Who are shamans in our time? Which peoples of Russia have the most powerful shamans? What is shamanic disease

Shamanism has been around for many years. According to legend, the ancestor of the powerful family of Baikal shamans was an eagle that turned into a man. It is interesting that initially the activities of each chosen one were aimed only at their own tribe. However, today Olkhon shamans willingly help people from all over the world. Moreover, a real shaman is obliged to help even his enemy.

Such a destination cannot be chosen as a profession at a university. To become a shaman, you need to have shaman ancestors (ongons) and receive a special sign from above. It could be anything: a sixth finger on the hand, a sudden vision, a serious illness. It is also impossible to refuse such a gift - the elders claim that the spirits will not allow this.

As a rule, the chosen ones learn about their abilities in the period from 6 to 50 years. However, experienced shamans say that being too young is not suitable for such activities. And even at 30 years old a person does not have enough knowledge to be guaranteed to help someone in need. Therefore, the optimal age for performing rituals is considered to be 50 years or more. But this does not mean at all that there are no powerful healers among the young.

Each shaman has his own skill level (9 in total) and certain abilities. Some predict the future, others cure various diseases, remove generational curses or the crown of celibacy. High level shamans can even fly.

What is shamanic disease

This mysterious disease can manifest itself in different ways. It happens that a person is constantly unlucky, and he cannot achieve success either in his career or in his personal life. Or the future shaman faces severe alcohol addiction. A select few have realized their destiny through dreams or physical illness. And for some, the ancestors have prepared dangerous trials that threaten their lives.

The chosen one must endure all the blows of fate and never lose heart. After all, the shaman’s calling obliges him to be strong and wise. Through such a difficult path, the future shaman seems to be reborn, completely changing his life.

The "symptoms" of this particular disease disappear only when the chosen one accepts his path. Refusal of purpose entails a series of troubles both for the person himself and for his family.

What is it like to live with such a gift?

Being a real shaman is hard work. It is a path that cannot be chosen or changed. But, accepting their true destiny, the chosen ones help many people live in purity and harmony.

Today, tours and excursions have become more popular than ever, the program of which includes visiting places of power and performing shamanic rituals. Travelers from all over the world come to Lake Baikal to consult shamans and get answers to their questions.

Whenever possible, shamans help everyone. However, they will never ask for money for services. Each visitor gives as much as he can. Moreover, payment for help can be anything: sweets, matches, etc.

If a shaman tells you a certain amount for a ritual, then this is a serious reason to doubt him.

By the way, if you think that a shaman is a hermit who is isolated from the outside world, then this is absolutely not true. Many modern shamans write scientific works, study news, and compose poems or songs.

How do pagans feel about the church?

Previously, there were only sacred spirits of nature on Olkhon. Now in this place there is an Orthodox church, which was built for local residents. Contrary to various assumptions, shamans are completely calm about this phenomenon. Believing that the priest is doing the same job as them - helping people. This means that there can be no reasons for disagreement.

Representatives of several faiths live in the Baikal region: shamanism, Buddhism, Orthodoxy. Over time, many have become accustomed to such differences, and conflicts do not arise on this basis. After all, everyone is looking for their own path.

Features of the shaman's attire

If you have seen what a real shaman looks like, you will probably be impressed by such an unusual and spectacular outfit. They wear suits made of bright blue or, less commonly, green fabric. The cape used for rituals is called nemerge, and the hat is called mayhabsha. The main decoration on the chest of every shaman is a mirror to reflect negative energy. They are called "toli".

Shamans about tourists on Olkhon

Cape Burkhan has always been considered one of the most mysterious and sacred places on Lake Baikal. Its surroundings were once inhabited by celestials. But today shamans say that the spirits have left this place. The elders attribute this phenomenon to the fact that many tourists disrespect local shrines. They visit places of power not as guests, but as hosts.

In the media, Baikal is listed as one of the most powerful energy places. This attracts many tourists from all over the world, but not all visitors follow the rules of behavior on the holy land.

Every traveler is obliged to protect and respect nature and in no way harm it. Everyone should definitely remember this.

Shamanism as a phenomenon is a sociocultural phenomenon that influences the worldview of many peoples of the world. Although, judging strictly geographically, this is, first of all, a Siberian and Central Asian religious movement.

“Shaman” is a word from the Tungus language. This early form of religion, involving communication with spirits, is still practiced by the peoples of Siberia and the Far East. Researchers of this phenomenon believe that the most powerful shamans in the world live in Russia.

Religion of the “appointees”

Shamanism is not the predominant religion in Central and Northern Asia, although it dominates the religious life of entire regions. Shamans, as the chosen ones, still represent the only “messengers of truth” in these areas remote from civilization. Researchers have recorded magical-religious phenomena similar to shamanism in North America, Indonesia and Oceania. Basically, other forms of magic and religion coexist peacefully with shamanism. A shaman is a chosen one of spirits, an “appointee” from above. He is a kind of transmitter of the will of heaven, a mediator between God and people. Entering a trance, the shaman transmits the divine will through dancing, beating a tambourine or other method of sacred music, pronouncing certain spells. Shamans enter an ecstatic state (kamlanie) in order to find answers to a variety of vital questions: how to cure a sick person, what the hunt will be like, and others. The shaman is a specialist in trance, a unique person, capable of ascending to heaven and descending to hell in his sacred rites - it is this feature that distinguishes him from other “intermediaries” between the earthly and the heavenly in other beliefs and religions. According to archaeologists, shamanism originated in Siberia in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. From a scientific point of view, this is the most ancient religious movement on earth of all the beliefs practiced to this day. Historically, there have been several options for acquiring shamanic status: hereditary, calling (a person seems to feel a special disposition towards this type of occupation, a call from above; it happens less often when someone simply designates himself as a shaman (this happens among the Altai people) or a person’s clan chooses such a person (among Tungus).

Who is worshiped during the ritual?

Shamans communicate with the spirits of the dead, nature, etc., but, as a rule, do not become possessed by them. In the Siberian and Central Asian ethnic group, shamanism is structured in conjunction with the ecstatic abilities of flying into heaven and descending into hell. The shaman has the ability to communicate with spirits, tame fire, and perform other magical passes. This forms the basis of the specific practices used in such religious activities. The famous religious scholar and researcher of shamanism, Mircea Eliade, classified shamans more as mystics than as religious figures. Shamans, in his opinion, are not conductors and “relays” of divine teachings; they simply present what they saw during the ritual process as a given, without going into details.

Selection criteria vary

Basically, Russian shamans have a hereditary tradition of acquiring this status, but there is one feature without which a shaman is not a shaman, no matter how hard he tries: a potential guru must be able to enter a trance and see the “correct” dreams, as well as master traditional shamanic practices and techniques , know the names of all spirits, the mythology and genealogy of one’s family, and master its secret language. Among the Mansi (Worguls), the future shaman is the heir, including through the female line. Nervousness and epileptic seizures of a child born into the family of a shaman are among this nation a sign of contacts with the gods. The Khanty (Ostyaks) believe that the gift of a shaman is given to a person from birth. The Siberian Samoyeds have a similar approach to shamanism: as soon as the shaman father dies, the son carves a likeness of the deceased’s hand from wood. It is believed that in this way the power of the shaman is passed on from father to son. Among the Yakuts, who also inherit shamanism through a “family contract,” an emegen (patron spirit), incarnating in someone from the family after the death of the shaman, can infuriate the chosen one. In this case, the young man is capable of injuring himself even in a fit of madness. Then the family turns to the old shaman to train the boy, teach him the basics of the “profession,” and prepare him for initiation. Among the Tungus, the status of a shaman (amba saman) is transmitted either from grandfather to grandson, or there is no continuity as such. An old shaman teaches a neophyte, usually an adult. Shamanism is also inherited among the South Siberian Buryats. However, they believe that if someone drank tarasun (milk vodka) or a stone fell from the sky on this person, or lightning struck the initiate, then he is definitely a shaman. Among the Soyots (Tuvians), lightning is an indispensable attribute of the shaman’s clothing.

There is strength in Tuva

The most famous Russian shaman, also a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Traditional Medicine, healer and master of throat singing, Tuvan Nikolai Oorzhak. Tuva is a modern center of domestic shamanism, where today there are three official associations of shamans: “Dungur”, “Tos-Deer” and “Adyg-Eeren”. Tuvan shamans are led by President Mongush Kenin-Lopsana.

Who is a shaman? “This is the one who runs around with a tambourine and mutters something under his breath,” many will answer. And they will not be entirely right, because such an interpretation is far from complete and does not reveal the true meaning.

Shamanism as an ancient art appeared in Paleolithic times and was spread throughout the planet. People communicated with spirits and mastered the relationship between man and nature. And what’s surprising is that shamans all over the world came to a common understanding of the world, although they never communicated with each other.

A modern person can lift the veil of secrecy and learn about ancient traditions and practices. If, of course, he is ready to face his roots and the spiritual reality of existence. Let's try to figure out who a shaman really is and what he does.

Who are shamans?

First of all, these are people who have certain knowledge. The shaman, entering a state of trance, passes into the other world. It is from there that information and experience come to him, which are then used for the benefit of humanity. Such a person can be called a guide to the afterlife or a mediator between worlds.

What else are people called who have secret knowledge? Traditional healer, scientist, priest, guardian of the ancients, sorcerer, magician, mystic. All these names boil down to the fact that a shaman is someone who has natural methods for maintaining or obtaining well-being, good health for himself or others.

The guardian of the ancients draws all this knowledge from helping spirits, who most often appear in the form of mystical animals. The shaman meets them in another reality - the lower world. On average there are living people. The upper world is inhabited by divine beings who have superconsciousness. All these realities are connected. Its roots pass through the lower world, and a high crown ends in the upper world. This is the shamanic understanding of existence.

The meaning of the word "shaman"

If you turn to explanatory dictionaries, you can see that they give several interpretations of this word.

According to one definition, a shaman is a person who, according to others, has special magical powers. That is, he is a sorcerer, or in other words, a wizard.

Another definition says that a shaman is a person who comes into contact with supernatural forces through ritual. This is a special ritual ecstasy achieved through special techniques. We will talk about this a little later.

There is another meaning, according to which the shaman acts as a provider of services of a religious, ethnic and medical nature. He does this in a state of consciousness similar to ecstasy. It is believed that supernatural forces are involved in healing.

Origin of the word "shaman"

The term "shaman" is common throughout the world. Although the languages ​​of different nations are fundamentally different from each other, the pronunciation of this word is generally consonant. If you think about what a shaman is, then you need to analyze this term according to its composition.

One version of the origin is associated with the Tungus-Manchu language. At the head of the word is the root “sa”, which means “to know”. There is also a binding - the suffix “man”. And it turns out that a shaman (saman) is a person who loves knowledge. For comparison, we can give another example not related to healing practice. "Asiman" is a "lover of women." Also, at the root “sa” you can find derivatives with similar meanings. For example, “savun” is “knowledge”, and “sademi” is “to know”.

According to another version, the term comes from the Sanskrit “shraman”, which literally translates as “spiritual ascetic”, “wandering hermit”. This word penetrated into Asia along with the Buddhist movement, and then, together with the Even language, spread among the Russian and Western populations.

Each nation calls shamans differently. Even in the same area there can be different names. There are also entire classifications, according to which shamans are divided into categories and perform different functions.

What do shamans do?

What functions does a shaman perform? In fact, the work of a healer-guide is not about simple dancing with a tambourine, as many people believe. Shamans, having entered a trance, identify the disease and treat it, avert troubles and misfortunes from their fellow tribesmen, and search for missing things and even people.

During astral travel, the guardians of the ancients come into contact with other realities. Therefore, they can communicate with the dead, accompany those who left the earth to the world of their ancestors, and conduct charm rituals that protect against evil spirits. By contacting phantoms, shamans are able not only to communicate with them, but also to control them.

Astral projection and travel to the celestial and underworlds are believed to allow one to predict the future. Therefore, you can turn to a shaman for help in making a forecast for a particular situation. Interpretation of dreams is also the specialty of traditional healers.

Shamans are inextricably linked with nature, and therefore can control the weather and natural phenomena. This ability is often used to ensure a rich harvest or a successful hunt.

Apparently, the guardian of the ancients has only good intentions. But the shaman-sorcerer uses connections with other worlds for selfish purposes, to profit or cause harm to someone.

Characteristics of a shaman

• Possesses special knowledge and magical qualities.
• He is a guru, a spiritual mentor.
• Able to enter a state of trance using special dances, meditations and rituals.
• He can release the soul from the body, create astral projection and visit other worlds.

• Understands the division of spirits into evil and good, knows how to control them. If necessary, the shaman cooperates with phantoms for the well-being of the community.
• Has healing powers.
• He resorts to the help of broadcasters - animal souls.
• In rituals he uses a very important attribute - a drum or tambourine.

A shaman is a person endowed with a gift. And it doesn’t matter whether he wanted to get it or not. In ancient society, only the gods and spirits chose the traditional healer, marking him with a supernatural mark. Most often it was some kind of distinctive mark on the body. This rule applied even to those to whom abilities were inherited.

Initiation into shamans is carried out by an experienced guardian of the ancients. During it, the chosen one becomes very ill, he begins to have a headache, vomiting, and hallucinations. This phenomenon is commonly called “shamanic disease.” The illness goes away only when a person accepts his path and surrenders himself to the spirits.

The future shaman is most often a little boy. When he was recognized, special education began. He was not raised like ordinary children. From early childhood, people were taught to spend a lot of time communicating with nature and animals, using herbs, making shamanic tools and contacting spirits.

Signs of being chosen

In ancient times, people understood that a person was chosen for a shamanic mission based on several criteria:

• One could say about the child that he was “born in a shirt.”
• Has a rich imagination.
• Has a special love for nature and animals.
• Always characterized by silence, gloominess and thoughtfulness.
• A person sees unusual dreams about other worlds, sacred birds or animals.
• There was a strange incident in my life (contact with the wing of a mysterious bird, injury from lightning or a stone falling straight from the sky, and so on).

Does the shaman matter to modern times?

In ancient times, communication with animals and nature was an ordinary part of everyday life. But by modern man this skill was lost and forgotten. People no longer see the need for this.

And only in recent years has humanity come to understand the value of how important it is to return to the spiritual roots of life. Scientists began to seriously consider the existence of souls and life in other worlds.

Our ancestors had knowledge about this and even traveled to other realities themselves. The modern shaman is destined to preserve and pass on the ancient rites, practices and traditions necessary to call upon ancestral spirits.

Is it possible to become a shaman?

In ancient times, only a supernatural mark indicated that a person was a shaman. Modern history proves the opposite. Today, almost anyone can learn the path of the shaman. So, what conditions are necessary for this?

• There were already shamans, healers or healers in the family.
• Experiencing a serious illness, in which a person’s life hangs by a thread, can become an impetus for the discovery of abilities.
• If a child has the ability to foresee future events, then he can be taught to communicate with spirits.
• An experienced practicing shaman can help you unlock your potential.
• If you establish contact with the spirit of nature, it can help you gain shamanic abilities.

In order to comprehend secret knowledge, people usually isolate themselves from society and become hermits. They go into the forest or mountains for weeks, months and even years to be alone with themselves and their thoughts. This helps you understand whether you have no prerequisites or whether you really are a shaman. Legends say that becoming a mediator between worlds simply at will is quite difficult and very dangerous. After all, the mind of an inexperienced person can be taken over by evil spirits under the guise of allies.

Shamanic practices

All rituals and ceremonies are performed in a state of trance. To move into it, spells, special dances, chants, amulets and even hallucinogenic plants are necessarily used. Also in shamanic practice, such an attribute as a drum or tambourine, which is usually decorated with animal bones and bells, is very important.

Different rituals use their own instruments. For example, to perform rituals of carrying and storing phantoms or souls, rattles, bones, a didgeridoo or a jew's harp are needed. And to determine the protecting family, special music is created with special instruments.

The Guardian of the Ancients is in harmony with the surrounding reality and draws natural strength from nature. You can meet another type that is fundamentally different in its actions. He is a shaman magician. On the contrary, he uses his own skills - sorcery to change the world.

Kamlanie

These are entire ritual techniques that are performed to establish contact with spirits. Sometimes they themselves inhabit a person in order to transmit information through him. The ceremony may take several hours or may last up to several days. The ritual can be frightening to an untrained observer, because it is accompanied by blackouts and convulsions. When the goal is achieved, the shaman’s soul returns to earth, and he opens his eyes as if nothing had happened.

Before the ritual, you need to put on a costume, apply makeup and prepare the necessary tools. Often, fellow tribesmen are called together and a fire is lit, around which everyone sits. The shaman makes a speech and makes a sacrifice. Only after this does the ritual begin - going into a trance, beating the tambourine, dancing and singing.

The rhythm of the dance is set by objects placed on the shaman’s clothes. At the same time, the noise gradually increases, and the beating of the tambourine and singing become louder. Then the shaman fumigates his fellow tribesmen with a special mixture of mushrooms and herbs. This is necessary to immerse everyone present in a hallucinogenic trance. Then you can perform the ritual that is needed to achieve the goal: therapeutic, commercial, religious, etc. At the end of the ritual, the shaman must thank the spirits.

Legends about famous shamans

During the rituals, Sat Soyzul hammered a knife into his chest and froze in place. You would have thought he was dead. But at the end of the ritual, Sat opened his eyes and calmly pulled out the dagger.

Another shaman, Daigak Kaigal, in order to convince everyone of his abilities, asked to be shot in the heart during a ritual. You could see the blood, but neither the bullets nor the knife actually wounded him.

Shamans are continually connected to nature and spirits. And today almost everyone can plunge into this mysterious world.

The world of the shaman is mysterious, enigmatic and hidden from prying eyes. A true shaman has nothing in common with a psychic, magician or sorcerer. A shaman is a completely different level, different views, goals and a different philosophy.

Who and how becomes a shaman in real life?

You cannot become a shaman just like that, “at your own will.” And few people show a special desire to be a real shaman. The responsibility for the people who need to be helped is too great. In addition, the shaman practically does not obey himself, his desires. His whole life is serving others through the world of spirits.

Only someone who sees a significant dream can become a shaman. In this dream, some event must happen that marks the shaman about the discovery of his gift. This dream comes suddenly, and not at a certain age. It's impossible to predict.

It is believed that a dream is a sign from the spirits that they have chosen a person. No one can become a shaman without the “approval” of the spirits. The content of the dream may be different, however, each family knows what exactly should be dreamed as a sign.

Sometimes one becomes a shaman not only after having a dream. Cases when a person suddenly hears a voice that sings and speaks to him are not uncommon among the Eskimos. It is there that shamanism and everything connected with it are especially developed. The voice means that the spirit is calling the future shaman. Following him, a person often goes into the forest and there passes the first step of the path of a real shaman.

Most often, a shaman becomes one in whose family there have already been similar cases. The ability is inherited. There are stories where a person became a shaman, no one in his family previously had such a gift. However, such a shaman is considered quite weak.

Thus, only the spirits decide who will become a shaman and who will not. It will not be possible to resist their decision. The chosen one can only come to terms with the choice of higher powers and go towards a new mission.

The shaman acts as the chosen one, the representative of the spirits on earth. Through it they convey information to people, help and warn them. A shaman is a person who is called upon to help and heal people. He cannot refuse or refuse to accept anyone who turns to him for help. This is why it is considered very difficult to be a shaman.

Although the shaman is respected and revered in the family, he does not have privileges. He often lives in poverty, since he has practically no time to do his household chores. He accepts those in need of help and does not have time to help himself and his family.

The shaman lives an ordinary life, starts a family and children. Until the moment of election, the shaman is practically unaware of his future fate. And even after he becomes a shaman, he lives like everyone else. Except at the moment of commission.

Shamans are often classified as mentally ill. This is wrong. This misconception arose due to the fact that the rituals of shamans are similar to attacks of madness. In fact, this is required by entering a special state that allows the shaman.

Shamans live all over the world. Since ancient times, many peoples have been adherents of the belief in the power of shamans. Settlements, tribes, peoples who since ancient times believed in the ability of a shaman to protect them from disease, drought or painful death cannot do without them. The largest number of shamans live in the following countries:

• Australia;
• Russia;
• Austria;
• African countries;
• New Zealand;
• Countries of Southeast Asia.

Shamans in each country, region and nationality differ according to a number of criteria. Some take part in sacrifices, some don't. Some functions, subtleties of performing rituals and nuances of initiation differ. One thing unites them for sure: they are healers and protectors of the human soul.

A shaman's training in practice and rituals takes place throughout his life. Initially, when he is not yet aware of his purpose, he gradually involuntarily learns it. This shows up:

• in unity with nature, the area in which the shaman lives;
• in the appearance of visions, dreams, the gradual emergence of the skill to cope with them, to interpret them.

Among some peoples, the chosen one is taught shamanic practices from birth. This does not guarantee that he will become a shaman. Everything will depend on the predisposition and choice of perfume.

Most often there is no training. A person first realizes that the choice has fallen on him. Then, having gone through all the torment, he studies with a more experienced shaman. However, he does not teach the beginner all the subtleties of performing rituals. Learning does not take place as at school at a desk. Everything is comprehended through communication with spirits and practice.

Old shamans teach young shamans to beat a tambourine so that the spirits hear this call. Beat in such a way as to attract the necessary spirits. Sometimes training lasts for hours, days without a break. This skill is considered fundamental for a shaman. Without the ability to handle a tambourine, the spirits will not understand the calls and requests of the shaman.

Training in directly performing rituals is also not provided. A true shaman comprehends this task himself.

There is still some help. Among shamans who are just beginning their journey, the practice of “invisible canoe” is common. The old and young shaman create an imaginary canoe, get into it and travel. Such trips last for several days in a row. During them, shamans are in an intermediate state. They sometimes dream and sometimes return to reality.

At the time when the shaman visits dreams, a meeting with spirits takes place in them. The shaman is looking for a protective spirit and finds him. At the moment of returning to reality, the shaman leaves the canoe and leaves him in some place for a while. When returning to the sleep state, the shaman pushes the canoe from this place and swims further.

After the journey, the shamans share their visions and feelings. In this exchange, the young shaman is taught the practice.

In almost any city you can now find a lot of schools and courses teaching shamanic practices. They offer to learn everything that shamans can do. It is definitely impossible to become a true shaman thanks to such schools. The shaman is the chosen one of the spirits. You can only get one thousandth closer to the mysterious and enigmatic world of shamans.

Initiation into the secrets of the Magi

Initiation into shamans is preceded by a long and difficult period of “shamanic illness.” This disease manifests itself more as madness, schizophrenia. The future shaman sometimes behaves inappropriately, sees hallucinations, dreams, and hears voices. In addition to his psyche, his body suffers. He gets sick, loses consciousness, and has epileptic seizures. This can be explained simply - the spirits insist that the chosen one become a shaman.

It is almost impossible to resist them. To get rid of this suffering, the only way out is to accept the offer of the spirits and undergo a rite of passage.

The beginning of the ritual is the confession of the chosen one to the old shamans that he hears the call of the spirits. After that, he goes into the forest, taiga and undergoes a hunger test there. It can last 5, 7, or 9 days. At this moment, the future shaman is especially weak. During dreams and visions, spirits come to him and literally turn him into a different person.

He feels like he's being torn apart and put back together. The shaman experiences real death at the emotional level. After everything he has experienced, he is “reborn,” but as a different person. Then the shaman has 2 options:

• understand the intricacies of the shamanic work yourself;
• learn from the old shaman.

Most often the second method is chosen. The initiation into shamans does not end there. This is a long process that lasts for months, and sometimes even years. Training in practices, ways of communicating with spirits, rituals is still to come.

There is no formal initiation of a shaman. There is no specific action or ceremony after which we can say that initiation has taken place. It is believed that this is meaningless, since the shaman was initiated into the spirits long before he himself realized this.

Responsibilities, tasks and role of the sorcerer

The shaman in the human world performs many functions and plays an important role in the life of entire nations.

The main tasks of the shaman are:

• treatment of people;
• searching for the soul that has left the body and returning it, if possible;
• accompanying the soul to another world;
• protection of the soul from demons, evil spirits.

It becomes clear that the shaman has little to do with the daily life of a person. Its specificity is the soul. Shamans are not present at weddings, for example. However, they are called when there is a difficult birth. The role of the shaman in helping people.

– the main profile of a shaman. It is believed that illness occurs not in the body, but in the soul. The shaman is called upon to make a diagnosis, find ways to get rid of the disease and return a person to a healthy body and spirit.

In addition to treating specific people, the shaman plays a role in the normal functioning of the entire family:

• foresees droughts, rains, etc.;
• when the number of animals decreases, people ask the shaman to help;
• helps and participates in the process of sacrifice.

Contrary to the opinion of ordinary people, the shaman is not the person who performs sacrifices. Most often, if he takes part in this, it is only to guide the soul of the murdered victim along the right path. He knows this way.

Thus, a shaman is a person chosen by the spirits for this role. No consent or refusal is required. Shamans serve as protectors and assistants to their people. They protect against pestilence, drought, hunger, and disease. A strong shaman is a great joy and help. It is impossible to learn to be a shaman “just for yourself.” A shaman is a person who is constantly on the edge between the world of people and the world of spirits.