Having found myself frequently in the company of individuals referred to as shamans, and as someone who enjoys journeying through drumming and other methods, I’ve often pondered this question. The lack of a truly satisfying definition across various traditions and new age circles has been a recurring issue. The closest explanation I’ve encountered comes from Alan Watts, who suggested that a shaman is essentially someone “who knows.”
The question I had failed to get a truly satisfying answer to for many years has finally been answered by a Colombian Curandero/Taita. He answered as follows:
” Shaman, Curandero, Taita… all these are but empty titles for us; if anyone, then the Creator is the real Taita (Shaman) as He does all the healing. He alone. No mysteries here.”
I did not need to ask the question; he picked the question from the air… and the answer was given. Upon hearing his answer there was just a deep afirmation from within…. yes it is like this.