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Discovering Shamanism: An Ancient and Fascinating Practice
In this brief article, I want to share with you what I have learned about shamanism, an ancient spiritual practice that may seem unfamiliar to many, as it was to me a few years ago. If you also think that shamans are figures of the past or are unsure of what exactly shamanism is, keep reading: this article is for you.
What is Shamanism?
Shamanism is one of the oldest spiritual practices known to humanity, dating back about 100,000 years. The origins of this tradition can be found in cultures and tribes around the world, from North America to Siberia, from Africa to the Amazon.
The term “shaman” comes from the word šaman of the Tungus tribe in Siberia, meaning “one who sees in the dark,” but also “spiritual healer” or “one who knows.” A shaman is not only a healer of physical ailments but a bridge between the material world and the spiritual one. They are someone who “sees” through the heart rather than the eyes and is able to connect with the invisible forces of nature.
The Role of the Shaman
Shamans are spiritual guides who perform ceremonies for various purposes, including healing, gaining visions or spiritual answers, and maintaining harmony with nature. One of the most well-known ceremonies is the shamanic journey, a practice that allows one to access non-ordinary realities to gain wisdom or healing.
What is the Shamanic Journey?
The shamanic journey is an experience of expanded consciousness, which allows the shaman to connect with the spiritual world. To do this, the shaman enters an altered state of consciousness, often using drums, rattles, or sticks—tools that create rhythmic percussion capable of slowing down brain waves and bringing the practitioner into a trance state.
During the shamanic journey, the shaman may seek spiritual guidance, receive healing for themselves or others, and interact with spirit guides. These spirits can be allies in the search for healing, wisdom, or protection. The shamanic journey is not only a practice of self-knowledge but also an act of service to the community.
The Teachings of Shamanism
Shamanism teaches us that everything is interconnected. There is an invisible web of life that connects every living being, from the smallest to the largest. We are all part of nature and its living intelligence. This deep connection invites us to reconnect with the Earth, to follow its rhythms, and to live in harmony with the natural cycles.
Through their practice, the shaman reminds us that we are part of an interconnected whole and that healing—both physical and spiritual—can only occur when we recognize and respect this connection. The shamanic path is, in fact, also a journey back to nature, to our primordial essence.
My Experience with Shamanism
These reflections are the result of my direct experience with shamanism. I have had the fortune to live closely with a shaman, learning from their teachings and benefiting from their healings. My personal practice has been accompanied by reading books and historical research, which have allowed me to better understand the incredible depth of this tradition.
I’m not here to tell you that we all need to become shamans, but rather to invite you to consider how we can all draw inspiration from the wisdom of shamans: by learning to stay connected with nature, to heal holistically, and to recognize the bond that connects us to everything around us.
