what makes you a practicing shaman? spiritually speaking of course....?

I'm not one ... which doesn't mean that I don't have opinions on this topic [grin].

Most folks who say that they are shamans mean "I do shamanic things, like take drugs and see things when on them'.

At best, some mean that they take shamanic 'soul journeys' and have some spirit helpers that they work with on occassion.

For me, an actual shaman is part of a long-established ethnic community where they are acknowledged for their skills. They serve the community by doing healings, soul retrievals, psychopomping the dead, etc. Not going to find many of those on Y!A.

I never claimed to be, but I believe I know the target of your question & look forward to seeing the answer as I've wondered the same thing...

Quantum questions rock.

PS: I'm in total agreement with Fern Wise...so many Yahoo Shamans here, real ones must get annoyed. Take Yahoo anyway you want.