Shamanism in Northern and Southern Eurasia

Shamanism among the San, Andamanese, and Australian Aboriginal peoples—termed 'southern' or 'Gondwana' shamanism—differs substantially from the 'classical' Siberian version found across Eurasia and the Americas ('Laurasia'). A key southern feature is the experience of heat rising up the spine, which the author links to medieval Indian Kundalini yoga and certain representations in Paleolithic art. This process is argued to be an important aspect of the altered consciousness produced by shamanistic initiation and practice.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article seeks to establish that the ‘southern’ shamanism of the San, Andamanese and Australian Aboriginals differs substantially from the well-known ‘classical’ Siberian version found in various forms in large parts of Eurasia and the Americas (‘Laurasia’). The typical southern (‘Gondwana’) shamanistic features of heat rising up the spine are linked to medieval Indian Kundalini yoga and some representations in Paleolithic art. This process is an important aspect of the change of consciousness initiated by shamanistic initiation and practice.