Shamanism is a set of ancestral beliefs that englobes practices in Magic and evocations to establish contact with the spirit world.
Shamanism is a religious perception that gives the shaman the ability to go into a trance and connect with the spiritual world. This connection enables him to cure illnesses, influence nature, facilitate hunting, guess secrets, predict the future, ward off evil, or perform the functions of a priest.
The shaman is able to travel to another world, through the reception of a transcendental nature or through his transformation into another being.
These manifestations are characteristic of the Siberian peoples of North Asia, but in indigenous tribes throughout the world the essence of these manifestations are similar, based on the observation of the signs of nature and the intervention of a shaman.
Although true shamanism was developed among different peoples of Siberia and Asia In Central America, Southeast Asia and Oceania there are religious practices closely linked with him.
The shaman is the spiritual leader in whom communities recognize supernatural abilities. He is a powerful figure who bridges the natural and spiritual worlds. He is given powers of magic, prophecy and healing.
This set of practices has become a philosophy of life, through which people seek balance, knowledge, tranquility, physical and spiritual well-being. The ancient wisdom and teachings passed down through generations lead the practitioner to experience an inner transformation.
The new strands of shamanism called neo-shamanism or urban shamanism are based on knowledge of ancient traditions that come into harmony with the current world. The practices and techniques used in shamanism include dancing, singing, beating drums and other musical instruments, meditation, discussion, sharing knowledge, testimonies and stories.
In Brazil, shamanic practices are common among indigenous tribes, with the shaman being the shaman.
Shamanism and animals
Animals have a great relevance in the world of shamanism, because according to this practice, an individual can discover the guardian animal that exists inside each one. This guardian animal may also be known as power animal, totem ally, nagual or protective spirit.
Each of these animals has different characteristics. for example, the wolf represents social skills, fidelity, generosity, love, and the ability to teach. The bear is related to the unconscious, and represents the instincts. The owl represents the path to wisdom and in some traditions it can be the bearer of good or bad news.
See too:
- Totem
- religious diversity