I am a sangoma. What does this mean? A sangoma is an African traditional healer who merges with her ancestors for the purpose of healing. It is a spiritual calling, not a chosen profession. An apprentice sangoma, called a thwasa, studies with a mentor for approximately two years and must learn how to prepare herbal medicines (muti), how to interpret dreams, how to incorporate spirits, how to diagnose illness through divination with bones, and how to heal both physical and spiritual illness. Through the ritual use of muti, steaming, purification, dreaming, and dancing in a trance-like state to drumming, the initiate becomes bound to her ancestors who have chosen her for this work. It is the mentor's responsibility to work with the thwasa's ancestors, alleviating any conflicts or problems that are encountered. Working in partnership with one's ancestors is a gift representing a close link with the spirit realm.
In the past Westerners have referred to all traditional healers as "witchdoctors" but the sangomas of Swaziland and South Africa have worked hard to change this negative image. Witchdoctors are often purveyors of mutis and charms that cause harm to people. A sangoma takes an oath that she may not cause harm to anyone. The calling requires that the healer use her gifts only for good. Sangomas believe that they are here for only one purpose, to heal through love and compassion.
Although my love affair with Africa began many years ago, prior to 1994 I could only visit vicariously books. When I made my first trek to East Africa my soul felt as if I had returned home. From that point on I began to find ways to explore this magnificent continent. Then in 1999 a consultation with a Zulu sangoma changed my life.
Traditional Doctor P.H. Mntshali joined Susan Campbell in the United States for a lecture tour. He gave presentations and consultations from the East Coast to the West. He saw that many Americans had lost their connection to their ancestors but, to his surprise, he also found many shamanic practioners. It was at my own consultation in June of 1999 that P.H. diagnosed me as a healer. He said that the reason my life was so difficult was that I was not following the path my ancestors had chosen for me. They were "calling" me to be a traditional healer and would guide me on an accelerated path. His words reverberated in my heart and head. I left in tears, knowing that Mr. Mntshali spoke the truth.
I began exploring my ancestral heritage and found myself guided to learn about medicinal herbs. I found a school in Encinitas, California and immediately enrolled in an herb and aromatherapy program. At the same time I began planning a trip to southern Africa, including a two-week visit to P.H. Mntshali's in Siteki, Swaziland. During this stay P.H. worked with me and confirmed that I was "possessed" when my ancestors came out during drumming. While I was there I was able to spend time with a white South African woman who was also a thwasa. I had been studying and practicing shamanism in the United States for several years and the ancestors had been using this as a tool to reach me prior to finding P.H. Now the ancestors flourished under this ancient ancestral tradition, changing and enriching my life forever.
I went home to Californina and spent the next year working with my ancestors and preparing to go back to Swaziland to finish my training. In the summer of 2001 I returned to P.H.'s with the goal of completing my thwasa training and qualifying as a sangoma. After two rigorous months of sacred work I graduated in front of 100 beautiful Swazis, two friends from home, and a few South African friends of European ancestry. In order to qualify I had to be possessed throughout the day by my ancestors. Under their loving guidance I found my hidden goat and other objects. I participated in ancient sacred ceremonies and was in awe of the beauty and power of the compassionate spirits.
Traditional Healers in Africa
Traditional healers hold an esteemed and powerful position in southern African societies. Their role is that of physician, counselor, psychiatrist, and priest. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other official groups acknowledge the potential effectiveness of traditional healers as primary health givers and their importance in the fight against HIV and AIDS. WHO also supports the integration of western medicine and traditional healing, encouraging referrals between the two groups. In Southern Africa the Traditional Healers Organization (THO) is recognized by the government and WHO as professional specialists, promoting quality indigenous systems of health care in the rural areas.
African people share a common understanding of the importance of ancestors in daily life. When they have lost touch with their ancestors, illness may result or bad luck. Then a traditional healer, or sangoma, is sought out who may prescribe herbs, changes in lifestyle, a career change, or changes in relationships. The client may also be told to perform a ceremony or purification ritual to appease the ancestors.
