How are shamans believed to be chosen in classic northern Asian shamanism?

In classic northern Asian shamanism, individuals do not choose to become shamans; rather, they are selected by supernatural beings. This calling is considered unavoidable, and candidates often resist the vocation for years, sometimes facing severe physical or mental distress known as "shaman illness" until they accept their role.123

The selection process is characterized by several key beliefs:

• Innate Signs: Shamans are often believed to be born with physical markers, such as an extra finger, toe, or additional teeth, which distinguish them from ordinary people.12
• The Call: During adolescence, spirits typically begin to manifest their choice through visions, dreams, or symptoms like fainting and hysterics.12
• The Long Sleep: Once a candidate accepts the calling, they often fall into a deep, prolonged sleep. During this state, it is believed that spirits cut the candidate's body into pieces to count their bones and verify the presence of the "extra bone" required for shamanic power.12
• Inheritance: In some traditions, the profession is also linked to the inheritance of a deceased shaman's soul or the transmission of shaman illness.3