What Is Shamanism?

The following overview is informed by the work of anthropologist Michael Harner, particularly his two books The Way of the Shaman[1] and Caves and Cosmos: Shamanic Encounters with Another Reality[2]. Harner founded the Foundation for Shamanic Studies and pioneered the introduction of shamanism and the shamanic drum journey to modern Western culture.

Through years of living with Indigenous peoples across the world, Harner studied shamanic practices firsthand. By setting aside specific cultural rituals, ceremonies, and traditions, he identified what he called core shamanism—the shared, underlying principles and methods found across many ancient cultures.

Shamanism is an ancient, cross-cultural spiritual practice where the practitioner - the shaman - enters an altered state of consciousness to act as a bridge between ordinary reality and spirit realms. Based on archaeological and comparative evidence, many scholars believe shamanism to be at least 30,000 years old, and possibly far more ancient. Shamanic practices have been found on every inhabited continent, including Europe, Africa, Australia, and North and South America.[3]

What Is a Shaman?

The word “shaman” originates from the Tungus people of Siberia and has since been adopted globally to describe a person who intentionally enters an altered state of consciousness to gain knowledge, power, and healing. This work is done with the assistance of compassionate helping spirits with whom the shaman has a developed an ongoing relationship.[4]

In ancient European traditions, shamans were often referred to as seers—those who could perceive beyond ordinary reality. Seers, or shamans, interact directly with the spirit world, receiving information through sight, sound, smell, taste, and other forms of perception within non-ordinary reality.[5] Shamans are “the keepers of a remarkable body of ancient techniques used to maintain well-being and healing for themselves and their communities.”[6] These methods are strikingly similar across the globe—even among cultures separated by oceans and thousands of years.

How Shamanic Work Is Practiced

A common misconception is that shamans practice full-time. In traditional cultures, shamans typically live ordinary lives and engage in regular work. Shamanic practice is usually done when called upon, often in the evening or at specific times, and in a disciplined and controlled manner. Entering an altered state of consciousness and performing spiritual work is deeply intense, and so it is traditionally practiced part-time rather than continuously.[7]

There are many paths through which a person may become a shaman. However, the method of becoming one is considered less important than the strength and reliability of the helping spirits supporting the work. Ultimately, shamans are known by their results. As Harner notes, the final judgment of a practitioner comes from those who seek their help for healing, insight, and guidance.[8]

WildRising Shamanic Practice

At WildRising, shamanic work is practiced with deep respect for ancient traditions while being thoughtfully adapted for modern life. Sessions are conducted in a grounded, intentional, and ethical manner, drawing from core shamanic principles rather than specific cultural ceremonies.

Monica journeys in an altered state of consciousness to seek insight, guidance, and healing on behalf of the client, with the support of her team of compassionate helping spirits. Each session is guided by clear intention, consent, and energetic boundaries. Rather than offering fixed outcomes or guarantees, Monica holds space for what is most aligned for the client at that moment— with emphasis on empowerment, integration, and supporting the client’s own inner wisdom.

Shamanic practice addresses the spiritual dimension of well-being and outcomes vary for each individual. It does not replace medical care, psychological treatment, psychotherapy, professional health services, or other healing or medical systems.

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[1] Harner, Michael. The Way of the Shaman. Harper & Row, 1980. (“WTS”)

[2] Harner, Michael. Caves and Cosmos: Shamanic Encounters with Another Reality. North Atlantic Books, 2013. (“C&C”)

[3] C&C at 47.

[4] WTS at 25.

[5] C&C at 49.

[6] WTS at xix.

[7] C&C at 51.

[8] C&C at 62.