sha·man·ism 
(shämə-nĭz′əm, shā-)
(shämə-nĭz′əm, shā-)n.
1. The animistic religion of certain peoples of northern Asia in which mediation between the visible and spirit worlds is effected by shamans.
2. A similar religion or set of beliefs, especially among certain Native American peoples.
shaman·ist n.
sha′man·istic adj.