Dear reader, I hope this note finds you in good health and high spirits. Today, I want to discuss a topic that has been intriguing and captivating the human mind for centuries - witches. The mention of witches often evokes a range of emotions, from fear to fascination. They have been depicted in various forms in literature, folklore, and popular culture. Witches have always been a subject of curiosity and intrigue throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, the concept of witches has always held a significant place in our collective consciousness.
From ancient civilizations to modern times, the concept of witches has always held a significant place in our collective consciousness. The image of a witch varies across cultures and periods, but certain characteristics tend to remain consistent. Witches are often portrayed as individuals who possess supernatural powers and engage in practices involving magic or witchcraft.
What do witch doctors actually do?
One thing every Acholi person wants to avoid is being associated with a witch doctor, but I took courage and informed the bodaboda (motorbike taxi) man that I was heading to the witch doctor’s place. He bombarded me with questions: What is your problem? Are you looking for riches? Has someone bewitched you? And his last word was that these people (witch doctors) are bad.
People certainly associate witch doctors with bad acts. They don’t associate witch doctors with, for example, deciding whether widows, with or without children, can stay on the land of their dead husbands, return to their maiden home or have the choice to reject or accept a protector (male relative of their late husband)?
Yet these are just some of the roles I discovered when I interviewed some witch doctors in Northern Uganda as part of my research for CPAID. Let’s hear from Akumu Christen (a female witch doctor):
‘It was in 2009 when I became a witch doctor, even though I never wanted to be one. In 2005 I was attacked by a ‘jok’ for the first time’.
Robin: ‘She was trying to show me what she uses in her daily work, Each one of those things has got different roles to play. The spear represents a god call Jok Kalawinya. Kalawinya is summoned when someone is possessed by evil spirits. The Bible represents a god called Mary, Mary is a white and she loves peace, so for anything concerning bringing peace, they summon her. The beer bottle represents a god call Jok Kirikitiny. Kirikitiny is a god from the Karomonjong ethnic groups – he is concerned with protection. The small syrup bottles contain a liquid substance which she takes before starting her work, it makes her see and hear from the gods.’
A jok is a class of spirit within the traditional Acholi belief system that is viewed as the cause of illness. Traditional healers (known as ajwaka) first identify the jok in question and then make an appropriate sacrifice and ceremony to counter them. Alternatively if such an approach is unsuccessful the person possessed by the jok can go through a series of rituals to gain some level of control over the jok and then themselves become ajwaka.
‘This jok wanted me to become a witch doctor. When I resisted, I became mad for three months, but in the fourth month I was taken from the forest and became a born-again Christian and the jok left me alone. But that liberty only lasted for two years and then I suffered the hardest attack yet from the jok. I became mad for the second time and lived in trees like a monkey for three months without eating food or drinking water and without coming down to the ground. Then my sister brought another witch doctor to initiate me into being a witch doctor, which was what the jok wanted all along, and that’s how I became a witch doctor.
‘I was scared because of what people would say but I now have realised that this jok–known as jokajula- does not support wrong-doing like killing people. I don’t do rituals to kill people but to help them’.
Akumu Christen now helps the people in her neighbourhood town. Paico, in different ways, including:
Mental Health Worker: Helping victims or Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) returnees by trying to stop or prevent spirits from attacking them. Or stop them from being haunted or rerunning in their minds the bad things that they did in the bush, preventing nightmares and helping them cope in their community.
Peace Maker: Participating in the reconciliation of two clans, where one killed a person from the other clan. Beside that she is also involved in summoning the spirit of the dead to ask him who should receive the ‘kwo money’(blood money paid to the victim’s family/clan).
Family Therapist: End barrenness in both men and women, which is hugely important because children are very significant to an Acholi: for a home to be called a home it should have children around.
Repair broken marriages or relationships.
Livelihoods Promotion: Remove bad luck and make people rich, especially those who have been put into bondage by bad people who want them to remain poor.
Disaster Prevention: She is summoned by the community elders to perform rituals to prevent natural calamities like drought or floods.
These are some of the things she does, but she is also a mother of two children with a very loving husband.
So now let me ask you again, do you still think witch doctors are bad people?
Robin Oryem (@oryem_robin ) is a researcher for LSE’s CPAID programme in northern Uganda.
The views expressed in this post are those of the author and in no way reflect those of the Africa at LSE blog, the Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa or the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Family Therapist: End barrenness in both men and women, which is hugely important because children are very significant to an Acholi: for a home to be called a home it should have children around.
They are commonly associated with broomsticks, cauldrons, black cats, and pointed hats. They are often portrayed as cunning, mysterious, and in some cases, evil. Throughout history, there have been numerous witch-hunts and trials, especially during the Early Modern period in Europe and North America. These trials often resulted in the persecution and execution of individuals accused of practicing witchcraft. These dark chapters in our history serve as a reminder of the power and fear associated with witches. In modern times, witches have undergone a transformation in popular culture. They have become symbols of empowerment, strength, and rebellion. Witches are now seen as feminist icons who challenge societal norms and fight against oppression. They have become central characters in books, films, and television shows, often portraying them as complex, multi-dimensional individuals. Contemporary witches also exist in the form of practitioners of modern-day witchcraft or Wicca, a neo-pagan religious movement. These individuals engage in rituals, spells, and practices to connect with nature, harness personal power, and promote spiritual growth. For them, witchcraft is a way of life, embracing the importance of balance, harmony, and respect for the natural world. In conclusion, the concept of witches has captivated humanity for centuries. Whether it be through stories, trials, or contemporary movements, the allure and fascination surrounding witches persist. From supernatural beings to symbols of power and rebellion, witches continue to capture our imagination and challenge our perceptions. I hope this note has provided you with some insight into the world of witches. As always, the exploration of topics such as these prompts us to question, learn, and grow. May we continue to embrace curiosity and open our minds to the wonders that lie beyond our understanding. Best wishes, [Your Name].
Reviews for "The Dark Arts: Understanding and Working with Shadow Magick"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Witch Need Me" based on the synopsis, but I was thoroughly disappointed. The storyline was all over the place, with random plot points that didn't contribute to the overall plot. The characters were also underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. Additionally, the writing style was choppy and confusing at times. Overall, "Witch Need Me" did not meet my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Jason - 1/5 stars - "Witch Need Me" was one of the worst books I have ever read. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout the entire story. The main character was incredibly unlikable and made terrible decisions that made no sense. The romance aspect felt forced and unnatural, adding nothing substantial to the plot. The ending was also extremely unsatisfying and left many loose ends, leaving me frustrated and dissatisfied. Save yourself the time and skip this book!
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Witch Need Me" but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The writing style was overly descriptive, making the story feel slow and drawn out. The dialogue was also unrealistic and felt forced. The world-building had potential, but it was not properly explored or explained, leaving me confused and disconnected from the story. While the concept was intriguing, the execution was lacking, and I was left feeling disappointed by the end. I wouldn't recommend "Witch Need Me" unless you enjoy slow-paced and poorly developed stories.
4. Michael - 2.5/5 stars - "Witch Need Me" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver. The pacing was inconsistent, with parts that dragged on and others that felt rushed. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to care about their fates. There were also many clichés and predictable moments throughout the book, which made it feel unoriginal. Overall, "Witch Need Me" had potential, but it didn't live up to it, leaving me underwhelmed and unsatisfied.