The Word Shaman and the Work: Use and mis-use... a prologue

This is a contentious topic in some circles and I tread here with some hesitation. But I am asked about this a lot and so I like to approach it with respect for all of us and our many different perspectives, backgrounds and understandings as well as respect for both the benefits and failings of language and the varied cultures from which this all arises.

There have always been medicine people in every culture we know of. The names given to these people befitted the culture and conveyed among their people what was needed. In present time, all over the world we still have medicine people who are now often called by the singular term shaman, especially by those outside the specific culture.

(Art: “White Hummingbird” in memory of great southwestern artist Frank Howell who featured beautiful images of original peoples and their great dignity. www.frankhowell.art)