Shamanism is said by some to be the oldest religion, but it is more than that. Shamanism is a holistic way of looking at the Universe, both seen and unseen, that allows the practitioner to be aware of the patterns that exist between all things.
One finds shamanism in various forms across the globe. Practitioners can be healers, counselors, seers, spiritual advisors, leaders, historians, storytellers, and facilitators between the living and the dead. Their work will often include going into trance, which allows them to perceive more than the average person. Their healing work may also include herbalism, energy work and psychic surgery. They are often the keepers of the stories and wisdom of their community.