What Is an Ancestral Calling?
An ancestral calling is understood in many African traditional belief systems as a spiritual calling through which a person may be guided toward becoming a traditional healer or serving their family and community in a particular spiritual role.
The experience and interpretation of an ancestral calling can differ between individuals, families, communities and cultural traditions.
How May a Calling Be Recognised?
People may interpret different experiences as possible signs of an ancestral calling. These may include recurring dreams, particular spiritual experiences, a strong connection to ancestral traditions, or guidance received from family elders or traditional practitioners.
These experiences should not automatically be assumed to have one explanation. Physical or emotional symptoms may also have health-related causes and should be appropriately assessed when necessary.
What Happens After Someone Believes They Have a Calling?
Depending on the person’s tradition and circumstances, they may speak with family elders or consult an experienced traditional practitioner for guidance.
Some people may eventually undertake traditional training or initiation under an experienced practitioner. The process, duration and practices can differ considerably between traditions and communities.
Respecting Different Traditions
There is no single experience that applies to every person or every African traditional healing tradition. MutiSquare encourages people to approach traditional practices respectfully, ask questions, and make informed decisions about practitioners and training.