Shamanism is widely believed to be the oldest spiritual practice known to humanity, with roots going back 50,000 to 60,000 years. Its origins are most often traced to the Tungus (Evenki) people of Siberia, where the word shaman—meaning “one who sees in the dark”—first emerged.
Over time, shamanism spread across the globe, with unique expressions in nearly every culture. Arguably the most well-known forms today come from Central and South America, where practices involving plant medicine and deep connection to nature are still actively preserved. These regions have contributed immense visibility and spiritual richness to modern understandings of shamanism.
However, shamanism is not limited to one place or people. It is a universal, earth-based tradition rooted in a deep relationship with nature, spirit, and the unseen realms. In Northern Europe, for instance, shamanic practice can be seen in the traditions of the Völva or Seiðr workers—Norse seers who journeyed between worlds. In the British Isles, spiritual paths like Druidry and Celtic Shamanism reflect similarly animistic worldviews.
In more recent decades, a framework known as Core Shamanism—popularised by anthropologist Michael Harner—has made these practices more accessible to Western practitioners. While not tied to any one tradition, Core Shamanism draws on universal techniques like journeying, drumming, and spirit connection, honouring the spirit world while encouraging direct experience.
Modern shamanism is not about cultural appropriation or adopting a title lightly. It’s about walking in right relationship with the Earth, the spirits, and the sacred. It’s about listening, learning, healing—and remembering that we are not separate from nature, but part of a vast, interconnected web of life.