Shamanism
/ˈʃɑː.mə.nɪ.zəm/noun
A practice that involves a practitioner, known as a shaman, who is believed to access the spirit world to heal or guide others.
Did you know?The word 'shaman' traces back to the Tunguska word 'šaman', meaning 'one who knows', hinting at profound ancient wisdom and connection to the spirit realm.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Turkic
PT
*šaman
“one who knows or is knowledgeable, often used to describe a spiritual healer.”
Tungus
Tungus
šaman
“a spiritual practitioner or healer who communicates with spirits.”
17th Century
Russian
шаман (shaman)
“adopted from Tungus, referring to a person who performs spiritual healing rituals.”
18th Century
English
shaman
“introduced into English to describe a practitioner of traditional spiritual healing practices.”
20th Century
English
shamanism
“formalized term for the belief system and practices of shamans across various cultures.”