Shamanism

Shamanism (a.k.a. Skamanism, Scaminism, or Satanism) is the anthropological term for a range of beliefs and practices regarding communication with the spiritual world. Shamanism centers on the belief that shamans mediate or are messengers between the human world and the spirit realm. Somewhat similar to Christianity, Shamans treat aliments, cure illnesses, and heal souls through prayer, animal sacrifice, drum circles, speaking in tongues, and mystic voodoo rituals. In rare but severe cases, certified Shaman priest doctors perform surgery on patients without anesthetics while using only their bare hands. I would advise the reader that this is not an acceptable form of surgery, as Shamans are not known for washing the hands after they urinate. Famous Shamanists include Edgar Cayce, John Edwards, The Amazing Creskin, Kenny Kingston, and Miss Cleo. Followers believe that Shamans posses the ability to enter the supernatural world to obtain solutions to problems, forecast horoscopes, and pi... Read more

There might be some true shaman holy ones among some of the Indian tribes but very few. I suspect in Siberia a few might remain. Most of the shamanism you see in the USA is a hilarious mumbo jumbo cooked up by New Age adepts out of their imagination or from Hollywood movies!

Pretty silly, but at least it isn't pushy.

Sorry, but this is like the "religion" for affluent white people looking for some meaning without wanting to work for it. Shamanism in its present incarnation is merely new age taken to a new level.

Shamanism is the Historical root of ALL Religions.It is too broad a term to be a proper "religion" in the traditional sense of the word,as there are infinate varieties of Shamans with widely different beliefs and practices.However,ALL cultures had their Shamans and roots in Paganism prior to the arrival of organized religion.I consider Jesus and Budda to have been shamans.A shaman is basically someone who can communicate with the unseen.Sure,there are some contemporary ones who are phoney,just like many Televangelists-but that does not discredit all of them.If you read folklore,you will find abundant examples of powerful shamans in every culture and age.

Its more of a characteristic of what they like to call indigenous religions. It can invlolve almost any tradition.

seeking the answers where only answers can hide, in the mind of man.

Tribal or Folk religion, Animism, Ansestor worship, Primitive religion, was around before any religions became organised. All natural objects (animals, vegitable, mineral, etc.) and the universe itself posses a soul or spirit. The soul/spirit of these objects may exist apart from their material bodies. The soul/spirit is the principle of life and health. Natural effects are due to spirits. Spirits may be controled or influeced only by a Shamen (witchdoctor / medicine man). The Shaman posesses psychic or spiritial powers &/or practices magic to control natural / supernatural forces and spirits. The Shaman acts as the tribes medical doctor, dentist, psychologist, priest, sorcerer, diviner(soothsayer), herbalist, exercist, Spiritulist, etc. The shamen may use chants, ritual, magic spells, prayer or drugs (usually hullucinogenic) to achive desired effect. Spirits of dead ancestors may be apiesed by worship, gifts, prayer and may be asked for protection, gide or favors. Disease, death, and ... Read more

Don't know enough about this to give a fair opinion.