Shamanic Q & A
Questions and Answers
What is the difference between shamanism and neo-shamanism in today’s world and how would you describe your work? Can anyone become a shaman? If so, what is the proper credentialing for such work? What do you see as being the benefits/dangers to neo-shamanism in today’s culture?
The topic you raise is rather big so here I can only make a few comments on this here.
Shamanism represents the practices of many indigenous groups with ancient traditions including sets of ceremonies, rituals, healing practices, as well as sorcery techniques. Neoshamanism is a collection of approaches that borrows heavily from basic ideas of shamanism, New Age practices, quantum physics, and the influence of various mystical paths, theosophy, and the like. It covers such a broad spectrum and such a variety of people as to defy definition.