ACU Trance Spirit Possession and Shamanism Essay
ANSWER
- Relationship between Trance, Spirit, Possession, and Shamanism (According to Lewis): Trance, spirit possession, and shamanism are often interconnected concepts in anthropological discussions. Trance refers to an altered state of consciousness in which individuals may exhibit behaviors or experiences that differ from their ordinary state. Spirit possession involves the belief that an individual’s body is temporarily inhabited by a spirit, deity, or other supernatural entity. Shamanism is a practice involving individuals (shamans) who enter altered states of consciousness to communicate with spirits, ancestors, or other realms to bring about healing, divination, or other supernatural activities.
David Lewis, an anthropologist, might explore how these concepts relate in various cultural contexts, highlighting how they function as mechanisms for interacting with the spiritual world and addressing social, psychological, and health-related concerns within those societies.
- Connection to Furst and Coe’s Mayan Intoxicating Enemans: Michael Furst and Michael Coe’s work on Mayan intoxicating enemas might examine the ritual use of psychoactive substances as a means to induce altered states of consciousness and communicate with the spiritual realm. These enemas could be seen as a way to facilitate trance-like experiences or spirit possession, potentially connecting to shamanic practices within Mayan culture.
- Harner’s Account of Amazonian Shamanism: Michael Harner’s work on Amazonian shamanism could delve into how shamanic practices involve entering trance states to communicate with spirits, extract harmful entities, and provide healing. Harner’s research might shed light on the various rituals and techniques Amazonian shamans use to achieve altered states of consciousness, and how these practices are integral to their role within their societies.
- Trance and Healing (According to Greenfield and Hutson): Trance states, as explored by Greenfield and Hutson, could be connected to healing in different ways:
- Greenfield: If you’re referring to Susan Greenfield, she might explore how altered states of consciousness, like trance, can potentially have therapeutic effects on psychological and emotional well-being. Trance experiences might enable individuals to access suppressed emotions or gain insights into their thoughts and feelings, leading to a form of catharsis or self-discovery.
- Hutson: If you’re referring to Joseph Hutson, his work might discuss how the intense sensory and social experiences at raves can induce altered states of consciousness similar to trance. These states could lead to a sense of connection and unity among participants, promoting feelings of well-being and potentially contributing to therapeutic outcomes.
In both cases, the specific ways in which trance or altered states of consciousness promote healing would likely vary depending on the cultural context, individual experiences, and the rituals or practices involved.
Please provide more specific information or quotes from these authors’ works if you’d like a more detailed analysis of their perspectives and how they relate to each other.
QUESTION
Description
What is the relationship between trance, spirit, possession, and shamanism, according to Lewis? How can Lewis’ article and arguments be connected to Furst and Coe’s account of Mayan intoxicating enemans and Harner’s account of Amazonian shamanism? According to Greenfield and to Hutson, how can trance (or a state of consciousness achieved at a rave, in the case of Hutson) promote healing?