In our search for our original identity, we often stumble upon the term 'shamanism'. Although the word itself comes from Siberia, the underlying phenomenon—mediating between humans and the spirit world—is deeply rooted in European soil. In this blog, we explore how our ancestors, from the stone Age to the Viking Age, made contact with the invisible.
Quick Facts: European Shamanism
Core Role: The shaman is an intermediary who travels in trance between heaven, earth, and the underworld.
Worldview: Strictly animistic; everything in nature has a spiritual essence.
Central Axis: The World Tree (Yggdrasil, Axis Mundi) serves as the path along which the soul travels.
Pitfall: Avoid 'cultural appropriation'; European shamanism has its own unique roots and symbols (such as the völva staff or the antler headdress).
What is a Shaman?
A shaman is not an ordinary priest, but a magician and healer who, through altered states of consciousness (ecstasy), can send his soul out of his body. In Indo-European traditions, this role was usually performed by women, such as the Norse völva.
The shaman uses ritual instruments—such as the drum, the staff or hallucinogenic herbs—to climb the 'World Tree' or descend to the underworld. This often happens for healing, divination, or guiding the souls of the deceased.
The development of European nature religion
1. Hunter-gatherers (Paleolithic & Mesolithic)
Our earliest ancestors lived in a world without hierarchy. Their religion was pragmatic and purely animistic. They saw the spirit of the animal as equal to that of humans.
Star Carr: In England, deer skulls were found that served as masks. The shaman 'became' the red deer to communicate with the powers of the forest.
2. Early European farmers (Neolithic)
With the advent of agriculture, the spiritual focus shifted toward the fertility of the soil and the cycles of harvest.
The Mother Goddess: The veneration of the mother goddess and the changing of seasons became central. Shamanism probably became more of a task for the social elite.
3. Western Steppe Herders (Proto-Indo-European)
The arrival of these semi-nomadic herders brought a strong focus on Dharma (cosmic order) and oath-bound reciprocity. Their gods, such as Odin, embody shamanic ecstasy: the transformation of human to spirit through sacrifice and trial.
Three Faces of European Shamanism
The Shaman of Star Carr (Mesolithic)
This archetype wears an antler headdress and fur cloaks. The clothing here is not mere decoration, but an instrument for the spiritual journey. By wearing the antlers, the shaman makes direct contact with the primal force of the wild.
The Odinistic Spear Dancer (Germanic Iron Age)
Inspired by the "horned dancers" of the Torslunda plates. This shaman summons the ecstasy of the war bands (Kóryos). The headdress represents the ravens of Odin, and the dance between spears serves to achieve a state of trance and invulnerability.
The Viking Völva (Viking Age)
The völva is the ultimate European seeress. She wears a luxurious hangeroc and a steel magic staff. Her ritual, seiðr, enables her to see the threads of fate. She is the keeper of Hamingja (family luck) and advisor to kings.
The ensouled objects of the shaman
The Magic Staff: The symbol of power and connection to the natural forces.
The Hlautbolli (Sacrifice Bowl): For bringing liquid offerings (mead or blood) to make the spirits favorable.
The Torque (Oath Ring): The connection to the social and cosmic order; a sign that the shaman speaks under a sacred oath.
Conclusion: A Return to the Source
European shamanism teaches us that we are part of an ensouled unity. There is no need to borrow traditions from other continents; our own soil is full of traces of a deep, spiritual connection to nature. By uniting these roles—the hunter, the farmer, and the herder—within ourselves, we restore balance with the cosmos.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is European shamanism the same as 'Witchcraft'?
There is an overlap, but shamanism specifically focuses on the spiritual journey between worlds via trance. Many practices of the völva were later labeled as 'witchcraft' by the church to suppress the old traditions.
Do I need a special gift to follow this path?
Traditionally, one often became a shaman after a profound event or 'calling'. However, anyone can integrate the basic principles of animism and respect for nature into their daily life.
Why is purity so important in rituals?
The gods and spirits stand for cosmic order and beauty. Washing and grooming (combing, nail cleaning) before a ritual is a sign of respect before entering the sacred space.
Equip yourself for the spiritual journey
Looking for authentic objects to shape your connection to the old traditions? Our collection is curated with respect for the historical and spiritual roots of Europe.
Internal links
- The Masked Seeress: Transformation and Trance
- Seiðr and Sexuality: The Erotic Magic of the Völva
- The Staff Bearers of Oseberg: The Völva and the Ritual Tapestry from the 9th Century
- European armor styles (14th-17th century): function, history, and characteristics
- The Voice of the Raven: Shape-shifting in the Bronze Age
