Spirit Voices: The Mysteries and Magic of North Asian Shamanism

Shamanism is a controlled and repeatable deliberate trance state where individuals experience spirit flight or are possessed by spirits to create change in the physical world. It is essential to have the spirits' blessing and trance state to exist or function. Author David Shi explores the history and practice of shamanism in North Asia, featuring three main cultural shamanic traditions: Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungus. The book includes history, first-hand experiential reports, mythology, and folklore to explore the spirits, spirituality, and practices of true shamanism. Shi also provides practical information for those seeking to implement practices appropriate to non-initiates and outsiders to the culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser

Shamanism is a complex and diverse spiritual practice that has been practiced for thousands of years across many cultures worldwide. While the term "shamanism" is often used loosely, it is important to understand its true meaning and significance. Shamanologist Nicholas Breeze Wood has provided a comprehensive definition of a shaman: "A shaman is someone chosen by the spirits [typically at/before birth] and who can go into a controlled and repeatable deliberate trance state, during which they: (A) experience spirit flight, where they go to meet the spirit worlds and meet spirits, who they either fight with, negotiate with, or trick, in order to create change in this physical world, or (B) are often taken over/possessed by the spirits (normally ancestral shaman spirits, or local land spirits) while in this physical world-the spirits using the shaman's voice and body to heal, or give advice to members of the shaman's community. Without the spirits, and their blessing, a shaman cannot exist or function. Without the trance state, it is not shamanism."

Shamanism is a spiritual practice that involves entering a trance state to communicate with spirits and gain spiritual guidance and power. Shamans are believed to have the ability to travel to other realms, meet spirits, and perform rituals to heal, protect, and bring prosperity to their communities. The practice has been found in many cultures throughout history, including Native American, Siberian, African, and Australian cultures.

One of the key aspects of shamanism is the belief in the existence of spirits. Shamans believe that spirits are powerful beings that can interact with the physical world and can provide guidance and healing. Spirits can take many different forms, including animals, plants, and humans. Shamans often work with specific spirits to achieve their goals and to protect their communities.

Shamanism is a highly personal and spiritual practice that requires a deep level of commitment and training. Shamans undergo a rigorous training process that includes learning about the different spirits, their powers, and their rituals. They also learn how to enter a trance state and how to communicate with spirits.

Shamanism has been used to treat a wide range of physical and mental health issues. For example, shamans have been used to treat physical ailments such as pain, illness, and injury. They have also been used to treat mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Despite its many benefits, shamanism has also faced criticism and controversy. Some people believe that shamanism is a form of superstition or magic, and that it is not based on scientific evidence. Others believe that shamanism is a form of cultural appropriation, and that it is not appropriate for non-native cultures to practice.

In response to these criticisms, many shamans have worked to promote their practice and to educate others about it. They have also worked to preserve their traditional practices and to ensure that they are not exploited or abused.

One of the most important aspects of shamanism is the belief in the interconnectedness of all things. Shamans believe that everything in the universe is connected, and that everything has a spirit. This belief has led to the development of many spiritual practices that focus on the connection between humans and the natural world.

Shamanism has also been used to promote social and environmental justice. Shamans have been used to advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples and to protect the environment from exploitation. They have also been used to promote peace and reconciliation between different groups.

In conclusion, shamanism is a complex and diverse spiritual practice that has been practiced for thousands of years across many cultures worldwide. While it has faced criticism and controversy, it has also been used to treat a wide range of physical and mental health issues and to promote social and environmental justice. If you are interested in learning more about shamanism, there are many resources available to you. You can visit a shamanic center, read books about shamanism, or attend a workshop or training program.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781578637928