Shamanism refers to a range of traditional beliefs and practices concerned with communication with the spirit world for the purpose of healing a person or community. There are many variations in shamanism throughout the world, though there are some beliefs that are shared by most forms of shamanism (The Foundation for Shamanic Studies refers to this as "core shamanism").
The spirits can play important roles in human lives.
The shaman can work with the spirits for the community's benefit.
The spirits can be either positive or negative.
Shamans get into a altered states of conciousness by singing, dancing, meditating and drumming.
Animals play an important role, acting as spirit guides and power animals
Part of the shaman's spirit leaves the body and enters into the supernatural world during certain tasks.
Shamans can treat illnesses or sickness.
Shamans are healers, psychics, intuitives and teachers.
Shamans work with many tools such as drums, rattles, crystals and feathers.