Ritual Glossary
Common words you may hear on a call with a shaman. Traditions differ around the world, and each practitioner may use these words in their own way.
- Altar
- A space set aside for spiritual practice, often holding candles, offerings, photos or sacred objects.
- Ancestors
- Family and spiritual forebears whom many traditions honor and turn to for guidance.
- Blessing
- Words or acts that call on spiritual goodwill for a person, place or undertaking.
- Candle work
- Using candles, sometimes with chosen colors or words, as a focus for intention or prayer.
- Ceremony
- A structured spiritual event with set actions, words or songs, often held for a specific purpose or occasion.
- Cleansing
- A ritual intended to clear away negativity, for example with water, smoke, herbs or prayer.
- Divination
- Methods of seeking insight, such as tarot cards, shells, bones, stones or reading signs.
- Drumming
- Rhythmic drumming used in many shamanic traditions to support focus, prayer or journeying.
- Intention
- A clear statement of what you hope for, often spoken at the start of a ritual or reading.
- Journeying
- A shamanic practice of entering a focused, meditative state, often guided by drumming, to seek insight.
- Mandala
- A circular design symbolizing wholeness, used as a focus for meditation in several traditions.
- Offering
- A gift such as food, flowers, water or words given to honor spirits, ancestors or the divine.
- Prayer
- Speaking or singing to the divine, spirits or ancestors, aloud or silently.
- Reading
- A session in which a practitioner shares insight using their tradition's methods. On Shamans For Hire, readings are for entertainment purposes only.
- Ritual
- A set of meaningful actions performed in a particular way, often repeated, to mark or honor something.
- Sacred space
- A place made special for spiritual practice, sometimes by cleansing it or setting an intention.
- Shaman
- A spiritual practitioner who, in many cultures, acts as an intermediary with the spirit world. Practices vary widely between traditions.
- Smudging
- Burning herbs and using the smoke for cleansing. Some herbs and practices belong to specific Indigenous cultures and are best approached with respect.
- Spirit guide
- A spiritual presence that some traditions believe offers protection or guidance.
- Tarot
- A deck of 78 cards used for reflection and divination. Try our free 3-card tarot.
- Tradition
- The body of beliefs and practices passed down within a culture or lineage.
This glossary is general information for curiosity and reflection. Readings on Shamans For Hire are for entertainment purposes only.