Shaman << SHAH muhn >> is a person considered to have powers that come from direct contact with the supernatural, often in dreams or trances. The term shaman came from a Mongolian word. However, peoples in many areas have shamans who they believe cast out evil spirits or bring good, especially by curing disease. Such people are sometimes called witch doctors, sorcerers, medicine men or women, and other names. 
Shamans may be found among the Māori, Mongolians, Polynesians, and other peoples. Shamans may also be found among the Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples of the Americas had similar beliefs.
See also Magic .
