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What is the difference between a possession trance and a wandering trance in shamanism?

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Mudang in South Korea — Shamanism Korean shamans, or *mudang*, performing a ritual dance in South Korea.

In shamanism, the distinction between possession and wandering trances lies in the relationship between the shaman’s body and their soul during the experience.1

Possession Trance

In a possession trance, an external spirit enters and takes control of the shaman’s body. This state is characterized by:1
* Intense physical manifestations: The shaman may exhibit superhuman strength, quiver, rage, or struggle.1
* Personality change: The shaman acts as a mouthpiece for the spirit, effectively becoming the entity that has entered them.1
* Altered consciousness: After an initial period of intense activity, the shaman may fall into a state resembling unconsciousness before regaining a degree of awareness to communicate the spirit's message.1

Wandering Trance

In a wandering (or active) trance, the shaman’s soul is believed to depart from their physical body to travel through different world strata. Key features include:1
* Physiological decline: The shaman’s life functions decrease to an abnormal minimum.1
* Soul travel: The shaman’s consciousness is focused on the spirit realm rather than their own body.1
* Reporting: Upon awakening, the shaman recounts their journey, describing where they traveled and the spirits they encountered.1

In some instances, these two forms may combine, with a spirit entering the shaman to lead their soul into the supernatural realm.1