What Is the Role of a Shaman? His Importance in the Modern World

Throughout human history, shamans have played a crucial role in the spiritual and social fabric of their communities. Often misunderstood or romanticized in modern culture, shamans are far more than healers or mystics. They are intermediaries between the seen and unseen worlds, the physical and the spiritual, the individual and the community. But what exactly does a shaman do, and why are they so vital in the cultures where they are found?

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The Origins of Shamanism

Shamanism is one of the oldest spiritual practices in the world, dating back tens of thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that early humans engaged in shamanic rituals as far back as the Upper Paleolithic period. The term “shaman” is believed to have originated from the Tungusic Evenki people of Siberia, where it referred to a spiritual practitioner who entered altered states of consciousness to interact with the spirit world.

Although the word is Siberian, the practice of shamanism is global. Variations of shamanic traditions have been found among Indigenous peoples in the Americas, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Northern Europe. Despite regional differences, these traditions share key elements that define what it means to be a shaman.

Core Characteristics of a Shaman

A shaman is typically a person who is believed to have a special connection to the spirit world. This connection allows them to:

• Enter altered states of consciousness, often through drumming, dancing, fasting, or the use of sacred plants.

• Communicate with spirits, including ancestors, animal guides, nature spirits, or deities.

• Heal physical, emotional, or spiritual illnesses by diagnosing the root causes and addressing them through rituals or energy work.

• Guide souls, including helping the spirits of the deceased transition or retrieve lost pieces of a living person’s soul (known as soul retrieval).

• Protect the community from spiritual threats and negative energies.

• Act as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, interpreting messages and signs from the unseen world.

In many societies, shamans are selected through visions, dreams, or life-altering experiences—often illness or trauma. This initiation marks a transformation, turning the individual into a mediator capable of serving others.

Healing and Soul Retrieval

One of the most important roles of a shaman is healing. But unlike a doctor who treats the physical body, shamans often work on the spiritual root of illness. In shamanic belief, disease can stem from spiritual imbalances, soul loss, or negative energies.

Soul loss is a common concept in shamanism. It occurs when a traumatic experience causes a person to lose a fragment of their soul. This might result in chronic illness, depression, anxiety, or a sense of disconnection. A shaman’s job is to journey into the spirit world, locate the lost soul fragment, and return it to the person—a practice known as soul retrieval.

Shamans may also extract harmful energies or spirit attachments, restore balance through ritual, or perform ceremonies to honor ancestors and appease spirits.

Communication with the Spirit World

Shamans don’t just treat illness—they also act as communicators. By entering trance states, they consult with spiritual allies to seek guidance or gather information. This can help individuals make life decisions, clarify their purpose, or understand challenges they are facing.

In many cultures, the shaman consults spirits on behalf of the entire community—asking for rain, a successful hunt, or protection from danger. Through rituals, chants, and symbolic tools, they create a sacred space where spiritual dialogue can take place.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Ritual is central to a shaman’s work. Whether it's a healing ceremony, seasonal celebration, or rite of passage, shamans use ritual to connect people to the spiritual forces that shape their lives. Ceremonies may include:

• Drumming and chanting to enter trance states

• Dance and movement to raise energy

• Offerings to spirits to maintain harmony

• Use of sacred objects like feathers, crystals, or masks

• Plant medicine journeys with psychoactive substances like ayahuasca or peyote (in cultures where this is part of the tradition)

Rituals not only serve spiritual purposes—they also foster community, mark important life transitions, and restore social balance.

The Shaman as Psychopomp

A lesser-known role of the shaman is that of a psychopomp, or a guide for the dead. When someone dies, shamans may help their soul transition to the afterlife. In cultures that believe in reincarnation or multiple spiritual realms, this guidance is essential to prevent the soul from becoming trapped or wandering.

Shamans may also communicate with ancestors to seek blessings, resolve unfinished business, or heal generational trauma. This reinforces the idea that life and death are not opposites but part of a continuous spiritual cycle.

Shamanism and Nature

Shamans often have a deep connection to nature. Many see the Earth as alive, filled with spirits of plants, animals, rivers, and mountains. A shaman doesn’t just live in the environment—they relate to it spiritually.

By working with animal spirit guides, plant allies, and natural elements, shamans honor the interconnectedness of all life. This ecological awareness is a vital part of their worldview and a reminder of humanity’s place in the web of existence.

In today’s world, this wisdom is more relevant than ever. As environmental crises deepen, many turn to Indigenous and shamanic perspectives for guidance on living in harmony with nature.

Becoming a Shaman

In traditional societies, becoming a shaman is not a choice—it is a calling. This calling may come through:

• A near-death experience

• A prolonged illness with visionary dreams

• A supernatural encounter

• An inherited lineage

After this calling, the initiate undergoes training that may last years. They learn to navigate the spirit world, use healing tools, interpret visions, and perform rituals. This is not a casual path but a lifelong commitment to serving others.

In modern times, some people seek to become shamans through workshops or online courses. While these can offer valuable insights, they differ significantly from traditional initiation, which is deeply rooted in culture, lineage, and community responsibility.

Shamanism in the Modern World

Today, there is growing interest in shamanic practices across the globe. People seek out shamans for healing, personal growth, or spiritual awakening. Some Western psychotherapists have even begun to integrate shamanic techniques into mental health treatment.

However, this rise in popularity brings challenges. Cultural appropriation is a serious concern. Traditional shamanic practices are sacred and deeply tied to specific cultures. Extracting them from their context without understanding or respect can lead to distortion or harm.

That said, many Indigenous shamans are choosing to share their wisdom with the world, often to preserve their traditions and help others heal. This exchange, when done with respect, can be powerful and transformative.

The Importance of the Shaman Today

The shaman’s role remains vital, even in the modern era. As mental health crises, environmental destruction, and spiritual disconnection grow, the ancient wisdom of the shaman offers tools for healing and reconnection.

Shamans remind us that healing isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about restoring balance between body, mind, spirit, and community. They teach us to listen to the land, honor our ancestors, and trust our inner guidance.

In a world hungry for meaning and wholeness, the shaman stands as a timeless figure—a healer, guide, and bridge between worlds.

Can a Woman Be a Shaman?

A woman can absolutely be a shaman—and in many cultures around the world, women have traditionally served as powerful shamans, spiritual leaders, healers, and visionaries.

Examples from Different Cultures:

• Siberia: Among the Evenki and other Indigenous Siberian groups—where the term "shaman" originates—women have long served as shamans, sometimes even more commonly than men.

• Amazon tribes: Female shamans, known as "curanderas" or "ayahuasqueras", play key roles in healing with plant medicine and spiritual rituals.

• Korea: In Korean shamanism (Muism), the vast majority of shamans, called "mudang", are women. They act as intermediaries between spirits and humans, performing rituals for healing and guidance.

• Mongolia: Both men and women serve as shamans, with women often specializing in certain types of healing or spirit communication.

Why Women Are Often Chosen

Many traditional cultures believe women are naturally more attuned to the spirit world due to their intuitive, nurturing, and life-giving qualities. Some shamanic traditions say that a person becomes a shaman after undergoing intense transformation—such as illness, trauma, or spiritual visions—and this process is not gender-specific.

In Modern Shamanism

Today, more women around the world are exploring and reclaiming shamanic practices. Many female healers, energy workers, and spiritual teachers work with shamanic techniques such as journeying, soul retrieval, and working with spirit guides.

Sources and Further Reading:

1. Eliade, Mircea. Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy (Princeton University Press, 1964)

2. Harner, Michael. The Way of the Shaman (HarperOne, 1980)

3. Halifax, Joan. Shamanic Voices: A Survey of Visionary Narratives (Arkana, 1982)

4. Winkelman, Michael. “Shamanism as the Original Neurotheology.” Zygon, vol. 41, no. 3, 2006.

5. Krippner, Stanley. “Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Shamans and Shamanism.” Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 2000.

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Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.