Shamanism

Kotliar (viomar@ATHENS.NET)
Wed, 8 May 1996 14:37:51 -0500

some were wondering how anthropologists would define it. Would anyone like
to share there ideas. I offered as a working definition:

I would define a shaman as someone who is able to transcend the natural
world through ecstatic mystical/magical experiences. This includes
transmigration of the soul, but I think this can be communion/communication
with spirits and natural forces representing a transcendent awareness that
does not include out of body experiences.
I would also regard it as part of a religious tradition that is less
canonical and hierarchical in its orientation.
Jay