The Shamanic Renaissance: What Is Going On?

Abstract

A surprising development over the past half-century has been the revival of the ancient tradition of shamanism. Evidence for the renaissance is everywhere. But what is going on? I offer a structural view, suggesting that a global–historical conjuncture is responsible. The most important structures of civilization—governments, religions, sciences—have all suffered from popular alienation, most recently failing to adequately address global crises, prompting many in developed and developing countries, facilitated by global infrastructure, to reach back to their ancient spiritual roots. At the same time, in response to popular alienation, currents within these very structures have converged to buoy the movement. Traditional shamans, for their part, in spite of criticism at home for teaching modern peoples, say that the spirits have played a key role in rekindling shamanic practices.