How were shamans believed to receive their calling 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 often marked by physical traits, such as having an extra bone, tooth, or finger, which distinguish the candidate from others.12

The process typically unfolds as follows:

• Onset: During adolescence, spirits begin to take an overt role in the candidate's life, often causing symptoms like fainting, hysterics, or visions.1
• Resistance and Torment: Candidates frequently resist the vocation. In response, the spirits inflict "shaman illness"—a period of physical or mental torment that can last for months or even years until the individual accepts the role.12
• Initiation: Once the candidate consents, they enter a deep, prolonged sleep. During this state, the spirits are believed to cut the candidate's body into pieces to count their bones and verify the presence of the "extra bone" required for the profession.12
• Formalization: Following this spiritual trial, some cultures, such as the Mongols and Manchu-Tungus, perform a public initiation rite, which may include symbolically ascending a pole representing the World Tree.12