Shamanic spirits: The basis of the sacral and the means of sacralization

Abstract

The article discusses some aspects of transformation of perceptions connected to shamanism in the light of current globalization of cultures of different peoples of the world (including shamanic traditions and practices) and of the development of ethno-tourism (shamanic tourism). The author seeing the perceptions of 'spirits' and the practices of communication with them as a basis of the sacral in shamanic cultures shows how the 'spirits' become the means of sacralization of knowledge, practices, and the worldview of our contemporaries who seek self-improvement through the 'expansion of consciousness'. The given issue is studied from an inter-disciplinary perspective.