The word shaman is believed to come from the Tungus word "saman" meaning (very roughly) holder of [sacred and hidden] knowledge. The term shaman, again, comes from a Siberian word and has no linguistic relation to "man." Traditional shamans can be found in Central Asia and Siberia either at the Turkic or Mongolic people as well as in Central and South American and in North America with the Native
First Americans. Shamanic techniques and practices have been used since prehistoric times for healing, teaching, guidance, and to affect the physical world with spiritual intervention. Some of the earliest rock art depicts figures displaying dramatic powers of flying, calling herds, and exuding what appears to be darts and balls of spirit. We know that shamans have been practicing trance, through dance and spirit journeys, for at least 40,000 years. Through experience, they learn about the landscapes and topography of the spirit world. And their journeys are consistent enough that they can discuss them cross-culturally and communicate intelligently about what to look for in which locations in the spirit world. The Urban Shaman is a neo-shamanic term that implies individuals who have not trained under a specific ancestral or cultural shamanic tradition because said tradition(s) have been lost to their culture or family that have been gathered or rediscovered and brought back to the community from a varied foundation of sources. Like the concept of the American Melting Pot, Urban Shamanism is quite similar in regards to shamanic beliefs and practices. Urban Shamans are demonstrating diversity within the shamanic field and are proving to be as effective as their traditionally cultured counter-parts. The vast majority of shamanic cultures worldwide are primary level societies, not far removed from the land and their ancestors. Our contemporary culture, on the other hand, seems far removed from spirit. We have so completely removed ourselves from the "food chain" that we are effectively no longer part of the natural world. Surrounded by asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel, many of us have lost that primordial connection. Participating in the Berlin Shamanism Group is one way you can find a supportive environment to learn and experience the power of shamanic practice in your own life. While there will be dialog and discussion online and in our group meetings, as with all shamanic teaching, it is about experiencing practices rather than talking about them.
