General considerations. Recruiting methods. Shamanism and mystical vocation
Initiatory sickness and dreams
Obtaining shamanic powers
Symbolism of the shaman's costume and drum
Shamanism in Central and North Asia. 1, Celestial ascents. Descents to the underworld
Shamanism in Central and North Asia. 2, Magical cures. The shaman as psychopomp
Shamanism in North and South America
Southeast Asian and Oceanian shamanism
Shamanic ideologies and techniques among the Indo-Europeans
Shamanic symbolisms and techniques in Tibet, China, and the Far East
Parallel myths, symbols, and rites
Conclusions. The formation of North Asian shamanism.
