SHAMANISM IN WALES: A HISTORICAL APPROACH THROUGH ETHNOGRAPHY, FOLKLORE AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Antiquarian records provide indications that shamanic rituals and practices, though fragmented, were still being actively performed in Wales during the nineteenth century. These antiquarian ethnographic records display striking parallels with global shamanic traditions, especially from the northern hemisphere, suggesting a similar if not shared spiritual framework, supported by archaeological evidence for its origins dating back at least to 12,000 bp . A study of Welsh folklore, magico-religious traditions, place-names, rock art and megalithic structures suggest they might include substantial shamanic influences, warranting more detailed interdisciplinary investigation.