Shamanic Initiation
Unlike many Siberian traditions, in which spirits force individuals to become shamans, most Eskimo shamans choose this path. Even when someone receives a "calling", that individual may refuse it. The process of becoming an Eskimo shaman usually involves difficult learning and initiation rites, sometimes including a vision quest. Like the shamans of other cultures, some Eskimo shamans are believed to have special qualifications: they may have been an animal during a previous period, and thus be able to use their valuable experience for the benefit of the community.
The initiation process varies from culture to culture. It may include:
- a specific kind of vision quest, such as among the Chugach.
- various kinds of out-of-body experiences, such as seeing oneself as a skeleton, exemplified in Aua's (Iglulik) narration and a Baker Lake artwork
Read more about this topic: Shamanism Among Eskimo Peoples
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—Philippe Ariés (20th century)