How are Shaman chosen?
Traditionally one cannot choose to become a Shaman. Instead a Shaman (neeb muag dawb) [link to glossary] is chosen by the spirits independent of individual or community preference. However, families and clans are often aware of who might become a Shaman because all potential Shaman go through a similar process of selection. The first indication of being chosen is the onset of a serious illnessone that cannot be cured by medication or normal healing methods because the cause of the illness is caused by spirits. Essentially, the spirits render the fated Shaman ill until he or she acknowledges and accepts the calling. During this illness, an existing Shaman uses the dab neeb [link dab neeb to glossary] (or power of the spirits) to reveal whether or not the person is in fact a Shaman. The ceremony involves placing the sick person on the Shamans chair with the persons face covered in a black piece of cloth. The Shaman slips four bells around the fingers of the sick person. Eventually, if th
