Shamanism

DEFINITION

A shaman is a priest or medicine man who (purportedly) can influence good or evil spirits. Shamanism is an archaic magico-religious phenomenon in which the shaman is the great master of ecstasy. The cultures in which shamanism has been noted include those of various Stone Age, Siberian, Mexican, American Indian, Inuit, and Australian Aboriginal peoples. The activities of shamans are occasionally compared to those of visual artists in non-shamanic cultures.(pr. SHAH-mən or SHAY-mən)Also see amulet, ex voto, fetish, metal, milagro, mystery, talisman, and votive.