By the 1960's people were inappropriately using the word 'shaman' to describe all manner of individuals throughout the world who were involved in some sort of spiritual practice. It has been used interchangeably with medicine man, medicine-woman, sorcerer, magician and witch doctor. This has led to profound misunderstanding and confusion. This confusion is further compounded due to the encompassing nature of shamanism. Shamanic beliefs and methodologies are remarkably similar in cultures throughout the world, including Asia, aboriginal Australia, Europe, native North and South America, Siberia, and South Africa.
Archaeological evidence suggests that shamanic practice is at least twenty thousand years old.
Based on anthropological and historical research gathered from remaining tribal cultures, the form and objectives of the profession have been fairly consistent throughout this time. Shamanism has proved difficult to define since it is applied to a variety of cultural and social structures. Ecstasy is defined as an altered state of consciousness, one in which the shaman enters and leaves at will. During this trance the shaman's soul leaves his body and ascends to the sky or the underworld. The journey is undertaken to restore power or souls.