How is shamanism connected with animism?

Shamanism and animism are closely linked, as shamanism is frequently found within cultures that operate under an animistic worldview.1

Animism is a belief system that characterizes the world as being inhabited by a vast array of spirit-beings that can influence human life, whether by helping or hindering endeavors. Because animism attributes importance to these supernatural beings—which may be attached to specific places, persons, or creatures—it creates a framework where humans seek to interact with the spirit world to address practical needs, such as curing illness or averting danger.12

Shamanism functions as a specialized practice within this context. A shaman acts as a mediator who uses ecstatic or trance states to communicate directly with these spirits. While animism provides the underlying premise that the world is animated by invisible powers, shamanism provides the institutionalized role of the "one who knows"—a specialist who can navigate that spirit realm to perform healing, divination, and other vital services for their community.13