Animism is an ancient form of belief based on the spiritualization of natural phenomena and environmental objects, as well as the belief in the existence of invisible spirits. Deriving from the Latin word «anima» (soul, spirit), this concept reflects the ideas of ancient people that trees, mountains, and rivers possess their own master or soul. Being one of the first religious concepts that strove for harmony with nature, animism finds its clear reflection in such elements of the Kazakh worldview as the concept of the «master of water — Suleimen.»
