1. Shamanism is not a primitive stage in religious development.
2. A form of “theism” is present before and during shamanism – in China,
Africa, Indonesia, in Native American religion an in all cultures of the
world.
3. There are many forms of contact with powers and spirits.
i). In magic the contact is with an impersonal force – mana.
ii). In animism the contact is with local spirits in animals,
places and things.
iii). There is widespread belief that the spirit of the deceased makes
contact with the living, directly, or in circumstances, or through mediums.
iv). In gnosticism, there is believed to be contact with higher spirits
which impart secret knowledge to human beings, into which a person may
be initiated.
v). Psychic phenomena are often described as special powers of
the adept or the activity of spirits. Out of body experiences, knowledge
of previous lives or of the thoughts of others, poltergeist phenomena,
contact with familiar spirits, and possession by spirits are examples of
psychic phenomena.
vi). Divination (foretelling the future) by countless means is a widespread
practice. Tarot cards, tea leaves, the I-Ching, phrenology, palmistry,
astrology, and reading the entrails of animals are a few forms of divination.
4. God in shamanism is not believed to have much to do with the daily
affairs of man. He does not actively rule the creation. So
God is not actively sought or appeased in shamanism.
5. The benefits sought after in shamanism are natural blessings – the
avoidance of natural evil having to do with, sickness, crops, childbirth,
enemies, and loss of powers.
6. In shamanism there is a widespread sense of fear of the activity
of spirits along with a fatalistic resignation to omens of what is about
to take place.
© Surrendra Gangadean