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.
