Today, there are countless philosophical doctrines, beliefs, and religions. But are they really so different? Many people believe they share a common foundation, that they arose from the same idea, and it is this idea that we want to explore in this article. Specifically, we will explain what animism is and its definition.
If you're curious about topics like souls, spirituality, and ancient beliefs, I recommend you take a look at this text. Animism is closely related to these concepts , and it's worthwhile to learn what it is.
What is animism and examples?
The word "animism" comes from the Latin term * anima* , which translates as "soul." It is a concept that encompasses several different beliefs in which any existing element or object is endowed with its own consciousness or soul. As you can imagine, this concept gives rise to many variations, such as beliefs in human souls or spiritual beings. Basically, according to animism, absolutely everything is alive or has a soul.
Within the beliefs of animism are those that state that all material elements possess consciousness, relating to one another and giving rise to a universal spirit, known as Anima Mundi . Therefore, there isn't really a clear-cut, hard distinction, and some traditions, such as the Japanese, go even further. Let's look at some examples below:
- Japan: tsukumogami y Kotodama. Both concepts are part of the anima belief. The first refers to the created objects, especially the old ones. On the other hand, the second refers to the acts carried out, it could be translated as "the power of the word".
- America: ngen. They are nature spirits that some people believe in.
- Africa: magara. You could say it means "universal life force." It is in Africa that animism has reached its most finished and complex version. According to this belief, maybe creates a connection between all animate beings. Furthermore, they believe in a close bond between the souls of the dead and the living.
- Neopagans: According to neopagans, who define their beliefs as animistic, the horned god and the mother goddess co-exist together in all things.
- Pantheism: For the pantheists, everything is equated with existence, both the deity of the monotheists and nature and the universe, conceive everything as the same thing.
Animism: Definition by Edward Tylor
It was the anthropologist Edward Tylor who developed the idea of animism in his book "Primitive Culture," published in 1871. Therefore, we will briefly discuss animism and its definition according to Tylor. In his book, Tylor defines this concept as a general doctrine concerning souls and other spiritual beings. According to him, this concept almost always includes the idea of understanding the will of nature and life itself. Furthermore, it implies the belief that all non-human elements also possess a soul.
From Tylor's perspective, animism was the earliest form of religion. Within the evolutionary framework of all religions, various stages have passed since then, and he is convinced that humanity will ultimately reject religion altogether, giving way to scientific rationality. Thus, this anthropologist considers animism to have been essentially an error from which religions arose. While he did not believe this belief was illogical, he did believe it stemmed from the visions and dreams of early humans. Consequently, he considers it a rational system.
Initially, Edward Tylor wanted to call this concept "spiritualism." However, he realized that this could be quite confusing, as this current, although modern, already existed in Western nations. Therefore, he opted for the term "animism," inspired by the writings of Georg Ernst Stahl, a German scientific writer. In 1708, this German had developed animism as a biological theory. According to him, the vital principle was composed of souls, and abnormal phenomena related to illnesses, as well as ordinary life phenomena, could have spiritual causes.
General Characteristics of Animism
In general terms, the principle of animism is the belief in a vital and substantial force that is part of all living beings. Furthermore, it maintains that there is a very close relationship between the world of the living and the world of the dead. It is also important to note that it posits the existence of several gods with whom it is possible to interact.
Unlike religions considered prophetic, the origins of animism cannot be precisely defined. Along with shamanism, it is one of the oldest belief systems. In fact, the religion of Ancient Egypt was founded on the principles of animism. Let's examine the general characteristics of this concept:
- It is possible to interact with both nature and spirits directly.
- The soul has the ability to leave the body during trance, substance, natural, meditation or dream processes.
- There are spiritual beings that inhabit the soul of humans or the spirits of other beings.
- Sacrifices or offerings are carried out with expiatory character.
- We are all part of a whole.
- Both the good and the positive always prevail.
- Always be open to new thoughts and ideas.
- We must put understanding, knowledge, humility and respect first, and always share.
- Life does not end after death, but continues.
- The existence of various gods, entities and spirits is recognized.
- There are sacred people who fulfill their role as mediators: Witches, mediums, sorcerers, shamans, etc.
- Fusion of concepts: time + times, object + symbol, past + present + future, individual + community, among others.
- Consciousness and universal connection: Everything has consciousness and is alive.
- Everything is charged with energy and ends up affecting.
- Plants and natural substances are used to sanction, learn and reveal things.
- Although everything can influence, the final decision is ours.
Now you know what animism is and its definition. But the big question is: do you consider yourselves animists?