Shaman
巫師 · Shaman — A spirit communicator who traverses between the spirit world and reality
The shaman is a religious intermediary who travels between spirit and physical worlds, communicating with spirits, ancestors, and gods. The name derives from the Tungus 'šamán' of Siberia, but anthropologically the role exists universally across all continents in primitive religions — Siberian, Mongolian, Native American, African tribal, Korean mudang — varying in form but identical in essence. They enter trance states (possession) during rituals to receive spirits for prophecy and healing. In fantasy they become a class using totems, rituals, and spirit summoning — Warcraft's Shaman class and D&D's Shaman are prominent examples. Korean mudang are the same lineage as religious specialists for gut rituals, divination, and healing.
