The Contemporary Shamanic Healing: A Case Study of the Daur Shamanic River Spirit lʊs Ritual

In contemporary Daur shamanism, healing practices blend traditional beliefs with modern medical knowledge. This case study of the Daur shamanic lʊs (river spirit) ritual examines concepts of actual and virtual disease. The ceremony involves symbolic acts, oracles from spiritual guides, and unique healing techniques such as dʊməl, tærmit, xʊræ-xʊræ, arʃan, altəŋ sʊlʊ, kʊtʊr bʊjin, and taboo. These methods aim to achieve preventive and realistic healing for individuals and the community. The lʊs ritual functions as a transformative process that incorporates diverse healing forms.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In traditional shamanism, the sacred mission and responsibility of a shaman is to provide healing and salvation for individuals. Today, with continuous advancements in science, technology, and medical expertise, the content and methods of shamanic healing are quietly evolving, alongside the upholding and preservation of traditional beliefs. The case study of the Daur shamanic lʊs (river spirit) ritual in this paper discusses the concepts of actual disease and virtual disease in contemporary Daur shamanism. By briefly describing the key processes of this ceremony, including the involvement of shaman spirits and the main elements of divine songs, this paper analyzes the characteristics and functions of the modern-day Daur shaman river spirit ceremony. During the ritual dedicated to lʊs, Daur shamans perform symbolic ceremonies while receiving oracles from their spiritual guides. The ceremony itself incorporates various unique healing techniques such as dʊməl, tærmit, xʊræ- xʊræ, arʃan, altəŋ sʊlʊ; kʊtʊr bʊjin, taboo, etc. These distinctive methods aim to achieve preventive healing as well as realistic healing on both the individual and collective levels. In summary, the lʊs ritual itself serves as a transformative process that encompasses diverse forms of healing through its ceremonial practices.