North Star Journey: Bridge to the spirit realm - Hmong shamanism in Minnesota

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May 1, 2023
Cathy Wurzer - Host, Jacob Aloi - Reporter, Billy Lor - Interviewee, Mark Berkson - Interviewee, Pakou Hang - Interviewee
Listen: North Star Journey - Hmong shaman (Aloi)
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On this segment of North Star Journey, MPR’s Jacob Aloi talks with Hmong shaman Billy Lor and others about shamanism and its importance in the Hmong community.

The shaman's role in Hmong spirituality is often mistakenly thought to be solely related to religion. But shamanism is only part of traditional Hmong spirituality and religious practice. It also involves animism, which is the belief that everything in nature has a spiritual essence, and ancestor veneration, which is the practice of showing respect and reverence towards deceased ancestors.

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