First time visits to iSangoma are always a little tricky because people never know what to expect. The most important thing though is that I have yet to meet a Sangoma who places a time limit on consultations as would happen with other alternative healers for instance. It is important therefore that you as the client consider those still to follow when you are in your consultation.

This will be a general guide only based primarily on how I handle consultations in my practice. Firstly your appearance needs to be respectful. Some iZangoma do not accept woman in pants. Ask and to avoid any unnecessary discomfort, women shouldn’t wear pants. Shoes are to be left outside the consulting area. Please in this age of cell phones, switch them off. You will be entering someone’s sacred space, be respectful of the space you are entering.

Expect to sit on the floor on ucansi (grass mat). Sit in a position which is comfortable for you but which takes into account your surroundings. What I mean is if you are in a small space then don’t lean on things unless you have permission to do so.

Enquire before hand how to pay and if you need to bring anything. For instance I’ve been to someone who expects there to be silver coins as part of the money. Others don’t mind either way. I’ve also seen that sometimes if you are consulting on someone’s behalf, some people require an item of clothing for that person if they can’t be there in person. Also some iZangoma who use iSitunywa require that each person provides their own white candle for the consultation.

As a final note, I find it amazing that people will pay hundreds of rands to see a psychic but not want to pay the very basic consultation fee charged by iZangoma. Ask beforehand how much is it ukukhanisela amakhosi to avoid embarrassment. It’s not a flat rate so don’t expect to pay the same everywhere you go.