EPISODE 11: What is it Really Like to be a Shaman? (Interview with David Shi)
Heather and Emily talk with author, folk magic practitioner and shamanic worker, David Shi about what a shaman really is (and isn’t) from a traditional North Asian perspective. We discuss the roles and responsibilities of the shaman, both traditionally and in modern times. We also explore his upcoming book Spirit Voices: The Mysteries and Magic of North Asian Shamanism.
About David Shi:
David Shi is a shamanic worker and folk magic practitioner who primarily engages in traditional North Asian forms of shamanism. He is primarily of Manchurian descent, but can also trace ancestry to Mongolian, Chinese, Korean, as well as a little Tungus Siberian and ancient Central Asian Turkic heritage as well. Raised in a household that incorporated both Southeast Siberian and North Chinese practices, David has dedicated his spare time to the study of the spiritual traditions of his ancestors and of greater Eurasia. Recognized as a sagaasha/ongodtengertei, a future shaman prior to initiation, among both Mongolian and Korean shamans, David’s practices are deeply rooted in spirit work in which ancestral and land spirits are called to empower all workings. David’s readings incorporate a combination of Tarot, Runes, Bones, Jaw-harp, as well as Mongolian stone divination (known as Kumalak in Turkic Central Asia).
David is the author of the upcoming book “Spirit Voices: The Mysteries and Magic of North Asian Shamanism.”
He has conducted workshops across the country at occult shops such as Catland Books, and was also interviewed on the podcasts “That Witch Life” by Courtney Weber, "This Old Witch" by Eddie Massey and Alexander Cabot, and "Witch Hat Chats" by Nikki Kirby. Additionally, David has studied Witchcraft, Hoodoo Rootwork, and Rune-lore from teachers within those traditions. David also practices the Korean traditional drumming art of Poongmul-nori. David currently resides in Manhattan, New York where he occasionally provides spiritual services, products, and workshops to his immediate communities.
