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***This is intended to be a brief introduction of shamanism and provide basic answers to the most common questions concerning shamanism. It is not intended to be an in depth explanation simply a quick reference.*** Please feel free to add to or critique any of the information provided as there are so many differing views and knowledge on the subject, the more information the better.

Shamanism is the second oldest religious practice in human history; the first being burials with marked grave stones and some embalming routines. Shamanistic roles differ between cultures in areas such as gender specifications and societal roles. However the main rifts seem to be in initiation, or how to become a shaman, and what constitutes as a shaman. The first half of this will discuss a more religious view of shamanism the second half will discuss an atheist view.
(Spiritual shamanism)
Becoming a shaman
The most common belief of shamans is that they are chosen from birth and lineage. In addition they undergo a ?life altering event? either physical or emotional in which they first cross over to the spirit world and are enlightened. This can be close to death experiences such as extreme illness or great emotional pain, either one provides the shaman with a deep understanding of the world and life itself and the most important trait of a connection to the spirit world (in religious traditions). Once a ?shaman to be? has gone through this phase, he or she is then trained by an elder shaman. Typically this training takes many years as the duties of a shaman can be numerous. However in some cultures anyone can become a shaman. In some South American societies all males learn shamanism and are taught its basics although they are not given the formal title and rights as a shaman unless they complete all of their training. *In tribal cultures most shamans are men however there have been plenty of women shamans and in no way are they any less adept at shamanism than males. This is simply a cultural tendency/practice* Today most neoshamanism shares the belief that anyone can become a shaman if they have a spiritual calling to do so.
Possible signs of a shamanistic calling
-Extreme natural empathy (knowing how another feels without their explanation and sharing that feeling)
-Physical disability or other body markings
-Life altering event as described above
-Linage and family history of shamanism
-Spiritual medium abilities
-natural musical talents with instruments such as drums and flutes
-other psychic abilities such as visions and astral projection.
These are just a few of the many that can be considered possible signs of shamanism. However none of these for sure indicate such, if you feel you have a calling to become one and have experienced more than one of these signs, it?s something you may wish to research further.
Duties of a shaman
As a shaman you have either been chosen with (or born with depending on your beliefs) the power and duty to bring balance to the world. The main role of a shaman is to contact and know the will of higher beings and/or spirits so that they may maintain and guide this world. However there are many other roles and powers of a shaman as well. Some very from culture to culture and some person to person. Responsibilities of a shaman include, but are not limited to,
-Contacting spirits
-Providing healing, both spiritual and herbal
-exorcisms
-earth keeping/ environmentalism
-maintaining the balance of darkness and light
-religious and ritual guidance such as ceremonies, offerings to higher powers, burials, cleansing, blessings, etc
Shamanistic powers
The powers of a shaman are as varied as the cultures and shamans themselves. All of which are used to accomplish the shamans task of maintain balance between the worlds. A few of the most common abilities are
-spiritual medium
-astral projection
-clairvoyance (visions)
There are many tactics a shaman may use to accomplish their duties. Totems act as a form of shamanistic sigils. Spirit guides, (animal, human, higher being, etc.) act as messengers, guidance, and lessons to the shaman. There are also many rituals, songs, and chants that a shaman may make use of. The most important however is reaching an altered state of consciousness often referred to as spiritual ecstasy. This is achieved through means such as rituals, meditations, chants, etc. and is the state used to accomplish and make use of all spiritual responsibilities and powers.



(Atheistic shamanism)
Even if one does not believe in higher powers and spirits, one can still follow the path of shamanism. Many of the duties of a shaman are still the same.
They can still accomplish the duties of medicinal, herbal, and physical therapy healings. They can also provide guidance (emotional, financial, political, etc) and serve as both a leader in their community and environmentalist. It does not require spirits and higher powers to study and conserve the earth or to provide healing, to create and perform music, and to keep peace between people.
Psychic powers use of totems as a form of sigil magic also do not require higher beings nor does other forms of magic.
Lessons can still be learned from animals and nature. For example a shaman can learn courage by overcoming their fear of spiders if the encounter one. Patience can be learned from many predators and many more lessons by observing nature and none of which require a divine intervention.