| |
| | shamanism - Hutchinson encyclopedia article about shamanism (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-20) |
 | | Shamans, or priests of shamanism, are able to be possessed by spirits and they can then be called upon for help in curing illness, remedying ill fortune, influencing the weather or the availability of game, foretelling the future, and so on. |
 | | Shamans are usually associated with the ability to turn into animals, of which the bear is the most revered. |
 | | Shamans usually become aware of their abilities during childhood or puberty, sometimes as a result of severe illness; subsequently they may have to abstain from certain foods, activities, and social roles. |
| encyclopedia.farlex.com /shamanism (289 words) |
|