A Panpsychist Theory of Shamanism

A new theory of shamanism combines four existing ideas: that mystical experiences are shaped by culture, that shamans take on roles in their communities, that mental imagery is a learned cultural practice, and that the universe is fundamentally mental (panpsychism). This framework allows for recognizing genuine experiences in shamanic altered states while respecting cultural differences. The author argues that spirit is another word for mind, and shamanism is an exploration of consciousness by means of consciousness.

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Abstract

This paper develops a quadripartite panpsychist theory of shamanism(s). This fourpart framework revives and combines four theories: (i) mystical constructivism, (ii) role-taking theory, and (iii) mental imagery cultivation as a cultural practice founded upon (iv) a panpsychist philosophy of ultimate reality. I argue that this quadripartite model allows for the recognition of something ‘real’ in shamanic altered states of mind whilst maintaining epistemological sensitivity to local differences. Spirit is just another word for mind, and shamanism is an exploration of consciousness by means of consciousness. Keywords: shamanism, panpsychism, altered states of consciousness, role-taking theory, universalism vs. particularism