Ubuntu 2010 in Review

2010 Has been a wonderful year with many highs, and a few lows. This was the year where South Africa hosted the 2010 world cup which helped boost South Africa's image abroad. A Blog I wrote, namely "World Cup Football meets Sangoma medicine" prompted various invitations to speak on  radio programmes like the BBC World Service, SAfm - South African Radio, and Dublin's Newstalk Radio. Hence, bringing my vision about the importance of    respecting South African traditional medicine, a step closer. I was deeply humbled and grateful by the warm response in which my message was received.

One of the biggest lows for me this year was the death and passing of one of my closest friends and biggest supporters in South Africa, namely Sydney Toto Peter. He passed away tragically in a car accident in South Africa on the 3rd August. He was the man who introduced me to my teacher in the 90's and helped integrate me into the local Xhosa community. Sid was the eternal optimistic, and he had a gift in making people smile and laugh around him. He will be remembered for his cheerful disposition.

My Ubuntu work thrived this year, with workshops in the UK, Ireland, USA & Mexico. I was pleased to see how willing people have been to hearing and learning about the old ways. The key theme here is the importance of respecting and remembering our Ancestors, and what it means to be human. Ubuntu means humanity, and it is an evolving process, depending on how we help and look after one another.

These Ubuntu workshops wouldn't happen without the support of a number of people. There are so many people to thank that I don't have the space to include all of them. I would like to thank everyone who has come to a workshop and taken the time to learn these ancient ways.

I would like to thank Richard & Katarina Diss in the UK for their help and support. In Ireland I would like to thank Henry Rowan, Carole Guyett & her husband Steve. I would also like to thank Hazel and Omo Lara. In America I would like to thank Jeff & Diane Baker. Jeff worked tirelessly in promoting my work last year and encouraging people to come to my Ubuntu workshops. He also wrote a wonderful article in the Sacred Fire Magazine, entitled The Lone Leopard.  Julie Bete also needs a special mention in her encouragement, and support with my USA tour this year. She has very kindly offered to be my assistant and help with my admin duties.

I would like to give a hearty 'thank you' to Eliot Cowan and David Wiley, two Tsaurirrikames (Elder Shamans) in the Huichol indigenous tradition of Mexico. In the last 4 years they have acknowledged and supported me with my efforts in promoting indigenous South African medicine. Recently in November in Mexico, David Wiley made me an elder in the Sacred Fire Community, an international community dedicated to promoting indigenous medicine.

Working in an area like African shamanism (Sangoma medicine) means constantly communicating to the international community about Africa and African spirituality. I have found that most prejudice comes from ignorance, thus highlighting the importance of clear and concise communication. In this area I would like to thank my close friend and publicist Sally Turner. Sally has continually helped me with all media work, such as radio, Internet and magazine articles. Sally is a true believer in Ubuntu, in our shared humanity, and in our innate closeness through us all having red blood.

As always I would like to thank my Xhosa Sangoma community in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. And in particular my beloved teacher, Mum Gwevu, her husband Tata Sukwini, and elder Tata Bongani. I have being constantly in touch with them this year, and they have stood by my side in my Sangoma work overseas. Thus helping to further our joint vision of 'Ubuntu Ubunzulu', the depth of humanity. Which is a humanity joined through blood, and superseding culture, creed and language.

Finally I wish All of you a Wonderful New Year filled with magic, beauty and love!

In Memoriam - Sydney Toto Peter

On the 3rd August this year 2010 Sydney Toto Peter died tragically in a car accident in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Sydney was one of my closest friends and the man who introduced me to my teacher, Mum Gwevu and who helped to integrate me into the local Xhosa community. Our friendship began in the late 90's in post-apartheid South Africa. As the fires of Apartheid started to settle good men and women like him and his wife, Nokuzola, became true South African heros in seeing the humanity inside people rather than giving in to polical and social prejudice.

When I was found to have the Xhosa calling to become a Xhosa Sangoma/ Medicine man, Sid and his wife took me under their wings and said that I was free to come to their home at any time if I needed help. My teacher, Mum Gwevu, doesn't speak English and in the late 90's I spoke no Xhosa so Syd spent many hours of his time helping to translate for me. For hours we would speak about dreams, ancestors, Xhosa culture, beads, etc. He was never flustered or annoyed by my questions. In fact he would make me laugh, and tell me old stories about the Xhosa tribe. He was also very proud of me and my Sangoma gift. He would say to his friends "come and see my Umlungu (white guy) friend dance. When he dances you can feel the 'umoya' (spirit)". As a Xhosa Sangoma I had to prove my gift through my dancing. Syd loved to watch me dance and he would travel all over the local township to watch me dance.

When I struggled to be accepted by the local community I would talk to Syd and he would heal my loneliness. I remember talking to him recently about racism and how tired I was of being judged in South Africa for the colour of my lovely white skin. Again he laughed in his typical way and said to me, "that's nothing John, how would you like to be called 'kaffir' (very derogatory term used by white South Africans during Apartheid South Africa for Black South Africans) ?" He then related a story a few years ago when his car broke down on a particularly hot day in Kimberley (Northern Cape, SA). Like any man he looked for the nearest pub to get a cold beer. He went into this pub and exclaimed to me how wierd it felt going into a bar being the only black guy. "But hey John, it was the New South Africa, so I thought it would be no problem".  Apparently as he sat down the white man next to him got up and exclaimed under his breath "F****ng Kaffir!".  At that Syd was not perturbed in the slightest but merely said "hey, this 'fo**n' kaffir would like to buy you a beer, do you want to drink or walk??" The white man was so taken aback that he said, "ag ok, drink". So Syd bought him a drink and after about 2 hours of drinking they both knew one another's names, and whenever this man drove near where Sid lived in the Eastern Cape he would give him a ring and they would meet up. They became friends despite politics and skin colour.

Syd taught me about 'Ubuntu', (humanity), and to always laugh and see the lighter side of life despite sometimes extreme obstacles that we both faced in the townships like poverty and disease.

On the 3rd August South Africa lost a noble son, father, and brother.  On that day I lost a brother and a man who showed me so much love and compassion that my life changed completely.  Sydney leaves Nokuzola his wife, three children and the whole of Joza township who loved him.  His memory will never die, and whenever we joke and play and enjoy one anothers' company we will remember him.

Fireside Chat in Vermont

Here are some thoughts about the fire (and thanks for sharing about the coyotes!) What most impresses me about the messages John Lockley brings is the simplicity of them. He began with having us listen to our own hearts. Feeling them beat inside of us. Everything else came from that point. I have gotten instruction before in meditation that focuses primarily on the breath, and struggled to feel connection. Somehow focusing on the heartbeat was a very different experience. To feel the drumming inside of me, and feel the connection to the Earth through this rhythm, while remembering and honoring ancestors, placed me firmly in my body--balanced and stable and able to move from a place of calm. I felt a new understanding of meditation.
The knowledge he shares is ancient and timeless, and yet he communicates it in such a way that we in these confusing and hyper-fast times can comprehend them.
His personal stories help to illustrate essential truths of spiritual practice and seeking help from Divine, from Source.
John is very down to earth and sometimes uses a Puckish sense of humor to make ideas clear. Yet always there is an unwavering authenticity that he shows and invites us back to again and again. He brings us back to ourselves and our own work, all the while encouraging us to drop our false faces, our patterns of old habits that may not serve us, and connecting us to our ancestors and spirit guides.

Heather

Vermont, USA

Read more

Dedication to Calling

John Lockley is an extraordinary being. His dedication to his calling ispalpable, and his infectious enthusiasm for finding and following your unique path touched my heart deeply.The timing of John's message is impeccable. I recognize the grace that was bestowed upon me by being in John's presence. He shook my bones, and moved my heart.

Carolyn Gregory

Vermont, USA

Read more

USA & Mexico Tour

  • John will be touring the East Coast of the USA during September & October giving public talks.

  • He will be in New York, North Carolina, Western Massachusetts & Pennsylvania.

  • Followed by Mexico in November.

  • To book an event or for more info please call Julie Bete on 802-251-0552 or email juliebeet@comcast.net.

Afro / Celt Shamanic Weekend

The way of the 'Spiritual Warrior'

  • Learning to Dance in a tribal way, Dreamwork, Honouring & praising our Ancestors & Plant Medicine

  • Mankind was born in Africa. Using Xhosa Sangoma techniques to help reconnect to our Irish roots.

  • Afro/ Celt Sacred Sound Performance on Friday night 10th Sep with John & Tommy Hayes on the Bodhran.

The Way of the Sangoma - in Oxford

  • Sangomas are the traditional priests/ nuns of Southern Africa. To find out more please join us in Oxford at the Iffley Village Hall.

  • Friday 9th July, Public Talk & Blessing Ceremony - 7.30 to 9.30 pm - £15

  • Saturday 10thJuly, Workshop - 10am to 5 pm - £75

  • Sunday July 11th– Private Healing Sessions - by appointment

To book please call Stuart on 07968 451730, or email stuartlandart@googlemail.com.

London Talk

John will be giving a public talk on 'The Sangoma Way' in  Neals Yard, Covent Gardens on Saturday 12th June. Public Talk: 5-7pm, £12

  • The talk is open to the public and will involve a discussion on the traditional Sangoma/ African Shamanic path.
  • It will also include drumming & singing.
  • People will have an opportunity to ask questions

Sunday 13th June: Sangoma Divinations, £70

To book please click below or phone 0207-379-7662