There is a lot of discussion and opinion on what a shaman is. The word itself is rooted in the word aman from the Tungus people in central Asia .Definitions vary greatly in modern society, this varies from people who enjoy trancing out to music at dances and 'tribal' gatherings calling themselves shamans to a very precise definition as per Eliade who in his book 'Shamanism - Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy' specifically defines the term shaman as distinct from medicine man, sorcerer, healer, diviner, magician, herbalist and so on. This definition is sometimes employed in a strict sense, and appears to me to be limiting in scope. To me a shaman means more than that definition.
Shamans are healers, seers, and visionaries who have mastered death.
They are in communication with the world of gods and spirits. Their bodies can be left behind while they fly to unearthly realms. They are poets and singers. They dance and create works of art. They are not only spiritual leaders but also the judges and politicians, sacred and secular.