Difference between revisions of "Sangoma"
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| + | Though they may be related, there is an essential difference between a [[Sangoma]], who is a diviner, and an [[Inyanga]] who is a herbalist and traditional healer. | ||
| + | This can have two related meanings in South Africa, | ||
| − | + | [[Sangoma]] usually refers 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. | |
| − | + | [[Inyanga]] on the other hand, refers to a herbalist and traditional African healer, who may or may not also have psychic and prophetic powers. | |
| − | + | Both are referred to as a [[Witch doctor]]s 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 07:04, 17 June 2014
Though they may be related, there is an essential difference between a Sangoma, who is a diviner, and an Inyanga who is a herbalist and traditional healer.
This can have two related meanings in South Africa,
Sangoma usually refers 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.
Inyanga on the other hand, refers to a herbalist and traditional African healer, who may or may not also have psychic and prophetic powers.
Both are referred to as a Witch doctors in colonial writings and culture (and not always in a positive sense in the more sensational writing).
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamanism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangoma
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_doctor
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