Portland Events

John will be leading public talks, workshops & Sangoma private sessions as part of his Way of the Leopard World tour.

In Events Tags African Shaman, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Portland, Sangoma Medicine, traditional Shaman, USA, Way of the Leopard World tour, Xhosa Medicine

Modern Shamanism & the Sangoma's Song

I was recently interviewed in New York City by Sam Liebowitz from Talking Alternatives radio. I was joined by my good friend, Itzhak Beery from the New York Shamanic Circle. We discussed the relevance of ancient shamanic practices for the modern world. I enjoyed the interview, and I hope you do too.

Link to Interview no longer available.

In Blogging Tags Ancestors, ancestrally trained, Dream Healer, dreams, indigenous healer, Itzhak Beery, John, Lockley, Nelson Mandela, New York Shamanic Circle, Sangoma, Shaman, Talking Alternatives, Xhosa, Xhosa Sangoma

African Zen Retreat

John will be running the first African Zen retreat of it's kind in South Africa at Ixopo retreat centre.  

In Events Tags African Zen, Ancestral world, humanity, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma, Ubuntu, Xhosa tribe

Sangoma Training

John will be working in the Eastern Cape, South Africa with his community running traditional Sangoma ceremonies.

In Events Tags Ancestors, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma, Traditional Medicine, Xhosa nation

Tribute to Mandela 1918-2013

As the sun sets on our first national day of mourning here in South Africa, I pause to reflect on an extraordinary human being, Nelson Mandela.

Words fail to describe the man we know as Nelson Mandela. As a traditional healer, Sangoma in Mandela’s tribe, the Xhosa nation, I look to nature as a source of renewal and strength. Yesterday I witnessed a bird die in a strange and tragic way. I felt that something powerful was going to happen and true enough on waking this morning I was told of Mr Mandela’s passing.

Mandela’s life was characterized by struggle and harmonized by love. Even though he was old, we ‘South African’s’ could never truly believe that one day he would die. His life and message held us all together. He gave us hope, and made us believe that one person can make a difference. His message of equality, freedom and love between all people on the planet has become a symbol of ultimate goodness for all of us.

Sadly I never met Mr Mandela, however those friends of mine who did describe him as a man of incredible goodness, humour, strength and dignity. He was as he appeared to be on TV, a man who ‘walked his talk’ and demonstrated his beliefs through his everyday actions.

When he was released from prison in 1990 we were all spell bound by his oratory gifts and whenever he spoke on TV we would crowd around and listen to him avidly. He made us laugh, cry and believe in ourselves.  Mandela made us South Africans believe that we can love one another regardless of race, creed or ethnicity. That are future is bright and that we don’t have to live in fear of one another. He was funny and always surprised us when giving serious political talks. He would finish his talks with a human interest story of things that happened to him behind the political veil. We loved him all the more for this and we felt safe and secure in the future of South Africa.

In 1994 we held our first democratic elections. I was in South Korea at the time. I was invited to become a monk in a Zen Buddhist order by my grandmaster, Zen Master Seung Sahn Sunim. I declined, deciding to rather return to South Africa to follow my African calling and becoming an African monk, a Sangoma, traditional healer in the Xhosa nation. During South Africa it was illegal for a white person to walk around in the townships. These were strictly ‘black’ areas and unless you were in the army or police you had to have a special pass to walk in these areas. This made it near impossible for me to find my teacher and follow my calling to become a Sangoma. However after Nelson Mandela became president in 1994 everything changed, and the door to my work and life in townships around South Africa, swung open. I was greeted with warmth and love, like a lost son by my teacher Mum Ngwevu. When she asked me what took me so long to find her, I said, “Apartheid”. Her response was “Ah Thixo, enkosiam”. “Oh God, I’m so sorry!”. I feel a deep sense of gratitude towards Mr Mandela for making it possible for me to fulfil my destiny and calling to become a Xhosa Sangoma.

During the Apartheid years we were all imprisoned because we couldn’t express our human feelings for one another. No-one epitomized this more than Nelson Mandela. He came out of prison like a diamond from the roughest soil and taught us how to be human again without restrictions and fear. We will always honour his memory, and be forever blessed that he walked amongst us, and showed us how we can empower ourselves with dignity and grace. He set an example for us all to follow. Like many South Africans today I feel proud to have had him as my mentor, guiding me along the road of how to be a human being.

In Xhosa we say: Uthando lo thando, ubuntu olothando. ‘Love is love, humanity is love’.  It means that when we act with compassion from the deepest part of us, then we realise our humanity. Mandela was a fine example of a man who overcame huge obstacles and demonstrated ‘Ubuntu’ (humanity).

Hamba Kahle Tata Mkhulu ! Go well reverend Father.

Written by:  John Lockley  6/12/2013

In Blogging Tags anti-apartheid, apartheid struggle, iconic world leader, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma, South Africa, South African philosophy-, Ubuntu, Xhosa nation

Trance Dancing the Ancient Way

In Southern Africa we 'Sweat our prayers' through the trance dance or ‘xentsa’ .

This dancing practice is an integral part of traditional Southern African life. Traditional healers known as Sangomas use the dance to connect to their ancestral spirits. The word ‘Sangoma’ literally means ‘people of the song’ because they use particular kinds of chants and rhythms to connect to the spirit world. Sangomas are the traditional Shamans or medicine people of Southern Africa. The job of a Sangoma is to ‘nceda abantu ukuvula indlela’ – to help people realise their spiritual calling. For we believe that when people are in harmony with themselves then they are in harmony with the world around them. There is no word for depression in the Xhosa and Zulu language from SouthAfrica, only ‘umoya phezulu’ okanye ‘umoya phantsi’. Spirit energy up or spirit energy down. Through rhythm and song the Sangoma helps to uplift people and in doing so helps them realise their spiritual potential.

The Sangoma rhythm is part of the sacred music from South Africa. Whenever a Sangoma plays their drum in a particular way it is said that they invoke the spirits of the land and community. The drum beat is a particular heart beat rhythm that helps ground, calm and connect people to their roots (ancestors). I have been playing my drum and singing my Sangoma chants all over the world. I am pleased to say that no matter where I am people connect with their ancestors in the most profound and humbling ways. I have often been touched to hear people in New York or Mexico come to me a few days after a ceremony, recounting beautiful and uplifting dreams from their ancestors. Music is truly universal, and the Sangoma drum is a call to spirit and the unseen world. Now let us wake up! Now let us rejoice in the beauty of being alive. With our chants, hands and feet, we pound the earth and feel at one with all things. Camagu!  (We honour & praise the divine).

On the 17th August Londoners will dance and shake their bones like never before. Are you ready to wake up?

In Blogging Tags John Lockley, London, Nelson Mandela, passing clouds, traditional African medicine-, trance dance, Xhosa Sangoma

Totnes Workshop

John will be doing a one day workshop in Totnes talking about dreams, ancestors & plant medicine. * Sunday 4th - Private Sangoma Sessions.

In Uncategorized Tags Ancestors, dreams, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, plant medicine, Totnes, traditional African healer, Xhosa Sangoma

Trance Dance in London

* John will be leading a trance dance ceremony in the heart of London. * Sunday 18th - Private Sangoma Sessions.

In Events Tags Ancestors, John Lockley, London, Nelson Mandela, passing clouds, traditional Shamanism-, trance dance, Xhosa Sangoma

Plant Medicine Retreat in Ireland

John will be leading a Plant Medicine Retreat in Sligo, Ireland.

• Participants will learn the ancient art of Plant Medicine to heal, restore & invigorate the human spirit.

• Private Sangoma Divinations available upon request.

In Events Tags Ancestral Medicine, Ireland, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, plant medicine, Sligo, traditional Shaman, Xhosa Sangoma

Ubuntu: Wisdom of the Ancestors

John will be teaching a residential weekend course at Hawkwood College Stroud. He will be hosted by Caitlin Matthews.

• To book, follow Hawkwood link.

• Sangoma Divinations on Monday 26th.

In Uncategorized Tags Ancestral Medicine, Caitlin Matthews, Dreaming, Hawkwood College, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Wisdom of the Ancestors, Xhosa Sangoma

Glastonbury talk/ Ceremony

John will talk in Glastonbury on Sunday 30th.

• Private Sangoma Sessions Monday 1st July

In Events Tags African Mysticism, Ancestors, dreams, Glastonbury Festival, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Modern World, Nelson Mandela, South Africa, Xhosa Sangoma, Xhosa tribe

Talk at Consciousness Cafe, Totnes

John will be giving a talk on Thurs 27th in Totnes entitled 'Indigenous Medicine for the Modern World'.

• Private Sangoma Sessions Fri 28th & Sat 29th

In Events Tags African Mysticism, Ancestors, Consciousness Cafe, dreams, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Modern World, Nelson Mandela, South Africa, Totnes, Xhosa Sangoma, Xhosa tribe

Dublin plant Medicine Workshop

John will be in Dublin facilitating a plant medicine workshop on Sat 22nd.

• Private Sangoma Divinations  Sun 23rd.

In Events Tags Dreaming, Dublin, Indigenous Medicine, Ireland, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, plant medicine, Xhosa Sangoma, Xhosa Tribe- traditional shaman-

Dreams, Mysticism and beyond...?

London talk entitled Dreams, Mysticism and beyond with John Lockley & Charlie Morley.

• To Book click above link

• Private Sangoma sessions in London on Mon 8th..

In Events Tags African Mysticism, Ancestors, Buddhism, Charlie Morley, dreams, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Journey of Truth, London, Modern World, Nelson Mandela, South Africa, Tibetan, Tibetan lucid Dreaming, Xhosa Sangoma, Xhosa tribe

Gateways of the Mind - Amsterdam

A 4 Day Convergence Of Lucid Dreaming & Out-Of-Body Experiences in Mozeshuis & Aäronkerk .

John will be available for Sangoma Divinations on the 3rd & 4th.

In Events Tags African Shaman, Ancestors, Charlie Morley, dream shaman, Dublin, Gateways of the Mind, Ireland, John Lockley, Lucid Dreaming, Medicinal plants, Nelson Mandela, out of body experiences, Robert Waggoner, Xhosa Sangoma

Mind Body Spirit Festival London

John will be presenting at this years MBS Festival in London. Sangoma Divinations Sun 26th & Mon 27th

Mind Body Spirit London Festival

In Events Tags Ancestors, ancestrally trained, dreams, Earls Court, indigenous healer, John, Lockley, London, Mind body Spirit Festival, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma, Shaman, Xhosa, Xhosa Sangoma

Gateways of the Mind - Dublin

A 2 Day Immersive Exploration Of Lucid Dreaming And Out-Of-Body Experiences in Dublin, Ireland. Venue: Hilton Hotel.

Sangoma Divinations Monday 20th

 In Events Tags African Shaman, Ancestors, dream shaman, Dublin, Ireland, John Lockley, Lucid Dreaming, Medicinal plants, Nelson Mandela, out of body experiences, Xhosa Sangoma

Totnes Sangoma Ceremony

John will be in Totnes for a public talk,  ceremony and Sangoma Divinations.

In Events Tags Ancestors, ancestrally trained, dreams, indigenous healer, John, Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma, Shaman, Totnes, Xhosa, Xhosa Sangoma

Sangoma Skype Sessions

John is available for Sangoma Skype Sessions to help realise your destiny and understand your dreams.

In Events Tags Ancestors, ancestrally trained, Dream interpretation, dreams, indigenous healer, John, Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma, Shaman, Skype Sessions-, Xhosa, Xhosa Sangoma

Plant Healing

John will be co-leading a plant healing workshop with Steve Taylor in Chichester. Monday 3rd - Private Sangoma Divinations.

In Events Tags Dreaming, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, plant medicine, Sangoma Medicine, Steve Taylor, Xhosa Sangoma

Seattle Workshops

John will be in Seattle giving a public talk, workshop & private Sangoma Divinations.

In Events Tags Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma Medicine, Seattle, South African Traditional Medicine, Xhosa Medicine, Xhosa Sangoma

Memphis Workshops

John will be in Memphis Tennessee giving public talks & workshops on Sangoma Medicine. He will also be available to give private Sangoma Divinations.

In Events Tags Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Memphis Tennessee, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma Medicine, South African Traditional Medicine, Xhosa Medicine, Xhosa Sangoma

San Francisco Workshops

John will be offering Sangoma Divinations, Talks & Workshops.  

In Events Tags Ancestors, dreams, humanity, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Ubuntu, Xhosa people, Xhosa Sangoma

San Francisco Conference

John will be presenting at the 3rd Annual Earth Medicine Alliance Conference celebrating Ancestral Wisdom.

In Events Tags African Shaman, celebrating Ancestral Wisdom, Earth Medicine Alliance, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, San Francisco, Xhosa Sangoma

Healing through Dreaming, UK

A weekend workshop in Shropshire, UK. Learning the Art of Dreaming through working with Medicinal plants.

In Events Tags African Shaman, Broadmeadow holistic centre, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Shropshire, United Kingdom, Xhosa Sangoma, Xhosa tribe

Talk at Edgar Cayce Institute, NY

John will be leading a tradditional Xhosa Sangoma blessing ceremony.

• Sangoma talk at Edgar Cayce Insitute

In Events Tags Ancestors, Dreaming, Edgar Cayce Institute, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, traditional South Africa medicine, Xhosa Medicine, Xhosa Sangoma, Xhosa tribe

Sangoma Medicine Clinic in New York City

John will be giving private Sangoma divination & healing sessions in New York City. For help with:  your life path/ destiny, dreams and ancestors please book a private session.

• Sangoma Medicine USA Tour Oct-Nov 2012

In Events Tags Ancestors, dreams, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, New York City, South Africa, traditional Shaman, Xhosa Sangoma, Xhosa tribe

Shamanic Gathering in Central Park, New York

John will be presenting at the 14th Annual Shamanic Gathering in Central Park, New York City, USA. Presented by New York Shamanic Circle.

See Sangoma Medicine USA Tour Oct-Nov 2012

In Events Tags African Shaman, Ancestors, Dreaming, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, New York City, New York Shamanic Circle, South Africa, Xhosa Sangoma

Ethical Cultural Centre, Brooklyn, US

John will be giving a talk on African spirituality and mysticism.

• Sangoma Medicine USA tour Oct-Nov 2012

In Events Tags Ancestors, Brooklyn, Dreaming, Ethical Cultural Centre, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma Medicine, USA, Xhosa Sangoma, Xhosa tribe

Totnes Peace day festival

John will be be performing a Xhosa Sangoma dance & blessing ceremony on Friday 21st at the Totnes peace day festival.

• All proceeds will go to Combatants for peace & Peace one day.

In Events Tags African viewpoint, ancestrally, Combatants for peace, John Lockley, movement medicine, Nelson Mandela, peace one day, Sangoma, Shaman, Shamanic State of Consciousness, spiritual wisdom, Susanna Khan, Totnes Peace day festival, trained, Ubuntu, veteran lineage holder, Xhosa, Ya'Acov Khan