shamanism

Shamanism is a belief that there is an unseen spirit world and that special healers can interact with it.

In shamanism, practitioners called shamans enter deep trance states in which they communicate with the spirits of ancestors, gods, and demons. The energy from these spiritual connections is used both for healing rituals and to divine the future. The tradition of shamanism goes back to Indigenous residents of Siberia, and the word shamanism derives from the Tungusic šaman, "one who knows."

Definitions of shamanism

1. noun

   an animistic religion of northern Asia having the belief that the mediation between the visible and the spirit worlds is effected by shamans
   synonyms: Asian shamanism

   type of:

   faith, religion, religious belief

   a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
2. noun

   any animistic religion similar to Asian shamanism (especially as practiced by certain Native American tribes)
   type of:

   faith, religion, religious belief

   a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny