Noun: shamanism 'shaa-mu,ni-zum or 'shey-mu,ni-zum
- An animistic religion of northern Asia having the belief that the mediation between the visible and the spirit worlds is effected by shamans
"The anthropologist studied shamanism among Siberian tribes";
- Asian shamanism
- Any animistic religion similar to Asian shamanism (especially as practised by certain Native American tribes)
"The shaman's role in Native American shamanism often involves healing and communicating with spirits"
Derived forms: shamanisms
Type of: belief, faith, religion, religious belief
Encyclopedia: Shamanism