Shamanic Experiences: A Developmental Analysis
Journal of Humanistic Psychology July 1, 2001 DOI: 10.1177/0022167801413004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Key points | Argues that shamanic journey experiences are distinct from yogic and Buddhist experiences on several phenomenological dimensions, with some overlap but significant developmental differences. Proposes a possible evolutionary role for shamanic practitioners within theories of consciousness evolution. |
Abstract
The nature of the experiences induced by shamans has long been a topic of considerable controversy. The experiences occurring during one of the major shamanic techniques, the shamanic journey, have been described in terms of various psychopathologies or as identical to the transcendent experiences of Buddhism and yoga. Despite such claims, careful analysis reveals that shamanic journey experiences are distinct on several phenomenological dimensions. This article uses developmental analyses to assess whether shamanic experiences represent experiences at similar or different developmental stages as yogic and Buddhist experiences, and concludes that although there is some overlap, there are also significant differences. The article then turns to current theories about the evolution of human consciousness. Different views of evolution are summarized, the possible evolution of transpersonal techniques and experiences is outlined, and the possible place of shamanic practitioners in this scheme is suggested.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on shamanism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayahuasca Shamanism in the Amazon and Beyond | 2014 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Shamanism as the Original Neurotheology | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Cognitive Neuroscience, Shamanism and the Rock Art of Native California | 1998 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From Culture to Experience: Shamanism in the Pages of the Soviet Anti-Religious Press | 2020 | Historical analysis | |
| Anthropology, Shamanism, and Alternate Ways of Knowing–Being in the World: One Anthropologist's Journey of Discovery and Transformation | 2010 | Reflective essay or personal narrative |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- Experiences of Encounters with Ayahuasca—“the Vine of the Soul” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs December 1, 2009
- Dropping Ecstasy? Minoan Cult and the Tropes of Shamanism Time and Mind April 3, 2015
- Some Correspondences and Similarities of Shamanism and Cognitive Science: Interconnectedness, Extension of Meaning, and Attribution of Mental States Anthropology of Consciousness September 1, 2002
- Deconstruction of the Trance Model: Historical, Ethnographic, and Contextual Studies of Manchu Shamanism Religions April 4, 2023
- From Cosmopolitical Mode to Traditional Knowledge: Introduction to the Special Issue “The Revitalization of Shamanism in Contemporary China” Religions April 16, 2025
and 2 more in the library
Cites 6
- Can Drugs Be Used to Enhance the Psychotherapeutic Process? American Journal of Psychotherapy July 1, 1986
- Do Drugs Have Religious Import? The Journal of Philosophy October 1, 1964
- The Evolution of Consciousness? Transpersonal Theories in Light of Cultural Relativism Anthropology of Consciousness September 1, 1993
- shamanism and schizophrenia: a state‐specific approach to the “schizophrenia metaphor” of shamanic states American Ethnologist August 1, 1983
- Psychedelics and Psychological Well-Being Journal of Humanistic Psychology July 1, 1982
and 1 more in the library