SRS 1110 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Neoshamanism, Michael Harner, Shamanism In Siberia

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Religious Studies
• Course: SRS 1110
• Professor: Shelley Rabinovitch

Document Summary

In small-scale societies; rituals usually are performed by most or all of the adult members of the community. The difference between religious and secular activities is not made. However, some develop more interest and therefore more abilities to contact the supernatural (but specialists still live normally within the community and are not paid for their services) In larger societies; religious specialists are full-time and make a salary out of it. Shamans; receives his or her powers directly from the spirit world, abilities such as healing through communication with the supernatural (spirit helpers) during altered states of consciousness. The term shaman comes from tungus language of central siberia. Usually part-time and judged on his charisma and ability to heal. Shaman"s are chosen by spirits to become a shaman. (ex; they see that a child has unusual behaviour to sacred object) Often the call comes in a dream or trance (usually during a difficult time)