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The Visionary Experience in North American Shamanism
Author(s) -
Lyon William S.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
anthropology of consciousness
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.117
H-Index - 14
eISSN - 1556-3537
pISSN - 1053-4202
DOI - 10.1525/ac.1991.2.1-2.20
Subject(s) - shamanism , power (physics) , affect (linguistics) , order (exchange) , history , psychology , communication , archaeology , business , physics , finance , quantum mechanics
One unique feature found in many of the traditional Native American cultures in North America is that they socially sanction visionary experiences in individuals. How the visionary experience is used in these cultures and, in particular, in shamanism, is discussed. It is suggested that the process of using induction techniques for visionary experiences, in order to acquire shamanic power, may over time have an adverse affect on the shaman's ability.