The Shaman (n.) is, along with the psycho, the only one who creates reality for themself.
The Shaman (n.) is able to transcend the dimensional confines of cultural existence. Only he knows that culture is a game. Everyone else takes it seriously. That's how he can do his magic.
A Shaman (n.) by some means has gotten out of their own culture.
The Shaman (n.) is the central figure in the archaic revival.
The Shaman (n.) is critical to the functioning of the psychological and social life of his community, but in a way he is always peripheral to it. He (1) lives at the edge of the village, (2) is only called upon in matters of great social crisis, (3) is feared and respected.
The Shaman (n.) is the figure at the beginning of human history that unites the doctor, the scientist and the artist into a single notion of care-giving and creativity.
The Shaman (n.) is not merely a sick man, or a madman; he is a sick man who has healed himself.