The center of the world is where the shaman is. Who is a shaman? Only a healer or more...

Shamanism as a phenomenon is a sociocultural phenomenon that influences the worldview of many peoples of the world. Although, judging strictly geographically, this is, first of all, a Siberian and Central Asian religious movement. “Shaman” is a word from the Tungus language. This early form of religion, involving communication with spirits, is still practiced by the peoples of Siberia and the Far East.

Researchers this phenomenon They believe that the most powerful shamans in the world live in Russia.

Religion of the “appointees”

Shamanism is not the predominant religion in Central and Northern Asia, although it dominates the religious life of entire regions. Shamans, as the chosen ones, still represent the only “messengers of truth” in these areas remote from civilization. Magico-religious phenomena similar to shamanism have been recorded by researchers in North America, Indonesia and Oceania. Basically, other forms of magic and religion coexist peacefully with shamanism.

A shaman is a chosen one of spirits, an “appointee” from above. He is a kind of transmitter of the will of heaven, a mediator between God and people. Entering a trance, the shaman transmits the divine will through dancing, beating a tambourine or other method of sacred music, pronouncing certain spells. Shamans enter an ecstatic state (kamlanie) in order to find answers to a variety of vital questions: how to cure a sick person, what the hunt will be like, and others. The shaman is a specialist in trance, a unique person, capable of ascending to heaven and descending to hell in his sacred rites - it is this feature that distinguishes him from other “intermediaries” between the earthly and the heavenly in other beliefs and religions.

According to archaeologists, shamanism originated in Siberia in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Based on scientific point In our opinion, this is the most ancient religious movement on earth of all beliefs practiced to this day.

Historically, there have been several options for acquiring shamanic status: hereditary, calling (a person seems to feel a special disposition towards to this genus occupations, a call from above, it happens less often when someone simply designates himself as a shaman (this happens among the Altaians) or a person chooses his clan to be such (among the Tungus).

Who is worshiped during the ritual?

Shamans communicate with the spirits of the dead, nature, etc., but, as a rule, do not become possessed by them. In the Siberian and Central Asian ethnic group, shamanism is structured in conjunction with the ecstatic abilities of flying into heaven and descending into hell. The shaman has the ability to communicate with spirits, tame fire, and perform other magical passes. This forms the basis of the specific practices used in such religious activities.

The famous religious scholar and researcher of shamanism, Mircea Eliade, classified shamans more as mystics than as religious figures. Shamans, in his opinion, are not conductors and “relays” of divine teachings; they simply present what they saw during the ritual process as a given, without going into details.

Selection criteria vary

Basically, Russian shamans have a hereditary tradition of acquiring this status, but there is one feature without which a shaman is not a shaman, no matter how hard he tries: a potential guru must be able to enter a trance and see the “correct” dreams, as well as master traditional shamanic practices and techniques , know the names of all spirits, the mythology and genealogy of one’s family, and master its secret language.

Among the Mansi (Worguls), the future shaman is the heir, including through the female line. Nervousness and epileptic seizures of a child born into the family of a shaman are among this nation a sign of contacts with the gods. The Khanty (Ostyaks) believe that the gift of a shaman is given to a person from birth. The Siberian Samoyeds have a similar approach to shamanism: as soon as the shaman father dies, the son carves a likeness of the deceased’s hand from wood. It is believed that in this way the power of the shaman is passed on from father to son.

Among the Yakuts, who also inherit shamanism through a “family contract,” an emegen (patron spirit), incarnating in someone from the family after the death of the shaman, can infuriate the chosen one. In this case, the young man is capable of injuring himself even in a fit of madness. Then the family turns to the old shaman to train the boy, teach him the basics of the “profession,” and prepare him for initiation.

Among the Tungus, the status of a shaman (amba saman) is transmitted either from grandfather to grandson, or there is no continuity as such. An old shaman teaches a neophyte, usually an adult. Shamanism is also inherited among the South Siberian Buryats. However, they believe that if someone drank tarasun (milk vodka) or a stone fell from the sky on this person, or lightning struck the initiate, then he is definitely a shaman. Among the Soyots (Tuvians), lightning is an indispensable attribute of the shaman’s clothing.

There is strength in Tuva

The most famous Russian shaman, also a corresponding member Russian Academy traditional medicine, healer and master of throat singing, Tuvan Nikolai Oorzhak. Tuva – modern center domestic shamanism, where today there are three official associations of shamans: “Dungur”, “Tos-Deer” and “Adyg-“Eeren”.

Tuvan shamans are led by President Mongush Kenin-Lopsana.

Shamanism is the most widespread of all religions, which arose far before the beginning of our era. Since ancient times, it was shamans who were considered not only intellectuals, but also spiritually developed, indeed capable people. Of course, at first glance, it would seem that these people are not at all friendly with the psyche, and they have obvious mental disorders. But no, many people are really engaged in restoring the body, and even try not to advertise their real activities. And there are also those who compose musical creations or paint beautiful paintings, so to the question of who is a shaman and what does he do, there is no more direct answer than this.

Actions and rituals

If for you, the answer to the question “who is a shaman” is still little revealed, then I suggest reading the following information. To perform seances, most write poetry. It is they that allow you to reveal in more detail everything that you want to know and, of course, with this the psychic confirms that his charms supposedly work. He interacts with the spirits of deceased animals, and in most cases among them there are predatory animals:

• eagles;
• lions;
• panthers;
• tigers;
• wolves.

That is, the origin of the word still comes from the Tungusic language. Translated, it means a person in a state of trance. And this is not surprising, because in order to find out about something, you need to turn to the souls of dead animals. And for this you need to perform some kind of session. But it is important to remember, no matter what spirit it evokes, you need to be careful, because there are always bad ones that can harm.

Trance is a different world

If a shaman goes into a trance, it means he has already set off on a journey not to our world - it could be the world above or the world below. So he needs to find out something. For example, he is able to ask the gods and various spirits something about health, about abundant offspring in people and animals. You can also ask something more significant, for example, whether there will be success in commercial affairs or how to heal from an illness. Here is the answer to the question “who are shamans and what do they do.” Therefore, when turning to such a person, you should only find out about something important, and at least provide protection from harm.

Be vigilant, because shamans do not accept all people. There are those with whom they themselves refuse to work. He will always feel good or evil man and it is better not to turn to those who turn to evil souls.

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

Shamans of Altai and other regions of Siberia are people who inherit an ancient tradition that carries centuries-old knowledge and wisdom. What their life looks like, what their thinking is like - these are the questions many people ask. And we will lift the veil of secrecy over one of the oldest traditions existing in Russia.

In the article:

Shamans of Altai - who are they

Shamanism is the oldest tradition in the world. It appeared much earlier than many spiritual teachings or magical practices. This is because its basis is what people saw directly next to them. Often tradition of shamanism was based on visible manifestations of nature, thunderstorms, rains and the like. The man saw this and thought that such power could only be released through the mediation of some great forces. Many identified such forces with gods, as well as spirits. But if so, if this is a force that, at its own will, can direct such monstrous weather conditions, which means you can communicate with her. Because the will speaks of self-awareness, which can guide it. It was in this way that humanity came to the practice of shamanism.

Shamans were not just people who knew and were able to do a lot. They were the chosen ones of these very spirits. Such a rapprochement could also mean that they are, in some way, relatives of the spirits. And they perform all their actions with their help and mediation.

But Altai is a special region. If in other parts of the world humanity has forgotten shamanism or it has changed so much that it is no longer recognizable, then shamanism in Altai has remained in its, so to speak, primordial form. Altaians hold tightly to ancient traditions, not allowing long-standing beliefs to change. It is worth clarifying that shamanism is not a religion. This is a way of communicating with higher entities or beings from another plane of existence. With spirits, souls of the dead and other representatives. And the shamans Mountain Altai very, very experienced in such matters. They never lost touch with those mystical forces that live in our world. And even in ourselves.

What does a modern Altai shaman look like? IN Everyday life- as you wish. They can be found in both traditional suits and jeans. It is very rarely possible to distinguish them from an ordinary Altai. Perhaps by the respect that others show the shaman. Because this is a well-known person who is often visited for treatment or advice. But during rituals, they all wear ritual costumes in order to appear as close as possible to the original image.

Although, of course, now the image itself means little. Not culturally, but sacredly. Because, after all, communication with spirits is a more personal, internal matter than external. Only the old representatives of this teaching retain the full ambience of a real shaman. They still live in traditional dwellings, always go to national costumes. But modern followers are beginning to move away from this lifestyle. Because modernity dictates its own laws, no matter where people live.

Shamanism in Buryatia and the ritual of transformation

Shamanism in Buryatia is worth special mention for one very impressive ritual. Yes, there are differences in the shamanism of the peoples of Siberia and Far East there are many. Some of them are small, others are striking. But in Buryatia there is ancient ritual, which distinguishes it so much from other shamanic cultures that it is impossible not to mention it. The meaning of this ritual is to show the process that a person goes through when becoming a shaman. A ritual showing spiritual transformation.

In Buryatia, only a descendant of a shamanic family can become a shaman.

According to the tradition of the Buryat people, only those who have utha can become a shaman. If translated into Russian - hereditary roots, shamanic ancestors. It is also worth adding that in the Buryat tradition the shaman has always been perceived both as a chosen one and as a martyr. A person was born with such a seal and lived with it all his life. Only a few stories are known when a descendant of a shamanic family renounced his inheritance.

On the path of his formation, the future shaman had to go a very long way. Both spiritual and physical. He had to undergo as many as nine initiations, at the end of which he received the title of whole or quality. The translation is quite rough, but at the same time very close. Shaman initiation ritual shanar, was as follows. An alley of 27 birches was built, but most of the attention was paid to the mother tree and the father tree.

A nest was placed on top of the first one, into which nine eggs were laid. At the base of the tree was a symbol of the Moon. The image of the Sun was installed at the top of the father tree. Also, much attention was paid to the interior furnishings, ablution platforms and similar things. The initiate himself must dress in traditional clothing, including armor.

Shaman's ritual

The initiation began with a ritual. Calling upon ancestral spirits to determine the worthiness or unworthiness of the applicant. Then all the ritual equipment, except for the tambourine, was handed over to the future shaman. And the convert must show all his skill. He must dance around the building, climb birch trees, jump from one to another. Do everything he was taught long years. In order to impress all those watching - both dead and living. Such dedication should last several days, optimally nine. All this time, the young shaman is forbidden to leave the ritual room. They bring him food and water. Only after this did he become a real shaman. Unless, of course, the spirits of his ancestors said that he was truly worthy of such an honor.

Although, given the belief that the shaman is more of a martyr, one cannot say that his life will be so happy. But, nevertheless, it will be used for a good cause, serving society and people. The goal is definitely noble. After all, a shaman is a connecting link between the world of spirits and the material world. It helps people heal, provides spiritual relief and much more. But these powers come at a price, just like any other. In the case of a shaman, his life no longer belongs to him. He is given to service until the last drop of blood.

Shamans of Yakutia

The shamans of Yakutia are followers of shamanism, which are also worth dwelling on in more detail. There are, of course, many other representatives from different nations, about which the general reader should be told. These are Tuvan shamans, and the traditions of shamanism in Khakassia, and the Evenks, whose shamanism is known far beyond the borders of Altai. But we will try to talk only about the most interesting aspects of the shamanic tradition. The most striking difference between Yakut shamans and their colleagues from other nations is the burial traditions, as well as the spirit-beast. This is not just a totem animal, but almost a material companion that accompanies the shaman throughout his life. And continues to accompany after death.

In different interpretations you can find different references to who this spirit-beast is. Some say that this is a purely speculative concept, intended to show the inner essence of the shaman. His character. Like a beast - a reflection of his soul. This is partially true. Another interpretation says that the spirit-beast is a patron given to the shaman for protection. After all, he is the chosen one of the spiritual world, and spiritual world always takes care of such people. This is also partially true. And the truth, as always, is somewhere in the middle.

Both interpretations are correct and the real purpose of the spirit-beast lies in both. It is also a reflection of the shaman’s inner essence, which is projected onto real world, and a mystical guardian angel. It’s as if the spirit world is a bright lamp, the shaman is a complex picture on paper, and the beast is the image that will appear on the table if you point one at the other. Also, this spirit gives the shaman protection from magical attacks from other shamans or evil otherworldly creatures. magical creatures. The beast plays the role of a source of strength, which at the right moment helps to overcome any danger. So its importance is difficult to overestimate.

Evenki shamanism

What about burials? Attention should be paid to both the ancient traditions of shamanic burials and those that appeared relatively recently. In ancient times, shamans were buried in special structures called arangas. These are wooden structures that were attached to tree trunks, high above the ground. The place was chosen in the thicket of the forest, as far as possible from roads and human habitation. All of his ritual attributes were placed in the coffin of the dead man. Except for the tambourine. The tambourine was broken and hung over the grave so that a stranger would not get it.

Farther along the highway I swallow the axial markings, spit them out as white steam through the exhaust... Farther, past the hotel parking lot where the car is left, past the log chalet, where multi-colored sweaters of tourists are huddled around a glass fire, where there is hot coffee and double vacuum glass behind which it is cozy the snow is blowing. I move further and further with a twelve-charge Sauer flask of alcohol and a disabled Link. My ski track winds further and further among the crooked pines. The North is calling me further and further.
There, at the edge of Day and Night, there are silhouettes of plagues that look like clocks, in which the time-sand has dried up. Camp. The soul hunters never made it here, far, far away. The skulls of the messiahs, broken by a bear's paw, carefully gnawed by arctic foxes, turn white between the hummocks strewn with yellow cloudberries, sweet as honey. People of the North live here, harsh reindeer herders, hunters, fishermen. They do not need someone else's god, they believe only in their own strength.

A little further away the tent rises as a separate tooth. At the entrance sits a man dressed in a fawn parka, trimmed with many muleks, amulets carved from bone. The man is smiling, tenaciously bow-legged, and ascetically wiry. The face, tanned by wind and frost, is covered with a mask of melted fat. Asia's impenetrable eyes darken under her varnished black bangs, cut into a circle. This is the local shaman Tolik.
If you scraped the seal makeup off his cheeks and dressed him in a Brooks suit for a few bucks, you'd hardly distinguish him from a stock trader. Both keep in shape, with the difference that the latter runs in the morning in Central Park NY and keeps up everywhere, while the former smokes a pipe and is in no hurry. Unlike the Fifth Avenue voodooist who extracts gold from the void to drive a Corvette latest model, our caster washes it on the pebble rifts to buy tobacco and gunpowder at the trading post. But about this: Shh! Silence! Tolik does not serve Mammon and does not declare income. He serves no one at all and declares nothing. A hardened prospector is hiding from writs of execution, how an SS veteran hides from Mossad executioners. In the summer, he roams around the Tundra, hunts, and collects herbs. He is familiar with the basics of pharmacology and herbal medicine. He wanders menacingly all the way to Bačka-Okiyan, rocking the ice shafts; on its stone beaches, Tolya shoots seals listed in the Red Book. The shaman cannot read, but he understands psychedelics and hallucinogens. In winter, listening to Cobain from an old MP3, he flies away in a mushroom trance. The White Owl overtakes the "seven hundred and forty seven" on the Tokyo-Paris flight. He looks into the portholes, makes an eagle hoot and laughs. Scaring passengers with its shaggy head, it generates Internet sensations.
But if someone gets sick or, say, the arctic fox is not caught, the camp residents go to Anatoly so that he can contact the spirits using his selector and ask for help. The shaman accepts the offerings and nods his head importantly to the patient: Don’t piss! Everything will be OK. Jumping easily onto his trained legs, he raises his finger to enhance the climax and suddenly hits the tambourine: Showtime!!
It begins to quietly circle around the fire and its own axis.
--E-heya-ya..e-heya – na-nara-na-na..
The tambourine is jingling with bells and groaning dully. The shamanic soul fills it, vibrates the stretched skin of the bear's bladder and accelerates the pace. Everything spins like a carousel around the fire. The walls of the igloo merge and disappear. All around is the night sky with plumes magnetic storms. The shaman, having received a kick from centrifugal force, runs up and flies over the tundra. He calls the souls of ancestors. Those, having abandoned their afterlife affairs, gather over their native camp. And Tolik, collapsing on moss, falls into a trance. From the whirling and mushrooms, voices are heard in the shaman’s ears. They are vying with each other to try to say something. Maybe some stocks will go down soon, and which ones will jump? Maybe they are ordering the whale hunt to resume? But most likely they advise you to stop doing bullshit and bothering them needlessly. Tolik doesn’t know what exactly sounds in his head and pushes out the primitive, inarticulate with his tongue. From this spectacle and resonance low frequencies the spectators are horrified.
Sometimes the directed psi-field helps the patient and Anatoly is held in high esteem, respected, satiatedly burps up the offerings, and sometimes stays on the beans. The neighbors scold him last words and they can beat you. In the north, the people are straightforward, unspoiled by manners.
===
In the morning I get up and get dressed. I go to the bathroom to brush my teeth. After washing, I put on the chain with the amulet. I perform a self-quest and ask something from a third party. Having made a gesture, I look in the mirror and ask myself a question. The only question and it is always the same: How do I differ from a primitive savage? A diploma, a bunch of other people’s thoughts read into my head from books? And I get an answer. The only one and he is always the same.

Shamanism is ancient belief about close communication between a person and a spiritualized, breathing world that lives its own life. And communication with the World of Spirits, which go hand in hand with man, occurs with the help of an intermediary endowed with special abilities– a shaman.

Shaman is a person who has realized extraordinary possibilities for himself, A New Look on the world order.

Shamans, like no one else, understand the principle of the “Unified Mechanism”. Everything around is interconnected, for example, wood absorbs nutrients from the ground and in return produces fruits that people can eat. And the healing of the earth can only happen by changing a person, by him knowing the true purpose of life in this world, and by respecting the environment.

Shamans are firmly convinced that everything around is alive and cannot be dead - the soul can live without a bodily shell (if we're talking about about a person or animal). And only spirits know all the secrets of existence, the answers to all questions.

You need to understand that shamans are not magicians or sorcerers. They are people who were able to reveal the incredible capabilities of their own brain, saw the world with completely different eyes and have a special mission on this earth.

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.