There is a certain tension, or misunderstanding between modern world and figure of a shaman, and while modern consumer tries to adapt, mould the shaman to his needs and expectations, just like he does with the whole world perceived as goods at his disposal, resources, services and performers to be chosen according to liking, that effort can only lead to bastardisation of the Other, turned into extension of seeker´s ego, prolonging the very suffering he/she tries to escape.
Real shaman, the representatant of Great Mystery, is and should be the quintessential Other, never fully understood, never fully accepted, liked, never fully in the game of society.
What is he not? Not a therapist, schooled in mind based models, explaining step by step the way forward, rather a trickster who will teach you by leading astray. Not the guru to be loved and trusted in all, an easy escape from uncertainty and own doubts you fear. Not a medical practitioner, always ready to fix a broken individual, or add to the things and skills he/she is lacking in exchange for reviews like your orthodonist and fitness trainer. No wonder AI friends and therapists are gaining such popularity today, for crowds desparate for validation, acknowledgment, full atention and hopefully not just approval but praise. It´s hard to get that from humans, and if you want that from the shaman, you are turning the trickster into court jester, a sorry washed out version of what you could have if you set it free.
Someone dissolved in greater nature, often with back turned toward the human world, facing world of spirit. Not a coach serving to make you shine, but gritty, flawed, dirty, traversing darkness edge, often proud, egotical, often with great sense of humour and disregard for conventions ( or lack of their awareness ), he can be not just a friend but a teacher of friendship – understood as acceptance of someone you don’t necessarily agree with or even understand, if you allow him – or her to be.