Shamanism is the world’s oldest spiritual path coupled with practical strategies for survival. It is a nature-based path of direct revelation meaning that each person has access to Spirit and spirits without the need of any hierarchical structure.
Ancient history is murky on when the actual practice of shamanism dates back to. Medicine men, natural healers, and those that were considered connected to spirits and power have historical documentation back from at least the last 20-30,000 years. The word ‘shamanism’ is thought to be derived from the Manchu-Tungus word šaman, meaning “one who knows”. The Tungusic term was subsequently adopted by Russians interacting with the indigenous peoples in Siberia. The word was brought to Western Europe in the mid 17th century via travellers through Russia.
Shamanism is a worldwide, cross-cultural spiritual path
Shamanism is a cross-cultural spiritual path practiced in every continent of the world. It is remarkably similar everywhere even though, throughout history, there has been little contact between shamans in widely divergent parts of the world.
All attempts to wipe out shamanism by the Nazis and by various organized religions have failed. Although some people consider shamanism a religion it has no dogma, pope, a sacred book or any universal set of rules or commandments. In fact, many indigenous shamans around the world are Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist and practicing members of many different religions.
Shamanism is Healing
Ultimately shamanism is the study and practice of accumulating, storing, and utilizing power to suspend everyday laws of nature and to influence and manipulate reality for the purposes of healing, prophesying, divining, and engaging in supernatural feats. (definition taken from thepowerpath.com)