Have the Shamans of the Yore only Changed their Uniform?
Have the Shamans of the Yore only Changed their Uniform?
Agnimitro Ghosh, Sem VI 2024
 |
Figure : A Mongolian Shaman Source : https://mongolianstore.com/the-black-shamans/ |
Although we live in times where scientific knowledge is most available, are we still able to quit magical thinking? Aren't we still desirous of the magical touch of the ‘Shaman’?
Throughout history, every culture, from the most ancient to the most modern, has had its own version of a shaman or medicine man. These individuals, often seen as the spiritual leaders or wise ones, played a crucial role in their communities. They were the keepers of knowledge, the healers, and the ones who could communicate with the forces of nature.
Whether they were called shamans, medicine men, or wizards, these figures held a unique position in society, providing tribesmen with psychological safety through magic in trying times.
 |
Figure 2. A group of Mongolian Shamans. Source : https://mongolianstore.com/the-black-shamans/ |
Shamans were believed to have the ability to connect with both the natural and supernatural worlds.
They could understand the secrets of the universe, communicate with spirits, and influence the weather, crops, and even people's health.
This made them essential in their communities. When people were scared, sick, or unsure about the future, they would turn to the shaman for guidance and comfort.
The shaman would perform rituals, offer advice, and use their knowledge of herbs and natural remedies to heal both the body and the soul.
 |
| Figure 3 : A Mongolian Shaman, performing a dance ritual. Source : https://kenhermann.dk/portfolio/shaman/ |
The Modern-Day Shaman
Even in today's scientifically advanced world, the role of the shaman hasn't disappeared.
Instead, it has evolved.
Modern cultures have their own versions of shamans—priests, hypnotists, NLP coaches, astrologers, Feng Shui/Vastu consultants and even New Age practitioners. These individuals, like the shamans of old, help people deal with the uncertainties and fears of life. They offer comfort, healing, and a sense of control over things that seem uncontrollable.
For example, many people still seek out astrologers, Reiki practitioners, Tantrikas and NLP coaches to help them with their problems. Even though these practices might not have a scientific basis, they fulfill a deep psychological need.
People want to believe that they can influence their destiny, that there are forces they can tap into to make their lives better. This is why the role of the shaman, in one form or another, remains irreplaceable.
There’s a reason why Astrotalk’s(an astrology app) revenue growth has defied predictions: from Rs 17 crore in the financial year 2019-20, it logged an income of Rs 283 crore in 2022-23.
 |
| Figure 4 : A photo of an astrologer used for a marketing campaign by Astrotalk app. Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com |
Bronislaw Malinowski - Magic as a Psychological Need
The famous anthropologist Bronisław Malinowski studied the Trobriand Islanders and their use of magic. He found that magic was a way for people to cope with uncertainty and fear.
For example, when the Trobriand Islanders went on dangerous fishing expeditions, they performed magic rituals to ensure their safety.
These rituals didn't have any real effect on the outcome, but they gave the fishermen a sense of control and confidence.
Malinowski argued that magic fulfills a psychological need.
When people face situations that are beyond their control, they turn to magic to reduce their anxiety. This is a universal human experience.
Whether it's a Trobriand Islander performing a magic ritual or a modern person consulting an astrologer, the underlying need is the same. People want to believe that they have some control over the uncontrollable.
.jpg) |
| Figure 5:Bronislaw Malinowski with natives on Trobriand Islands; between October 1917 and October 1918. Source : Wikipedia.org |
Good Luck Charms, Mojos and your Lucky T-shirt
In many indigenous cultures, people believe in the power of artifacts and good luck charms.
These objects are thought to hold special powers that can protect the owner or bring them good fortune. For example, a warrior might carry a special amulet into battle, believing that it will keep him safe.
Bowler Zaheer Khan makes it a point to carry a lucky yellow scarf.
Even in our modern world, many people still believe in the power of objects like gemstones and crystals.
These items are often used in healing practices and are believed to have special properties. For example, some people think that wearing a certain crystal can bring them good luck or protect them from negative energy.
Just like the shamans and their rituals, these beliefs fulfill a deep psychological need for control and reassurance.
.jpg) |
| Figure 6: Gems worn as rings, used for good luck in astrology. Source : Google Images |
The Atheistic USSR and Rasputin
Even in the atheistic USSR, where religion was officially discouraged, the need for a shaman-like figure persisted. One of the most famous examples is Rasputin, a mystic who became close to the Russian royal family.
Despite the government's efforts to eliminate religious and superstitious practices, people still turned to Rasputin for his supposed healing powers and spiritual guidance. This shows that even in a society that rejects traditional religion, the need for a shaman or mystic figure remains.
 |
| Figure 7 : Rasputin. |
The role of the philosophers in atheistic societies.
Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Albert Camus have tackled the issue of existentialism, a philosophy that explores the meaning of life in a seemingly indifferent or meaningless universe. In atheistic societies, where the comfort of religious belief is often absent, existentialism can lead to a sense of despair or nihilism. Philosophers who engage with these ideas provide intellectual tools for individuals to cope with the challenges of existence.
Sartre, one of the most prominent existentialist philosophers, argued that life has no inherent meaning and that it is up to each individual to create their own purpose. His philosophy of "existence precedes essence" empowers people to define their own lives, offering a way to find meaning in a world without a predetermined purpose. This approach provides a moral framework for navigating life's challenges, much like a shaman guiding their community.
 |
| Figure 8: Jean-Paul Sartre |
Nietzsche's philosophy also deals with the absence of inherent meaning in life. He famously declared that "God is dead," reflecting the decline of traditional religious beliefs in modern society. Nietzsche encouraged individuals to embrace their freedom and create their own values through the concept of the "Übermensch" or "Overman." This idea helps people find strength and purpose in a world where old moral systems have lost their power, serving a similar role to that of a shaman providing guidance and strength.
“God is dead; but given the way of men, there may still be caves for thousands of years in which his shadow will be shown. And we—we still have to vanquish his shadow, too” - Nietzsche
 |
| Figure 9: Nietzsche |
Camus explored the concept of the absurd, the conflict between humans' desire for meaning and the universe's silence on the matter. In works like The Myth of Sisyphus, he argued that one must imagine Sisyphus, condemned to an eternity of meaningless labor, as happy. Camus suggested that by acknowledging the absurd and continuing to live with passion, one could find happiness and meaning. This approach offers a way to cope with existential despair, much like a shaman providing hope in the face of adversity.
 |
| Figure 10 : Camus |
Shamans live on…
It is pretty evident that the role of the shaman, medicine man, or spiritual leader is a universal human phenomenon. Whether in ancient tribes or modern societies, people have always sought out these figures to help them navigate the uncertainties of life.
Even in a world that is increasingly dominated by science and technology, the need for a shaman remains. This need is deeply rooted in our psychology, as people continue to seek comfort, healing, and a sense of control in a world that can often seem unpredictable and frightening.
Even if the newspapers publish thousands of articles on scam-artists posing as astrologers, Tantrikas, etc, people still don’t stop spending money on rituals purported by these scammers.
It is pretty evident how we, as human beings, do not really care much about the outcome of these so called rituals and consultancies, in practicing these rituals, we are only fulfilling a psychological need.
But educating people on these subjects will go a long way in stopping these scammers from taking money from them.
Perhaps, by creating our own rituals, our own little ceremonies - we can even fulfill the psychological need for safety without draining our resources on scammers.
Perhaps someday, therapists(with practices based on scientific knowledge) can replace astrologers.
Or as Nietzsche would say, art, music and dance would act as solutions in trying times like these, where humans are faced with the “Death Of God”(loss of belief in God or a higher power) and rapid scientific advancement. Only art can bridge the gap between our magical faculty of the mind and science.
Perhaps art will take the form of the rituals, customs and ceremonies that our brains are accustomed to for ages…As Nietzsche would say-
“Art is the supreme task and the truly metaphysical activity in this life…” - Nietzsche
Creative Punch
Comments
Post a Comment