shaman
- A person regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits, especially among certain indigenous peoples of northern Asia and North America. Typically, such a person enters a trance state during a ritual, and practices divination and healing. nounThe shaman performed a ritual to communicate with the spirits.In many cultures, the shaman is a healer and a spiritual leader.
- A practitioner of shamanism, which is a range of traditional beliefs and practices concerned with communication with the spirit world. nounAs a shaman, she was responsible for guiding the community in spiritual matters.The shaman used drumming and chanting to enter a trance state.