There might be some true shaman holy ones among some of the Indian tribes but very few. I suspect in Siberia a few might remain. Most of the shamanism you see in the USA is a hilarious mumbo jumbo cooked up by New Age adepts out of their imagination or from Hollywood movies!

Pretty silly, but at least it isn't pushy.

Sorry, but this is like the "religion" for affluent white people looking for some meaning without wanting to work for it. Shamanism in its present incarnation is merely new age taken to a new level.

Its more of a characteristic of what they like to call indigenous religions. It can invlolve almost any tradition.

Shamanism is the Historical root of ALL Religions.It is too broad a term to be a proper "religion" in the traditional sense of the word,as there are infinate varieties of Shamans with widely different beliefs and practices.However,ALL cultures had their Shamans and roots in Paganism prior to the arrival of organized religion.I consider Jesus and Budda to have been shamans.A shaman is basically someone who can communicate with the unseen.Sure,there are some contemporary ones who are phoney,just like many Televangelists-but that does not discredit all of them.If you read folklore,you will find abundant examples of powerful shamans in every culture and age.

seeking the answers where only answers can hide, in the mind of man.

Tribal or Folk religion, Animism, Ansestor worship, Primitive religion, was around before any religions became organised. All natural objects (animals, vegitable, mineral, etc.) and the universe itself posses a soul or spirit. The soul/spirit of these objects may exist apart from their material bodies. The soul/spirit is the principle of life and health. Natural effects are due to spirits. Spirits may be controled or influeced only by a Shamen (witchdoctor / medicine man). The Shaman posesses psychic or spiritial powers &/or practices magic to control natural / supernatural forces and spirits. The Shaman acts as the tribes medical doctor, dentist, psychologist, priest, sorcerer, diviner(soothsayer), herbalist, exercist, Spiritulist, etc. The shamen may use chants, ritual, magic spells, prayer or drugs (usually hullucinogenic) to achive desired effect. Spirits of dead ancestors may be apiesed by worship, gifts, prayer and may be asked for protection, gide or favors. Disease, death, and bad luck are caused by evil spirits (demons). Some tribal religions are athiest, some believe in reincarnation, and most have myths. Earth is considered the battle ground between good and evil spirits. Commen among Australian Aboriginies, Melanesians, Polynesians, American Indians (North and South), Siberia and African Negros.

Don't know enough about this to give a fair opinion.