ABSTRACT
Shamanism is a field of work that spans the archaic to traditional tribal settings and pluralistic Westernized societies. It is simultaneously ancient and yet, from a Western perspective, in its infancy. As it has changed over time and crossed national borders, it has enhanced and challenged individuals and cultures through art, music, dance and medicine – but it is not without controversy. As it has made its way into contemporary Western culture, it has run into professional and ethical hurdles and, more recently, safety issues, which are the subject of this chapter. I begin with a brief overview of the shamanic worldview in historical context followed by an explanation of what shamanic practice is and why it was possibly developed and used. I will then explain my background and how I have developed relationships with shamanic communities over the world and my own practice. I will then present the methods and perspective used for this investigation of safety, as well as who is involved in Western shamanic work and their reasons for pursuing this information and experience. I then look at how shamanism is viewed by some First Nations communities that still hold it as part of their worldview (as not all do) and explain how they have identified a place in their society for a shamanic practitioner and that practitioner’s specific role. I will continue by examining how those communities might identify, train and oversee a practitioner as well as the expectations that are placed upon that person. Finally, I will examine the issue of shamanic practice in modern pluralistic societies by first introducing three vignettes that raise safety, ethical and professional concerns and then exploring some of the challenges in moving from First Nations to a modern Western frame, including safety and professional issues, regulations and training.
