamanism takes various forms in other cultures worldwide.  All these forms of shamanism aim to establish contact with the spiritual world, heal the body and soul, and solve community problems.

Shamanism is a fascinating area of spirituality that is still alive in many cultures. Each branch has its unique traditions and techniques, but they are united by a deep faith in the power of spirits and the shaman’s role as a mediator between the worlds. This heritage of humanity deserves to be studied and understood.

Where on Earth Do True Shamans Live?

True shamans, also called indigenous shamans, are present worldwide, living in various cultures and regions. Shamanism is a spiritual practice that appears in many branches and forms, with shamans playing key roles in their communities. Here are some places on Earth where true shamans live:

1. Siberia and Northern Asia: Siberian shamanism is one of the most well-known branches of this practice. Shamans living in regions of Siberia, Yakutia, Tuva, or Mongolia play crucial roles as healers and spiritual advisors.
2. Africa: African shamanism appears in various forms in countries such as Nigeria, Namibia, or Senegal. African shamans are often called “witch doctors” and perform important functions in healing and spiritual advising.
3. America: On the American continent, shamanism appears among the indigenous peoples of both North and South America. Native American shamans play the role of healers and spiritual guides. American shamanism often uses cultural elements such as myths and legends about spirit animals.
4. Southeast Asia: Shamanism is present in the cultures of many Southeast Asian countries, such as India, Bhutan, or Nepal. Shamans in these regions are often called “jhakri” or “bakhshi” and are involved in healing and spiritual advising.
5. Australia: Shamanism is part of the spirituality of Aboriginals, the indigenous inhabitants of Australia. Aboriginal shamans known as “ngangkari” play the role of spiritual doctors and guardians of the Sacred Songs, which are a central element of their practice.
6. Tajikistan: Tajik shamanism, known as “baan phi,” develops in the Republic of Tajikistan in Central Asia. Shamans in this culture are known as “bakhshi” and are involved in healing and solving community problems.

Shamanism is a diverse set of practices and beliefs that span many regions worldwide. Shamans, although they differ depending on the culture and traditions, play key roles as healers, spiritual guides, and guardians of spiritual heritage in their communities. This spiritual heritage is an important part of the culture and identity of these communities, and shamans play a crucial role in maintaining the balance between the material and spiritual worlds.

Substances in Use

Substances used in shamanic practices play a key role in establishing contact with the spiritual world, achieving trance states, and healing the body and soul. In various cultures and branches of shamanism, different substances are used, some of which have psychoactive properties. Here are

some examples of substances used in shamanic practices:

1. Ayahuasca:  is a powerful psychoactive substance used in shamanic practices in Amazonian cultures, especially in Peru, Brazil, and Colombia. It is a brew made from the leaves of the Psychotria viridis plant and the vine Banisteriopsis caapi. These ingredients contain strong psychoactive compounds, such as DMT (Dimethyltryptamine). Ayahuasca is known for its ability to induce deep trance states, visions, and contact with spirits and ancestors. Shamans use it in healing rituals, spiritual advising, and cleansing. Ayahuasca is also gaining popularity outside of indigenous cultures as a tool for spirit exploration and healing, though its use should be properly controlled and monitored considering potential side effects and safety.
2. Peyote:  is a type of cactus containing mescaline, a strongly acting psychoactive alkaloid. It is a plant known for its long history of use in shamanic and religious practices by indigenous peoples of North America, such as the Huichol and Navajo. Peyote is an important element of the culture and spirituality of these communities. Consumption of peyote cactus, usually in dried form or as a brew, aims to induce deep trance states and spiritual visions, which are used for healing, spiritual advising, and finding life paths. The plant is legally protected in many places due to its cultural and religious significance.
3. Sananga:  is a plant-based preparation used in shamanic and healing practices by the indigenous people of the Amazon. It is made from the roots of several plant species. Sananga is used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. The main method of application is dripping the preparation into the eyes. Sananga is reputed for cleansing the body and mind, removing negative energies, and enhancing focus. In shamanic practices, it is used as a tool to prepare the body and mind before major rituals. Despite its relatively limited use, Sananga is valued for its potential health and spiritual benefits.
4. DMT: DMT, or N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, is a powerful psychoactive substance found both in certain plants, like ayahuasca, and in the human body. It is known for its ability to induce intense and short-lived spiritual visions and deep trance states. DMT is one of the most potent psychedelics, making it used in shamanic rituals, religious practices, and spirit exploration. The substance appears in crystalline form or as an ingredient in plant brews. Despite its therapeutic potential, DMT is legally controlled in many places due to its psychoactive properties. Its use should be properly controlled and monitored considering safety and ethics.
5. Hapé is a traditional blend used in shamanic practices in Amazonian cultures, especially among indigenous people such as the Yanomami and Kamayurá. It is a mixture of ground plants and substances inhaled through the nose using a blowgun. Hape is known for its cleansing, energizing, and healing properties. It is used in healing rituals, meditation, and spiritual ceremonies. Hape is significant in the culture of these communities and is used to cleanse the body and enhance concentration.
6. Mescaline:  are nature-derived alkaloid psychoactive compounds found in certain cactus species, mainly peyote and san pedro. It is known for its ability to induce deep trance states, spiritual visions, and a sense of increased connection with nature. Mescaline has historically been used in shamanic practices and religious rituals by indigenous inhabitants of Mexico and other areas of America. It affects the central nervous system and has therapeutic potential in treating certain mental disorders. However, its use should be controlled and monitored due to its potential side effects and addictive potential.

These substances are used under the supervision of experienced shamans in the context of spiritual rituals and healing. Shamans use these substances to establish contact with the spiritual world, heal their patients, and solve community problems. However, it is important to emphasize that the use of these substances should be properly conducted and monitored by experienced individuals, with respect for the cultural and ethical aspects of shamanic practices.

Summary

In summary, shamanism is a complex and fascinating spiritual practice present in various branches and forms worldwide. Within this tradition, shamans play a key role as mediators between the material world and the spiritual, helping people establish contact with spirits, heal the body and soul, and solve problems in communities.

In different regions and cultures, this practice takes various forms, and shamans use different tools and substances, such as ayahuasca, peyote, DMT, hape, and sananga, to achieve deep trance states, visions, and contacts with the spiritual world. This spiritual heritage is an important element of the culture and identity of indigenous communities worldwide.

In summary, shamanism is a rich and diverse spiritual heritage that reflects the close relationship between people and spirits and nature. Collaboration and support are key in preserving these unique cultures and protecting ecosystems, contributing to promoting harmony between people and nature.