Witchcraft and Sorcery in African Tradition

Witchcraft

To most Africans, witchcraft is an ugly reality. Witches
are believed to be people with inherent power. Although some witches acquired
these powers to protect their areas, it is mostly believed that the powers are evil,
anti-social are not primarily used to harm people. A witch is called Umuloshi,
Mulozi, Muloi, Mfiti and Mulozhi in Bemba, Tonga, Lozi, Chewa and Kaonde
respectively. One may possess this power without awareness and can also use it destructively
out of ignorance. This is what makes the concept of witchcraft mystifying,
appalling and sinister. They operate mainly at night. They attend meetings spiritually
because the body of those at the meeting will still be on their beds at home.

Sorcery

This is the application of evil magic on people or
objects. Life and property can be destroyed. Generally, it is an anti-societal
employment of supernatural powers. The following are the deeds of sorcerers.

·        
A sorcerer may call
lighting, elephantiasis, or even apply direct poison on his victim.

·        
He may kill a victim by
means of invocation through homeopathic magic.

·        
He may curse his victim
who may become insane or commit suicide.

·        
He may send animals
(snakes, scorpions) to his victim.

Consequently, they are seen as threats to peaceful
coexistence in the society. As a result, most people resort to diviners and medicine-men
for protection. Charms, amulets, medicinal drinks and ointments are used for
protection as prescribed by diviners.

Medicine-Men

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p style=”line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;”>They are also called herbalists and traditional
doctors. To the African mind, sicknesses and misfortunes of this world are
spiritual. It requires religious approach for a lasting solution.

In Africa, medicine is part of God’s creation. It is
associated with religion. So a medicine man does not practice in isolation. He
is an intermediary between God and man. The medicine-man as such is accessible
and he is a friend of the community. He plays an important role in communal
life.

There is no fixed rule governing the ‘calling’ of the
medicine-man usually, he is called when he is relatively young. Both sexes are
represented in the profession but there are more men. Most medicine men are
trustworthy, friendly, willing and ready to serve at moderate charges (or at no
charge if their patient cannot afford it).

Professionally medicine-men usually undergo training.
He is taught the medicinal value, the quality and use of different herbs,
leaves, roots, fruits, barks, grasses and other things like dead insects,
bones, feathers, powers, animal excreta and shells. He is also taught the
causes, cures and prevention of common ailments and typical problems. He is
trained also to combat witches and sorcerers and the handling of elemental
spirits. After training he is publicly initiated and then recognized as a medicine-man.
It is important to note that the medicine-men work cooperatively and so
training goes on even after formal learning.

Functions of Medicine-Men

·        
They combat witches,
sorcerers and other forms of social misfortunes.

·        
They serve as doctors.
They cure diseases. They discover the cause of the sickness, diagnose the
nature and apply the right treatment. They suggest how to prevent future
re-occurrence.

·        
They also practice
divination. When individuals or the community at large want to know the cause
of certain afflictions, the medicine-men are invited.

·        
 They aid increased productivity and good
results. They advise and assist on how to ensure success in business.