巫

A mediator between the human realm and the spirit world (ancestors, nature spirits, or deities). This role manifests as either a ritual specialist—associated with healing, divining, or weather-control—or, particularly from the Han period onward, as a malicious sorcerer involved in unauthorized or criminal spiritual activity.

Primarily used as a noun referring to the practitioner. It frequently serves as a modifier for ritual activities (e.g., 巫舞). In compressed classical prose, it may function as an implied verb meaning "to act as a 巫" or "to perform shamanic rites."

Contrast with 祝 (zhù): while 祝 is the specialist of speech (formulas and incantations), 巫 is the specialist of performance and embodiment (dance, trance, and physical mediation).

In the earliest strata of texts, the role was predominantly associated with women; the term later became gender-neutral.

When translating, determine if the context implies a sanctioned state ritual or a clandestine act. Distinguish between benevolent mediation (such as rain-making) and malicious sorcery; in legal or political texts, look for proximity to 蠱 (gǔ, venom/insect magic) to identify the figure as a conspirator or poisoner.