It is knowledge that belongs to humankind not any one people. Shamanism honors a reverence for all of life. Sacred and spiritual in its approach, shamanism is the most widespread and ancient methodology for mind body healing known to humanity. It involves accessing hidden worlds more commonly known through myth and dream. In living shamanically ones strives to live with gentleness and respect for all things.
Shamanism is compatible with other spiritual traditions.
Anthropologists have used this term to describe indigenous people who had the ability to commune with spirits and travel to hidden worlds to aid and assist their communities. Worldwide indigenous people have known how to access the world of the shaman. Other cultures might call the person a healer, curandero, bamboo or medicine person. Traditionally, it was the shaman who communed with the spirits to bring knowledge and wisdom on behalf of their community. In our modern world, individuals can learn to journey to the spirits for problem solving and healing and access the world of the shaman.