shamanism

(-iz′əm)

noun

the religion of certain peoples, esp. some indigenous to N Asia, based on a belief in good and evil spirits who can be influenced only by the shamans

Related Forms:

See shamanism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The animistic religion of certain peoples of northern Asia in which mediation between the visible and spirit worlds is effected by shamans.
  2. A similar religion or set of beliefs, especially among certain Native American peoples.

Related Forms:

  • shaˈman·ist noun
  • shaˌman·isˈtic adjective

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