Unraveling the deep connection between shamanism and psychological practice.
What you'll learn
Free preview
The Meeting Point
If you took the time to analyze the differences and similarities between shamanism and psychology, you would have a hard time coming to the conclusion that the two practices greatly differ.
For example, shamanic healing heavily relies on entering altered states of consciousness, but so does psychology. Hypnosis and deep meditation have played a considerable part in therapeutic practices for decades.
The reason why we can draw parallels between shamanism and psychology is in large part due to the exploration of shamanism by a specific branch of psychology called transpersonal psychology.
Transpersonal psychology has its roots in humanistic psychology which takes a holistic approach to human wellness, but transpersonal psychology added a spiritual dimension to personal development and growth.
In addition to focusing on the whole person, transpersonal psychology utilizes techniques of spiritual healing and resolves psychological problems with the help of alternate states of consciousness.
Transpersonal psychologists concluded that the differences between these two practices mostly lie in different symbols and terminology.
Shamanic journeys are a path to self-discovery through alternate states of consciousness. Hypnosis, meditation, trance dancing, or lucid dreaming, all include delving deep into our inner worlds and achieving the same psychological effects as shamanic journeys do.
Keep reading in the app
The rest of this lesson is in Mind, with practice tools, reminders and a journal that shows your progress.
Practice it
Questions about Psychology and Shamanism
How long is the Psychology and Shamanism lesson?
About 20 minutes of reading in all, in short parts of about five minutes. Read one a day, or go at your own pace in the Mind app.
Is the Psychology and Shamanism lesson free?
The beginning is free to read on this page. The rest comes with a Mind subscription in the app.
Do I need experience before starting the Psychology and Shamanism lesson?
No. It starts from the basics and builds step by step, so you can begin today whether you are new to the topic or not.
