status. Researchers have termed such bearers of
status as shamans. From this we got the period of
(1766-221 BCE) in China where we can make the
early distinction between male “his” and female
“wu” shamans (Harvey & Wallis, 2007).
Next we had the Iron age (1000 BCE) in Europe
where "Celtic Druids" were identified as shamans.
From here (300-900 CE) we have the Anglo-Saxon
and Norse Vikings who employed shamans and
exchanged ideas with local cultures such as the
Saami. This was followed by the 12 th century
where Gerald of Wales describes the process of
“Awenyddion” (enhanced diviners). At about this
time Islam and Buddhism are intermixed with
shamanism in the religious life of some
communities.
The 18 th century sees the appearance of the
German word “schamamen” and then the English
word “shamanism” as the notion increased in
popularity. Enlightenment writers such as von
Herder, Victor Hugo and Goethe develop positive
valuations of shaman and encourage individual
insight and inspiration. These writers considered
Orpheus to have been a shaman. In the 19 th
century Allan Kardec initiates a new spiritualist
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