Do shamans shapeshift?
Yes, but not all shamans. Just like not all shamans are healers or religious leaders. Shapeshifting is not a primary ability that shamans possess. There are two types of Shapeshifting: changing your physical form to an animal; which is probably where the werewolf stories begin, this is called lycanthropy. Or changing you form in the astral plane to that of your power animal. Shamans are said to be able to do both. (Matthews, The Celtic Shaman: A Handbook pages 56-58) There is a third form that is less talked about, but more common. During certain rituals or ceremonies the participants have been known to be so enthralled during the drumming and dancing that they have taken on the characteristics of animals; have growled like a bear, bayed at the moon like a wolf and screamed like a eagle. All while acting out the physical aspects of the animal, walking on all fours, etc. This form of Shapeshifting is more common among the Native American population than other aborigine tribes.
