Historical dictionary of shamanism

ANIMALS

Animals: translation

Shamans engage with animals in a range of significant ways. In societies that live by hunting, shamans mayjourneybeyond their physical location or seek the aid of knowledgeable otherthanhumanhelpersto locate prey. They may also seek permission from those who control animal groups (amaster or mistress of animals) before the hunt or offer them gratitude afterward. Inanimistcommunities (where animals may be considered to be persons or to havesouls), shamans may be required tomediatebetween their human kin and animals or their “owners” who may be offended by the taking of lives.Bear ceremonialismandtotemismform wider contexts in which some shamans also form intimate relationships with particular animals or animal species. Ininitiation, they may bond with animals who become their helpers throughout their careers or lives. Animal communities may also be thought to employ shamans among themselves, and sometimes such shamans visit human shamans. As among humans, some animal shamans can be dangerous and unwelcome, that is, may practicesorcery. Particular cultures give priority to particular animals; for example,jaguarsand anacondas are especially important inAmazonia.
See alsoPower Animals.

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