Is Shamanism Evil? The Dark or Harmful Practices of Shamans

Shamanism is one of the oldest spiritual practices in the world, predating organized religion by thousands of years. It exists in cultures across every inhabited continent and continues to be practiced today in both indigenous and modern settings. Yet, for centuries, shamanism has often been misunderstood—especially by outsiders unfamiliar with its rituals and beliefs. In many cases, it has been labeled "evil" or "satanic," particularly by colonial powers and religious institutions seeking to suppress indigenous traditions. But is shamanism actually evil?

To answer this question fairly, we must examine what shamanism is, where the idea of its “evil” nature came from, and how these perceptions have evolved over time.

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What Is Shamanism?

Shamanism is not a religion in the conventional sense. It is a spiritual practice centered around communication with the spirit world. Shamans act as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms, often entering altered states of consciousness—through drumming, dancing, fasting, or the use of sacred plants—to perform healing, divination, or guidance.

While the word "shaman" comes from the Tungusic peoples of Siberia, similar roles exist worldwide:

• The curanderos in Latin America

• The sangomas in southern Africa

• The angakkuit in the Inuit communities of the Arctic

• The babas and mudangs in parts of Central and East Asia

• Indigenous medicine people in North and South America

Though methods vary, the core functions are similar: healing the sick, guiding souls, restoring balance, and connecting with spiritual forces.

Why Some People Consider Shamanism Evil

The belief that shamanism is evil often stems from misinterpretation, cultural bias, and religious conflict. These views were especially pronounced during the age of colonial expansion and missionary activity.

1. Religious Opposition

Monotheistic religions like Christianity and Islam have historically viewed non-Abrahamic spiritual practices as idolatry, heresy, or demonic. Because shamanic practices involve invoking spirits, entering trance states, and using symbolic rituals, many missionaries and religious authorities associated them with sorcery or devil worship.

In Christian contexts especially, shamanic rituals were often reinterpreted as:

• Paganism or witchcraft

• Engagement with evil spirits

• A threat to "true" faith

For instance, when European colonists encountered indigenous shamans in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, they often assumed these spiritual leaders were working with malevolent forces and tried to eradicate their traditions.

2. Fear of the Unknown

Shamanic rituals can appear mysterious or unsettling to outsiders. They may involve:

• Masked dancing

• Spirit possession

• Animal symbolism

• The use of psychoactive plants

Without understanding the context, such acts can seem bizarre or frightening. Historically, many cultures have feared what they do not understand, leading to rumors and accusations of evil practices.

3. Colonialism and Control

Labeling shamanism as evil was also a way to undermine indigenous cultures and assert dominance. By painting native spiritual practices as demonic or backward, colonial powers could justify:

• Conversion efforts

• Cultural erasure

• The banning of ceremonies and languages

This demonization served political and religious goals, not an objective assessment of shamanism itself.

What Shamans Actually Do

To understand whether shamanism is "evil," it’s important to look at what shamans actually do in their communities. Their work is typically grounded in healing, harmony, and service, not harm.

1. Healing the Sick

Shamans are often the primary healthcare providers in indigenous societies. Using herbal medicine, rituals, and spiritual insight, they treat:

• Physical illnesses

• Mental distress

• Energetic imbalances

They see disease as often having a spiritual cause—such as soul loss, intrusion, or imbalance with nature—and use ceremonies to restore harmony.

2. Guiding Souls and Spirits

In many traditions, shamans help guide the souls of the dead to the afterlife or assist lost souls in finding peace. They may also retrieve parts of a person’s soul believed to have left due to trauma—a process known as soul retrieval.

3. Protecting the Community

Shamans are also guardians of spiritual well-being. They may ward off negative forces, interpret dreams, and advise on spiritual matters. Their role is not to dominate but to serve and protect.

4. Working with Nature

Shamans typically have deep respect for the Earth. They work closely with plants, animals, and the elements—not to exploit them, but to honor and collaborate with them. In this view, the world is alive and sacred.

Shamanism and Morality

Another way to examine whether shamanism is evil is by asking: What is the moral code of shamanism?

Unlike organized religions that rely on commandments or scriptures, shamanic ethics are generally based on balance, reciprocity, and respect:

• Respect for nature: Taking only what is needed, giving offerings in return.

• Responsibility to community: Healing and helping others, not harming.

• Accountability to spirits: Shamans often say their power comes with obligations, and misuse can lead to spiritual consequences.

While every tradition has variations, shamanism does not promote cruelty, malice, or domination—traits more commonly associated with "evil" in moral discussions.

Are There Dark or Harmful Practices?

Shamanism, like any human practice, exists on a spectrum. Some traditions acknowledge the existence of harmful spiritual work:

• Sorcery or black magic: Used to cause illness or misfortune.

• Curses and hexes: Intentional spiritual harm.

However, not all who practice magic are shamans, and not all shamans engage in harmful practices. In fact, many shamans are called upon to combat harmful sorcery. The existence of dark practices does not make shamanism itself evil—it reflects the dual nature of power, which can be used for good or ill depending on the intent of the practitioner.

This mirrors dynamics in all human institutions. Just as there are corrupt doctors or religious leaders, there can be shamans who misuse their knowledge. But this does not condemn the entire tradition.

Shamanism in the Modern World

In recent decades, shamanism has experienced a resurgence, especially in the context of spiritual healing, mental health, and personal growth. People around the world are turning to shamanic traditions for:

• Trauma recovery

• Spiritual insight

• Reconnection with nature

• Non-dogmatic spirituality

Modern shamanic practitioners (sometimes called neo-shamans) emphasize compassion, ethics, and conscious intention. They often integrate traditional techniques with contemporary psychology, helping individuals navigate their inner world in a holistic way.

Far from being evil, these practices are often viewed as tools for healing and transformation.

Scientific and Psychological Perspectives

Researchers in anthropology, psychology, and neuroscience have begun to take a more serious look at shamanic practices. Studies suggest that:

• Shamanic drumming and chanting can induce trance states beneficial for emotional regulation.

• Visionary experiences can produce lasting psychological insight and shifts in well-being.

• Ritual and community participation can foster belonging and healing.

Rather than being delusions or acts of malevolence, shamanic states of consciousness are now being studied as legitimate phenomena that can promote personal and communal healing.

Summary: Is Shamanism Evil?

Let’s return to the core question. Is shamanism evil?

No. Shamanism is not inherently evil.

It is a diverse and ancient spiritual practice focused on healing, harmony, and relationship with the spirit world and nature. The perception of shamanism as evil is largely the result of:

• Misunderstandings and fear

• Religious intolerance

• Colonial agendas

• Cultural misrepresentation

While misuse of spiritual power exists in all traditions, the core of shamanic practice is rooted in service, wisdom, and balance. In many indigenous cultures, shamans are respected elders, not feared witches.

Shamanism reminds us that spirituality doesn’t have to be confined to sacred texts or churches. It can also be found in the forest, the dream, the drumbeat—and in the quiet knowledge that we are all connected to something greater.

Final Thoughts

Calling shamanism "evil" not only misrepresents a deeply meaningful tradition—it also silences the voices of countless indigenous people who have safeguarded this knowledge for generations. In a world increasingly disconnected from the sacredness of life, shamanism offers a path back to wholeness. And that is not evil—it may be exactly what we need.

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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.