Guardian spirits are not exclusive to shamans; ordinary people also have them. These spirits come to the aid of individuals in times of peril, providing a boost to physical energy and immunity to disease. They instill inner strength and confidence in those they protect.

When a person loses his guardian spirit, a shaman is called upon to facilitate healing. The shaman embarks on a healing journey into a different realm to retrieve the lost guardian and return it to an individual. If someone is experiencing localized pain, the shaman’s task is to extract harmful energy and aid in restoring health.

Traditionally, a shaman undertakes the journey to reclaim a lost guardian spirit alone. However, there is a unique approach involving group journeys led by multiple shamans simultaneously. For such expeditions, the shamans construct a “spiritual boat” or “spiritual canoe.”

On the designated night, the shamans create two “imaginary” canoes arranged in parallel rows within a large dwelling. Each shaman has his magical cedar board adorned with images seen in his spiritual canoe. With poles in hand, they push or row their canoes, with a designated leader and helmsman. Accompanied by instruments and singing, they traverse the spiritual waters, singing the song of their respective guardians. The audience partakes in the singing to aid the shamans.

This spiritual canoe journey can last for several days, with the shamans sleeping during the day and propelling their canoe in the evenings. Usually lasting two nights, the first night entails a voyage to the spirit realm, while the second night marks the return journey. Once the guardian spirit is successfully retrieved and returned to the client, he stood up and danced.

Spirit canoes are not only utilized for guardian spirit retrieval but also for research journeys. During these travels, a client is present in the middle of the canoe, with an experienced shaman as the drummer. Knowledge gained from these journeys is shared amongst the team to expedite the accumulation of shamanic wisdom. Through research journeys, shamans gain spirit helpers and insights into treating various ailments, guided by their guardian spirit to the dwellings of special spirits.

Learn all about Siberian shamanism on Ahamkara