How do shamans communicate with spirits during trance states?

In the context of shamanism, shamans communicate with spirits during trance states primarily through two distinct methods: possession and soul flight.12

Methods of Communication

• Trances of Possession: In this state, a spirit enters the shaman’s body. The shaman may act as a mouthpiece for the spirit, allowing it to speak directly to the audience. While the shaman may initially control the interaction, they can sometimes lose control, becoming a vessel for the spirit’s manifestation.13
• Wandering Trances (Soul Flight): In this state, the shaman’s soul is believed to depart from their body to travel to other world strata or the realm of spirits. During these journeys, the shaman may visit gods, ghosts, or spirits to gain information or perform tasks. Upon returning to consciousness, the shaman relates their experiences and the knowledge they acquired.143

Facilitating the Trance

Shamans often use specific tools and performances to enter and navigate these states:
* Ritual Equipment: The use of a drum is central to many traditions; its rhythmic sound helps induce the trance. Shamans may also use regalia, such as animal-inspired clothing or a "shaman-mirror," to aid in their connection to the spirit world.42
* Performance: Communication is often integrated into dramatic enactments, including improvised songs, dance, and storytelling, which help the audience visualize the shaman's interaction with the transcendent world.52