My Visit With The Sangoma
(to see an individual photo, click on the image to enlarge)
While staying at Malealea Lodge in Lesotho, the owner arranged for me to have a visit with the village “Sangoma” or witchdoctor. He was supposed to arrive at 7 a.m. (before our anticipated departure time at 8), but I ended up getting a knock on our door at 6 a.m. by the “interpreter”.
He advised that he would relay whatever the sangoma said since the sangoma could not speak any english. I had already been awake since 5:10 in anticipation, so I just threw on some clothes and joined him.
Just to let you know, I have never been to a fortune teller or anything of the sort back home (or anywhere else for that matter). I have always been of the mindset that “I’d rather not know” and that it was all “hocus pocus” or bogus anyway. My massage therapist (Hi Kim!) will be proud of me though!
I followed the interpreter into a dark hut. It was very surreal, given the fact that it was at 6 a.m. and there was a lot of cloud and mist in the air. The sangoma was just finishing his prayers, then greeted me with a big grin.
After sitting down, he requested his 30 Rand ($3.00) and it was put down on the dirt floor in front of him. He then put a shell necklace around it and then went into his pockets and brought out a collection of shells, horse teeth, dice, etc which he shook in his hands, then released on top of the money. From the positioning of the objects, he then began to tell me my future.
Needless to say, it was all quite interesting…………. I will lead a long and healthy life, as long as I give my sisters a big party. So, Cindy and Caroline, get ready for a party when I get home!!! Among other things, the sangoma advised that I would return to Lesotho, have many travels in my future, and would “work with my hands”.
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THIS IS OUR FINAL BLOG:
Our adventures have come to an end in South Africa. We wish to thank everyone for their comments and good wishes.
We hope all of you will have the opportunity some day to have a trip of a lifetime.
Lisa n Fred
Tags: Lesotho, Malealea Lodge, Sangoma, Travel, Witchdoctor
frednlisa
Wow, is your trip already done? We have enjoyed reading your blog and viewing your photos. So do you have any advice for us as we really start to plan our 2010 trip? What was your overall budget? What would you have done differently? Did you stay within your budget?
What was your biggest learning? Any other advice you can provide would be great.
Hope to hear from you soon.