Shamanism (English)

Romanian philosopher and history of religion scholar Mircea Eliade's early study of shamanism continues to be a trusted source for scholarly studies of the spiritual practice. Eliade uses a three-pronged approach here, using anthropology, sociology, and psychology to interpret the role of the shaman, or the socially-recognized healer who falls into a trancelike state and is guided by otherworldly spirits to experience revelation or ecstasy. Eliade begins with a study of ancient practices of shamanism in Siberia and Central Asia and then broadens his study to South America and other continents. minimize