In smaller communities of times gone by, often comprised of a single shaman, the survival
and effectiveness of the village depended on the shaman's ability to navigate the energetic
realm. Being the conduit between the physical and spiritual worlds, the shaman's mastery of
these energies determined the community's spiritual health, agricultural success, and
protection from external threats. Thus, the veil of secrecy ensured the shaman's unique
position as the guardian of the village's magic.