The Western myth of shamanism has not only lead to an increasing public interest, but also to misleading interpretations and misconceptions. Practice is not always mirrored by theory.
This lecture deconstructs the understanding of shamanism, making clear why shamanic worldviews and approaches are not only useful to (post-)modern societies, but essential.
By examples of classical shamanic traditions, European spiritualities as well as modern practices structural constituents of shamanism will be explicated.
It will be deducted that shamanism is not only applicable to the classical tasks of divining and healing, but also to questions of science, ecology, digitalisation, peace and democracy building. All these fields of action follow the same rationale and aim: to serve the community and secure the survival not only of humanity, but all lifeforms.
Shamanism is a spiritual ecology and an art of peace building in the best sense of the word.
