Conflict, Ethics, and Spirituality
1 primary work
Volume 9
A Phenomenological Inquiry into the North American Shaman's Experience of the Altered State of Consciousness
by R. J. Anderson
Published 12 February 2021
Although conflicting ideas exist about the origin of the shaman, it is
clear that these individuals exist across culture and history. Research
has indicated that a specific altered state of consciousness (ASC)
exists that the shaman utilizes to help the individual or group heal.
Discrepancies in understanding the shaman's experience of ASC had led to
the call for further research in this area. This phenomenological study
aimed to investigate the shaman's experience of the ASC. Results
indicated that the shaman's evolution was based on the criteria
associated with the wounded healer archetype as well as conditions
associated with the individuation process of Jung. Based on the
narratives of the five participants, the results suggest that the shaman
is a person who has an expanded understanding of the consciousness
experience. This contrasts what Western society has understood about
consciousness. The study also revealed the shaman's experience of the
ASC was accomplished through a pattern of development that resulted in
each participant acquiring the status of shaman.
clear that these individuals exist across culture and history. Research
has indicated that a specific altered state of consciousness (ASC)
exists that the shaman utilizes to help the individual or group heal.
Discrepancies in understanding the shaman's experience of ASC had led to
the call for further research in this area. This phenomenological study
aimed to investigate the shaman's experience of the ASC. Results
indicated that the shaman's evolution was based on the criteria
associated with the wounded healer archetype as well as conditions
associated with the individuation process of Jung. Based on the
narratives of the five participants, the results suggest that the shaman
is a person who has an expanded understanding of the consciousness
experience. This contrasts what Western society has understood about
consciousness. The study also revealed the shaman's experience of the
ASC was accomplished through a pattern of development that resulted in
each participant acquiring the status of shaman.