Shamanism

What is Mongolian Shamanism

Mongolian shamanism is a traditional belief system with thousands of years of history, based on the understanding that humans exist in close connection with nature, the sky, and the spirits of their ancestors. At the center of this worldview is the “Eternal Blue Sky” (Tengri), regarded as the supreme force and the source that sustains the universe. Shamanism is not merely a religion, but a holistic way of life, encompassing customs, traditions, and knowledge of living in harmony with nature. Mongolians respect mountains, rivers, land, fire, water, wind, and the sky as living entities with spirits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance and communication with them. Within this tradition, shamans—böö (male) and udgan (female)—play a vital role. They act as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds, performing rituals, healing illnesses, offering spiritual guidance through intuition, and undertaking spiritual journeys. Through the use of drums, chanting, and movement, shamans enter trance states to connect with the upper and lower realms. Mongolian shamanism also includes a wide range of rituals such as offerings, purification ceremonies, fire worship, and honoring the spirits of the land and nature. These practices aim to bring well-being, peace, and health to people, while preserving harmony between humans and the natural world.