Shaman

Feb 13
1 min read

Updated: Mar 12

The word shaman essentially means a “person who knows.” The Tungusic word xaman is derived from the verb “scha,” meaning “knowledge.” Accordingly, shaman stands for “someone who knows,” a “Knower,” and “the One with (special) knowledge.” Becoming a shaman is a calling that is independent of the wants or desires of the self. One feels chosen or “recruited” by a god or spirit. It is not a vocation one can choose for oneself. The “recruitment” phase can last for many years and it usually involves not only dreams and visions but also much physical discomfort or suffering that is only alleviated by one’s complete surrender to the will of the spiritual agent or god. What all the shamanic cultures have in common is a fundamental respect bordering on worship of life in all its forms. Another name for the belief system is animism, as in the attribution of a spiritual aspect or “soul” to all things, plants, inanimate objects, locations, weather phenomena, etc.

Alternative designations for shamanic priests or practitioners depend on time and culture, and are therefore too numerous to be cited here. In the OC, the following names or titles refer to “people who know”: “Far-travelers,” “Dreamdancers,” “Dreamhealers,” “Incubators,” “Pathfinders” “Pathmakers,” “Noaide” (Sami), as well as “Climbers of the Palisades of Heaven” (Forest Folk).