'Shamanism'

[Theres]

this is something that i have posted at another site, and thought that i'd like to hear your responses as well, since there's alot of intelligent people here (unlike many other Pagan sites!). it's bothered me for awhile, but i just found the words to express my frustration.

traditionally, the term 'Shaman' was used to describe the village 'wise one' or the tribal 'witchdoctor' (a horrible phrase). it implied a person who had been through an 'ordeal', either a death experience, or something similar using 'ordeal drugs'.
basically, the ancient concept was that the people of the tribe looked to someone to answer the great mysteries of life, the unanswerable questions. and what greater mystery was there to ancient mankind than that of death. indeed, it is STILL the great mystery.
so they turned to the member of the tribe who could answer these questions. one who had been there and returned to speak of the experience. the Shaman.
but nowadays the term Shaman has been applied to anyone who has read a Lynn Andrews book, or anyone who has seen 'Dances With Wolves'.
maybe it's just a matter of semantics (damn inefficient language anyways!). if someone draws from Native American culture for their spiritual path, i have no problem with that. i do so myself to a certain extent. but PLEASE respect the term for the incredible sacrifice that it implies. worshipping the Spider Woman or the great Buffalo Spirit does NOT automatically make you a Shaman, any more than taking communion makes you the Pope!
just another case of 'new age yuppyism' treading all over ancient belief systems, and minimalizing them along the way.
any thoughts?

oh, i almost forgot the 'imo'.

[Lavender]

I completely agree, Greenman. I've always said just because I brush my teeth, it doesn't make me a dentist! :D

[Old Witch]

I'd like to add studying Shamanism doesn't make you one either. I've been studying off and on for a couple of years, and dang it's hard. Don't think I'll ever be one, but it's so interesting I don't stop!

[Myst]

This is true not only of Shamanism but other Pagan beliefs such as Wicca, Stregheria, Witchcraft, Druidry, etc. etc. etc. Everyone has their own path and beliefs, to be sure, but... well.. you know what I mean. :)

[talamh]

But isn't it also part of the spiritual tradition that many call themselves a shaman or a witch or a druid.... but it's important to know how to tell who has truly connected and who merely calls themself such? If everyone had to be registered graduates of the Terran College of Magic Folk and Wise Ones to qualify it would take a lot of the fun out of it all, don't you think? bb talamh

[Myst]

You wouldn't have so many people entranced by so called "elders" or "teachers" who really have no qualifications to be such. Seen that a few times myself.

Mind you, everyone has to walk their own path, even if it means learning themselves how to discern or being lead by the wrong teachers for awhile. I wouldn't call that "part of the fun" but I do see your point to be sure.

[Haedis]

hehe great analogies! how about "sticking feathers up your butt does not make you a chicken." sorry sorry...couldnt resist :D

[clef0628]

When people ask what path I follow, I say Shamanism, because I mostly follow my animal spirit guides. However, I would only think of my self as a Shaman in training. Who will be training for the rest of my life ;)