Animism, Shintoism, & Gaianism A World of Spirits

Kinship with all creation… “The visible is the natural and cultural environment, of which humans, always in the process of transformation, are at the center. The invisible connotes the numinous field of ancestors, spirits, divinities, and the Supreme Being, all of whom, in varying degrees, permeate the visible. Visible things, however, are not always what they seem. Pools, rocks, flora, and fauna, may dissimulate invisible forces of which only the initiated are conscious.” Fisher, M.P. (2005). Living Religions, 6 th ed., Pearson, Prentice Hall, NJ.

The Animist Tradition The word Animism finds its origins in the Latin word anima which means “soul” or “life. Theologically, animism refers to the belief that non-human entities are spiritual beings, or at least embody some kind of life-principle. Animism encompasses the belief that there is no separation between the spiritual and physical worlds. Following from this, souls or spirits exist not only in humans, but also in animals, plants, rocks, natural phenomena such as thunder, geographic features such as mountains or rivers, or other entities of the natural environment.

Surrounded by spirits…  In animist tradition, living spirits inhabit all parts of the natural universe.  Most often, powerful animal spirits are the focus of worship or ritual practice.  Served to protect or torment people.  Animist practices are found in almost every religious tradition.

Sacrifices to the spirits…  Nearly every animistic tradition includes sacrifice rituals  Sacrifices can be food stuffs, wine/liquor, animals, tokens, or other items.  Some Central and South American societies included human sacrifice rituals as part of their animistic religious practices.

Shinto: Japanese Spirit Worship Most theologians do not recognize animism as a distinct faith. Instead, they argue that many faiths incorporate animistic beliefs into their own teachings or doctrines. Contrary to this, Shinto, or “Way of the Gods” represents a faith that is focused almost entirely on animism itself. The traditional faith of the Japanese people, Shinto holds that spirits of nature called Kami surround people and have a profound influence on the course of their lives. Properly honored, these Kami are believed to act as creators, preservers, and protectors of the Japanese people.

 In Japan, humans are believed to be surrounded by Kami who demand to be honored and respected.  Kami can be found everywhere.

Connections to nature…  A key component to all animistic traditions is the innate connection between all things in nature.  Most people cannot understand the complexity of the relationship between nature and the human spirit  Shaman, or “Holy” men and women act as conduits between the spirit world and the world of human beings.  Healers (“Medicine Men”)  Guides  Portals or Mediums  Oracles  Prophets

Shamanism