Arts & Culture
The Anthropology of Religion and Shamanic Practices
Quick fact
Anthropologist Michael Harner, who participated in Jivaro shamanic rituals, found that the shamanic journey—a trance state used to diagnose and heal—was remarkably consistent across cultures, even those with no contact, suggesting a common neuropsychological basis for shamanic practice.
Why this is interesting
Ever wondered why some people dance until they trance, or why a healer might talk to spirits? In many cultures, these aren't oddities—they're the very fabric of reality and health.