Discovering Yourself in South Africa
The mythical powers of Africa are legendary. She has enthralled many a visitor who has been fortunate to land on her shores, captivating their imagination with her wild and beautiful creatures that roam her forests, deserts and savannahs. But, it is possibly her spirit that makes the greatest impression if one really cares to listen. She pulses to a deep, ancient rhythm where all is possible, she reminds you of your dreams for yourself, she ignites your passion for you once more, she lets you know that it is time for you to apply yourself to life and living. It is important to have the ears to hear the message that is meant for you with a heart and mind of flexibility and openness.All is possible, she whispers.
Africa has the magical ability of offering healing for souls who have lost their way, souls that have become caught up in the humdrum of daily living and have forgotten what is genuinely of consequence in their lives. She gently reminds them, tenderly nudges them towards a life of passion and enthusiasm.
Africa offers those who are interesting in removing their layers of drudgery and toil an opportunity of healing and revitalisation for body, mind and spirit.
There are many different types of healers here in South Africa and the most commonly known are possibly the nyanga and the sangoma. A nyanga is an herbalist who has studied the medicinal properties of plants and dispenses treatments for a number of ailments to clients who visit with physical complaints. The sangoma may also offer herbal treatments from the many magical properties that trees posses, but a sangoma also assists with healing of a spiritual, mental and emotional nature. They play the role of a psychologist for the community as well as taking care of the people much the same as a social worker would.
Traditional African healing can be extremely powerful in that the effects can be exceptionally understated and yet make a vast impact on your life.
Muti (pronounced moo-tea) is the term used here in Southern Africa to mean medicine. It originally stems from the Zulu word for tree as medicines were made from many things although mainly from trees. The efficacy of the herbal remedies has even drawn the attention of the scientific community because of their great success stories. Muti is now also local slang to mean medicine in general from an aspirin available at the pharmacy to herbal treatments from a nyanga.
Sangomas can be found across South Africa, supplying advice from the ancestors and general common sense to individuals who find themselves in uncomfortable situations in life.
It is a remarkable experience to visit a local sangoma and receive wisdom and insight to assist you with your life and living. Sangomas can also interpret dreams, sharing their meanings with you so that better understanding can be gained.
You may wish to get a glimpse into the inner world of Africans, their traditional methods of healing and how sangomas are able to place a finger on methods to help you move forward in life easily and comfortably.
You may wish to visit a sangoma to have a bit of good luck sprinkled on your pathway or to receive alternative healing for a chronic illness or to better understand where you are in your life.
Africans live in the modern world of today, many still rooted in the traditions of their culture which creates an interesting balance for living in the now.
Local Lekker Tips
* Before visiting any sangoma listed, get advice from the local tourist bureau and from a couple of local people to advise you on whom best to visit.
* Prepare yourself beforehand with a question about your life which you require insight into.
