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Heart and Soul: Will the real Shaman stand up?

Will the Real Shaman Stand Up?

05/05/2023 GMT

Will the real Shaman stand up?

BBC World Service - Heart and Soul, Will the real Shaman stand up?

How can followers of the UK’s fastest growing religion prove their beliefs are sincere?

According to the national census, the number of British people who say they follow Shamanism as a religion has risen twelvefold in the space of 10 years. While the numbers are still low – at around 8,000 followers - the increase has put pressure on those who have followed the practice for years. 

Without a clear set of beliefs and a central organisation, the practice of Shamanism itself has its roots in different parts of the world.

How do experienced Shamanic practitioners ensure their belief is not hijacked by those whose motives are not purely spiritual?
The BBC’s Amber Haque visits a British shaman to find out what Shamanism is, what it means to her and her circle of believers and why they think it should be taken seriously.

Presenter: Amber Haque 
Producer: Rob Cave 
Production co-ordinator: Mica Nepomuceno 
Editor: Helen Grady

(Photo: Rita Hraiz)

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