Paganism vs. Shamanism — What's the Difference?

Polytheistic belief system.

Mediator role.

Ritual practices.

Altered states.

Nature worship.

Healing practices.

Community-focused.

Spirit communication.

Diverse traditions.

Cultural specificity.

Paganism (from classical Latin pāgānus "rural", "rustic", later "civilian") is a term first used in the fourth century by early Christians for people in the Roman Empire who practiced polytheism or ethnic religions other than Judaism. In the time of the Roman empire, individuals fell into the pagan class either because they were increasingly rural and provincial relative to the Christian population, or because they were not milites Christi (soldiers of Christ).

Shamanism is a religious practice that involves a practitioner (shaman) interacting with what they believe to be a spirit world through altered states of consciousness, such as trance. The goal of this is usually to direct spirits or spiritual energies into the physical world for the purpose of healing, divination, or to aid human beings in some other way.Beliefs and practices categorized as "shamanic" have attracted the interest of scholars from a variety of disciplines, including anthropologists, archaeologists, historians, religious studies scholars, philosophers and psychologists.

A religion other than one of the main world religions, specifically a non-Christian or pre-Christian religion

The animistic religion of certain peoples of northern Asia in which mediation between the visible and spirit worlds is effected by shamans.

An adherent of a polytheistic religion in antiquity, especially when viewed in contrast to an adherent of a monotheistic religion.

A similar religion or set of beliefs, especially among certain Native American peoples.

A Neopagan.

Any of a range of traditional beliefs and practices concerned with communication with the spirit world.

One who has no religion.

The type of religion which once prevalied among all the Ural-Altaic peoples (Tungusic, Mongol, and Turkish), and which still survives in various parts of Northern Asia. The Shaman, or wizard priest, deals with good as well as with evil spirits, especially the good spirits of ancestors.

An adherent of a religion other than Judaism, Christianity, or Islam.

Any animistic religion similar to Asian shamanism (especially as practiced by certain Native American tribes)

A hedonist.

An animistic religion of northern Asia having the belief that the mediation between the visible and the spirit worlds is effected by shamans

Any indigenous polytheistic religion.

Any of a class of religions often associated with nature rituals.

The state of being pagan; pagan characteristics; esp., the worship of idols or false gods, or the system of religious opinions and worship maintained by pagans; heathenism.

Any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism

Shamanism is a spiritual practice focused on the shaman's role as a mediator between the physical and spiritual worlds, often for healing or guidance.

Paganism directly worships and celebrates nature and its cycles, whereas shamanism involves working with spirit entities that may be associated with natural elements.

Paganism refers to various polytheistic, nature-based religions that often celebrate the natural world and its cycles.

Shamans are not typically part of a structured priesthood; their role is more individualized, based on personal calling and abilities.

Yes, shamanistic practices can be integrated into pagan traditions, although they maintain distinct core practices.

A shaman's role is to heal, provide guidance, and maintain the spiritual balance of the community through their interactions with the spirit world.

Not all shamans use plant medicines; methods to achieve altered states vary culturally and individually.

Shamans enter altered states through techniques like drumming, dancing, and sometimes the use of entheogens.

Pagans conduct rituals through ceremonies, offerings, and prayers, often in groups and aligned with natural cycles.

No, pagan practices vary widely among different traditions, and practitioners often incorporate eclectic elements into their personal beliefs.

Beliefs about the afterlife vary widely among pagans, with some traditions having specific views on reincarnation or other forms of existence beyond death.

Becoming a shaman often involves a specific calling, personal experiences, and usually an apprenticeship under an experienced shaman.

Shamanism can and does exist outside of traditional cultures, often adapted into modern spiritual practices.

Shamanic healing can involve various techniques, such as soul retrieval, spirit extraction, and journeying to the spirit world for guidance or healing.

A pagan festival is a gathering for practitioners to celebrate seasonal cycles, deities, and communal rites.