Publication: Shamanism in Northern and Southern Eurasia: Their Distinctive Methods of Change of Consciousness
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Date
2011
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SAGE Publications
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Citation
Witzel, Michael E. J. 2011. Shamanism in northern and southern Eurasia: Their distinctive methods of change of consciousness. Social Science Information 50(1): 39-61.
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Abstract
This article seeks to establish that the ‘southern’ shamanism of the San, Andamanese and Australian Aboriginals differs substantially from the well-known ‘classical’ Siberian version found in various forms in large parts of Eurasia and the Americas (‘Laurasia’). The typical southern (‘Gondwana’) shamanistic features of heat rising up the spine are linked to medieval Indian Kundalini yoga and some representations in Paleolithic art. This process is an important aspect of the change of consciousness initiated by shamanistic initiation and practice.
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Keywords
Andamanese, ascent, Australian aboriginals, body heat, consciousness, Gondwana mythology, initiation, Laurasian mythology, Out of Africa movement, possession, San, shamanic teachings, Stone-Age art
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