“Basic Shamanismˮ as a Syncretic Phenomenon in Modern Culture

Summary

Neo-shamanism, derived from Michael Harner's "basic shamanism," is a syncretic phenomenon blending traditional shamanic elements with modern psychology, mysticism, and esotericism in popular culture. It functions as a new religious movement across Europe, North America, and Russia, aiming to preserve traditional knowledge and transfer it to future generations. The paper argues that shamanism can form and develop relations between humans and nature, offering prospects for cultural development.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The paper explores Michael Harner's “basic shamanism” as a syncretic phenomenon in modern culture. Neo-shamanism is considered as a subculture or syncretic form of new religious consciousness that combines with elements of traditional cultures and elements of modern psychology and mysticism (esotericism) in modern popular culture. The article defines the problem of the emergence and development of neo-shamanism with its significance in the spiritual life of society, and also examines the way of rebirth and transformation of shamanism through the journey of the shaman into an unseemly reality and by building a complete picture of the world (three worlds), that is, cartography. The phenomenon of neo-shamanism is considered as a new, popular, religious movement, represented in the modern culture of Europe, North America and Russia. It is noted that neo-shamanism is aimed at preserving traditional knowledge and transferring it to future generations by determining its nature, essence and influence on modern mass culture. As a result, it was revealed that shamanism is able not only to form, but also to develop relations between man and nature and record development prospects in modern culture.

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