Key concepts and expressions in Sámi shamanism:

Animism and Polytheism: The Sámi believe that animals, plants, rocks, and other natural elements all possess souls. Their pantheon includes gods, goddesses, and nature spirits, with worship practices often honoring ancestors and animal spirits.

Noaidi: The Sámi shaman who acts as an intermediary between humans and spirits. Responsibilities include healing, protecting the community, divination, and guiding souls. Noaidis enter trance states via drumming and chanting (joik) to communicate with spirits.

The Three-Part Soul: Sámi spirituality understands a person as having a body-soul (life force), free-soul (can travel during dreams or shamanic journeys), and breath-soul (consciousness and vitality). This informs their cyclical view of life, death, and rebirth.

Sacred Landscapes and Sieidi: Specific natural formations such as stones, trees, or statues called Sieidi are considered sacred, housing spirits and serving as places for offerings and worship related to hunting, fishing, and reindeer herding.

Animal Spirits and Guides: Animal spirits such as bears (protection), reindeer (endurance and adaptability), birds (guidance in the spirit world), and fish/snakes (underworld helpers) assist the noaidi.

The Drum (Goavddis): A central spiritual tool symbolizing the cosmos—the upper world, middle world, and underworld—and decorated with meaningful symbols such as the sun goddess Beaivi, animals, dwellings, and gods.

Joik (Yoik): A traditional form of singing used not only for artistic expression but also as a spiritual practice by noaidi to summon spirits, induce trance, heal, and protect communities.

Concepts of Noa and Bassi: Noa represents the profane or everyday world; Bassi represents the sacred or taboo. This fluid boundary defines interactions with nature and rituals.

Gender Fluidity: Sámi spirituality often reflects fluidity in gender roles, including shamans assuming characteristics of the opposite gender to enhance spiritual power.

Environmental Ethics: Principles include reciprocity with nature, minimal interference, holistic resource management, and stewardship for future generations.

Healing and Rituals: The noaidi uses spiritual journeys, often to places like Sáivo (a sacred underground realm), combined with herbal remedies and ceremonies to heal and guide.

The Bear Cult: A historically significant aspect venerating the bear as a powerful totemic and spiritual figure, with ritualistic hunting, feasting, and burial practices to honor the bear and its spirit.