Biographies

Traditional Doctor Petros Hezekial Mntshali, lovingly known as P.H., lives near Siteki, Swaziland where he runs the Luvenga Traditional Clinic. A college educated agriculturist-turned-traditional doctor, Mr. Mntshali has practiced as a traditional healer for more than 50 years, specializing in cancer, diabetes, and sexually transmitted diseases; is a founding father and active member of the International Traditional Healers Organization (THO); presented at the 1999 Comprehensive Cancer Care Conference in Washington D.C.; gave presentations and private consultations throughout the United States in the summer of 1999; took part in the 18th Conference on Environmental Education of Southern Africa 2000; and continues to see patients and mentor thwasas, sangoma trainees, both of African and European ancestry.

Gretchen Crilly McKay is a sangoma and shamanic practitioner. She has studied with master healers Michael Harner, Tom Cowan, and Sandra Ingerman and apprenticed with Traditional Doctor P.H. Mntshali in Swaziland, Africa.

She uses the African divination system of throwing the bones to diagnose the spiritual issues underlying dis-ease and family patterns; provides shamanic healing through spiritual extraction, soul retrieval and healing with spiritual light; uses medicinal herbs, flower essences, and aromatherapy to facilitate energetic healing through ceremony and ritual; and teaches workshops for ancestral and personal healing. She also offers two year programs in advanced shamanic healing and apprenticeships for those called to this path.

Gretchen has a passion for working with the spirits of the nature and teaches others how to get in touch with their own divine essence to create balance and harmony within and without. In this way we contribute to the healing and well being of Mother Earth and take responsibility for our thoughts, words, and actions.

Gretchen holds a master's degree in education and is a clinically certified herbalist and aromatherapist. She apprenticed with Traditional Healer PH Mntshali and qualified as a sangoma in August 2001. Twenty-six years in the classroom has given Gretchen insight into the use of alternative healing methods for children with special needs.

The Ancestors have been preparing Gretchen for many years, eventually leading her to African traditional healing wisdom. Her work involves consultations by divination with bones, educating people through workshops and seminars in the ways of the ancestors, and utilizing the shamanic techniques of African and Western traditional healing.