Difference between revisions of "Witch doctor"
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | This can have two related meanings | + | Called a [[Toordokter]] in [[Afrikaans]] |
| + | |||
| + | This can have two related meanings: | ||
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, 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. | ||
| Line 8: | Line 10: | ||
See also [[Shaman]] and [[Sangoma]]. | See also [[Shaman]] and [[Sangoma]]. | ||
| − | + | ||
Revision as of 06:43, 17 June 2014
Called a Toordokter in Afrikaans
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 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 or shaman may have been in other cultures.
Secondly, and more commonly today, refers to a herbalist and traditional African healer, who may or may not also have psychic and prophetic powers.
Return to
Return to The South African Context/General Terminology and Thematic Entries
Return to South African Theatre/Terminology and Thematic Entries
Return to South African Film /Terminology and Thematic Entries
Return to South African Media/Terminology and Thematic Entries
Return to The ESAT Entries
Return to Main Page
