Paper short abstract

In my presentation, I will first discuss of the autoethnographic method . Secondly I examine my own narrative of animistic interactions with nature and natures agency as my meaningful supporter when I encountered difficulties in my research, as well as my autoethnographic interpretation of it.

Paper long abstract

I am writing (auto)ethnographic dissertation about shamanism in contemporary Finland. Both researchers and practitioners of shamanism think it is based on animism. In autoethnography, the researcher’s own narratives of their experiences of the research topic are part of the research material. This method is particularly useful for the study of shamanism, as an outside researcher cannot perceive the intangible dimension that plays an essential role in the shamanistic experiences. However, certain principles must be observed when using autoethnography, such as positioning the researcher, being reflective, and writing down experiences as soon as possible after the events being studied to ensure the results are as reliable as possible.

In my presentation, I will first discuss my use of the autoethnographic method . Secondly I examine my own narrative of animistic interactions with nature and natures agency as my meaningful supporter when I encountered difficulties in my research, as well as my autoethnographic interpretation of it.