shamanism

The animistic religion of certain peoples of northern Asia in which mediation between the visible and spirit worlds is effected by shamans.

A similar religion or set of beliefs, especially among certain Native American peoples.

A general name applied to the idolatrous religions of a number of barbarous nations, comprehending those of the Finnish race, as the Ostiaks, Samoyeds, and other inhabitants of Siberia as far as the Pacific Ocean.

The type of religion which once prevalied among all the Ural-Altaic peoples (Tungusic, Mongol, and Turkish), and which still survives in various parts of Northern Asia. The Shaman, or wizard priest, deals with good as well as with evil spirits, especially the good spirits of ancestors.

a range of traditional beliefs and practices concerned with communication with the spirit world

any animistic religion similar to Asian shamanism (especially as practiced by certain Native American tribes)

an animistic religion of northern Asia having the belief that the mediation between the visible and the spirit worlds is effected by shamans