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What is a Shaman?

A shaman is a broad term used to describe spiritual healers who work with spirits, plant medicines, and energy healing. While the terms "medicine man" and "medicine woman" are often used interchangeably, they have distinct cultural and traditional meanings. Shamans are known for their ability to journey between worlds and communicate with spirits of all kinds, while medicine men and women tend to focus more on plant medicine, rituals, and ancestral knowledge for healing.

Many people associate shamans with ayahuasca or other plant medicine ceremonies, and while some do serve these, it’s not the case for all. Those who exclusively facilitate these types of ceremonies are generally referred to as an "Ayahuasquero" or "Curandero", depending on the region.

What truly sets a shaman apart is their deep connection to the spirit world and their work with spirits for healing. If you ever wonder if someone is a true shaman, just ask if they actively work with spirits—this is the very foundation of core shamanism.

A Shamanic Practitioner is someone with a profound understanding of shamanic healing and energy work. Many of us feel a deep calling to teach and share the wisdom we’ve gathered.

There are three core pillars in this work—spirit work, healing practices, and teaching. While each practitioner may specialize in different modalities, these pillars are fairly consistent across the board.

The modalities within each pillar represent the most common practices, but every practitioner has their unique approach. The chart below highlights my personal areas of focus and the specific tools I use to facilitate deep soul-level transformation.