I am in a complete state of innocence regarding shaman, since I have no
reason to either approach or reject them. They do not exist within my
culture. I am trying to understand why they would in any culture. To
that
effect I have only accounts and anthropological studies- no immersion in
any aspect of a culture which accepts the magical.
Ken McE comments:
Sure they exist within your culture! One of the tendencies of our
modern society is specialization. We have the title "Renaissance Man"
for persons who have a broad crossdisiplinary expertise, but it is quite
difficult nowadays to actually be one. In smaller, simpler societies
many specializations were routinely lumped together. One who
specialized in religion, morality, counseling, history and medicine
might be known as a shaman.
If you go to a stockbroker for advice, you have just consulted your
shaman. If you make use of a pharmacist, midwife, doctor, social
worker, or therapist you have been to see the shaman. If you use
professional consultants or religious advisers, you have shamen.
If you don't think your culture accepts the magical, look into the
phrases "self fulfilling prophecy" "positive thinking", "power of
prayer" or positive feedback loop" Take a look at how the stock
market trembles from the words of one man, whose job is to forsee the
future. Look at any daily paper and see the astrology page, any phone
book for palm readers, and psychic counselors, they are all still right
here with us.
You and I may use different words than did our ancestors, but our minds
and our needs have changed very little. There is still a demand for
thoughtful and impartial people who are willing to assist us with what
is troublesome and unknown.
Regards, Ken McE
-- The only problem is that after you're done there's no way to unteach a dog how to use a hammock.
-- The only problem is that after you're done there's no way to unteach a dog how to use a hammock.