Shaman vs. Shamanic Practitioner: What’s the Difference? (And Why It Matters)
The terms "Shaman" and "Shamanic practitioner" are often used interchangeably, but they carry meaningfully different implications around lineage, training, initiation and accountability. There are also important considerations regarding cultural appropriation and respectful, informed use of these terms. Understanding this distinction matters whether you are exploring Shamanism for the first time, deepening your personal practice, or considering how to describe your own work in the world. Here's how I understand and navigate this distinction, and why I've thought carefully about it for over two decades.
When I began studying Shamanism in 2003 at age 15, the concept of cultural appropriation was not yet widely discussed. As I understood it from my trainings, a Shaman was someone who was deeply immersed in their practice of animistic and mediumistic service, who had received trainings and initiations, and was living a life of service to their community. The indigenous teachers with whom I studied didn’t even use the word Shaman — they had their own terms for the role of that person in their community.
Jóska Soós, Hungarian Shaman from Clan Baksa
When my mentor gave me a formal Shamanic initiation in 2011, I asked her about using the term “Shaman” to describe myself. She said yes, it would be appropriate for me to use that word according to my many years of deep study, existing commitment to service, and now this initiation. (A Shamanic initiation is a formal ceremony in which a practicing Shaman or lineage holder formally recognizes and empowers a student's readiness to carry and transmit the tradition. My lineage traces directly to Jóska Soós, a renowned Hungarian Shaman from Clan Baksa whose teachings spread this tradition throughout Europe. Keep reading for the story of where the word “Shaman” comes from in my lineage.)
I sat with this inquiry for 3 years. In the meantime, I described my work as Shamanic practice, including Shamanic journeys, Shamanic healing and Shamanic energies. But I didn’t actually call myself a Shaman until 2014, because that was when I finally felt ready to embody the full depth of the term and to publicly demonstrate my commitment to service in this way.
“Shamanism” and Cultural Appropriation
I immediately encountered pushback. In the 11 years since I began my Shamanic studies, the concept of cultural appropriation had reared its head in the zeitgeist. The accusing conversation usually went something like this:
“Random person: “You’re calling yourself a Shaman. Are you Native American?”
Me: “No, not to my knowledge.”
Random person: “Then you can’t use that word. That’s cultural appropriation.””
No room for actual conversation. No room for understanding. No curiosity, inquiry or nuance.
At first, I was surprised and taken aback about the argument of, “You can’t use the word Shaman if you’re not Native American.” After all, none of the Native American teachers I had studied with used that word to describe themselves. They had terms in their own language, none of which sounded remotely close to “Shaman.” I even asked a few of my teachers and indigenous friends, all of whom replied “Yeah, that’s not our word.” But I also saw the valid concern about cultural appropriation and the real harm that comes from people carelessly adopting practices and assuming terms without respect, proper acknowledgement and cultural deference.
This is an important opportunity for understanding. So let’s talk about it.
Where Does the Word "Shaman" Come From? (And Why It Matters for Cultural Appropriation)
If you’ve spent any time in Shamanic circles, you’ve probably noticed that the words people use (such as Shaman, Shamanic practitioner, Shamanic healer, and medicine person) vary widely, and can carry strong connotations. These are not just semantic differences. They reflect different relationships to lineage, training, service, and accountability. Here’s how I understand and navigate these distinctions.
Personal Shamanic Practice vs. Professional Shamanic Practice: What's the Difference?
Think about Christianity. There are millions of people worldwide who identify as Christian and maintain a personal spiritual practice. They may go to church, lead a Bible study, pray daily, and share their faith with loved ones. This is a personal practice — meaningful, valid, and complete in itself.
And then there is the ordained priest or minister who has gone through years of deep theological study, received formal training and initiation, and now holds a lineage in service to their community. They have a professional practice, and with it comes a different level of accountability, training, and responsibility.
This same distinction applies to Shamanism. You do not need to hang out your shingle in order to have a meaningful and fulfilling Shamanic practice. You can have a personal Shamanic practice that nourishes you, enriches your relationships, deepens your connection to the land, and flows naturally into moments of support for the people around you. That is beautiful and complete.
What Is a Shamanic Practitioner?
A Shamanic practitioner is someone who works with Shamanic tools and frameworks, such as journeying, working with spirits, energy healing, ceremony, but may not identify with the specific cultural context and weight of the word Shaman. Many people in the Western world choose this term as a way of acknowledging their training and practice while remaining humble about lineage and cultural context.
What Is a Shaman?
I know of two origin stories for the word “Shaman.” The more common understanding is that the term “Shaman” originates from the word “saman” in the Tungusic language of the Siberian people, where it means “the one who knows.” This word was then adopted by white anthropologists and then used as a universal term to describe the role of “spiritual teacher/medicine person” in indigenous communities around the world.
But there is another etymology from my own lineage: my Shamanic great-grandfather Jóska Soós, who came from the Hungarian Shaman Clan Baksa, and who is largely responsible for spreading this lineage throughout Europe, taught that the word derives from “Shamash:” the Mesopotamian sun god. The priests and priestesses of Shamash were known as “Siamas:” the ones who serve the light. A Shaman, in this understanding, is one who serves the light of knowledge, of self-knowledge, of life — and shares that light with the world.
“The Shaman is one who serves the light of knowledge, of self-knowledge, of life — and shares that light with the world.””
In most contexts, the title of Shaman (or whatever language-specific term of that particular people) is not self-appointed. It comes through initiation, through years of disciplined training, through community recognition. It comes with deep responsibility: to hold the lineage with integrity, to serve rather than perform, to be accountable to the beings (spirits as well as incarnate teachers) and traditions that have invested their wisdom in you.
Why I Use the Word Shaman
I’ve thought carefully about this. I’ve discussed it with my teacher. I’ve sat with the cultural charge around it. And I’ve chosen to use the word Shaman because I believe it matters to use it with clarity and intention.
There is a lot of confusion in the Western world about what Shamanism actually is. There is legitimate harm that comes from people who adopt the aesthetic of Shamanism without the training, the lineage, the ethics, or the accountability. By showing up clearly as a Shaman — with 23 years of practice, with multiple lineage trainings, with a named teacher, a named lineage, and a formal initiation — I have the opportunity to be an educating force about what it means to hold these traditions responsibly.
Do I receive criticism and pushback? Yes. People who don’t know my background sometimes cry cultural appropriation. I’m okay with that, because it’s an invitation to have a more nuanced conversation about integrity, to offer teachings and extend the hand of compassionate understanding and care.
What About Other Terms Like Medicine Person, Healer, Ceremonialist?
Beyond "Shaman" and "Shamanic practitioner," you'll encounter many other terms in these circles: medicine person / woman / man, healer, ceremonialist, spiritual guide, Curandero, priestess / priest, witch. These terms often carry culture- and lineage-specific meanings. Many practitioners — especially those working within indigenous traditions — prefer them over the word Shaman entirely. Whatever term you use or encounter, the most important questions remain the same: What is this person's training? Who are their teachers? What lineage(s) do they carry? And how do they hold themselves accountable to that lineage?
Which Path Is Right for You?
There is no hierarchy here. A personal Shamanic practice is not lesser than a professional one. Calling yourself a “Shamanic Practitioner” or a “Shaman” (or something else entirely) should be deeply rooted in inquiry, integrity and commitment to service. What matters is the quality of your relationship with the work, the land, the spirits, and the people you serve. Whether you’re just beginning to explore Shamanism or you’ve been practicing for years, this inquiry and review of your commitments to service is exactly the right place to start.
Ready to go deeper? Curious where you are on this path? Start with my free guide, Activate Your Shamanic Gifts (below), or explore the Foundations of Shamanism course to begin building a solid, ethical foundation for your practice. Or if you're ready for personalized support, book a call to discuss Shamanic mentorship with Michelle.
