°• SH'∆ M∆N °•~ Digital Art By Këoprah "Shaman" is an ancient Evenki word (the language of the indigenous people of Siberia) that means, "one who sees," or, "one who knows the origin". The academic meaning of shaman is, "an individual who acts as a medium in tribal or traditional communities." This definition of shaman has been revised and improved over many years and languages as humanity has interpreted the characteristics of shamans. Shamans are highly spiritual men and women who are believed to be visionaries and spiritual intermediaries. They spend their lives in pursuit of connecting with the nature of the universe. Usually, this pursuit of connection comes from a desire to better perceive truth and ultimate reality. This often takes the form of the shaman trying to understand his or her culture's religion, diety, or nature itself.