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[Tsakara]

So, I've been trying for a while to find my path, and feeling myself out, and for the most part I'm pretty squarely Wiccan. I follow the beliefs and customs of British traditionalism, and I definitely feel that that is my path spiritually.

However, I feel that my role is that of a shaman. I'm not too interested in shamanism as a belief system, it appeals to me, but not nearly as much as Wicca does. However, it appeals to me as a role. As a healer, a spiritual guide, leader, and teacher. These are all traits I want to exemplify. I want to fullfill basically all the cultural roles of a shaman, using Wicca as the belief system to support this.

Is this possible? Should I call myself a shaman? I'd call myself a priestess, but I don't feel that fits me as well as shaman does. If I call myself a shaman without belonging to that spiritual will I be irritating people who are?

I guess to put it in simplest terms, for me, being a shaman isn't a system of beliefs, and it isn't tied to what I believe in, instead its tied to what I do. Is this alright?

[TBD]

Witches have been healers, spiritual guides, leaders and teachers, similarly to shamans.  There is nothing wrong with using shamanistic practices alongside Witchcraft in my opinion.

My only advice is to remember that Wicca is a religion, and Witchcraft is a magical practice used by others who are not Wiccan.  For identifying your religion, go with the one that matches your religious beliefs.  As for how you choose to label your magical practice, call it what it is, either Shamanism, or Shamanistic Witchcraft, or whatever.  I'm not sure people get as hung up on what you label your practice as they do labeling religion.

[dark magus]

The term "Shaman" is a very big ticket item.
It refers to so many different cultures and practises. Depending on whom you are talking to the term could bring to mind head hunters from Borneo, plains Indians from the American Mid West or a bushman from Africa.
When I think of a Shaman, I think of a person who connects with the spirits of nature, be it plant, mineral or animal, for any number of purposes, through trance, often brought on with chanting, meditation, herbs, drugs or a combination of those aides.
Now, I call myself an Animist. Animism is generally viewed as a Shamanistic path, but I don't call myself a Shaman. Frankly, I just don't need the label.
So before you start calling yourself one thing or another, consider how you would like others to view you and your beliefs. But only if you really give two hoots what other think in the first place.

[marisol]

Tsakara,

I am a Wiccan and I practice witchcraft.A witch does not have to be Wiccan, nor does a Wiccan
have to be a witch. But it is possible to be both.

You speak of Wicca as the path you were meant to follow, and Shamanism as a role with status.
I myself would not claim what was not mine.

Goddess bless

[Serpentium]

How about a Neo-Syncretic Shamano-Wiccanist? That rolls off the tongue nicely, and no-body will have a clue it's all made up.

[Scorched Eartha]

How about a Neo-Syncretic Shamano-Wiccanist?That rolls off the tongue nicely, and no-body will have a clue it's all made up.

Too clumsy...don't exactly roll off the tongue now does it...esp after a few bevvys
So
Neo-Syncretic Shamano-Wiccanist?

Neo Sharmanaic Wiccanry
fixt.

[Tsakara]

I guess its this way: religiously I am Wiccan, that's pretty straightforward.

As for the shaman thing, I see the word shaman as having two meanings. 'Shaman' being firstly the role of the medicine man/women, spirit healer, guide, etc, for a tribe, and secondly, the title of someone who practices the religion of 'shamanism.' I don't see the two as being mutually exclusive. There have historically been Christian Shamans.

[C_A]

The lectures series from the late Joe Campbell can clear this all up very succinctly.  Google the Joseph Campbell Foundation for more.  I know that a LOT of his lectures are available on Ntflix.

[marisol]

Just make sure you study enough about Shamanism to know what you are doing and talking about. Good Luck.

Blessed Be

[Khara]

I guess its this way: religiously I am Wiccan, that's pretty straightforward.

As for the shaman thing, I see the word shaman as having two meanings. 'Shaman' being firstly the role of the medicine man/women, spirit healer, guide, etc, for a tribe, and secondly, the title of someone who practices the religion of 'shamanism.' I don't see the two as being mutually exclusive. There have historically been Christian Shamans.

In the definition for indigenous people, yes medicine man/woman, spirit healer, guide etc is correct.  However, in druidry and the Celtic paths it is not.  As well "shamanism" is not in itself a religion.  It is more of a line of thinking. 

Also, just for the record, there have not been any noteworthy or well known christian shamans, historically or otherwise.  Is it possible?  I presume so, however, once you actually get into shamanism and learn about it, you will discover a lot of what are core beliefs, ideas and traditions in shamanism are in direct contrast to the christian way of thinking.

[claudette]

While I've never studied Shamanism in depth, I've never thought of is as a religion.  A practice or way of thinking maybe, but not a religion. 

[Firesong]

We have some good general information on the main site as well:
http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wyldkat/shmnindex.htm