Making the Unfamiliar Familiar

MOST OF US KNOW WHAT YOGA AND MEDITATION IS

Yoga was once an unfamiliar word, as indeed was meditation, especially when it was called transcendental meditation, as it was in the 1960’s.

But over time, they have become words that are part of our everyday conversation.

So, it’s not surprising that the word ‘shamanism’ might sound a little unfamiliar at first.

THE DEFINITION OF CONTEMPORARY SHAMANISM IS OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD

The word 'shamanism' is an extension of the word 'shaman', which has had a variety of meanings depending on the writing skills of the person tasked with writing it.

ANCIENT SHAMANISM WAS BASED ON A PRACTICAL UNDERSTANDING OF NATURE

Often the word religion finds its way into many definitions, however the word ‘shaman’ pre-dates what we define as a religion, so that would be incorrect.

Then some make reference to a trance-state, which isn’t accurate either.

SHAMANISM IS OFTEN DEFINED BY WHAT ITS NOT

A word often used is: spirituality, but only when it’s defined by what it’s not, and that would be: the ‘non-physical’ world, which covers all the things we can’t see or touch.

A BETTER DEFINITION

However, the definition of shamanism I like is:

 “Those who have knowledge
 of the natural world, and the non-physical world, 
and the ability to bridge the two"

The word ‘shaman’ derives from the language of the ancient Tungusic community of peoples, and developed into an indigenous spirituality among the reindeer herders throughout the Siberia, Manchuria, and Mongolia regions, as we know them today.

BE CURIOUS ABOUT EVERYTHING

It evolved during the Upper Paleolithic period between 50,000 and 12,000 years ago.

Be curious about everything, it’s the only way to find what you’re looking for.

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies is a non-profit public 501(C)(3)
Charitable and Educational Organization.

It’s dedicated to the study, teaching, and preservation of shamanic knowledge, for the welfare of the planet, and all who live here.