Difference between revisions of "Witch doctor"
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| − | Called a [[Toordokter]] in [[Afrikaans]] | + | Called a [[Toordokter]] in [[Afrikaans]], a [[Sangoma]] (referring to a diviner) or an [[Inyanga]] (a herbalist) in Nguni languages. |
| − | + | The word 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 a diviner, 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. |
Secondly, and more commonly today, refers to a herbalist and traditional African healer, who may or may not also have psychic and prophetic powers. | Secondly, and more commonly today, refers to a herbalist and traditional African healer, who may or may not also have psychic and prophetic powers. | ||
Revision as of 06:49, 17 June 2014
Called a Toordokter in Afrikaans, a Sangoma (referring to a diviner) or an Inyanga (a herbalist) in Nguni languages.
The word can have two related meanings:
Firstly it may refer to a diviner, 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.
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