What does a shamanic initiation involve?
The shamanic initiation is two-fold; both in this world and in the next. This phenomenon takes place simultaneously. This initiation is part of the “call” that all traditional shamans receive. This is a very involved process that can, at times, result in death or permanent disabilities if not seen through. A Siberian shamanic initiation, which includes the following Tribes: Tungus, Manchu, Yakut, Samoyed, Ostyak, and the Buryat, involved some sort of dismemberment and then having the organs replaced, usually with crystals, or other objects. There is also the public initiation which the master shaman and the members of the community would initiate the shaman thus publicly recognizing him or her as “shaman.” The initiatory dreams and visions of a Yakut shaman including dying in a ritual death that last three days. This “death” will include visions; dreams of being disremembered and then put back together. With the Yakut this will include the use of iron to join the parts. A bird transpor
