Webinar
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
Shamanic Path to Spiritual Abundance
In Events Tags Christina Pratt, Evolver Intensive, Indigenous Medicine, Itzhak Beery, John Lockley, John Perkins, Lewis Mehl-Madrona, Marti Spiegelman, Sandra Ingerman, Shamanic path
Ubuntu 2012 in Review: A message of Hope
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
2012 Was an amazing year for me. I was invited to lead ceremonies all over the world from Canada to the USA, UK, and Belgium. I feel deeply honoured that people called on me to lead ceremonies and listen to how South African indigenous healers (Sangomas) operate.
In April this year I was working alongside my teacher, Mum Ngwevu performing thanksgiving ceremonies to honour our ancestors. After these ceremonies one of my elders, Tata Bongani said to me “Cingo uyasebenza kakhulu kulo nyaka!” “John you will be very busy this year”. He predicted quite accurately that this year was going to be my busiest year yet. I thanked him for his kind words and I left my beloved teacher and elders to lead my first ceremony overseas in Canada in May.
I was a bit nervous as it was my first time to Canada. The ceremony I lead was part of a 5 day Shamanic conference in Squamish, B.C. outside Vancouver. I lead the 101 + delegates in Xhosa chants, drumming and dancing. They loved it! I lead them in a special chant of “Umoya wam, ngumoya wam...” Meaning, ‘My spirit, my holy spirit’. I was impressed at how they all picked up the rhythm and went for it body and soul. The whole room was swaying in unison while I beat my drum. It was a wonderful moment. As always, I prayed in Xhosa, and sent a blessing to the delegates and their ancestors. I also mentioned my own parents, teachers and medicine elders back home. This ceremony set a wonderful precedent for the rest of the year for me.
After Canada I toured America, going to New York City, Colorado, San Francisco, and then again at the end of the year Memphis as well. I was hosted by the New York Shamanic circle, Earth Medicine Alliance in San Francisco and the Sacred Earth Foundation in Colorado. Again I felt very blessed and honoured to be invited by all these groups. I was touched by their dedication and commitment towards remembering the old ways and reaching out towards indigenous healers like myself.
I see people everywhere with an insatiable spiritual hunger to rediscover new ways of working with nature and the timeless ancestral/spirit world which is like a river moving in a continuous circle. The gifts that I have received in all these places is the gift of ‘Ubuntu’, humanity. For I am constantly reminded that no matter where I go there are good people everywhere who open their doors, hearts and communities to me, and allow me to sing in Xhosa, drum and teach these beautiful ways.
In October I was invited to San Francisco for the yearly Earth Medicine Alliance conference, and also the New York Shamanic event in Central Park. Both groups were well attended with people coming from all walks of life, and diverse cultures and traditions. We prayed, danced and rattled with Mayan traditions, Mexican and various North & South American indigenous cultures. It was gratifying and humbling to witness all of us as one human family with a commitment to peace and harmony in our fragile world. It gave me hope for our future, and the future of our children.
In my private divination sessions I was privileged to hear the hopes and dreams of hundreds of people. While we sat together in silence contemplating my sacred divination bones spread out in various constellations, I heard the whispers of our ancestors guiding us forwards. These whispers were always hopeful, inspiring and empowering. For each person holds so much light and power. It is my hope and dream that more and more people can hold onto their light and realise their potential. A potential that is truly limitless. For we are all free, and we have to take responsibility for it. I feel that it is this awesome freedom that makes people fearful. We all have choice. Embrace your freedom and allow your spirits to soar towards 2013 like eagles entering a new era. For I believe 2013 will be a wonderful year.
Blessings to all my friends, new and old in South Africa, USA, UK, Ireland, Mexico, Canada, Belgium, Germany, Poland and beyond. It has been my privilege to serve you in 2012 as a Sangoma and I look forward to doing the same in 2013.
Uthando lo thando, Ubuntu olo thando (An old Xhosa saying: Love is Love, humanity is Love).
Warmest wishes,
John Lockley.
( Special thanks to Thomas Donley for taking these pictures).
In Blogging Tags Hope, international teaching, John Lockley, Ubuntu 2012, Xhosa Sangoma
Plant Healing
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
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 Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
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 Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
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 Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
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 Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
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
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
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 Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
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 Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
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 Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
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
Sangoma Medicine USA Tour 2012
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
Read the latest newsletter highlighting John's USA tour October-November 2012.
In Newsletters
Sangoma Fall Newsletter 2012
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
Read about the latest events and workshops for Fall 2012. Please see John's new video's, in particular his song honouring Nelson Mandela.
In Newsletters Tags Ancestors, Dreaming, Indigenous Medicine, John Lockley, Sangoma Fall Newsletter 2012, Sangoma Medicine, Upcoming events, USA tour, Xhosa Sangoma
Ethical Cultural Centre, Brooklyn, US
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
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 Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
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
Glastonbury Sangoma Talk
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
Sunday 23rd, John will be giving a public talk & blessing ceremony in Glastonbury. This will include live drumming, Xhosa singing and dancing.
Sangoma Sessions on Monday 24th & Tuesday 25th.
In Events Tags African viewpoint, ancestrally, Glastonbury talk, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma, Shaman, Shamanic State of Consciousness, spiritual wisdom, trained, Ubuntu, veteran lineage holder, Xhosa, Xhosa tribe
Healing through Dreaming
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
John will be teaming up with Charlie Morley for a one day workshop on the art of 'Healing through Dreaming' in London on Sunday 16th Sep.
Mon 17th - Private Sangoma Divinations in London
Book soon to avoid disappointment.
Click here for online registration.
In Events Tags African viewpoint, ancestrally, Charlie Morley, Healing through Dreaming, John Lockley, Lucid Dreaming, Sangoma, Shaman, Shamanic State of Consciousness, spiritual wisdom, Tibetan Buddhism, trained, Ubuntu, veteran lineage holder, Xhosa
PaGE2012 in Belgium
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
John will be giving a workshop in Belgium at the Pagan Gathering Europe (PaGE) which only happens every 4 years.
In Events Tags African Spirituality, Ancestors, Belgium, Blessing Ceremony, cross cultural, John Lockley, Nelson Mandela, Pagan Gathering Europe, Pagans, PaGE2012, South African Traditional Medicine, Xhosa Sangoma
An African Blessing Ceremony
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
As the sun started to set across the African sky the elders gathered, the herbs burnt, and the prayers were uttered. We all joined together to celebrate our community in the Sukwhwini kraal. The kraal is the sacred home of the Sukhwini ancestral spirits and my adopted family for over 15 years.
When I first me my teacher, Mum Ngwevu and her husband Tata Sukhwini I felt I had found gold. The gold of an ancient, intact medicine lineage that stretches back hundreds and possibly thousands of years. For the Sukwhini clan is connected to the Khoi San, and they are reputed to be one of the oldest indigenous peoples in the world today. As a white South African who has lived through Apartheid I have been deeply touched and humbled by the Sukhwini elders who have adopted me as their son, and taught me everything they know in terms of ancestors and connecting to the ancient world. Every year I organise a 'thanks giving' ceremony to say 'thank you' to the Sukhwini, Ngwevu (my teacher's line) and Xhosa Sangoma ancestors and elders, for keeping these ancient medicine teachings alive in the world today. We invite Xhosa elders, medicine people and local community members. It normally goes over 2 days and includes sacred prayer and ceremony. This involves going to the sea, river and forest to offer prayers in the old way. It also involves talking in the kraal (ancestral temple), and listening to the elders speak. One of the highlights of the weekend is marked with Sangoma dancing and singing.
Every time I do a workshop overseas I get a photograph taken to show my community and elders back home the people I am helping. At a certain point during the ceremony I stood up and called forth my ancestors, I spoke in Xhosa honouring the ancient ones and the Great Spirit. I then passed around my photo album covering all the ‘Ubuntu Ubunzulu’ (depth of Humanity, traditional Sangoma workshops) workshops that I lead during the past year. I told my elders how I have taught people in the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States and Mexico, to reconnect to their ancestors, elders, dreams, Great Spirit. I tell them how I use Xhosa Medicine to help people to dream. I emphasise the importance of following the old Xhosa ways because they are sacred, beautiful and very powerful. The whole community were speechless.
Then Tata Khumalo stood up. He is a dignified elder who the people respect as a preacher, prophet and wise man. He was quiet for a moment, and then he said “Andithetha ngoku...” I cannot speak right now. He had a lump in his throat and he was very emotional. The whole community was quiet and they uttered one long sigh, aaaaaaaaah. Then his voice returned and he said “enkosi Cingolwendaba!” “Thank you John!”. The spirit started moving through him and his voice returned. He shouted with joy about the work I am doing, and expressed his heartfelt appreciation for me honouring his community, Mum Ngwevu, and Tata Sukhwini. He finished with tears running down his face and saying, “hamba phesheya Cingolwedaba!” “Go overseas John and teach people these old ways”.
I was deeply touched with the support my elders gave me, and to highlight it my teacher Mum Ngwevu gave me some beautiful beads. Her ancestors had told her in a dream to make the beads for me, to say ‘thank you’ for honouring them and helping to spread the sacred teachings of the Xhosa medicine people, the amagqirha.
Spirit News by John Lockley ‘Ucingolwendaba’
English
I have travelled all over this world, such as Australia, England, Ireland, Germany, France and all over South Africa. In all these places I have not seen or felt the connection to the Ancestors that I have felt here in the Eastern Cape, Joza location.
Ladies and Gentlemen be proud of your culture and customs.
You are lucky and rich. You have no money but you are connected to your ancestors.
When you sing and dance you raise the spirits of the Ancestors. I tell people overseas that here in South Africa we have gold, the Sangomas.
The world is dying, my friends.
In Europe people have forgotten the old ways of living.
The world is dying because of greediness and a lack of humanity.
You give hope because here I receive the depth of humanity through Sangoma teachings. Wherever I am in the rural Eastern Cape I feel the presence of humanity and the Ancestors guiding us.
Fathers and men don’t forget to teach your children your culture and customs.
When you do spiritual work here in the Eastern Cape you send light throughout the world.
You give people hope, thank you.
Indaba Zikacingolwendaba
Isixhosa
Ndihambile phantsie omhlaba wonke, Australia, England, Ireland, Germany, France noMzantsi Afrika wonke. Kuzo zonke ezindawo andikubonanga okanje andiluvanga unxibelelwano eninalo apha eRhini/ Joza.
Mawethu zingceni ngamasiko nezithethe zenu. Nenethamsanqa nobutyebi obungaphaya. Anina mali kodwa ninxulumene nezinyanya zenu.
Xa nisombela nikwaxhentsa, ninyusa umoya wabaphantsi nivuselela nathi.
Ndixelela abantu phesheya, apha Mzantsi Afrika sinayo igolide engamagqirha.
Elizwe liyathsabalala bahlobo bam.
aEurope abantu bakhona balibele ngendlela endala yokuphila. Leyafa elizwe labo, ngenxa yokunyoluka nokungabina buntu.
Ninika ithemba kuba apha ndifumene ubuntu obunzulu. Naphina apho ndikhoyo ndiyaliva ifuthe lobuntu.
Botata nanimadoda sanakulibala ukufundisa abantwana benu ngamasiko nezithethe zenu.
Xa nisenza omsebenzi apha eJoza nithumela ilitha ehlabathini. Ninika abantu ithemba, Enkosi.
In Blogging Tags African viewpoint, ancestrally, Divine ceremonial experience, John Lockley, Powerful teacher, Sangoma, Shaman, Shamanic State of Consciousness, spiritual wisdom, trained, Ubuntu, veteran lineage holder, Xhosa
Sangoma Workshop in Shropshire, UK
John Lockley writes about the current Wars plaguing humanity in Gaza and Ukraine, and he speaks about the importance of cultivating mutual respect and empathy.
John will be leading a Sangoma workshop in Shropshire. The workshop will focus on the ancient art of Dreaming, connecting with the Ancestors/ Spirit World, and Medicinal plants.
The workshop will include live African Drumming, Singing and Dancing.
Let your Spirit Soar and your Heart expand...
Sunday will involve private Sangoma Divination Sessions.
In Events Tags Ancestors, Ancient spirituality, Dreaming, John Lockley, Medicinal plants, Nelson Mandela, Sangoma workshop, Shropshire, South Africa, UK, Xhosa Sangoma