Difference between revisions of "Sangoma"

From ESAT
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Created page with " This can have two related meanings, Firstly it may refer to someone with psychic and prophetic powers, a practitioner of ceremonial magic, utilizing a system ...")
 
Line 1: Line 1:
  
  
This can have two related meanings,  
+
This can have two related meanings in South Africa,  
  
Firstly it may refer to someone with psychic and prophetic powers, a practitioner of [[Ceremony|ceremonial magic]], utilizing a system of occult techniques for healing and spiritual development in an individual and/or community, also used to promote and or social cohesion. In this sense the witch doctor was a powerful and influential member of society, in the same way a court  [[Magician|magician]] or [[Shaman|shaman]] may have been in other cultures.  
+
Firstly it may refer to someone with psychic and prophetic powers, a practitioner of [[Ceremony|ceremonial magic]], utilizing a system of occult techniques for healing and spiritual development in an individual and/or community, and to promote social cohesion. In this sense the witch doctor was a revered, powerful and influential member of society, in the same way a court  [[Magician|magician]] or [[Shaman|shaman]] may have been in other cultures.  
  
Secondly, and more commonly today, this refers to a herbalist and traditional African healer, who may or may not also have psychic and prophetic powers. In this sense often referred to as a Witch doctor colonial writings and culture, not always in a positive sense.   
+
Secondly, and more commonly today, this refers to a herbalist and traditional African healer, who may or may not also have psychic and prophetic powers. In this sense often referred to as a [[Witch doctor]] in  colonial writings and culture, and not always in a positive sense in the more sensational writing.   
  
 
See also [[Shaman]] and  [[Magician]].
 
See also [[Shaman]] and  [[Magician]].

Revision as of 06:03, 17 June 2014


This can have two related meanings in South Africa,

Firstly it may refer to someone with psychic and prophetic powers, a practitioner of ceremonial magic, utilizing a system of occult techniques for healing and spiritual development in an individual and/or community, and to promote social cohesion. In this sense the witch doctor was a revered, powerful and influential member of society, in the same way a court magician or shaman may have been in other cultures.

Secondly, and more commonly today, this refers to a herbalist and traditional African healer, who may or may not also have psychic and prophetic powers. In this sense often referred to as a Witch doctor in colonial writings and culture, and not always in a positive sense in the more sensational writing.

See also Shaman and Magician.