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Shamanism is one of the oldest systems in the world for acquiring knowledge and accessing healing. The term shaman is used to describe the healer, counselor, and spiritual advisor of a community. It is a Tungus word meaning "he who knows", though it is commonly applied to healers in Native American cultures, as well as South American, African, and Aboriginal cultures, to name just a few. Shamans, in one form or another, appear in all indigenous cultures, and the practice of shamanism is at the root of many major religions in the world today. In traditional shamanic systems, the Shaman interacts with the world of spirit on behalf of another person. This generally involves providing healing assistance on a physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual level.
For thousands of years, Shamans have worked in realms that lie beyond what can be seen by the naked eye. From a shamanic perspective, the world we live in is known as "ordinary reality" and the realms that we cannot see are called "non-ordinary reality." These realms can also be referred to as the "seen" and "unseen" worlds. To the Shaman, there is no difference between the factual and experiential reality of these two worlds.
Today, shamanic practitioners are in a unique position to effect change on many levels. They are informed by modern medicine and psychological thought, and grounded in the wisdom of the ancients, addressing maladies with assurance and understanding. Unlike western medical thought, shamans recognize that even the slightest trauma has potentially negative long-term effects, and they will often perform soul retrievals for surgeries, births, and the loss of loved ones. The study of shamanism offers a fresh perspective on the nature of healing and provides effective methods for maintaining health on a mental, emotional, and physical level.
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