Shamanisms and the authenticity of religious experience
Pomegranate The International Journal of Pagan Studies June 5, 2011 DOI: 10.1558/pome.v12i2.139 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key points | Argues that UK shamanic practices constitute a legitimate 'western shamanism' tradition and that authenticity is a cultural construct, with religious experience validity located subjectively. |
Abstract
Shamanic practices and practitioners in western countries are often derided as 'inauthentic' by both scholars and members of indigenous communities. The experience derived from such practices is therefore also implied to be contrived. This paper analyses shamanism in the UK as part of 'western shamanism' rather than 'neo-shamanism'. Western shamanism is understood to be a valid religious tradition found in Europe and America that is based on western cultural and religious traditions. The concept of authenticity is critically examined as a cultural construct, and the validity of a religious experience is located subjectively.