shamanism

sha·man·ism  (shäm-nzm, sh-)

n.

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.

---

shaman·ist n.

shaman·istic adj.

---

shamanism [sham-man-iz-zum]

Noun

a religion of northern Asia, based on a belief in good and evil spirits who can be influenced or controlled only by the shamans

shamanist nadj

---

shamanism

1. the tenets of the primitive religion of northern Asia, especially a belief in powerful spirits who can be influenced only by shamans in their double capacity of priest and doctor.
2. any similar religion, as among American Indians. — shamanist, n. — shamanistic, adj.

See also: Religion

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	shamanism - any animistic religion similar to Asian shamanism (especially as practiced by certain Native American tribes) faith, religion, religious belief - a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny; "he lost his faith but not his morality" U.S.A., United States, United States of America, US, USA, America, the States, U.S. - North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
	2.	shamanism - an animistic religion of northern Asia having the belief that the mediation between the visible and the spirit worlds is effected by shamans Asian shamanism faith, religion, religious belief - a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny; "he lost his faith but not his morality"