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THE AMBIGUOUS MEANING OF TRANCE: PRODUCTION OF SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES IN ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE CONTEXT OF NEO-SHAMANISM
Abstract
This paper will draw upon an anthropological field study exploring new religious movements – in particular neo-shamanism – which I am currently undertaking. The research employs the participant observation method and deals with a typical feature of many of these movements: the intentional bringing about of altered states of consciousness and subsequent unusual experiences (visions) to use as part of spiritual practice. According to neo-shamans, their spiritual journeys take place in a trance. However, as I discovered during my field research, the meaning of the word trance in the neo-shamanic context differs significantly from its more common general understanding. The expressions trance, altered state of consciousness, vision, etc. are popular terms which are used regularly, but their exact meaning is seldom discussed, even in scholarly texts. In order map the meaning and significance assigned to the word trance in the neo-shamanic context, I will begin by analyzing the usage of those terms in fundamental neo-shamanic texts –specifically popular books by Michael Harner. Then, leveraging my field data, I will describe how the neo-shamanic movement deals with altered states of consciousness and the effects of the discrepancy of meaning between the conventional usage of the word trance and the conception of trance in neo-shamanism. These discrepancies, and the tensions they bring about, become evident, for example, in sharing sessions after shamanic journeys when newcomers “learn” how to express and interpret their experiences. Findings of the research indicate that the experience of trance in neo-shamanism is strongly influenced by the social context of neo-shamanic groups, and it presents as an acquirable pattern.
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