Shamans of the Steppe
Despite the naive rejection of traditional knowledge in the 20th century modernizing project and globalized mainstream cultures dismissive attitude, some ideas are coming back. In some parts of the world the heritage of ancient power never died, and in others, new people are learning them. It seems that we’re finally realizing the value of different approaches to health and well-being by understanding the multiple dimensions of nature around us. Or at least accepting them as possible. Something that can work if you acknowledge it.
Mongolian shaman performing ritual
Shamans are the keepers of this knowledge. They live in all kinds of environments, as part of all kinds of cultural realities that are kept alive through tradition, faith, discipline and understanding. The case of the steppe shamans in Siberia and Mongolia is probably one of the strongest traditions worldwide. Their territories, the power of the land where they live, the strength of their belief and the harmony of their knowledge with other kinds of knowledge, make them accessible and attractive to a growing number of people. Not only people seeking for answers about their lives or looking for peace, but even academics. People are fascinated and inspired by shamanism’s relationship and contact with the spirit world.
Shamanism initiation center in Mongolia
What is shamanism? Though it varies with each region of the world, it can be explained as the power of the body to contact spirits through physical feelings and vibration, a practice that, in part, comes from the steppes of Asia. Even the word “Shaman” is believed to come from the Evenki language, from the Tungusic region of Central Asia, between Mongolia, China and Russia. The peoples of the steppe teach that benevolent and malevolent spirits live in a supernatural world that can be reached by altering the state of consciousness through specific substances, precise rituals and a chosen soul. A few of those chosen souls live within Marianna Baker’s novel, Red Snow, Gold Clouds, illuminating the cultural history of Siberia and aiding our protagonists with their journey.
Depiction of a shaman’s contact with the spirit worlds
Visit our sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamanism
http://www.folklore.ee/folklore/nr1/heredit.htm
http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/changing/journey/healing.html
And watch this documentary on shamanism: