Shamans, Seers or People Who Know are considered to have originated with the Turks, Mongols and neighbouring peoples.
A shaman is one who is called by dreams or signs into the profession, he or she reaches an altered state of consciousness, often entering a trance like state to interact with the spirit world. Their knowledge is based on first hand experience but information may be passed on by more established shamans or spirit guides.
Shamans have a greater understanding of the world that surrounds us, believing that everything has a soul and should be treated as equals which differs from most mainstream religions who advocate that humans are the only ones with souls.
The following videos include interviews, discussion and documentaries on Shamanism and Shamanistic practices.
Related Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamanism
http://www.shamanism.org/
http://www.shamanism.co.uk/