Editing Shamanism (section)

===Initiation and learning===
Shamans often say that they have been called through dreams or signs. However, some say their powers are inherited. In traditional societies shamanic training varies in length, but generally takes years.

Turner and colleagues mention a phenomenon called "shamanistic initiatory crisis",{{sfn|Turner|Lukoff|Barnhouse|Lu|1995|p=440}} a [[rite of passage]] for shamans-to-be, commonly involving physical illness or psychological crisis. The significant role of initiatory illnesses in the calling of a shaman can be found in the case history of [[Oroqen people#Religion|Chuonnasuan]], who was one of the last shamans among the Tungus peoples in [[Northeast China]].{{sfn|Noll|Shi|2004}}

The [[wounded healer]] is an [[archetype]] for a shamanic trial and journey. This process is important to young shamans. They undergo a type of sickness that pushes them to the brink of death. This is said to happen for two reasons:<ref>{{Cite book | last = Halifax | first = Joan |author-link = Joan Halifax |title = Shaman: The Wounded Healer |publisher = [[Thames & Hudson]] |year = 1982 |location = London |isbn = 978-0-500-81029-3 |oclc = 8800269}}</ref>

* The shaman crosses over to the underworld. This happens so the shaman can venture to its depths to bring back vital information for the sick and the tribe.
* The shaman must become sick to understand sickness. When the shaman overcomes their own sickness, they believe that they will hold the cure to heal all that suffer.