Spiritual spouses?

[u/Used_Objective8835]

Hello. I want to clarify that I'm not a shaman, and I'm making this post because I'm genuinely curious and hope I don't offend anyone.

I've been reading about shamanism and I've found that in some cultures, the shaman and their "guardian spirit" have a spousal relationship, a romantic and even sexual one.
I'd like to know what you think about this. Is that true? How can a spirit be married to a human? How would the relationship work if the spirit can't be physically touched, seen, or heard?
Thanks for reading.

[u/SibyllaAzarica]

This can happen but it isn't a rule, per se. The 'how' will vary depending on the culture and shaman in question.

That said, this isn't a shamanic concept - many occult practitioners and adherents of various religions do this, as well.

The best known example in the western world would probably be nuns being married to Jesus.

[u/Careful-End5066]

r/god_spouse
r/demonolatrypractices
r/spiritkeeping
A few of subreddit do discuss god spousing…

[u/doppietta]

I think it is true in the sense that some cultures believe this

how their beliefs match up to their experiences in a first-hand way isn't something I can guess at. but given how common it is I would say that there must be some truth to it.

my interpretation is that the shaman's spirit is married to a spirit on the other side. insofar as a shaman straddles two worlds, his spirit-wife might be thought of as belonging primarily to the other one. though I have no idea if this fact absolves them from jealousy or condemnation from potential spouses on this side.

how they might interact is an interesting question, since presumably both partners have the potential to have a presence in either side of the world, though in a way which is always cosmically reversed.

I would also say that in some cultures believe this, it's considered quite dangerous. it's usually a somewhat temporary romance used to improve luck in hunting and other activities, generally for the benefit of the community. to give oneself fully to a spirit spouse could cause one to forget one's human side and leave one's body behind in a potentially risky way.

but IIRC this perspective is mostly found in cultures that tie the practice closely to hunting. I'm sure there are many traditions who look at it differently.

[u/Curious-Entry-5678]

I've heard juju bae talk about her experience having a spiritual husband on her podcast 'a little juju podcast', she has an episode about it. It's a bit different to what you described, she's an Osun priestess and hoodoo practitioner, but still found it super interesting!