Аннотация:Shamanism traces its roots to the pre-agrarian hunters and nomad cultures. In most places, it was dissolved by more recent cults, although elements of shamanisms might be found in many religions. Northern Eurasia is a unique place where multiple small nations maintained both mythology and practices of shamanism. World perception of shamanism divides the universe into three parts: the upper, the lower, and the middle world. Unlike Abrahamic religions, in shamanism the lower and the upper worlds are not antagonistic; also, the male and female nature is not opposed. In some ethnic groups, the same deity may change gender. In shamanism, soil belongs to the middle word (human cosmos) and serves as a membrane between the middle world and the lower world, the kingdom of the dead. Even for pre-agrarian cultures, shamanism recognizes soil for its fertility and includes it in some rituals related to human reproduction. The gods and spirits are asked to maintain soil productivity by praying and through various forms of sacrifices. People recognize soil as the source of life, the symbol of fertility, as a mother or grandmother. Soil for pre-agrarian cultures was a sacral object, and thus for them digging and even tillage is associated with hurting Mother Earth. In such cultures, burial ceremonies do not involve disturbing the ground. Generally, burial rituals are complex, and the soil is a significant component of the beliefs related to death. Shamanism is a religious system and cult that appears to be much closer to nature than the other religions. It is based on an intimate connection between humans and the natural world, both visible and invisible, and seen as a prerequisite for the survival of people in the severe environment of the north. It helps to maintain balance in the fragile ecosystems of Northern Eurasia.
