Shamanism. Archaic techniques of ecstasy. 3rd edition. Eliade M.

The book is the first attempt to cover the entire cultural and religious complex of shamanism and determine its place in the general history of religions. A century ago, the word "shaman" penetrated into world languages, coming from the depths of Russia. As a term for refining people endowed with the gift of communication with otherworldly forces, it received wide geographical coverage and applicable not only to Siberia and Central Asia, but also to North America, Africa, Indonesia, and Oceania. Everywhere the shaman is considered a master of trance, during which his soul mystically separates from the body, soar on the sky or descending to hell. Phenomenal abilities allow him to establish a connection with the deceased, spirits and demons, without turning into their blind instrument. With the help of altered states of consciousness, the shaman becomes a healer for patients, escorted by the dead in the kingdom of shadows and an intermediary in communication between people and gods.

The author of the proposed book analyzes the Shamanic techniques of ecstasy in detail: from ritual dancing and choreographic imitation of behavior birds and animals before intoxicated with hemp smoke and intoxication with mushrooms. Having studied the whole array of scientific data, Mircea Eliade concludes that in shamanism there can be no question of particular cases of fantasy or erratic hallucinations: such visions correspond to specific traditional models, pronounced and rich theoretical content.