The word shaman often evokes images of the American Indian. This is not surprising considering that our American cultural perspective has become inundated with the romanticized ideal of the medicine man or woman. It is not an inaccurate image only an incomplete one.
Shamanism is thousands of years old and has been practiced or lived in all quarters of the world.
I am by no means an expert on shamanism. What I know has been gleaned from years of studying religions around the world. From my studies I've become familiar with some central characteristics that define the shaman. The ability to enter a trance state that allows travel to spirit realms or communication with spirits. A majority of shamans also have vast knowledge of herbal remedies, intricate ritual practices, long years of preparation and training, spirit helpers, self-sacrifice or asceticism, and an arsenal of illusory tricks.