What is a Shaman?

I feel it important to address this controversial and misunderstood term, as there are some very strong opinions regarding the word shaman and its use.

Let’s begin with a bit of history.

Anthropologists have traced the origins of the word shaman well beyond the Tungus people of Siberia. The term has been found recorded in the 1690s in Russia. Additionally, shaman is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word “sramana” which means ascetic monk. The word shaman has been found in many different cultures and languages across a far-reaching span of time and is in a sense timeless.

Historically and traditionally the word shaman has been used to reference the healer, seer, midwife, death doula, oracle, medium, mediator, herbalist, witch, ceremonialist, and spiritual practitioner of a community. An energetic alchemist who walks between the ordinary and nonordinary worlds on behalf of those seeking healing help and guidance.

What is a Shamanic Practitioner?

A shamanic practitioner is someone who practices the healing art of shamanism. The terms shaman, shamanic practitioner, shamanic healing, or someone who practices shamanism are inherently the same thing. Within modern society, these terms are used interchangeably to refer to someone who has been traditionally trained and initiated in the sacred ancient healing techniques and practices of shamanism.

Other helpful things to understand about Shamanism

One does not become a shaman or a shamanic practitioner through an online course of study or through a westernized three-day workshop. As it is a sacred calling one is awakened into, an unfolding which involves years of intensive study and initiations.  

Shamanism is not a religion.

Shamans have a long reaching presence within human history. Evidence of the practice of shamanism has been found painted on the walls of caves that reach thousands upon thousands of years back into the recorded history of humankind.

Shamans were, and are, believed by many cultures and tribes to be from the stars, starseeds, or star people.

A bit about my personal journey along the Shamanic path

Here I will speak briefly and in general terms regarding my shamanic journey, as most of my experiences are deeply private and sacredly sealed. And quite frankly, with the human language being so limiting, there truly are no words to describe the bulk of the journey anyway.

I began walking the shamanic path as a child, not knowing, being able to name, or cognitively understand what was happening. The experience was tactilely, viscerally, visibly, and obviously orchestrated by Spirit. You see, I was born with total recall and all of my clairsenses fully activated. Each step along my shamanic path of training and preparation was divinely guided by Spirit. I always felt called to the path, deeply pulled, as there was never a choice, the unfolding of it all simply was a part of me.

Much of my training and preparation occurred within the nonordinary worlds, particularly early on. As I grew into adulthood, Spirit led me to teachers and written materials within the ordinary world. All of which substantiated what had come before within the nonordinary worlds. I began what would become well over a decade of study with various shamans around the globe. I traveled to each remote location without question. Being dropped down into the middle of “nowhere”, many times with no running water or electricity, and no established roads in or out of the area for miles. With all the study, training, and preparation being oral and ceremonial in nature, there were no books or notes taken. There were no recordings or three-day westernized crash course weekends. No. I spent weeks at a time submerged within the essence of Shamanism.

Why do you call yourself a Shaman?

I am a Shaman. It is who I am and what I do. Additionally, the word Shaman is the most widely known term currently being used within modern society. It is recognizable and concisely describes my healing work. The word Shaman is more familiar to people than the term shamanic practitioner. When someone is looking for a Shaman, they are most likely not going to search for a shamanic practitioner. Using the word Shaman makes it easier for those who are seeking that specific type of healing help, the chance to actually find me.