Role of Shamans in Fostering Well-being and Healing for Their Believers

Abstract

Shamanism has been a long-held practice in Gilgit Baltistan for many years. The goal of this research is to look at shamanism in Gilgit Baltistan culture. Shamans are supposed to have a spiritual connection and the power to communicate with spirits, heal the sick, and guide the souls of the departed to the afterlife. The researcher used a qualitative method for the study and conducted interviews with four shamans in Gilgit, the main city, to collect data to determine the utility of researching shamanism in Gilgit Baltistan. A well-structured interview guide was used to collect data from shamans who practice shamanism. According to the findings, shamans use
various healing techniques, such as asking for the client's name and the name of their mother. They conduct precise counting processes using the letters from these names to acquire insights into the client's state and probable diseases, as well as reading facial expressions and subtle indications to gain initial insights into the client's well-being. Another component of their diagnostic
method is connecting with the client's spiritual guidance. In some cases, shamanistic diagnosis involves the use of the Quran, and another process involves the shaman burning specific branches of the juniper tree and inhaling its smoke, specific music being played and the shaman dancing on it, which helps him to attract attention, enter a happy mind, slaughter a goat and drink fresh blood from its head, and seek counsel from spirits to find solutions.