What are the influences of shamanism to taoism?

OK, I don't have extensive sources to footnote here, this is my best understanding. It is my understanding that esoteric Taoism (meditation, alchemy, sorcery, qigong, healing) arose from Shamanism, and esoteric Taoism predates "philosophical Taoism". read more

It is my understanding that esoteric Taoism (meditation, alchemy, sorcery, qigong, healing) arose from Shamanism, and esoteric Taoism predates"philosophical Taoism". Personally I am unsure the extent to which the Tao Te Ching is a manual for esoteric practice vs. being a work of philosophy. read more

Shamanism: The Roots of Taoist Practice. There is much, in fact, from this early period of China’s history, and in particular its shamanic world-view and practices, that is reflected in the subsequent emergence of Taoism. Spirit-travel to planets, stars and galaxies are practices found within the Shangqing sect of Taoism. read more

Taoism was influenced by the divine bureaucracy of Shang dynasty religion, by Buddhist social organization and ideas about the afterlife, and by ancient Chinese magical, shamanic, and self-cultivation practices. read more