First Step in Becoming a Shamanism (Being Chosen to Become a Shaman)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Generally, prior to becoming a shaman, one will be precipitated by an unusual illness. Both men, women, and even children can be “chosen.” Once a person is chosen, he or she will look into the spirit world for “treatment training.” An experienced shaman might help with external details of the practice (tools, altar set up [teeb thaj neeb] etc.) for the new shaman. The experienced shaman will not provide training or education, in any of the skills needed to be a shaman healer; that information is understood to be provided by the spirits. Shamans must first be able to treat their own family members, in order to take on the role of community healers. Once a person becomes a shaman, he or she must make a lifelong commitment to being a healer. Being a shaman includes:

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• Being open and accessible to the entire community
• Often involves diet restrictions and ritual regimens
• Engage in negotiation (pauj dab) for the person’s soul
• Offering gifts, such as spirit money (ntawv nyiaj), and/or the

   souls of animals in exchange for the soul of the sick person



















































Sources

• Numrich, Charles, Plotnikoff, Gregory A., Wu, Chu, Xiong, Phua, and Yang Deu. “Hmong Shamanism Animist Spiritual Healing in Minnesota.” Center for Spirituality & Healing: Clinical & Health Affairs, Vol. 85, No. 6 (2002), pp. 29-34. 12 February 2012.
• http://www.pbs.org/splithorn/shamanism.html