So, how can you recognise an authentic shaman when you meet one? Here is some practical advice to ensure you find a shaman with the right intentions.

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1. TRUST YOUR INTUITION

Don’t choose your shaman based solely on advice from someone else. If someone tells you their shaman is great, but your gut tells you otherwise, you should trust your intuition. A good shaman won’t incite doubt or give rise to any negative feelings when you meet them. They should always inspire an instant sense of trust, and you should feel content and calm in their presence. Trust what your gut tells you!

2. SHAMANS MAINTAIN A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR TEACHER

A real shaman will maintain a good relationship with their teacher, as the teacher will always check up on her or him. And just like the shaman her/himself, the teacher will be someone who is authentic and trustworthy. The shaman will likely be happy to divulge stories of their studies and experiences learning from their teacher. But know that some untrustworthy shamans exaggerate their education, especially if the teacher is well-known. A good shaman won’t brag like that.

3. A GOOD SHAMAN HAS EXPERIENCE

Authentic shamans don’t just start out as rock stars making a living from working with celebrity clients. They had to start somewhere, and often practise their skills on family and friends first. Only after a period of training, followed by positive results, will a good shaman feel confident enough to take on clients.

4. A GOOD SHAMAN IS SWEET, INNOCENT, AND MAYBE EVEN FUNNY

You can often recognise an authentic shaman by their sweet, innocent, and sometimes outright jovial persona. This is because a good shaman has learned that there is no such thing as evil in the world. They know that not taking everything too seriously, along with a positive attitude, is important for a healthy body and mind. A good shaman is a living manifestation of this, and may be just like a friend that’s fun to hang out with!

5. A GOOD SHAMAN IS HUMBLE

A true shaman will never brag about their skills or famous clients. To be a good shaman, they need to be free of any ego, as only then can the good spirits work through them. This also means that there is no such thing as a “famous” shaman. If anything, a good shaman will always be humble.

6. A SOBER SHAMAN IS A GOOD SHAMAN

A good shaman will have a pure and clean energy, and this will show in their appearance. If you meet an unkempt guy who tells you about his great skills as a shaman, it’s more likely that the guy is a charlatan. Likewise, a good shaman won’t overindulge in alcohol, and will in all likelihood say no to hard drugs. They may work with spirits, but they do so with a clear mind!

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7. A GOOD SHAMAN WILL TELL YOU ABOUT THEIR LIFE

Becoming a good shaman is anything but easy. In fact, many don’t make it, as the shamanic path can be very hard and often comes with lots of suffering. Many times, shamans have experienced serious personal hardships, and it’s not uncommon for them to share some of these stories with clients. Enduring mental and physical challenges, and learning to heal oneself, is heavy stuff, and can be quite inspiring.

8. YOU WILL FIND THEM, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND

No real shaman will approach you to offer their services like if you were shopping in a mall; they will let you find them. So if someone approaches you offering their services, better stay away from these guys.

9. THEY DO NOT PRESS FOR MONEY

Yes, shamans need to make a living like everyone else, but they will never press you for money. It is more likely that when you meet a great shaman, they will make you feel as if they’d like to do nothing more than help you for free. That being said, always make sure to pay in full. A good shaman will normally also be flexible when it comes to their fees, depending on what you can afford.

10. A GOOD SHAMAN IS REALISTIC

A good shaman won’t promise you miracles, and shamanic practice is never a quick fix. They will be honest if they think they cannot help you. Be wary if a shaman makes unrealistic promises, as a good practitioner will always know their limits.

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11. THEY ARE THERE FOR AFTERCARE

A real shaman doesn’t just perform their services and disappear into the night, never to be seen again. Instead, a good shaman will have a genuine interest in your well-being and will be there for you afterwards to begin processing your experience.