Shamanism as an Analogue Model for Extraterrestrial Communication
Arthur Saniotis
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) September 26, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22978557 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Key points | Argues that shamanic practices offer an analogue model for communicating with an extraterrestrial intelligence, identifying six signalling principles—rhythm, movement, mimicry, repetition, reciprocity, and reception and cooperation—that could support communication without a shared symbolic system. Proposes a hypothetical shamanic-inspired communication probe as an initial point for such contact. |
Abstract
This paper proposes shamanic practices as an analogue model for communication with an extraterrestrial intelligence. Drawing on examples of cross-species communication and shamanic embodied signalling, it identifies six signalling principles: rhythm, movement, mimicry, repetition, reciprocity, and reception and cooperation. These principles may provide a basis for communication where a shared symbolic system is unavailable. They would not operate in a linear or fixed sequence but would be fluid, mutually influencing one another. Through ongoing interactions, the probe and the receiving ETI could, over time, interpret recognisable signalling patterns, potentially developing more complex patterns of communication. A shamanic-inspired communication probe is proposed as a hypothetical model in which simple signalling, recognition, reciprocal interaction and cooperation could provide an initial point for communication between humans and an extraterrestrial intelligence.
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 |