The nature of the shamanic state of consciousness: a review.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 1989 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.1989.10472140 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Citations | 20 |
| Key findings | The shamanic state of consciousness and possession trances both involve hippocampal-septal stimulation, but possession states additionally involve the amygdala, providing a physiological basis for differentiating them. |
Abstract
A review of the literature suggests that a common psychobiological process is associated with various altered states of consciousness (ASC) utilized by shamans, meditators, and mediums. However, the shamanic state of consciousness (SSC) can be differentiated physiologically from possession trance states. The psychophysiological literature on different types of trances and on seizure conditions associated with the temporal lobe discharge syndrome is reviewed. On this basis, it is hypothesized that while both the SSC and possession trances involve hippocampal-septal stimulation, the difference between the SSC and the possession states includes the amygdala involvement associated with the latter. This criterion and others establish a basis for differentiating between the terms "shamanic," "shamanistic," and "mediumistic." The physiological concomitants of the SSC make it appear to be both physiologically and psychologically beneficial as well as indicating that it is most likely that there is a genetic component affecting one's ability to enter the SSC and other ASC.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on shamanism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallucinogenic Drugs and Plants in Psychotherapy and Shamanism | 1998 | Review | |
| Hallucinogenic Mushrooms in Mexico: An Overview | 2008 | Review | |
| Healing, spirituality and integrative medicine. | 2017 | Review | |
| Introduction: Evidence for entheogen use in prehistory and world religions | 2019 | Review | |
| The Evolved Psychology of Psychedelic Set and Setting: Inferences Regarding the Roles of Shamanism and Entheogenic Ecopsychology | 2021 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Brain changes during a shamanic trance: Altered modes of consciousness, hemispheric laterality, and systemic psychobiology Cogent Psychology April 24, 2017
- Scoping review on shamanistic trances practices. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies November 4, 2024
- The role of non-ordinary states of consciousness occasioned by mind-body practices in mental health illness. Journal of Affective Disorders August 15, 2023
- Shamanic Trance Journey with Animal Spirits: Ancient “Scientific” Strategy Dealing with Inverted Otherworld Advances in Anthropology 2018
- Introduction to Special Topic Section: Shamanism International Journal of Transpersonal Studies July 1, 2012
and 3 more in the library
Cites 4
- Magico-Religious Practitioner Types and Socioeconomic Conditions Cross-Cultural Research February 1, 1986
- shamanism and schizophrenia: a state‐specific approach to the “schizophrenia metaphor” of shamanic states American Ethnologist August 1, 1983
- Metaphors of consciousness 1981
- Energy of Consciousness in the Human Personality Metaphors of Consciousness 1981