Šamanizem na Slovenskem? Dileme o pojmih in pojavih šamanizma, obsedenosti in ekstazeShamanism on Slovenian Territory? Dilemmas Concerning the Phenomena of Shamanism, Spirit Possession and Ecstasy

Shamanic elements in Slovenian folklore are hard to separate from concepts like spirit possession or ecstasy, according to an analysis of Slovenian data and comparative literature. The author argues that these terms overlap in practice and cannot be clearly distinguished. The study also explores the original meanings of the folk figures kresnik and vedomec, offering explanations for their names.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Are there elements of shamanism in Slovenian folklore tradition, or is it more adequate to use terms like spirit possession or ecstasy? The author’s conclusion, which is based Slovenian data and on comparative literature, is that it is difficult to differentiate these terms in practice. He also explains the possible original meaning of the names kresnik and vedomec.