| Shamanism is big in most Native American | | | | What Happens During Shamanism? |
| cultures. It serves a great function within | | | | |
| the tribes and it has even begun making a way | | | | When practicing shamanism, one enters an |
| into more modern cultures recently. The | | | | altered mental state. This is done to aid in |
| Shaman is often considered to be like a | | | | spiritual communication. Shamans have a very |
| median between our world and the spiritual | | | | important function within the tribe. They |
| world. They are able to use this power to | | | | perform spiritual and physical healing with |
| gain knowledge and wisdom for helping people | | | | ceremonies when they enter the spiritual |
| here in this world. | | | | state. This is used to heal members of the |
| | | | tribe and keep them healthy both mentally and |
| You may already know that drums play an | | | | physically. |
| important role in the Native American | | | | |
| culture. You probably also know that there | | | | The altered state that a shaman enters when |
| are many different types of Native American | | | | he performs the ritual is called a shamanic |
| drums and each one has its own special, | | | | journey. This shamanic journey is used to |
| unique purpose. The Shaman drum is part of | | | | give the shaman wisdom and help from the |
| many Native American cultures. To understand | | | | spirits. The shaman feels he is actually |
| this and how it works, you need to understand | | | | going someplace when he gains the assistance |
| Shamanism and how it was used in many Native | | | | of the healing spirits, which is why it is |
| American societies. W | | | | referred to as a journey. |
| | | | |
| What is Shamanism? | | | | What are Shaman Drums? |
| | | | |
| Shamanism is a highly spiritual experience | | | | Shaman drums are an important part of |
| and not easy to understand if you have not | | | | shamanism. The drum is the horse that the |
| seen the practice or studied a lot about it. | | | | Shaman rides into other realms with. Usually |
| Shamanism is defined as an ancient form of | | | | the Shaman drum is a hand drum since these |
| spiritual communication. It is believed to be | | | | are much easier to manipulate during the |
| tens of thousands of years old and has been | | | | process. The Shaman drum is played by beating |
| used by many Native American tribes | | | | with a soft mallet to create a soothing, |
| throughout history. | | | | monotone beat. Sometimes rattles are also |
| | | | used along with the Shaman drum to further |
| The Shaman in a tribe is like the doctor or | | | | create the soothing sound and atmosphere. |
| healer. People would visit him when they had | | | | |
| a physical or mental problem they were facing | | | | The drum has an important purpose all the way |
| that they were unable to get rid of on their | | | | down to each detail such as symbols or |
| own. Shamans typically use drums and rattles | | | | painting on the drum. The painting on Shaman |
| to achieve an altered state of consciousness | | | | drums is usually a "map of the universe" or |
| and enter their spiritual state. There have | | | | spiritual power of some sort. Shaman drums |
| been Shamans in many different tribes all | | | | kept for decoration should be respected for |
| over the country that practiced Shamanism. | | | | their wonderful power and use. |
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