1. a religion practiced by indigenous peoples of far northern Europe and Siberia that is characterized by belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits responsive only to the shamans
2. any of various similar religions or spiritual practices involving communication with spirits through ritual and trance

Examples

• The anthropologist studied shamanism among the Siberian tribes.
• Traditional shamanism involves healing rituals and spirit communication.
• Many indigenous cultures practice forms of shamanism.
• The shaman’s role in shamanism includes serving as a bridge between worlds.
• Modern interest in shamanism has grown in alternative spiritual circles.
• Shamanism often incorporates the use of drums and chanting in ceremonies.