Shaman

Shamans are the people who serve as intermedaries between living people and the spirit realm. Their exact duties and role vary across time and societies, but a shaman's main duty is typically to communicate with spirits. As this requires a shaman to be attuned to vitality—the same force which gives life to all living things—a shaman may also be expected to communicate with nature.
Shamans are not necessarily magic users, though magic and shamanism have gone hand in hand in some cultures.

Career

Qualifications

It is necessary for a shaman to be attuned to vitality. Otherwise, communicating with spirits would be impossible, apart from spirits who choose to manifest. Some people are innately attuned to vitality; others train themselves to be.

Perception

Purpose

The two main roles of a shaman are to communicate with spirits and communicate with nature. This serves purposes such as:

• Determining the will of the spirits and/or nature
• Resolving conflicts and maintaining the peace with the above
• Requesting aid or information from spirits or animals
• (in some cultures) Serving as an intermediary between mortals and divine beings

Shamans may also serve as spiritual leaders and advisors.

In Partcular Cultures

Seigite: Shamanism—in the sense of communing with nature and the spirit realm—was not a part of Seigite religious practice, but shamans were important in Seigite society nonetheless. Their primary role was warding off and dispelling evil spirits. Learning magic was part of a shaman's training, as it was seen as necessary for dispelling spirits.

Type

Religious