Are Shamans Good? The Dual Nature of Shamans You Must Know About

For thousands of years, shamans have served as healers, spiritual guides, and mediators between the seen and unseen worlds. They have been revered in many indigenous cultures for their ability to heal the sick, guide the community, and access realms of spirit and energy. But in today’s world—where science, skepticism, and cultural shifts often challenge ancient traditions—the question arises: Are shamans good?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Like any human tradition, shamanism contains a spectrum of intentions, practices, and outcomes. Understanding whether shamans are "good" requires a closer look at their cultural origins, methods, intentions, and how these align (or clash) with modern values.

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What Is a Shaman?

The word shaman comes from the Tungusic language of Siberia, originally meaning “one who knows.” In anthropological terms, a shaman is someone who enters altered states of consciousness to access the spirit world, usually for the purpose of healing, divination, or guidance.

Shamanic traditions exist in many parts of the world: Siberia, Mongolia, the Amazon rainforest, Africa, North America, and Southeast Asia. Despite variations, common traits include:

• Connection with spirits or ancestors

• Use of trance or altered states

• Healing rituals and herbal medicine

• Journeying or soul travel

• Role as community leader or spiritual advisor

In essence, a shaman is a bridge—between the physical and the spiritual, the natural and the supernatural.

Historical Role and Cultural Value

In traditional societies, shamans played vital roles. They were doctors, therapists, priests, and wise elders. Their work often involved:

• Healing the sick: Using plant medicine, ritual, and spirit guidance

• Maintaining social harmony: Offering conflict resolution, blessings, and protection

• Interpreting dreams or omens: Helping individuals understand life events

• Guiding souls: Assisting in births, deaths, and spiritual transitions

In these communities, shamans were not “outsiders” or mysterious figures—they were integral parts of the tribe. Their value came from generations of oral knowledge, experience, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of life.

Are Shamans Always Benevolent?

While shamanism is often romanticized in the West, it's important to acknowledge that not all shamans were purely benevolent. In some cultures, shamans were also seen as capable of causing harm—intentionally or unintentionally—through what is often called "sorcery" or "dark magic."

For example:

• In parts of Siberia and Africa, shamans were believed to be able to curse enemies or manipulate spiritual forces for personal or political gain.

• In Amazonian traditions, rival shamans sometimes engaged in spiritual battles that included sending illness or bad luck.

This duality mirrors human nature. Just as modern professionals can act unethically, so can spiritual practitioners. Power—whether spiritual or political—can be misused. The "goodness" of a shaman, then, often depends on their ethics, intentions, and alignment with the community’s well-being.

The Healing Power of Shamanism

One of the strongest arguments in favor of shamanism is its holistic approach to healing. Traditional shamans view illness as a disturbance in spiritual, emotional, and energetic balance—not just a biological issue.

Common practices include:

• Soul retrieval: Belief that trauma causes parts of the soul to leave, which can be called back through ritual

• Extraction: Removing negative spiritual influences or "energies" from the body

• Plant medicine: Use of herbs, often with psychoactive properties, to facilitate healing and vision

These methods often result in profound emotional release, shifts in perspective, or healing that conventional medicine has difficulty explaining.

Modern studies, especially around plant medicine like ayahuasca, have shown promising results for treating depression, PTSD, and addiction. However, these practices should be approached with caution and respect. Misuse, unsupervised use, or fraudulent practitioners can cause harm.

Shamanism and the Modern World

In recent decades, shamanic practices have become increasingly popular in the West. Workshops, retreats, and plant medicine ceremonies are advertised as spiritual healing experiences. Many are drawn to these practices for personal growth, healing trauma, or finding deeper purpose.

This rise in popularity has led to two key trends:

1. Neo-shamanism

This is a modern reinterpretation of traditional shamanic practices, often stripped of cultural specificity. It focuses on inner journeying, spirit animal guides, drumming, and visualization techniques. While it can be transformative, it’s often criticized for being overly commercialized or lacking in cultural depth.

2. Cultural Appropriation

One of the most serious criticisms against modern shamanism is the appropriation of indigenous traditions. Many indigenous communities see the use of sacred rituals by outsiders as disrespectful or harmful, especially when used without proper training or permission.

Some Western “shamans” charge large fees for ceremonies, often without formal initiation or connection to the original culture. This has led to a rise in fake shamans—people who exploit spiritual seekers for money, fame, or control.

The Scientific Perspective

From a scientific viewpoint, shamanism is often classified as a cultural or psychological phenomenon. Mainstream medicine generally does not recognize spirits or soul retrievals, but it does acknowledge that ritual, belief, and emotional catharsis can have powerful healing effects.

Several studies have explored:

• Placebo and ritual power: Belief in the healer can trigger real biological responses.

• Psychedelic-assisted therapy: Ayahuasca, psilocybin, and other entheogens show promise in treating mental health conditions.

• Trauma healing: Symbolic journeys and storytelling help people reframe traumatic events.

While science may not validate shamanic cosmology, it increasingly recognizes that spiritual and emotional healing can enhance physical health.

When Are Shamans “Good”?

To fairly answer whether shamans are “good,” we need to consider several dimensions:

1. Intentions

Are they genuinely helping others or manipulating for power or profit?

2. Training and Tradition

Do they come from a lineage or have they studied deeply, or are they self-declared without experience?

3. Cultural Sensitivity

Are they honoring the source of their practices, or appropriating and commercializing sacred traditions?

4. Effectiveness

Do their methods bring healing, insight, or transformation—or do they cause confusion, harm, or dependency?

A responsible, ethical shaman—deeply rooted in tradition, integrity, and compassion—can be a powerful ally in personal and spiritual growth. A fraudulent or exploitative one can be dangerous.

The Role of Personal Experience

For many, the answer to whether shamans are good comes down to personal experience. Those who have undergone shamanic healing often describe life-changing shifts—relief from trauma, connection to purpose, or profound peace. Others may feel disappointed, misled, or worse—emotionally or financially exploited.

It’s essential to approach shamanic work with discernment:

• Research the practitioner

• Ask about their training and lineage

• Respect the cultural origins

• Listen to your intuition

• Stay grounded in common sense

Conclusion: The Dual Nature of the Shaman

So—are shamans good? The answer is: they can be.

Shamanism, when practiced ethically and respectfully, can be an incredible force for healing, insight, and transformation. Shamans can offer ancient wisdom that reconnects people to nature, spirit, and self in ways modern systems often overlook.

But as with any path, it’s not immune to human flaws. Not all who call themselves shamans are wise. Not all rituals are safe. And not all traditions are ours to borrow.

Shamans are not inherently good or bad—they are human. The true value of shamanism lies in intention, tradition, integrity, and the healing it brings to individuals and communities. As with any spiritual path, wisdom lies in discernment.

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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.