There are many nowadays who have an interest in shamanism, shamanic practices, or perhaps a desire to identify as a shaman of sorts. I believe there can be some misunderstandings about this role - generally considered a "medicine path" that isn't identified as a "shaman" in every culture or indigenous tribe. Let's talk about this a bit, shall we?
Defining Shamanism in a Generalized Context
I want to expand upon what is shamanism a little more because I feel it's important for anyone searching to learn any form of shamanism, to understand some basic aspects of it in general, and also, what it is for me.
Shamanism is a practice, a lifestyle, or a way of guiding oneself, that involves various rituals and specialized means to serve their community, and generally, it includes some form of interacting with the spirit world through altered states of consciousness, such as trance, prayerful presence, or journeying. The word shamanism comes from the Tungstic word šaman, which means "one who knows".
Not all indigenous cultures used the term "shaman" but recognized those called into a path of serving their community in this way, which was considered holy (aptitude for sacred communion with the Earth, Great Spirit, four-legged, standing people, winged-ones, etc.), and how to help keep the members of their tribe well, safe, and on the good road (such as practicing contribution to the community, regularly honoring spirit in all that is, proper self-care in mind, body, and spirit).
As you well know nowadays, the term shaman or shamanism has become modernized and used in general context. It is important to understand, however, that shamanism is not a religion. It is a conscious spiritual practice compiled with various tools and means to how one interacts with self, the spirit world, Mother Earth and all its creatures, brothers and sisters of the human race, plant kingdom, and the Divine, Great Spirit, God or Goddess (whatever label suites you and the religion of your preference).
Similarly, Filipino indigenous communities recognize an individual as a Babaylan or describe various healers/spiritual practitioners with a word that is not Filipino, and the closest term would be a 'shaman' or 'shaman/priestess.' Primarily it is a person who may also know about various healing therapies such as working with herbs, spirit guides, massage or manipulation of the body, and relaying messages from the spirit world or the Great Spirit.
Within the Spanish culture, a curandero or 'healer' (shaman) has individualized approaches to healing for mind, body, or spirit. Often this comprised of the knowledge of working with herbs, food as medicine, prayer, holy (blessed) water, smoke (smudging), or energy 'surgery' (moving perceived 'stuck' energy patterns from the energy field of the patient). Similar to modern psychology where the suffering or 'dis-ease' is frequently associated with past trauma that causes fragmenting of the perceived self, due to unconscious patterns repeating until identified and the neuro-system being reset, traditional shamanism is various cultures believed similarly but called it retrieving the soul or aspects of the soul or spirit.
Some anthropologists adopted "shamanism" as an umbrella term for various beliefs and practices. With that in mind, some of these core principles and practices include ideas about cosmology, working with helping spirits, how illness occurs and is healed, the interconnectedness of all things in our ordinary, natural, or physical reality and world, expanding perception, intentional shifting of consciousness (particularly with drumming or use of percussion), Though different cultures have distinctive beliefs and practices, some similarities and aspects are more globally consistent, at the core of the practices. Shamanism is the oldest spiritual practice on the planet, evolving and adapting to place and time. At Therapies by Josephine, it is about discovering how to develop and deepen your own experience.
How it (applying practices) has unfolded for me is somewhat common in some traditions in which it is answering an internal calling, that a person knows, feels, or experiences through many life challenges, near-death experiences, spiritually transformative experiences, vivid dreams or visions that guided or taught them similarly to being an apprentice. One may demonstrate strong leadership through advocacy, teaching, healing, spirituality, vision, and or deeply connected to the Earth, nature, or wildlife.
It has been considered by some, that I have a rich cultural heritage and spiritual practices that some have associated with the blend of my ethnic and racial background. I have been considered by others as one who 'walks a shamanic path' and works with contemporary shamanism principles, with some similarities to Filipino and Spanish practitioners.
Shamanic Practices and Mentorship
That said, allow me to address some inquiries about 'teaching shamanism'. First, if I chose to work with someone, it would not take form in the original context or old ways of apprenticeship, because I was not - am not, learning, expanding, becoming, and being in the old tribal ways of our ancestors. However, what I am guided to offer is to help those who have felt the call and demonstrate the traits of one on such a path, that will resonate with aspects of my own.
This means that mentorship is very individualized because each of us is a unique expression of the Great Spirit. Even in the times of old, a medicine man or woman, rarely - if ever, had more than one apprentice at a time for several years. But, in the cultures or tribes where they did, to nurture the innate gifts that an apprentice has had to be specific to that personality.
In present-day practices, it is a lifelong commitment as well, even if you end up with many different mentors along your life journey. And it is up to you to re-establish that commitment, that relationship, with all relations, beginning with Spirit and your spiritual mind or soul consciousness.
If the calling came as a mentor, I would aid in that relationship with the Great Spirit of one's understanding and encourage the alignment with your higher self, soul, or spiritual mind. But a mentee must apply themselves to their inner workings. It's not like a college degree or certification for a trade. It's an ongoing process of self-awareness, awakening, doing shadow work, evolving, and learning how you may best serve as an expression of Divine Energy. That said, it also means that obtaining a mentor committed to their practice won't be a set number of weeks, with a specific curriculum, and off you go with your 'certificate' to let the world know you're a 'trained shaman' now.
If someone were to be offered or choose off the cuff, so to speak, a lifetime of dedication to conscious spiritual and personal growth and development known to the art and practice of contemporary shamanism (or whatever one on a sacred path may be called according to one's culture) - having that understanding about it, most would probably decline. Now, more than ever before, in many respects, it has to be a conscious choice because it isn't assigned as a result of being in a tribal community where your birth lineage designed it that way for you. And if you are contemplating that, I am happy to help you get more clarity to make a decision that is right for you.
Questions for Consideration
Some questions to consider asking yourself when considering a path in contemporary shamanism.
Have you felt a sort of calling in the way of serving a higher good or awakening process of general consciousness?
What life-altering experiences have you had that felt like a wake-up call?
Are you drawn to, or seem to have a natural ability with any form of healing arts type services or modalities, or in the realm of raising consciousness through the care of the environment, earth, wildlife, nature, or the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of people?
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In the practice of shamanism it's a life journey, we never graduate, but we consciously grow, learn, and evolve. There's always more to discover, learn, and co-create. Even if shamanism doesn't call to you, I would still encourage you to learn something new. It helps the brain to function well for you and provides a way to find and create joy in life.