Spiritual Shamans vs. Psychedelic Shamans

Shamanism is a practice that has been around for centuries and has evolved over time to include different beliefs, philosophies, and practices. However, with the rise of psychedelic use and spiritual practices, there has been a growing debate between spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans. While both practices involve healing with plant medicine and achieving spiritual experiences, there are fundamental differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the origins and roles of shamans, as well as dive into the key characteristics and practices of spiritual and psychedelic shamans to gain a better understanding of the difference between the two.

What is Shamanism?

Shamanism is a spiritual practice that has been around for thousands of years and is still practiced by many people today. It involves communicating with the spiritual world and connecting with nature to gain knowledge and wisdom. Shamans are seen as spiritual leaders who are able to enter into altered states of consciousness to access information from the spirit world. This practice is often associated with indigenous cultures, but it is also practiced by people in modern society who are drawn to its holistic and spiritual approach to healing. To learn more about the different types of shamans and their methods, check out our article on types of shamans.

Origins of Shamanism

Shamanism is a spiritual practice that has been around for centuries. Its roots can be traced back to the indigenous cultures of various countries. In these cultures, a shaman was a person who was believed to have the ability to communicate with the spirit world to bring about healing and balance. Some of the earliest evidence of shamanism can be found in the cave paintings of prehistoric Europe, where shamans are depicted in various poses.

Shamanism has evolved over time and has been influenced by various religions and cultures. Despite this, it has retained some of its core concepts, such as communicating with the spirit world, using plant medicine to heal, and performing various rituals and ceremonies.

Shamanic practices vary depending on the cultural and geographical context in which they are found. For example, in Siberia, shamans often use drums and other musical instruments to enter into a trance state, while in South America, shamans have traditionally used ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic plant medicine, to communicate with the spirit world.

Today, there are numerous shamanic healing practices found all over the world, ranging from traditional shamans in indigenous cultures, to modern shamanic healers who use a variety of methods and techniques to achieve spiritual healing and balance. To learn more about the different types of shamanic healers and their methods and techniques, check out our guide on shamanic healers.

The Role of a Shaman

A shaman is a spiritual healer who serves as an intermediary between the physical and spiritual realms. A shaman is regarded as having the power to communicate with spirits, perform rituals, and heal physical and spiritual ailments that arise in individuals or communities. The role of a shaman varies depending on the community or culture they are serving. However, some key roles of a shaman that are common among all shamanic traditions include:

Role of a Shaman	Description
Counselor	A shaman provides guidance and support to individuals or groups who are struggling with personal or spiritual issues. They offer advice, help individuals to understand the root cause of their problems, and identify solutions to overcome them.
Healer	A shaman is also a healer capable of restoring balance and harmony by working with the spirits, plants, and energy systems. The healing techniques may involve energy healing, the use of medicinal plants, or counseling to address the root causes of physical and emotional ailments.
Ceremonial Leader	Shamans are often responsible for conducting ceremonies which mark significant life events or transitions. These ceremonies may involve rituals, singing, and dances that create a sacred space and build community.
Diviner	Shamans often have the ability to see beyond what is physically visible in the world. They are skilled in interpreting visions, dreams, symbols, and other forms of spiritual messages as a way of seeking insights and understanding about the past, present, and future.
Teacher	A shaman is a teacher who imparts spiritual knowledge and skills to the younger generation through apprenticeships, storytelling, and other methods. The transmission of knowledge ensures the continuity of shamanic traditions and practices for future generations.

The role of a shaman differs from culture to culture. For example, traditional shamans in indigenous cultures may focus more on community-based healing, while modern shamanic practitioners may work with individuals to address their spiritual or emotional needs. To learn more about traditional shamanism in indigenous cultures, check out our guide on Traditional Shamans in Indigenous Cultures. Additionally, for information on shamanic journeys and practices, see our guide on Shamanic Journeys: A Guide to Shamanism.

Spiritual Shamans

Spiritual Shamans are practitioners who use spirituality to help individuals achieve balance and harmony within themselves and the natural world around them. They often have a deep understanding of the spiritual realm and seek to connect their clients with the divine. One of the key characteristics of Spiritual Shamans is their focus on nature-based spiritual practices, such as using natural objects like crystals or herbs to aid in their work. They also use various techniques like meditation, prayer, and shamanic drumming to help their clients explore deeper levels of consciousness. Another crucial aspect of their practice is the use of plant medicine to facilitate healing, often in the context of a community-focused environment. If you’re interested in learning more about shamanism and its connection to music, check out our article on shamanic music types.

Key Characteristics

When discussing the differences between spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans, it’s important to understand the key characteristics that define each practice.

For spiritual shamans, key characteristics include:

• Connection with nature: Spiritual shamans have a deep understanding of the natural world and believe in the interconnectedness of all living things. They see nature as a powerful force for healing and use it in their spiritual practices.
• Focus on community: Spiritual shamans view healing as a collaborative process that involves the entire community. They work to bring people together and foster a sense of unity and belonging.
• Healing through the power of intention: Spiritual shamans believe in the power of intention, both in their own healing practices and in the healing of others. They may use prayer, meditation, or ritual to set their intentions and invoke healing energies.
• Use of natural remedies: Spiritual shamans rely on natural remedies and traditional healing practices, such as herbal remedies and energy healing techniques, to address physical and emotional ailments.

Conversely, for psychedelic shamans, key characteristics include:

• Use of mind-altering substances: Psychedelic shamans rely on mind-altering substances, such as ayahuasca or peyote, to induce spiritual experiences and facilitate healing.
• Focus on individual healing: Psychedelic shamans often work one-on-one with individuals, rather than with the community as a whole. They may use plant medicine to help individuals work through specific traumas or emotional blockages.
• Spiritual experiences: Psychedelic shamans believe that the use of plant medicine can lead to profound spiritual experiences and personal transformation.
• Integration: After a psychedelic experience, integration work is often done to help the individual make sense of and integrate the experience into their daily life, in order to continue healing and growth.

By understanding these key characteristics, we can begin to see the differences between spiritual and psychedelic shamanism, and how their approaches to healing and spirituality may differ.

Nature-Based Spiritual Practices

Nature-Based Spiritual Practices are a hallmark of spiritual shamanism and can be defined as a set of practices that connect the shaman with the natural world. These practices include meditation, prayer, and ritual ceremonies that honor the elements, ancestors, and spirits of the natural world. In nature-based spiritual practices, the shaman perceives the world as a living being and recognizes that everything is interconnected. The shaman uses the power of nature to learn, heal, and practice divination.

One crucial nature-based spiritual practice is journeying, where the shaman achieves an altered state of awareness to communicate with the spirit realm. Journeying involves entering into a trance and traveling to other worlds to receive guidance, healing, or insight. In this state, the shaman can also meet spirit guides and animal totems, who help them in their work as a healer.

Nature-based spiritual practices also give rise to environmental activism and the belief in environmentalism as a spiritual movement. Shamans understand that humans have a responsibility to be good stewards of the earth and to live in harmony with nature. Many shamanic practices involve plant medicine, which also fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world and its healing powers. In this way, spiritual shamanism is not only a spiritual practice but an entire way of life rooted in nature-based philosophy.

Healing with Plant Medicine

Healing with plant medicine is a crucial aspect of both spiritual shamanism and psychedelic shamanism. Spiritual shamans believe in the innate healing power of nature and utilize plants as a means of connecting with spiritual energies. They use various natural substances, such as herbs or roots, to create natural remedies for diverse ailments. These remedies are intended to help people regain a sense of balance and well-being.

Psychedelic shamans, on the other hand, rely on psychoactive plant medicines, such as Ayahuasca or LSD, to induce altered states of consciousness and initiate spiritual experiences. They believe that these mind-altering substances can offer profound spiritual insights that can facilitate a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s place in the universe.

Despite these fundamental differences, both spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans seek to promote healing through plant medicine. However, their approaches toward plant medicine are vastly different. Spiritual shamans view plant medicine as an integral part of nature and therefore treat it with reverence and respect. They use it only in limited quantities and under controlled circumstances, ensuring that its use does not lead to abuse or addiction.

Conversely, psychedelic shamans use plant medicine specifically for its psychoactive properties. They administer it in ritual contexts, often overseen by experienced shamans who help guide participants through the experience. They believe that the plant medicine can offer profound insights into one’s spiritual journey, providing a means of self-discovery and healing.

Despite the differences in their use of plant medicine, both spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans share a respect for the power of natural remedies. Whether they incorporate it into healing rituals or use it to induce spiritual experiences, plant medicine remains a vital aspect of their practice. By understanding the role and significance of plant medicine in shamanism, we can gain a deeper appreciation and respect for these ancient healing traditions.

Community-Focused Healing

Community-focused healing is a core characteristic of spiritual shamans. They believe that healing can only be achieved through collective work, involving all members of the community. These shamans understand that the health of the individual is intimately connected to the health of the community, and vice versa. They prioritize the healing of the community as a whole, rather than just addressing the needs of individuals.

Group ceremonies and rituals are common practices used by spiritual shamans to promote healing in the community. These ceremonies revolve around the idea of bringing people together, so they can share their experiences and support each other. In these ceremonies, plant medicine is often used to induce spiritual experiences, which help individuals detach from their ego and connect with something greater than themselves.

Connection with nature is also an essential aspect of community-focused healing. Spiritual shamans understand that humans are a part of nature and that our connection to the natural world is crucial for our overall well-being. Nature-based practices such as spending time in the wilderness, hiking, and gardening are encouraged by spiritual shamans to promote the healing of the community.

In addition to group ceremonies and connection with nature, spiritual shamans often promote participatory activities to promote community healing. These activities may include singing, dancing, storytelling, and other forms of creative expression. These activities provide a way for individuals to express themselves and connect with others in a meaningful way.

Finally, spiritual shamans emphasize the importance of community service as a way to promote healing of the community. Providing service to others helps to cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy, and encourages individuals to be more connected with their community.

Community-focused healing involves an approach to healing that prioritizes the health of the community as a whole, rather than just the needs of individuals. Spiritual shamans believe that by promoting community healing through group ceremonies, connection with nature, participatory activities, and community service, individuals can achieve healing on a deeper level.

Psychedelic Shamans

Psychedelic shamans are spiritual leaders who use mind-altering substances to induce spiritual experiences in their clients. These shamans have gained popularity in recent years with the rise of psychedelic therapy as an alternative form of mental health treatment. They are regarded as guides for individuals seeking healing through the use of plant medicine like ayahuasca, psilocybin, and ibogaine. One of the key characteristics of a psychedelic shaman is their belief that these mind-affecting substances can offer profound spiritual insights. They typically guide individual healing experiences and focus on the journey of the individual client rather than community-focused healing. Psychedelic shamans approach plant medicine with a deep understanding of its effects and potential benefits, helping their clients navigate their journeys with care and intention.

Key Characteristics

Key Characteristics:

The following table lists the key characteristics of both spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans. While there may be some overlap between the two, each has their unique attributes and focus.

Spiritual Shamans	Psychedelic Shamans
Focus on spiritual and emotional healing	Focus on spiritual experiences and insights
Connection to nature and the natural world	Use of mind-altering substances for spiritual experiences
Healing practices that prioritize the collective/community	Individual-focused healing practices
Emphasis on ritual and ceremony	Use of psychedelic substances in a ritual context
Connection to ancestry and traditional spiritual practices	Exploration of the unknown and uncharted spiritual realms
Emphasis on the power of belief and intention	Use of psychedelics as a tool for growth and personal development

These key characteristics illustrate the differing approaches and priorities of the two types of shamans. Spiritual shamans place a high value on emotional and spiritual healing, community, and connection to nature and tradition. Psychedelic shamans may utilize mind-altering substances to achieve spiritual insights and growth, but prioritize individual experiences and exploring the unknown. Both types of shamans play important roles in their respective communities and can offer valuable perspectives on healing and spiritual growth.

Use of Mind-Altering Substances

Psychedelic shamans are known for their use of mind-altering substances such as ayahuasca, peyote, and magic mushrooms during their spiritual practices. These substances have psychoactive properties that enable users to experience altered states of consciousness, leading to profound spiritual experiences.

Ayahuasca – This plant medicine is derived from a vine native to the Amazon rainforest and is used to induce a trance-like state during spiritual ceremonies. It contains the psychoactive compound DMT, which can produce powerful visionary experiences.

Peyote – A type of cactus found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, peyote is used in spiritual ceremonies by Native American tribes. Its active ingredient is mescaline, which produces hallucinations and alters perception.

Magic Mushrooms – Also known as psilocybin mushrooms, these fungi contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin which can produce intense sensory experiences and altered states of consciousness.

It is important to note that the use of these mind-altering substances should only be done under the guidance of an experienced shaman. Their use outside of a spiritual context or without proper preparation can lead to negative experiences such as anxiety, paranoia, and physical discomfort.

Psychedelic shamans view these substances as tools for spiritual growth and healing rather than simply for recreational use. They believe that the altered states of consciousness induced by these substances facilitate spiritual experiences and personal transformation.

Spiritual Experiences

Spiritual experiences are at the core of psychedelic shamanism. These experiences are characterized by altered states of consciousness that allow people to connect with a spiritual realm. Psychedelic shamans may use different mind-altering substances like Ayahuasca or LSD to facilitate these experiences.

Types of Spiritual Experiences:

• Mystical experiences: These are experiences where the person feels a sense of oneness with the universe or experiences a transcendental reality.
• Religious experiences: These experiences are related to religious or spiritual traditions and may involve encounters with deities or feeling a divine presence.
• Spiritual awakening experiences: These experiences involve a profound transformation in a person’s sense of self and way of being in the world.
• Near-death experiences: These are experiences that occur when a person is on the brink of death or has a close brush with death.

Psychedelic shamans believe that these spiritual experiences have therapeutic value and that they can help people overcome emotional and spiritual difficulties. The experiences can contribute to personal growth and foster a sense of connection with the universe and with other people. However, it should be noted that these experiences can also be challenging and may cause individuals to encounter difficult emotions or memories. It is therefore important to have an experienced and trained guide to facilitate these experiences in a safe and controlled environment.

Healing with Plant Medicine

Healing with plant medicine has been a fundamental aspect of shamanism for centuries. Shamans have always used plant medicines to aid in their practice. For spiritual shamans, plant medicines serve as a means of communication with the divine, while for psychedelic shamans, plant medicines are used to induce a state of altered consciousness that can lead to spiritual experiences.

Spiritual shamans use plant medicine for healing by creating a connection with the natural world. They employ nature-based spirituality practices to communicate with the spiritual realm and natural forces to restore the individual’s health and well-being. They believe that plants’ unique properties and abilities can help individuals to reach a higher state of wellness and help to see life differently, allowing them to develop a deeper spiritual connection.

In contrast, psychedelic shamans use plant medicine to facilitate a transformative experience that leads to spiritual growth and insight. They use substances like ayahuasca and psilocybin mushrooms to induce a state of altered consciousness that can lead to life-changing experiences. Psychedelic shamans believe that these plant medicines’ effects can help individuals to overcome trauma, addiction and awaken to their true nature.

However, both spiritual and psychedelic shamans consider plant medicine as a tool for healing. They use it to identify and address underlying issues that may be causing illness or emotional distress. Whether spiritual or psychedelic, shamans view plant medicine as a valuable aspect of their work and an integral component of the healing process.

Individual Focused Healing

is a key characteristic that sets psychedelic shamans apart from spiritual shamans. While spiritual shamans focus on community-based healing, psychedelic shamans tend to emphasize individual-focused healing. They understand that each individual has unique challenges, experiences, and traumas, and therefore require a tailored approach to their healing.

Psychedelic shamans working with plant medicine believe that the plants or substances they work with can stimulate an individual’s subconscious and bring out deeply rooted emotions that may have been suppressed for years. Through the use of mind-altering substances, psychedelic shamans aim to help individuals gain insight into their past traumas, connect with their spirituality, and ultimately find inner peace.

Individual-focused healing is a deeply personal and introspective process that requires trust between the shaman and the patient. It involves working through personal issues and struggles in a safe and controlled environment, and the shaman serves as a guide throughout the entire process.

Psychedelic shamans often use techniques such as breathwork, sound healing, and guided meditation to facilitate individual-focused healing. They help the individual navigate their emotions and encourage them to express themselves in a way that feels natural and authentic to them.

Individual-focused healing is an essential aspect of psychedelic shamanism. It recognizes that every individual has a unique journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. By helping individuals explore their subconscious and connect with their spirituality, psychedelic shamans offer a pathway towards inner transformation and greater well-being.

Understanding the Difference

Understanding the difference between spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans is essential to ensure responsible and safe usage of plant medicine. While both types of shamans utilize plant medicine for healing, their approaches and intentions differ. Spiritual shamans focus on community healing through nature-based spiritual practices, while psychedelic shamans tend to have a more individual-focused approach and use mind-altering substances to induce spiritual experiences. Additionally, spiritual shamans approach plant medicine with respect and intentionality, seeing it as a tool for healing rather than a means of escape. On the other hand, psychedelic shamans may be more likely to view plant medicine as a way to “get high.” It is vital to acknowledge and honor these differences to ensure that healing is approached ethically and safely within the context of shamanism.

Intentions of Healing

One key difference between spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans is their intention behind the healing process. Spiritual shamans focus on healing the community as a whole. They prioritize the well-being of the group and aim to promote harmony and balance within it. The healing practices of spiritual shamans are centered around nature-based rituals, ceremonies, and traditions that have been passed down for generations.

On the other hand, psychedelic shamans focus on individual healing. They aim to heal the psyche of the individual through the use of mind-altering substances. The focus of psychedelic shamanism is to help the individual overcome mental or emotional barriers that are blocking their personal growth and development.

While both spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans use plant medicine as a tool for healing, their approach to it is vastly different. Spiritual shamans work with plant medicine in a respectful and reverent way. They see the spirits within the plants as allies and partners in the healing process. They believe that the spirits of the plants can offer guidance, wisdom, and healing to those who seek their help.

Psychedelic shamans, on the other hand, view plant medicine as a means to an end. They use it to induce altered states of consciousness in order to facilitate healing. They may not have the same reverence for the plants and may not feel the same level of connection to the spirits within them as spiritual shamans do.

The intentions of healing between spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans differ in their focus on community vs. individual healing and their approach to plant medicine. While both aim to heal and bring balance, their methods and underlying beliefs vary.

Approach to Plant Medicine

Approach to Plant Medicine:

Spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans have different approaches when it comes to using plant medicine. Spiritual shamans use plant medicine as a tool to facilitate spiritual growth and healing, while psychedelic shamans use plant medicine primarily for psychedelic experiences and self-discovery.

Here are some key differences in their approach to plant medicine:

• Spiritual Shamans: They approach plant medicine with a ceremonial mindset, seeing it as a sacred tool that can help individuals connect with the spiritual world. Spiritual shamans believe that the healing power of plant medicine comes not just from the chemical constituents of the plants, but also from the spirits associated with them. They often use plant medicine in conjunction with other spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, or ritual to create a safe and sacred healing space.
• Psychedelic Shamans: They see plant medicine as a tool to access altered states of consciousness that can facilitate deep introspection and self-discovery. While spiritual shamans may view the use of plant medicine purely as a means of spiritual connection and healing, psychedelic shamans place more emphasis on the psychedelic experience itself. They often use higher doses of plant medicine, sometimes in a recreational setting, and rely more on their own intuition and experience to guide the healing process.

While there is some overlap between these two approaches, it’s important to note that spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans have very different intentions when it comes to using plant medicine. Understanding these differences can help individuals choose an approach that aligns with their own intentions and goals for healing.

Spiritual Philosophy

Spiritual philosophy forms the foundation of Shamanism, and it guides the practices of Spiritual Shamans and Psychedelic Shamans. Spiritual Shamans follow a nature-based spiritual philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment. They believe that everything in the universe is alive and possesses a spirit, a quality that connects people, animals, plants, and stones.

Psychedelic Shamans, on the other hand, follow a more individualistic approach to spirituality. They believe in exploring the inner dimensions of consciousness and the self, finding meaning in subjective experiences. They view hallucinogenic plants as a tool for self-discovery and spiritual growth, rather than as a means of connecting to the natural world or to a higher power.

Despite these differences in spiritual philosophy, both Spiritual and Psychedelic Shamans recognize the importance of establishing a connection with the invisible forces of the universe. Spiritual Shamans seek to harmonize with the natural world to create a balance between the physical and spiritual realms. Psychedelic Shamans seek a deeper understanding of themselves, of the universe, and of the nature of reality.

In both cases, it is not the Shaman who controls the spirits or the natural world, but rather the Shaman who recognizes them and seeks to work with them. Spiritual Shamans and Psychedelic Shamans believe that they are just one part of a larger scheme of existence, and that their spiritual practices allow them to tap into this interconnectedness to create balance, harmony, and healing in the world.

Community vs. Individual Healing

One of the major differences between spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans is their approach to healing. Spiritual shamans focus on community healing while psychedelic shamans tend to focus on individual healing.

Spiritual Shamans: Spiritual shamans view healing as an integral part of community life. Healing is seen as a collective process where individuals are not separate from the community but rather interconnected with the natural world. Spiritual shamans believe that healing cannot be achieved in isolation but requires the involvement of the entire community.

To achieve community healing, spiritual shamans use rites of passage, ceremonies, and community gatherings to encourage individuals to collaborate and participate together. A primary goal is to bring the community together, forge emotional bonds and strengthen relationships, and create a sense of unity and purpose.

Psychedelic Shamans: On the other hand, psychedelic shamans tend to focus on individual healing. They use plant medicine to help individuals address their personal issues and trauma. Psychedelic shamans believe that individuals must learn to heal themselves before they can achieve community healing. They see plant medicine as a means of helping individuals to access altered states of consciousness, where they can confront and work through their issues.

Psychedelic shamans use plant medicine in individual sessions that often take place over several days. These sessions focus on personal healing, creating a deep connection with the individual and helping them to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

To summarize, while both spiritual and psychedelic shamans use plant medicine as a means of healing, their focus is fundamentally different. Spiritual shamans believe in the importance of community healing and use plant medicine as a means of bringing the community together. Psychedelic shamans, on the other hand, believe in the importance of individual healing and use plant medicine to help individuals confront their personal issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between spiritual shamans and psychedelic shamans is crucial in recognizing the diverse practices and intentions of shamanism. Both forms of shamanism utilize plant medicine in their healing traditions, but their approaches and philosophies differ significantly.

Spiritual shamans use nature-based spiritual practices and community-focused healing methods to facilitate healing, whereas psychedelic shamans rely on mind-altering substances and individual-focused healing practices to bring about spiritual experiences.

It is important to note that both forms of shamanism have potential benefits and risks, and it is crucial to approach them with respect, caution, and informed decision making. It is important to respect the cultural traditions and practices of these healing methods and not appropriate them for personal gain.

Overall, shamanism has a rich history and diverse practices that can provide insight and healing to individuals seeking spiritual experiences. Understanding the difference between spiritual and psychedelic shamans can help individuals make informed decisions about their healing journeys and approach these traditions with respect and reverence. Remember to always approach shamanism with an open mind, heart, and a desire for healing and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a spiritual shaman and a psychedelic shaman?

A spiritual shaman focuses on natural, community-based healing practices while a psychedelic shaman incorporates mind-altering substances in individual-based healing processes.

What is the role of a traditional shaman in indigenous cultures?

A traditional shaman serves as a mediator between the spiritual and physical worlds and is responsible for the overall well-being of the community.

What kind of spiritual practices do spiritual shamans utilize?

Spiritual shamans rely on nature-based meditation, prayer and ritual to connect with the spirit world and provide healing to individuals and the community.

What types of mind-altering substances are used by psychedelic shamans?

Psychedelic shamans use a range of substances including ayahuasca, psilocybin mushrooms and peyote to facilitate spiritual experiences and healing for individuals.

How does healing with plant medicine work for both spiritual and psychedelic shamans?

Both types of shamans incorporate plant medicine into their healing practices to bring about physical, emotional and spiritual healing, however the approach towards the use of plant medicine differs.

What is the difference between community-focused and individual-focused healing?

Community-focused healing is centered around the healing of the community as a whole while individual-focused healing focuses on the healing of the individual.

What kind of spiritual experiences do psychedelic shamans aim to facilitate for individuals?

Psychedelic shamans aim to facilitate spiritual experiences that provide individuals with a deeper sense of self-awareness, connection to the universe and a greater understanding of their place in the world.

What is the importance of intention in healing for both types of shamans?

Intention is important for both types of shamans as it sets the tone for the healing process and is believed to have a direct impact on the effectiveness of the healing.

What is the spiritual philosophy that underpins the practices of spiritual shamans?

The spiritual philosophy that underpins the practices of spiritual shamans centers around the belief that all beings are interconnected and that healing must take place at the individual and community level for overall well-being.

What is the message that this article ultimately aims to convey?

The article aims to provide an understanding of the differences between spiritual and psychedelic shamans and the approaches each takes to facilitate healing through natural and mind-altering practices.

References

• Examining changes in personality following shamanic …
• Phenomenological Mapping and Comparisons of