Zulu
Sangoma
/sah-NG-oh-mah/
A Sangoma is far more than a mere healer; they are a revered conduit between the visible world and the ancestral realm within Southern African Nguni cultures. Through trance, divination with bones (ukuhlola), and dreams, they interpret the messages of the ancestors, diagnose spiritual and physical ailments, and prescribe remedies ranging from herbal medicines to ritual cleansings. Their practice is deeply holistic, addressing imbalances in the individual, family, and community, thus serving as vital custodians of both health and tradition.
Lit. The exact literal meaning is debated, but it is often associated with 'one who is praised' or 'one who is consulted'.
Refers to a traditional healer or diviner in Southern Africa, particularly within Nguni-speaking communities. The term is used to describe the person, their practice, and the spiritual connection they maintain.