Shamans of Altai and other regions of Siberia are people who inherit an ancient tradition that carries centuries-old knowledge and wisdom. What their life looks like, what their thinking is like - these are the questions many people ask. And we will lift the veil of secrecy over one of the oldest traditions existing in Russia.
In the article:
Shamans of Altai - who are they
Shamanism is the oldest tradition in the world. It appeared much earlier than many spiritual teachings or magical practices. This is because its basis is what people saw directly next to them. Often based on visible manifestations of nature, thunderstorms, rain and the like. The man saw this and thought that such power could only be released through the mediation of some great forces. Many identified such forces with gods, as well as spirits. But if so, if this is a force that, at its own will, can direct such monstrous weather phenomena, then it means you can communicate with it. Because the will speaks of self-awareness, which can guide it. It was in this way that humanity came to the practice of shamanism.
Shamans were not just people who knew and were able to do a lot. They were the chosen ones of these very spirits. Such a rapprochement could also mean that they are, in some way, relatives of the spirits. And they perform all their actions with their help and mediation.
But Altai is a special region. If in other parts of the world humanity has forgotten shamanism or it has changed so much that it is no longer recognizable, then shamanism in Altai has remained in its, so to speak, primordial form. Altaians hold tightly to ancient traditions, not allowing long-standing beliefs to change. It is worth clarifying that shamanism is not a religion. This is a way of communicating with higher entities or beings from another plane of existence. With spirits, souls of the dead and other representatives. And the shamans of the Altai Mountains are very, very experienced in such matters. They never lost touch with those mystical forces that live in our world. And even in ourselves.
What does a modern Altai shaman look like? In everyday life - whatever. They can be found in both traditional suits and jeans. It is very rarely possible to distinguish them from an ordinary Altai. Perhaps by the respect that others show the shaman. Because this is a well-known person who is often visited for treatment or advice. But during rituals, they all wear ritual costumes in order to appear as close as possible to the original image.
Although, of course, now the image itself means little. Not culturally, but sacredly. Because, after all, communication with spirits is a more personal, internal matter than external. Only the old representatives of this teaching retain the full ambience of a real shaman. They still live in traditional homes and always wear national costumes. But modern followers are beginning to move away from this lifestyle. Because modernity dictates its own laws, no matter where people live.
Shamanism in Buryatia and the ritual of transformation
Shamanism in Buryatia is worth special mention for one very impressive ritual. Yes, there are many differences in the shamanism of the peoples of Siberia and the Far East. Some of them are small, others are striking. But in Buryatia there is an ancient ritual that distinguishes it so much from other shamanic cultures that it is impossible not to mention it. The meaning of this ritual is to show the process that a person goes through when becoming a shaman. A ritual showing spiritual transformation.
In Buryatia, only a descendant of a shamanic family can become a shaman.
According to the tradition of the Buryat people, only those who have utha can become a shaman. If translated into Russian - hereditary roots, shamanic ancestors. It is also worth adding that in the Buryat tradition the shaman has always been perceived as both a chosen one and a martyr. A person was born with such a seal and lived with it all his life. Only a few stories are known when a descendant of a shamanic family renounced his inheritance.
On the path of his formation, the future shaman had to go a very long way. Both spiritual and physical. He had to undergo as many as nine initiations, at the end of which he received the title of whole or quality. The translation is quite rough, but at the same time very close. Shaman initiation ritual shanar, was as follows. An alley of 27 birches was built, but most of the attention was paid to the mother tree and the father tree.
A nest was placed on top of the first one, into which nine eggs were laid. At the base of the tree was a symbol of the Moon. The image of the Sun was installed at the top of the father tree. Also, much attention was paid to the interior furnishings, ablution platforms and similar things. The initiate himself must dress in traditional clothing, including armor.
Shaman's ritual
The initiation began with a ritual. Calling upon ancestral spirits to determine the worthiness or unworthiness of the applicant. Then the future shaman was given all the ritual equipment, except for the tambourine. And the convert must show all his skill. He must dance around the building, climb birch trees, jump from one to another. To do everything that he had been taught for many years. In order to impress all those watching - both dead and living. Such dedication should last several days, optimally nine. All this time, the young shaman is forbidden to leave the ritual room. They bring him food and water. Only after this did he become a real shaman. Unless, of course, the spirits of his ancestors said that he was truly worthy of such an honor.
Although, given the belief that the shaman is more of a martyr, one cannot say that his life will be so happy. But, nevertheless, it will be used for a good cause, serving society and people. The goal is definitely noble. After all, a shaman is a connecting link between the world of spirits and the material world. It helps people heal, provides spiritual relief and much more. But these powers come at a price, just like any other. In the case of a shaman, his life no longer belongs to him. He is given to service until the last drop of blood.
Shamans of Yakutia
The shamans of Yakutia are followers of shamanism, which are also worth dwelling on in more detail. There are, of course, many other representatives from different nations about whom the general reader should be told. These are Tuvan shamans, and the traditions of shamanism in Khakassia, and the Evenks, whose shamanism is known far beyond the borders of Altai. But we will try to talk only about the most interesting aspects of the shamanic tradition. The most striking difference between Yakut shamans and their colleagues from other nations is the burial traditions, as well as the spirit beast. This is not just a totem animal, but almost a material companion that accompanies the shaman throughout his life. And continues to accompany after death.
In different interpretations you can find different references to who this spirit-beast is. Some say that this is a purely speculative concept, intended to show the inner essence of the shaman. His character. Like a beast - a reflection of his soul. This is partially true. Another interpretation says that the spirit-beast is a patron given to the shaman for protection. After all, he is the chosen one of the spiritual world, and the spiritual world always takes care of such people. This is also partially true. And the truth, as always, is somewhere in the middle.
Both interpretations are correct and the real purpose of the spirit beast lies in both. He is both a reflection of the shaman’s inner essence, which is projected onto the real world, and a mystical guardian angel. It’s as if the world of spirits is a bright lamp, the shaman is a complex picture on paper, and the beast is the image that will appear on the table if you point one at the other. Also, this spirit gives the shaman protection from magical attacks from other shamans or evil otherworldly. The beast plays the role of a source of strength, which at the right moment helps to overcome any danger. So its importance is difficult to overestimate.
Evenki shamanism
What about burials? Attention should be paid to both the ancient traditions of shamanic burials and those that appeared relatively recently. In ancient times, shamans were buried in special structures called arangas. These are wooden structures that were attached to tree trunks, high above the ground. The place was chosen in the thicket of the forest, as far as possible from roads and human habitation. All of his ritual attributes were placed in the coffin of the dead man. Except for the tambourine. The tambourine was broken and hung over the grave so that a stranger would not get it.
Shamanism has been around for many years. According to legend, the ancestor of the powerful family of Baikal shamans was an eagle that turned into a man. It is interesting that initially the activities of each chosen one were aimed only at their own tribe. However, today Olkhon shamans willingly help people from all over the world. Moreover, a real shaman is obliged to help even his enemy.
Such a destination cannot be chosen as a profession at a university. To become a shaman, you need to have shaman ancestors (ongons) and receive a special sign from above. It could be anything: a sixth finger on the hand, a sudden vision, a serious illness. It is also impossible to refuse such a gift - the elders claim that the spirits will not allow this.
As a rule, the chosen ones learn about their abilities in the period from 6 to 50 years. However, experienced shamans say that being too young is not suitable for such activities. And even at 30 years old a person does not have enough knowledge to be guaranteed to help someone in need. Therefore, the optimal age for performing rituals is considered to be 50 years or more. But this does not mean at all that there are no powerful healers among the young.
Each shaman has his own skill level (9 in total) and certain abilities. Some predict the future, others cure various diseases, remove generational curses or the crown of celibacy. High level shamans can even fly.
What is shamanic disease
This mysterious disease can manifest itself in different ways. It happens that a person is constantly unlucky and cannot achieve success either in his career or in his personal life. Or the future shaman faces severe alcohol addiction. A select few have realized their destiny through dreams or physical illness. And for some, the ancestors have prepared dangerous trials that threaten their lives.
The chosen one must endure all the blows of fate and never lose heart. After all, the shaman’s calling obliges him to be strong and wise. Through such a difficult path, the future shaman seems to be reborn, completely changing his life.
The "symptoms" of this particular disease disappear only when the chosen one accepts his path. Refusal of purpose entails a series of troubles both for the person himself and for his family.
What is it like to live with such a gift?
Being a real shaman is hard work. It is a path that cannot be chosen or changed. But, accepting their true destiny, the chosen ones help many people live in purity and harmony.
Today, tours and excursions have become more popular than ever, the program of which includes visiting places of power and performing shamanic rituals. Travelers from all over the world come to Lake Baikal to consult shamans and get answers to their questions.
Whenever possible, shamans help everyone. However, they will never ask for money for services. Each visitor gives as much as he can. Moreover, payment for help can be anything: sweets, matches, etc.
If a shaman tells you a certain amount for a ritual, then this is a serious reason to doubt him.
By the way, if you think that a shaman is a hermit who is isolated from the outside world, then this is absolutely not true. Many modern shamans write scientific works, study news, and compose poems or songs.
How do pagans feel about the church?
Previously, there were only sacred spirits of nature on Olkhon. Now in this place there is an Orthodox church, which was built for local residents. Contrary to various assumptions, shamans are completely calm about this phenomenon. Believing that the priest is doing the same job as them - helping people. This means that there can be no reasons for disagreement.
Representatives of several faiths live in the Baikal region: shamanism, Buddhism, Orthodoxy. Over time, many have become accustomed to such differences, and conflicts do not arise on this basis. After all, everyone is looking for their own path.
Features of the shaman's attire
If you have seen what a real shaman looks like, you will probably be impressed by such an unusual and spectacular outfit. They wear suits made of bright blue or, less commonly, green fabric. The cape used for rituals is called nemerge, and the hat is called mayhabsha. The main decoration on the chest of every shaman is a mirror to reflect negative energy. They are called "toli".
Shamans about tourists on Olkhon
Cape Burkhan has always been considered one of the most mysterious and sacred places on Lake Baikal. Its surroundings were once inhabited by celestials. But today shamans say that the spirits have left this place. The elders attribute this phenomenon to the fact that many tourists disrespect local shrines. They visit places of power not as guests, but as hosts.
In the media, Baikal is listed as one of the most powerful energy places. This attracts many tourists from all over the world, but not all visitors follow the rules of behavior on the holy land.
Every traveler is obliged to protect and respect nature and in no way harm it. Everyone should definitely remember this.
The press center of the Rosbalt news agency hosted the next meeting of the “Tea Party for...” series. The center of attention at the eighth event was the Khakass: Larisa Troyakova with her son Tamerlan and Yulia Kustova - ethnographer, associate professor of the department of ethnocultural studies of the Institute of the North of the Russian State Pedagogical University named after. Herzen. At the meeting, they talked about the exciting beauty of the nature of the Republic of Khakassia, about shamans and about their life far from their homeland.
After graduating from school, Larisa passed a competition for the Khakassian national studio and entered the St. Petersburg State Academy of Theater Arts. Having successfully studied there, she returned to her native land and began working by profession - she became an actress. But three years later she decided to enroll in graduate school, again in St. Petersburg. Here the woman met her future husband, got married and stayed in the Northern capital forever.
For the creative and energetic Larisa, one main job was always not enough. At the same time, I wanted to perform and introduce people to Khakass culture. Even at the academy, Larisa was attracted to throat singing, but then male experts dissuaded her from it - such performance requires serious effort and can negatively affect the female reproductive organs. Therefore, Larisa was able to do what she loved only after the birth of her son Tamerlan.
It turned out that throat singing is very popular in the West. Now Larisa has an active concert activity, she has already performed in Belgium, France and is preparing for new concerts. Her son Tamerlan accompanies her. He plays the unusual Mongolian instrument morin khuur.
At the tea party, Larisa and her son performed several compositions in front of the guests - students from schools 496 and 28. And ethnographer Yulia spoke about the Khakass and the beauties of the Republic of Khakassia.
Mecca of Siberian archeology
The Republic of Khakassia is primarily known for its fabulously beautiful nature. Endless forests and fields give way to picturesque steppes, healing lakes and ancient ridges. Khakassia is often called the “archaeological Mecca” of Siberia or an “open-air museum.” The uniqueness of ancient cultural monuments is known far beyond Russia. “Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world come to Khakassia,” said ethnographer Yulia Kustova.
Since Khakassia was on the route of migration of peoples during the Great Migration, many settlers chose the republic as their home and left here amazing monuments of ancient civilization. In the steppes and caves of Khakassia, more than 30 thousand historically valuable monuments of ancient eras have been preserved - sculptures on stones and burial mounds, petroglyphs (drawings and writings on rocks), ruins of mud brick buildings and fortresses, burial grounds and burials, menhirs and sculptures.
Many of the archaeological sites are unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The most famous are the Great Salbyk Kurgan, the Boyarsky and Podkunenskaya writings, the archaeological monuments of the Chests mountain system, the Oglakhty fortress, Chebaki, the medieval burial grounds of the Kopensky and Uybatsky chaa-tas. A special place is occupied by the Barsuchiy Log mound. This is one of the largest elite funerary monuments of archaeological culture (1st millennium BC). Badger Log is considered the first monument in Russia where a binder mixture was used in construction technology.
In terms of ethnic composition, Russians predominate in Khakassia - 80% of the population. Khakassians, according to the latest census, make up only 12%. At the same time, the number of this people is constantly declining. Today, there are 73 thousand people living in Russia who identify themselves as Khakassians.
“It is unknown how many Khakass live in St. Petersburg. Apparently, ethnic groups whose number does not exceed 1000 people were not taken into account in the last census. According to my rough estimates, about a thousand Khakass live in the city,” said Yulia.
Representatives of this people began to come to St. Petersburg in the 20th century. Khakassia and St. Petersburg are connected by scientific, archaeological and ethnographic discoveries. Two famous ethnographic researchers and public figures Nikolai Katanov and Stepan Mainagashev lived and worked in the Northern capital. For many years they studied the life and way of life of the Khakass, including the pre-Orthodox religion - shamanism.
“Khakas are called shamanists. This is one of the earliest forms of religions through which people communicated with nature. The shaman was a kind of intermediary between the world of people and the world of spirits,” said ethnographer Yulia. Shamanism was inherited and it was believed that one becomes a shaman by the will of the spirit that inhabits the “chosen one.” Parents tried to protect their children from this gift, did everything to prevent him from becoming a shaman - after all, such people constantly asked them for help, there was no time left for themselves and their family. “Shamans had great authority, so during Stalin’s repressions they were exterminated first,” explained Yulia. “But even now in Khakassia there are people who call themselves shamans.”
Imposed religion
In the 19th century, many were baptized into Orthodoxy, often by force. This led to the fact that the Khakass, although considered Orthodox, in many ways still remained pagans. “A grandmother in a village can perform a pagan rite of purification and immediately cross herself. Or they can baptize the child and then give him an amulet,” said Yulia.
In addition to traditional religion, the Khakass also preserved folk holidays. One of their biggest holidays is Tun Payram or the festival of first milk. In the first years of Soviet power, they stopped celebrating it, and only in 1980 it was decided to restore the forgotten tradition and draw public attention to the indigenous peoples. Today, this is the biggest holiday of the Khakass people, so they prepare for it in advance and celebrate it on a grand scale - they sew costumes and prepare national dishes. And during the celebration, traditional competitions and games are held: horse racing and racing, Khakass wrestling (kures), stone lifting, leapfrog, arm wrestling. 
Another important holiday of the Khakass people is Chyl Pazy or New Year. It is celebrated on the day of the spring equinox. Celebrating the New Year in the spring is associated with ancient ideas about the cyclical nature of time, according to which the year “is born,” “lives,” and “dies” along with the change of seasons. During the New Year celebration, the Khakass say goodbye to the old sun and welcome the new. For a good New Year, you need to perform the ritual of tying chalam (ribbons). Black chalamas symbolize the troubles of the past year, and by tying colored ones, you can make wishes for the next year.
Maria Khitarishvili
The project "Faces of St. Petersburg" was implemented using a grant from St. Petersburg
The world of the shaman is mysterious, enigmatic and hidden from prying eyes. A true shaman has nothing in common with a psychic, magician or sorcerer. A shaman is a completely different level, different views, goals and a different philosophy.
Who and how becomes a shaman in real life?
You cannot become a shaman just like that, “at your own will.” And few people show a special desire to be a real shaman. The responsibility for the people who need to be helped is too great. In addition, the shaman practically does not obey himself, his desires. His whole life is serving others through the world of spirits.
Only someone who sees a significant dream can become a shaman. In this dream, some event must occur that marks the shaman about the discovery of his gift. This dream comes suddenly, and not at a certain age. It's impossible to predict.
It is believed that a dream is a sign from the spirits that they have chosen a person. No one can become a shaman without the “approval” of the spirits. The content of the dream may be different, however, each family knows what exactly should be dreamed as a sign.
Sometimes one becomes a shaman not only after having a dream. Cases when a person suddenly hears a voice that sings and speaks to him are not uncommon among the Eskimos. It is there that shamanism and everything connected with it are especially developed. The voice means that the spirit is calling the future shaman. Following him, a person often goes into the forest and there passes the first step of the path of a real shaman.
Most often, a shaman becomes one in whose family there have already been similar cases. The ability is inherited. There are stories where a person became a shaman, no one in his family previously had such a gift. However, such a shaman is considered quite weak.
Thus, only the spirits decide who will become a shaman and who will not. It will not be possible to resist their decision. The chosen one can only come to terms with the choice of higher powers and go towards a new mission.
The shaman acts as the chosen one, the representative of the spirits on earth. Through it they convey information to people, help and warn them. A shaman is a person who is called upon to help and heal people. He cannot refuse or refuse to accept anyone who turns to him for help. This is why it is considered very difficult to be a shaman.
Although the shaman is respected and revered in the family, he does not have privileges. He often lives in poverty, since he has practically no time to do his household chores. He accepts those in need of help and does not have time to help himself and his family.
The shaman lives an ordinary life, starts a family and children. Until the moment of election, the shaman is practically unaware of his future fate. And even after he becomes a shaman, he lives like everyone else. Except at the moment of commission.
Shamans are often classified as mentally ill. This is wrong. This misconception arose due to the fact that the rituals of shamans are similar to attacks of madness. In fact, this is required by entering a special state that allows the shaman.
Shamans live all over the world. Since ancient times, many peoples have been adherents of the belief in the power of shamans. Settlements, tribes, peoples who since ancient times believed in the ability of a shaman to protect them from disease, drought or painful death cannot do without them. The largest number of shamans live in the following countries:
- Australia;
- Russia;
- Austria;
- African countries;
- New Zealand;
- Countries of Southeast Asia.
Shamans in each country, region and nationality differ according to a number of criteria. Some take part in sacrifices, some don't. Some functions, subtleties of performing rituals and nuances of initiation differ. One thing unites them for sure: they are healers and protectors of the human soul.
A shaman's training in practice and rituals takes place throughout his life. Initially, when he is not yet aware of his purpose, he gradually involuntarily learns it. This shows up:
- in unity with nature, the area in which the shaman lives;
- in the appearance of visions, dreams, the gradual emergence of the skill to cope with them, to interpret them.
Among some peoples, the chosen one is taught shamanic practices from birth. This does not guarantee that he will become a shaman. Everything will depend on the predisposition and choice of perfume.
Most often there is no training. A person first realizes that the choice has fallen on him. Then, having gone through all the torment, he studies with a more experienced shaman. However, he does not teach the beginner all the subtleties of performing rituals. Learning does not take place as at school at a desk. Everything is comprehended through communication with spirits and practice.
Old shamans teach young shamans to beat a tambourine so that the spirits hear this call. Beat in such a way as to attract the necessary spirits. Sometimes training lasts for hours, days without a break. This skill is considered fundamental for a shaman. Without the ability to handle a tambourine, the spirits will not understand the calls and requests of the shaman.
Training in directly performing rituals is also not provided. A true shaman comprehends this task himself.
There is still some help. Among shamans who are just beginning their journey, the practice of “invisible canoe” is common. The old and young shaman create an imaginary canoe, get into it and travel. Such trips last for several days in a row. During them, shamans are in an intermediate state. They sometimes dream and sometimes return to reality.
At the time when the shaman visits dreams, a meeting with spirits takes place in them. The shaman is looking for a protective spirit and finds him. At the moment of returning to reality, the shaman leaves the canoe and leaves him in some place for a while. When returning to the sleep state, the shaman pushes the canoe from this place and swims further.
After the journey, the shamans share their visions and feelings. In this exchange, the young shaman is taught the practice.
In almost any city you can now find a lot of schools and courses teaching shamanic practices. They offer to learn everything that shamans can do. It is definitely impossible to become a true shaman thanks to such schools. The shaman is the chosen one of the spirits. You can only get one thousandth closer to the mysterious and enigmatic world of shamans.
Initiation into the secrets of the Magi
Initiation into shamans is preceded by a long and difficult period of “shamanic illness.” This disease manifests itself more as madness, schizophrenia. The future shaman sometimes behaves inappropriately, sees hallucinations, dreams, and hears voices. In addition to his psyche, his body suffers. He gets sick, loses consciousness, and has epileptic seizures. This can be explained simply - the spirits insist that the chosen one become a shaman.
It is almost impossible to resist them. To get rid of this suffering, the only way out is to accept the offer of the spirits and undergo a rite of passage.
The beginning of the ritual is the confession of the chosen one to the old shamans that he hears the call of the spirits. After that, he goes into the forest, taiga and undergoes a hunger test there. It can last 5, 7, or 9 days. At this moment, the future shaman is especially weak. During dreams and visions, spirits come to him and literally turn him into a different person.
He feels like he's being torn apart and put back together. The shaman experiences real death at the emotional level. After everything he has experienced, he is “reborn,” but as a different person. Then the shaman has 2 options:
- understand the intricacies of the shamanic work yourself;
- learn from the old shaman.
Most often the second method is chosen. The initiation into shamans does not end there. This is a long process that lasts for months, and sometimes even years. Training in practices, ways of communicating with spirits, rituals is still to come.
There is no formal initiation of a shaman. There is no specific action or ceremony after which we can say that initiation has taken place. It is believed that this is meaningless, since the shaman was initiated into the spirits long before he himself realized this.
Responsibilities, tasks and role of the sorcerer
The shaman in the human world performs many functions and plays an important role in the life of entire nations.
The main tasks of the shaman are:
- treatment of people;
- searching for the soul that has left the body and returning it, if possible;
- accompanying the soul to another world;
- protection of the soul from demons, evil spirits.
It becomes clear that the shaman has little to do with the daily life of a person. Its specificity is the soul. Shamans are not present at weddings, for example. However, they are called when there is a difficult birth. The role of the shaman in helping people.
– the main profile of a shaman. It is believed that illness occurs not in the body, but in the soul. The shaman is called upon to make a diagnosis, find ways to get rid of the disease and return a person to a healthy body and spirit.
In addition to treating specific people, the shaman plays a role in the normal functioning of the entire family:
- foresees droughts, rains, etc.;
- when the number of animals decreases, people ask the shaman to help;
- helps and participates in the process of sacrifice.
Contrary to the opinion of ordinary people, the shaman is not the person who performs sacrifices. Most often, if he takes part in this, it is only to guide the soul of the murdered victim along the desired path. He knows this way.
Thus, a shaman is a person chosen by the spirits for this role. No consent or refusal is required. Shamans serve as protectors and assistants to their people. They protect against pestilence, drought, hunger, and disease. A strong shaman is a great joy and help. It is impossible to learn to be a shaman “just for yourself.” A shaman is a person who is constantly on the edge between the world of people and the world of spirits.
