They are born with certain signs, namely more bones than normal
The chosen one, in adolescence, at the time of sexual maturity, unexpectedly suffers an acute nervous breakdown, accompanied by hysterical attacks, fainting spells, visions and other similar phenomena, which sometimes torment him for weeks, and just as unexpectedly, during one of the attacks or in a dream, the spirit that has chosen him appears and announces his choice. In order to become a shaman, the call is indispensable. It is common for the called one not to want to take up the vocation. However, the choosing spirit entices him with promises, and if this is not successful, tortures him. This so-called "shamanic sickness" torments him for months, perhaps years, until he accepts the forced vocation.
Many traditions tell of the candidate having tortured himself to death rather than accept shamanism.
If the candidate gave in to the compulsion and became a shaman, he would sleep for long periods of time (three, seven, or three times three days). During the long sleep, the spirits would dismember the candidate and count his bones, checking whether he really had 'excess bones'. If so, he has become a shaman. Some people (e.g. Mongols, Manchu-Tungus) even initiate the shaman: they present him to the supernatural beings: he symbolically climbs up the 'sky tree' or the 'hagboat' (→ world tree) that represents it. The candidate - who can be male or female - thus becomes a shaman. He or she achieves his or her task by direct contact with supernatural beings at will.
In other words, the shaman can establish contact with them when he needs to and does not have to interpose some medium-like intermediary.
He can interact with supernatural beings in two ways: either they move into him, or the shaman goes into their realm. In this way, he can fulfill his duties, i.e. he can learn about things distant in time and space, or he can heal.
The shamanic ceremony is almost a theatrical drama. The tent, the place where the ceremony takes place, is the theatre; the space around the fire, where the summoning of the spirit takes place, is the stage; the shaman creates the stage by singing; the actor - the shaman - is not only the set designer but also the dancer, and even the orchestra: the music is provided not only by the beating of the drum but also by the shaking of the metal hangings and bells on it and on the shaman's cloak, with the appropriate beat. The shamanic ritual is more captivating than any drama, because the spectator not only sees and hears it, but also believes in it deeply. The costume usually represents an animal, or an antlered or winged animal. Accordingly, the headdress is adorned with antlers or feathers and the footwear with split hooves or claws. In the latter case, the dense bands of fabric dangling from the sleeves of the cape represent the wings.
Some peoples cover the cape with symbols of human body parts.
They represent not only the bones, but also, for example, the breast and, on the headband, parts of the face. It is also said to have been used by European peoples in the past and is still used by indigenous peoples in Africa and the Americas. In these peoples, however, the process of becoming a medicine man is essentially different: it lacks the selection and compulsion that characterize shamanism: the magician wants to be and can become a magician. - The pre-Christian belief of the Hungarians was shamanism. Shamanism can be traced back to the Bronze Age, on the basis of rock paintings.
Rooted in ancient cultures across the globe, these spiritual practitioners are known for their mystical abilities, profound connection to nature, and their role as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms. In this exploration, we delve into the world of shamans from a spiritual perspective, uncovering their abilities, purpose, and their continued presence in today's world.
The Abilities of Shamans
Shamans are often recognized for their extraordinary abilities, which bridge the gap between the seen and the unseen. Some of their most notable gifts include:
Healing: Shamans possess the power to heal physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. Through rituals, herbs, and energy work, they channel healing energies to restore balance and harmony to individuals and communities.
Spirit Communication: Shamans are skilled in communicating with spirits, including ancestors, animal spirits, and celestial beings. This ability enables them to seek guidance, retrieve lost souls, or receive visions for their communities.
Divination: Shamans often practice divination, using various tools such as tarot cards, runes, or scrying to access hidden knowledge and foresee future events. These insights guide decision-making and offer spiritual counsel.
Journeying: Through altered states of consciousness induced by drumming, chanting, or plant medicine, shamans embark on spiritual journeys. These journeys allow them to navigate the spirit world, retrieve wisdom, and bring back healing or guidance.
Energy Work: Shamans are skilled in manipulating energy fields to cleanse, protect, or empower individuals and spaces. This includes practices like smudging and energy extraction.
Shamans serve a profound purpose within their communities and the greater spiritual landscape.
