A mode of dealing with the spirit
world through the agency of an
individual set apart as spirit possessed and specially equipped to deal with superhuman forces. The term Shaman is generically applied to healers, exorcists, sorcerers, magicians, etc.
A practitioner of Shamanism is a Shaman. Shamans gain
knowledge and the
power to heal by entering into the spiritual
world or dimension. The shaman may have, or acquire many spirit guides in the spirit
world, these often guide and direct the shaman in his/her travels. These spirit guides are always present within the shaman though others only encounter them when the shaman is in a
trance. The spirit guide energizes the shaman, enabling him/her to enter the spiritual dimension. The shaman heals within the spiritual dimension by returning 'lost' parts of the human soul from wherever they have gone. The shaman also cleanses excess negative energies which confuse or pollute the soul. Shaman
act as "mediators" in their culture. The shaman communicates with the spirits on behalf of the community, including the spirits of the deceased. The shaman communicates with both living and dead to alleviate unrest, unsettled issues, and to deliver gifts to the spirits. Often, unsettled issues can be resolved with money. Paper money can be
burnt to transfer its value to the spirits.
