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How do shamans use spirit journeys in shamanic traditions?
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Shamanism
Korean shamans, or mudang, performing a ritual dance in South Korea.
In shamanic traditions, spirit journeys are a central component of the shaman's role as a mediator between the human and supernatural worlds. These journeys typically occur during a "wandering trance," a state in which the shamanâs life functions decrease to an abnormal minimum and their soul is believed to depart the body to visit various strata of the universe, such as the Upper or Lower Worlds.12
Shamans use these journeys for several purposes:
- Healing and Oracular Guidance: Shamans may travel to the heavens or other realms to communicate with spirits, seeking information to cure the sick, predict harvests, or provide guidance on avoiding misfortune.3
- Psychopomp Duties: Acting as a conductor of souls, the shaman guides the spirits of the deceased to their final destination, often narrating the details of this journey to an audience.3
- Ritual Performance: During these trances, often induced by the rhythmic sound of a drum, the shaman may use symbolic objectsâsuch as the drum itself, which serves as a boat or animal mountâto facilitate their travel through the spirit realms.23
Upon returning to consciousness, the shaman recounts their experiences, describing where they wandered and with whom they spoke, thereby instructing the community in traditional beliefs.13