How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality Shamanism
Nov 30, 2025
In this engaging conversation with Manvir Singh, an anthropologist and director of the Integrative Anthropology Lab at UC Davis, we delve into the fascinating world of shamanism. Singh critiques stereotypes, offering a more inclusive definition and highlighting shamans' roles across various cultures as healers and diviners. He discusses the therapeutic effects of ritual immersion and empathy while drawing parallels between shamanic authority and modern leadership. The conversation also explores shamanism's resurgence in today's uncertain climate, connecting ancient practices to contemporary experiences.
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Mentawai Trance Dance
- Manvir Singh describes the Mentawai Lajo Simagre where Sikere shamans dance, drum, and enter trance to invite healing spirits.
- The ceremony shifts from ritual healing to communal celebration as trance spreads across participants.
A Broad Definition Of Shamanism
- Manvir defines shamanism by three traits: specialists enter non-ordinary states, engage unseen agents, and provide services like healing and divination.
- This broad definition reveals shamanic resonances across cultures and modern contexts like Pentecostal pastors and psychics.
Shamans Manage Uncertainty
- Cross-cultural data show shamans overwhelmingly function as healers and diviners across societies.
- Shamans mainly help people manage uncertain outcomes like health, weather, harvests, and lost objects.
