"Mongolia’s Spirit Summoning Ritual – The Sacred Power Invoked by Shamans"
Introduction
Across the vast, wind-swept steppes of Mongolia, where mountains touch the sky and silence stretches for miles, ancient spiritual traditions still echo in the rhythm of the land. Among the most mystical and powerful of these is the spirit summoning ritual, a sacred ceremony practiced by Mongolian shamans, known as Böö or Udgan.
This ritual is not merely a performance—it is a profound spiritual connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. It is where shamans act as intermediaries between humans and the realm of spirits, calling upon the forces of nature, ancestral beings, and guardian deities.
Let us journey through the wind and fire, drums and chants, to discover the deep cultural and spiritual significance of Mongolia’s spirit summoning rituals.
1. The Foundations of Mongolian Shamanism
Shamanism in Mongolia predates Buddhism and was the primary spiritual system of the nomadic tribes for thousands of years. It is animistic, meaning all elements of nature—rocks, rivers, mountains, animals—are considered alive and spiritually significant.
In Mongolian cosmology:
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Tenger (sky gods) and Etügen (earth mother) rule over the universe.
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Shamans communicate with these divine forces to heal, protect, guide, and bless.
Spirit summoning is central to this tradition. Through rituals, trances, and sacred songs, shamans call on specific spirits to aid individuals or entire communities.
2. The Ritual Setting and Tools
The ritual usually takes place in a ger (traditional Mongolian tent) or at sacred outdoor locations like mountains or rivers, believed to be dwellings of powerful spirits.
Key elements:
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Drum (tüngür): Represents the horse that carries the shaman’s soul to the spirit realm.
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Costume: Feathers, bones, and metal pieces adorn the shaman’s robe, symbolizing transformation.
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Headdress: Often masks or blindfolds are worn to shield the shaman from harmful entities.
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Sacrificial offerings: Milk, vodka, food, or horse hair for the spirits.
The setting is carefully prepared, sometimes with assistance from the community. It is not uncommon for participants to fast or remain silent before a ritual to purify themselves.
3. Entering Trance – Bridging Two Worlds
At the core of spirit summoning is the shamanic trance. It is achieved through rhythmic drumming, chanting, and breathing techniques that alter the shaman’s consciousness.
What happens in trance:
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The shaman’s soul is believed to journey to the Upper or Lower World.
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Spirits “ride” or “enter” the shaman’s body, enabling possession or direct communication.
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The shaman may speak in tongues, perform spontaneous movements, or deliver messages from the spirit world.
During this process, onlookers are often silent or in awe, as they witness not just performance, but sacred transformation.
4. Types of Spirits and Their Purposes
Not all spirits are the same. Mongolian shamans call upon a wide range of beings, depending on the purpose of the ritual.
Common spirit types:
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Ancestral spirits: Offer protection and guidance to the family.
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Nature spirits: Called for healing, fertility, or weather-related blessings.
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Warrior spirits: Invoked for strength, courage, or protection in battle.
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Dark spirits: Sometimes must be appeased or banished if causing illness or misfortune.
The shaman acts as a mediator, ensuring harmony is restored between human life and the spiritual balance of nature.
5. Role in Modern Mongolian Culture
After years of suppression during the Soviet era, Mongolian shamanism is now experiencing a powerful revival. Many Mongolians turn to shamans not just for spiritual reasons, but for:
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Mental and emotional healing
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Protection from curses
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Blessings for new homes, marriages, and children
Some rituals are even livestreamed or shared on social media, bringing ancient traditions into digital spaces.
While others remain fiercely private, continuing to uphold sacred knowledge passed down through generations.
6. The Universal Meaning of Spirit Summoning
Though it is deeply rooted in Mongolian culture, the practice of spirit summoning reflects a universal human desire—to connect with something greater, unseen, and eternal.
Through fire and drum, mask and chant, Mongolian shamans show us a path that does not forget the earth, the sky, or the spirits in between.
They remind us that power does not always come from control—it can also come from reverence.
Q&A
Q1. Do Mongolian shamans still practice spirit summoning today?
Yes, especially in rural areas and among traditional communities. It has even become more visible since Mongolia’s democratization in the 1990s.
Q2. Can foreigners participate in or observe these rituals?
Sometimes, but only with permission and deep respect. Some shamans offer public blessings, but private ceremonies are sacred.
Q3. Is Mongolian shamanism related to Siberian shamanism?
Yes, they share linguistic, cultural, and ritual similarities, especially among the Buryat and Tuvan peoples.
Q4. Are all Mongolian shamans the same?
No. Some are white shamans (benevolent), while others are black shamans (who deal with darker spirits). Their training and practices can differ significantly.
Q5. What is the most important tool in the ritual?
The drum is often considered the most sacred, as it is believed to carry the soul between worlds.
