Neoshamanism

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Neoshamanism is a term applied to certain emergent shamanistic philosophies, whether they are a revival of older shamanistic beliefs and tradition or an amalgation of new-age and spiritual beliefs. NeoShamanism is sometimes used as a disclaimer or qualifier, where reconstructionists who are trying to piece back together shattered systems must admit that the system in question no longer exists as a whole system (Generally due to culturacide) Neoshamanism is not a single, cohesive belief system but several philosophies lumped together with the term 'Neoshamanism'. However, certain generalities may be drawn between neoshamans. Most believe in spirits and pursue self-actualization through meditation and entheogens, though this statement does not encompass all neoshamanistic beliefs. Most Systems might be described as existing somewhere on the Animism/ Pantheism Spectrum. Neoshamanism is used as a convenient excuse by fraudulent Shamanism sellers to cover up the glaring inconsistencies in their ceremonies. By putting out that the ceremonies have been adapted to suit modern people they are frequently able to convince people that they are not frauds. If someone points out that a ceremony is different, it is all explained away conveniently.

NeoShamanism Groups

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies (Michael Harner) http:// www.shamanism.org

Institute for Contemporary Shamanic Studies (Sweet Medicine Sundance, Canada) http://www.icss.org/

Scandinavian Center For Shamanic Studies (Jonathan Horwitz) www.users.dircon.co.uk/~snail/SCSS/SCSS.htm

Francesca Dubie's 3rd Road (Wicca/Celtic shamanism)

Spirituality and Shapeshifting: Shapeshifting and Animal Spirits

http://www.atheling.demon.co.uk/bwobwi.html

Celtic Beliefs and Shamanism www.northnet.com.au/~wanderer/beliefs.html

Shamanism and Shamanic Workshops in the UK and Europe http://www.scri.fsu.edu/~pichowsk/Lighthouse/g05aa.html

Sources: Uthark - Nightside of the runes, by Thomas Karlsson. English translation Ouroboros, 2002. ISBN9197410217

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