Animism and Shamanism Today Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, figures, creation myths, and shamanic rituals from the reading 'Animism and Shamanism Today'.

Animism

The oldest religious tradition, rooted in the belief that all natural elements, such as animals, trees, rivers, and mountains, contain a spiritual essence.

Obatala

A god in the creation story of the Yoruba people of West Africa who descended from the heavens with a shell of sand and a chicken to form land from primordial waters.

Papatuanuku

The Earth Mother in the Māori creation myth of New Zealand who was originally tightly embraced with Sky Father Ranginui.

Ranginui

The Sky Father in the Māori creation myth of New Zealand who was lifted to form the sky.

Tane

The deity of forests in the Māori creation myth who separated Earth Mother Papatuanuku and Sky Father Ranginui, allowing light to enter the world.

Inuit Raven

A figure in Inuit mythology who created land by flapping its wings, formed the first human from clay, and serves as both creator and trickster.

Shamanism

A vital practice within animistic traditions where spiritual leaders serve as bridges between the physical and spirit worlds to offer healing, rituals, and guidance.

Wicasa Wakan

The Lakota term for shamans or medicine men who serve as healers, protectors, and spiritual leaders.

Sweat Lodge Ceremony

A Lakota purification ritual performed in a small, dome-shaped lodge using heated stones and steam created by pouring water, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and renewal.

Curanderos

The shamans of the Andes of Peru in South America who connect with natural spirits to maintain harmony between people and nature.

Pachamama

Mother Earth in the tradition of Andean shamans (curanderos) in Peru.

Apu

Mountain spirits in the Andean region of Peru with whom curanderos connect.

Coca Leaf Ceremony

A key practice performed by Andean curanderos where they read the patterns of coca leaves to diagnose problems and seek guidance from spirits.

Despacho Ceremonies

Andean rituals in which curanderos offer gifts such as coca leaves, seeds, and flowers to the earth and spirits in exchange for blessings, protection, or healing.