Mongolian Shamanic Trance – The Sacred Ritual of Communicating with Spirits
In the wide-open steppes of Mongolia, where the sky meets the earth in silent harmony, an ancient spiritual tradition continues to echo across generations—the shamanic trance. This sacred state of altered consciousness allows Mongolian shamans, known as “böö” (male) and “udgan” (female), to transcend the physical world and enter the realm of spirits. Far from superstition, the trance is central to Mongolia’s deep-rooted animist and Tengrist beliefs. Through rhythmic drumming, chanting, and sacred costumes, shamans act as bridges between humans and divine forces, healing the sick, guiding the lost, and restoring harmony between nature and soul.
| 1. What Is Mongolian Shamanism? |
Mongolian shamanism is one of the oldest spiritual systems in Central Asia. Before Buddhism and Islam arrived, Mongolians worshipped the spirits of nature, ancestors, and the Eternal Blue Sky—Tengri. Shamanism is based on the belief that the world is inhabited by visible and invisible beings—both benevolent and malevolent. Shamans are spiritual specialists who communicate with these forces to maintain cosmic balance. They don’t just pray—they travel spiritually to other realms to bring back answers, blessings, or warnings. The trance is not a performance; it is a sacred duty, a spiritual act of service.
| 2. The Role of the Shaman in Mongolian Society |
Shamans serve as healers, mediators, prophets, and protectors. When a family faces illness, misfortune, or unexplained events, they turn to the shaman. The shaman identifies whether the problem stems from spiritual imbalance, ancestral anger, or environmental disharmony. In some communities, shamans are also tribal historians and dream interpreters. Their authority doesn’t come from institutional power, but from spiritual inheritance—often passed down through bloodlines or revealed through visions and illness (a “shamanic calling”).
| 3. Entering the Trance: The Ritual Process |
The trance state is the heart of shamanic ritual. It begins with preparation—cleansing the space, lighting incense, and donning ceremonial garments. Then comes the drumming, often fast and rhythmic, intended to shift the shaman’s brain into an altered state. Chanting or throat singing may accompany the beat. As the trance deepens, the shaman begins to tremble, dance, or shout—these are not random acts but signs of spiritual possession. In this state, the shaman’s consciousness steps aside, and a guardian spirit enters, speaking through them, answering questions, or offering healing.
| 4. Spirits, Ancestors, and the Sky God Tengri |
Mongolian shamans don’t just summon any spirits—they work with a specific pantheon. Chief among them is Tengri, the Eternal Blue Sky, considered the supreme deity. Other spirits include nature spirits (of rivers, mountains, animals), ancestor spirits, and protective warrior spirits. Some shamans work with ongod, ancestral guardian spirits who may have been former shamans or tribal leaders. The relationship is deeply personal—each shaman has their own spirit allies, developed over years of trance work. These spirits offer wisdom, but they also demand respect, rituals, and offerings.
| 5. Tools of the Trance: Drums, Costumes, and Chants |
Every aspect of the ritual has symbolic power. The shaman’s drum represents the horse or vehicle that carries the soul to other worlds. Its sound opens the spiritual doorway. Costumes often include antlers, feathers, mirrors, and flowing ribbons—each piece has meaning. Mirrors deflect evil spirits, antlers channel animal strength, and masks conceal the shaman’s human face during spirit possession. The chants and invocations are often ancient, passed down orally and rich in poetic, metaphorical language. These tools are not props—they are sacred instruments that support the shaman’s spiritual journey.
| 6. Healing, Divination, and Spirit Journeys |
The trance is not merely symbolic—it has practical uses. Shamans heal by extracting spiritual illness, rebalancing energy, or retrieving lost soul fragments. They may perform divination, answering questions about health, relationships, or future events. Sometimes, the shaman’s spirit travels to the Upper World (of deities) or Lower World (of ancestral spirits) to find answers or fight spiritual battles. These journeys are filled with rich visions—of animal guides, burning mountains, or rivers of stars—each symbol holding profound meaning.
| 7. Modern Revival of Shamanic Traditions |
Mongolian shamanism was suppressed during Soviet rule, especially from the 1930s to the 1990s. Shamans were arrested, and rituals were banned. However, with Mongolia’s independence and cultural revival, shamanism is experiencing a powerful resurgence. Young Mongolians are reconnecting with their ancestral roots, and urban shamans now conduct rituals in cities like Ulaanbaatar. Yet, the tradition is not static—some modern shamans blend ancient techniques with contemporary spiritual practices. Despite modernization, the trance remains a timeless element—offering a doorway to something sacred, wild, and deeply human.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can anyone become a Mongolian shaman?
A1: Not exactly. Most shamans are “chosen” through visions, illness, or family lineage. The path often begins with a personal spiritual crisis known as a “shamanic illness.”
Q2: Is shamanic trance dangerous?
A2: It can be intense. Shamans are trained to navigate spiritual realms safely, but untrained individuals risk psychological distress or spiritual imbalance if they attempt it improperly.
Q3: Are shamanic rituals open to outsiders or tourists?
A3: Some are, especially with urban shamans. However, many ceremonies remain private or sacred, and attending them requires deep respect and permission.
