Isangoma is a term derived from the Zulu and Xhosa languages of Southern Africa, primarily used in the context of traditional healers or spiritual practitioners. An isangoma is believed to possess special abilities to communicate with the spiritual world and act as a conduit between the living and the ancestors.
In the traditional African belief system, an isangoma is considered to be a mediator, healer, and advisor who taps into the spiritual realm to diagnose and treat physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. They are typically sought out for guidance, divination, and the performance of rituals to address specific issues or concerns.
An isangoma undergoes a calling, which is often marked by dreams or visions, where they receive a message or encounter a significant event that signals their destined path. Following their calling, isangomas often undergo a rigorous initiation process, which may involve a period of seclusion, training under an experienced mentor, and the learning of rituals, dances, and healing practices.
Isangomas often utilize various tools and techniques during their practice, including prayer, herbal medicine, trance dancing, and divination methods such as throwing bones or reading the patterns in objects. They also play an important role in their communities, acting as custodians of cultural knowledge, performing ceremonies and rites of passage, and offering counsel and support to individuals and families.
Overall, an isangoma occupies a revered and respected position within traditional African societies, serving as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, bringing healing and guidance to those in need.
