How to Become a Shaman: ULTIMATE Spiritual Guide For Beginners

For thousands of years, shamans have served as spiritual healers, guides, and intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds. They are often seen as medicine people who use rituals, nature, and altered states of consciousness to restore balance and help others heal—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But what does it truly mean to become a shaman today? Is it a calling, a practice, or a path anyone can follow?

This article explores the history of shamanism, what shamans do, the steps to becoming one, and the ethical considerations that come with this powerful role. Whether you feel a spiritual calling or are simply curious, this guide will help you understand what it takes to walk the shamanic path with authenticity and respect.

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What Is a Shaman?

The word shaman comes from the Tungusic Evenki language of Siberia and means "one who knows." However, similar figures have existed all over the world under different names—such as curanderos in Latin America, sangomas in South Africa, kallawaya in the Andes, and medicine men/women in Indigenous North American cultures.

A shaman’s core role is to connect with spiritual realms on behalf of their community or clients. They may:

• Enter altered states of consciousness to receive visions or guidance.

• Heal physical or emotional illness using energy work, herbs, or spiritual intervention.

• Retrieve lost soul fragments (a practice known as soul retrieval).

• Communicate with ancestors, animal spirits, or deities.

• Guide rituals for life transitions, such as birth, death, and rites of passage.

Unlike organized religions, shamanism is not a set of rigid doctrines. It is more accurately described as a practice rooted in direct spiritual experience, nature connection, and ancestral wisdom.

Is Shamanism a Calling or a Choice?

For many traditional shamans, the path is not chosen—it chooses them. In Indigenous cultures, shamans are often selected after experiencing a "shamanic illness" or near-death event, which serves as an initiation into the spirit world. They may also be born into lineages of shamans and trained from a young age.

However, in modern spiritual circles, people often feel a strong inner pull or calling to become a shaman, even without tribal roots or ancestral lineage. While this can be a valid path, it requires humility, deep study, and ethical responsibility.

The Path to Becoming a Shaman

There is no single, official "shaman certification." Shamanism is an experiential path, not an academic one. Still, there are several essential steps most aspiring shamans go through:

1. Recognize the Calling

Often, the first step is an inner awakening. People who are drawn to shamanism might:

• Experience vivid dreams, visions, or synchronicities.

• Feel deeply connected to animals, nature, or spirits.

• Go through a traumatic event or spiritual crisis.

• Sense a mission to help others heal.

This period can be confusing or overwhelming. Many describe it as a "spiritual emergency." It's important to seek grounding, support, and guidance during this stage.

2. Learn Shamanic Principles and History

Before practicing, it's vital to understand the roots of shamanism and the cultural traditions that shaped it. Study:

• Indigenous shamanic systems (Siberian, Amazonian, Andean, African, etc.).

• Common tools (drumming, rattles, smudging, sacred plants).

• The ethical use of altered states of consciousness.

• Cosmology (spirit worlds, power animals, guardian spirits).

Books like The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner or Soul Retrieval by Sandra Ingerman are popular introductions to core shamanic practices, though they are based on neo-shamanism, which blends global traditions.

3. Train with a Mentor or Teacher

If possible, seek out an experienced shaman, healer, or elder. In traditional cultures, apprenticeships can last years. A mentor can:

• Guide you through initiations and rituals safely.

• Teach sacred practices with cultural context.

• Help you understand your visions and spirit guides.

• Hold you accountable as you grow.

Avoid teachers who promise instant power or ask for large sums of money upfront. A true shamanic guide emphasizes humility, healing, and service.

4. Practice Shamanic Journeying

Shamanic journeying is a core technique for entering altered states and connecting with spiritual allies. It often involves rhythmic drumming to shift brainwaves into a trance-like theta state.

During journeying, you might:

• Meet a power animal (a spiritual ally in animal form).

• Explore the upper, middle, or lower worlds of shamanic cosmology.

• Receive guidance, healing, or information.

• Retrieve parts of your own soul or assist others.

Regular practice sharpens intuition, strengthens spiritual connections, and prepares you for deeper work.

5. Work with Nature and Energy

Shamans view nature as alive and intelligent. Deepening your connection to nature is essential. Spend time with trees, rivers, rocks, animals, and listen to what they teach you.

Learn to sense energy through:

• Meditation and breathwork

• Energy healing modalities (like Reiki or Pranic Healing)

• Plant medicine (used respectfully and legally)

• Ritual and sacred space creation

This work isn’t about control—it’s about relationship. The more attuned you are to the web of life, the clearer your path becomes.

6. Heal Yourself First

Many shamans say, “You cannot heal others until you have healed yourself.” Shadow work, inner child healing, and ancestral healing are essential parts of this path.

This includes:

• Facing your trauma and integrating it.

• Releasing ego-based desires for power or recognition.

• Understanding your own wounds and how they shape your perspective.

Only through your own transformation can you serve others without causing harm.

7. Begin to Serve Others

Once grounded in your practice, you can begin to offer shamanic healing or spiritual guidance. This may include:

• Soul retrieval sessions

• Energy clearing

• Shamanic counseling or intuitive readings

• Leading rituals, ceremonies, or drum circles

Always work within your level of experience. Stay humble. Never claim to be a traditional shaman unless you were initiated into that culture.

Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation

One of the most important ethical considerations on this path is respect for Indigenous cultures. Shamanism is not a spiritual buffet to pick from without context. Many Indigenous communities have suffered from colonization and cultural theft.

To walk this path respectfully:

• Do not call yourself a "shaman" unless your teachers or community give you that title.

• Learn about the origins of the practices you use.

• Credit the cultures and lineages you learn from.

• Support Indigenous rights and sovereignty.

• Avoid "plastic shamans" and commercialized spirituality.

If you’re walking a modern shamanic path, consider calling yourself a shamanic practitioner, spiritual healer, or energy worker instead.

Modern Shamanism: A Living Path

Today, shamanism is evolving. While some still follow traditional paths, others blend ancient wisdom with modern tools like trauma therapy, breathwork, and neuroscience. This “urban shamanism” adapts ancient techniques for contemporary life, often focusing on personal healing, ecological activism, and spiritual awakening.

What stays constant is the core intention: to heal, to connect, and to serve.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Path for You?

Becoming a shaman is not about gaining special powers—it’s about responsibility, humility, and devotion to healing. It’s a lifelong journey, not a destination.

If you feel called to this path:

• Start with self-inquiry: Why do you want to walk this path?

• Educate yourself deeply and respectfully.

• Find community and support.

• Stay grounded in service, not ego.

Remember, the shaman's true power comes not from spirits or ceremonies—but from love, integrity, and deep connection with all life.

Further Reading and Resources

• The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner

• Soul Retrieval by Sandra Ingerman

• Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt

• Plant Spirit Medicine by Eliot Cowan

• Foundation for Shamanic Studies (www.shamanism.org)

• Sacred Trust (UK-based shamanic training)

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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.