In various cultures, the requirements for becoming a shaman differ. The primary methods are typically seen as inheriting the shamanic profession and communicating with spirits. However, among the Altai tribe, one can become a shaman by choice, while among the Tungus people, it is determined by lineage. In cases where lineage decides, emphasis is placed on the candidates’ ecstatic experiences such as trance, visions, and dreams. Without such experiences, candidacy is not considered.

A shaman only gains recognition after undergoing a dual apprenticeship, guided by spirits through dreams, visions, and trance, as well as experienced shamans who teach shamanic practices and spirit knowledge. This apprenticeship, sometimes conducted publicly, serves as an initiation process. However, it can also occur during sleep or trance states without human involvement.

Among the Mansi people, shamanism is often inherited, sometimes through the maternal line. A potential shaman typically exhibits unique qualities from a young age, such as epilepsy episodes interpreted as spirit encounters. In Khanty beliefs, a shaman’s power is believed to be received at birth, viewed as a divine gift.

Similar beliefs are held in the Irtysh region, where a shaman’s abilities are bestowed by the god of Heaven, Sanke, and are evident from childhood.

Both hereditary and divine transmission of shamanic skills coexist in various cultures. For instance, the Vyatka people view shamanism as hereditary, yet believe the supreme deity grants necessary abilities through visions and dreams.

Among Siberian Samoyeds, shamanism can be passed down through carving a wooden hand after a shaman’s death to transfer his abilities. However, being the offspring of a shaman is not sufficient; approval from the spirits is essential.

For the Nenets, a shaman is determined at birth. Children born “fully clothed” are destined to become shamans, while those with only a “cap” are likely to become lesser shamans. Signs of a shamanic calling appear as the candidate grows older, including visions, singing in sleep, and seeking solitude. After this period, the candidate seeks training from an elder shaman.

The Yakuts do not believe shamanic abilities are inherited. Instead, they think a guardian spirit, called emegen, continues after a shaman’s passing and seeks embodiment in a family member. This process involves the chosen person experiencing madness, then receiving training from an elder shaman in summoning and mastering spirits.

Among the Trans-Baikal Tungus, a future shaman’s destiny is revealed through dreams where a deceased shaman’s spirit appears and assigns shamanic duties. However, this declaration must be accompanied by a visible mental disorder.

The Turukhans Tungus rely on the visit of the spirit Hargi in a candidate’s dreams to indicate the destined shaman. Hargi conducts shamanic rituals, allowing the candidate to learn the craft of shamanism.

Learn all about Siberian shamanism on Ahamkara