More and more people in Western society are taking an interest in shamanism, and even wanting to know how to become a shaman. Often referred to as the world’s oldest religion, shamanism is all about spiritual discovery, powerful healing, and self-fulfillment.
Shamanism can give meaning to circumstances that other religions sometimes struggle to explain.
It can heal longstanding emotional and even physical hurts. And, strange as it may sound, it can predict the past, present, and future.
If you’re reading this article, you may well have asked yourself “How do I become a shaman?” In that case, you’ve come to the right place!
In this clear and easy-to-understand article, we’ll define exactly what a shaman is, and how you can become one.
We’ll consider what it takes to become a shaman, and describe what new skills you can expect to learn.
We’ll also underline the importance of working with a trusted teacher (and how to find one), before concluding with a brief look at shamanism initiation.
Interested and intrigued? Read on for more fascinating information about the magical and wonderful world of shamanism!
What Is A Shaman?
In a traditional, indigenous society, a shaman takes many roles: healer, advisor, head of ceremonies, teacher, source of wisdom, visionary, spiritual guide, and more.
In a Western context, our culture, society, beliefs, and needs are far removed from that traditional setting.
However, a shaman in the West still has a valuable and relevant role to play.
A shaman works by making contact with the spirit world, through dance, trance, meditation, ritual or other methods. They act as a bridge between the physical world and the spiritual realm.
To become a shaman, you have to believe in concepts like guardian angels, reincarnation, spirit guides, dualism (humans are made up of a mortal body and eternal soul), power animals and so on.
The journey into the myriad possibilities of the spirit world is one of the things that makes shamanism so captivating and mesmerizing!
Looking After Spiritual Health
Although there are many differences between traditional and Western shamans, one thing they have in common is that they are responsible for people’s spiritual health.
Certainly, my own journey into becoming a shaman began with a profound sadness and disenchantment around mainstream religions.
To my eyes, most established religions have abandoned the beauty and simplicity of their original creed.
Over time, they have superimposed many beliefs that were in direct opposition to the original system of belief, and they often appear to be more interested in power and politics than in people.
It seems to me that they have forgotten the primary purpose of religion: tending to people’s spiritual health and needs, and teaching them how to live and die.
When I was doing my training, my teacher made great play of the role of shaman as “wounded healer,” and that’s something that resonates very strongly with me.
Because the shaman has experienced hurt and pain themselves, they can empathize with other people and help them.
As well as drawing the distinction between the traditional and the Western shaman, I also think it’s useful here to differentiate between the personal and the practising shaman.
You can train as a shaman, and greatly benefit personally from your education, but you don’t have to practice as one.
Not everyone wants – or has the wherewithal – to become a practicing shaman, and that’s fine.
Or maybe you can take time to learn and hone your craft, before you feel ready to help others.
Who Can Take the Life Path Of A Shaman?
The path of shamanism is open to anyone who has an interest in matters spiritual. But there are certain other characteristics that are required too: an open mind, humility, and lack of pride, a willingness to learn, a generosity of spirit, and the capacity to admit that you may be wrong sometimes.
Tenacity, courage, enthusiasm, meditation skills, and altruism will also come in handy!
There is one school of thought that says shamans are chosen by others rather than through their own volition: that only certain people are chosen for the calling. That may or may not be true.
For sure, some people seem to be predestined or born to become shamans, whilst others are drawn to the path after a life-changing or life-threatening experience that gives them greater insight into how the universe works.
Perhaps the best way to explain this is to say that everyone can take the life path of a shaman, but only some have the skills, aptitude, and calling to become a practicing shaman.
There are many benefits to training as a shaman simply for your own spiritual development: it can bring great structure, contentment, peace, meaning, and fulfillment to your…
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