How are shamans chosen?

If there is something that characterizes the jungle of Peru, it is its shamans, and it is that for many centuries, even before civilization or religion arrived, the Amazonian tribes lived (and continue to live like this) respecting the spirits of the jungle and all the customs of their ancestors.

The jungle is a world apart from all, if you are lucky enough to travel to Iquitos and take a walk through the tribes, you will understand what I am talking about. Knowing up close the celebrations that the shamans give with the entire population that accompanies them is a very special ritual, full of mysticism and symbolism.

But how are shamans chosen? How can you be a shaman?

There are different ways to become a shaman; The first and most important is to be part of a tribe that has shamanic traditions and the second is to enter a specialized shaman center. In the jungle there are different centers where you can perform some activities guided by shamans, such as ayahuasca.

1. Being part of a tribe with a shamanic tradition.

Being a shaman is something that is given by tradition, that is, knowledge is passed from generation to generation. You have to be born into a jungle tribe or community in order to receive the ancient knowledge of how to be a shaman. This process does not have a defined time; however, it is known that people who become shamans are already older adults, an average age of 40 years and above.

2. Study in specialized shaman centers

Currently there are study centers to become a shaman in the Jungle. As is known, these centers do not charge, all you need is to meet certain requirements such as being able to stay and live there for a certain time (it could be years) and be part of the community.