Mediums and Shamens
11/12/2011
Anthro 208
Essay 1
2. First define “Shaman” and “Medium”. What do Shamans and Mediums do in Iceland? Then compare their activities in Iceland to that of at least one small-scale “traditional culture” or ethnic group you have seen or read about in our class.
Difference between Shaman and Medium in Iceland
Shamans and Mediums are very similar in their definitions. A medium is “a practitioner who intentionally communicates with the supernatural to find information” (1:262). While a shaman is someone who is “a part-time religious specialist who receives his or her power directly from the spirit world and acquires status and the ability to do things through personal communication with the supernatural” (1:264). However mediums are chosen and must pass certain tests and qualifications in order to become a certified medium in Iceland. They also have to be born with their ability, and have experiences when they are younger of age (2:58). Mediums and shamans in Iceland are similar in their connection with the spirit world, but are organized differently. Shamans do not have the same qualifications as a medium does, but both help and heal the community.
Mediums in Iceland
Mediums in Iceland have a more daunting task than just intentionally communicating with the supernatural. A true medium is born with the qualities of a medium and has to serve its community for the benefits of the people in it. With the born and learned skills you have to be able to communicate with other spirits than your relatives (2:58). The Icelandic Society for Sprit Research (SRFI) certifies you as a medium in Iceland. It is an institution with members that pay dues. This is a clear difference between mediums in Iceland and shamans (2:132). One must pass a test to become a medium that gauges your ability by seeing how authentic you are. A community needs to know that it’s not some lucky guesses and that it isn’t a mind game of reading the person’s body and not conversing
Anthro 208
Essay 1
2. First define “Shaman” and “Medium”. What do Shamans and Mediums do in Iceland? Then compare their activities in Iceland to that of at least one small-scale “traditional culture” or ethnic group you have seen or read about in our class.
Difference between Shaman and Medium in Iceland
Shamans and Mediums are very similar in their definitions. A medium is “a practitioner who intentionally communicates with the supernatural to find information” (1:262). While a shaman is someone who is “a part-time religious specialist who receives his or her power directly from the spirit world and acquires status and the ability to do things through personal communication with the supernatural” (1:264). However mediums are chosen and must pass certain tests and qualifications in order to become a certified medium in Iceland. They also have to be born with their ability, and have experiences when they are younger of age (2:58). Mediums and shamans in Iceland are similar in their connection with the spirit world, but are organized differently. Shamans do not have the same qualifications as a medium does, but both help and heal the community.
Mediums in Iceland
Mediums in Iceland have a more daunting task than just intentionally communicating with the supernatural. A true medium is born with the qualities of a medium and has to serve its community for the benefits of the people in it. With the born and learned skills you have to be able to communicate with other spirits than your relatives (2:58). The Icelandic Society for Sprit Research (SRFI) certifies you as a medium in Iceland. It is an institution with members that pay dues. This is a clear difference between mediums in Iceland and shamans (2:132). One must pass a test to become a medium that gauges your ability by seeing how authentic you are. A community needs to know that it’s not some lucky guesses and that it isn’t a mind game of reading the person’s body and not conversing