Difference between revisions of "Sangoma"
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| − | 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, | + | 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.
