About Core Shamanism

The term "core shamanism" was coined by Michael Harner, anthropologist, shaman, and author of The Way of the Shaman. He studied shamanic techniques around the globe, and identified a series of techniques and practices that are univeral or near-universal in shamanic cultures. These he called core shamanism.

The purpose of core shamanism is to give Westerners, whose shamanic heritage has often been long obliterated, a basis for reclaiming shamanic practices without having to "piggyback" on other ethnic and cultural traditions in order to do it.

You can learn more at the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, founded by Michael Harner.