How do shamans differ from sorcerers?

Question

How do shamans differ from sorcerers?

Answer 1

Shamans serve different purposes across the cultures they're associated with. They're usually recognized as elite within the culture, as well as healers for sickness. Sorcerers don't exist. I guess that would be the big difference.

Answer 2

I have no prior education or experience on this topic- but my immediate thought would be shamans are related to religion, whereas sorcerers are related purely to magic. Both have to do with spirituality though... so good question!

I think Shamen are viewed more as the relgious leader, or "sensitive" to the Gods thoughts/feelings/wishes/etc. They use herbs and "witchcraft" as a way to connect closer to God and their religion.

Sorcerers I'm pretty sure just practice magic.

Answer 3

Technically, shamans are Siberian. That's where the term comes from. But in all actuality, the purposes they serve and how they are treated in the societies in which they are present is pretty much the same. Priests and magicians (not the performers we think of, more like Magi) are kind of the same thing. The differences are subtle, and have more to do with the different societies than the terms themselves.

Answer 4

They don't

Both are just a bunch of wise guys.