Gogo Gretchen Crilly McKay
Gogo Gretchen Crilly McKay
Gogo Gretchen Crilly McKay is a shamanic practitioner and Sangoma who lives in Laguna Niguel, CA. She has been practicing shamanism for more than 25 years, studying with master shamans in the U.S. and Africa. In 2001 she completed her traditional training and initiation in Swaziland, Africa and graduated in as Sangoma under the mentorship of Zulu shaman P.H. Mtshali. Currently Gretchen has a private shamanic practice where she sees clients and offers ongoing shamanic training for both beginning and advanced students.
Gogo Gretchen uses the African divination system of throwing the bones to diagnose the spiritual issues underlying dis-ease and family patterns; provides shamanic healing through spiritual extraction, soul retrieval and healing with spiritual light; uses medicinal herbs, flower essences, and aromatherapy to facilitate energetic healing through ceremony and ritual; and teaches workshops for ancestral and personal healing. She also offers two-year programs in advanced shamanic healing and apprenticeships for those called to this path.
714-309-7714
gcmckay2@mac.com
Website: www.ancestralwisdom.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ancestral-Wisdom-111894932232270/
Gogo Gretchen Crilly McKay is a shamanic practitioner and Sangoma who lives in Laguna Niguel, CA. She has been practicing shamanism for more than 25 years, studying with master shamans in the U.S. and Africa. In 2001 she completed her traditional training and initiation in Swaziland, Africa and graduated in as Sangoma under the mentorship of Zulu shaman P.H. Mtshali. Currently Gretchen has a private shamanic practice where she sees clients and offers ongoing shamanic training for both beginning and advanced students.
Gogo Gretchen uses the African divination system of throwing the bones to diagnose the spiritual issues underlying dis-ease and family patterns; provides shamanic healing through spiritual extraction, soul retrieval and healing with spiritual light; uses medicinal herbs, flower essences, and aromatherapy to facilitate energetic healing through ceremony and ritual; and teaches workshops for ancestral and personal healing. She also offers two-year programs in advanced shamanic healing and apprenticeships for those called to this path.
714-309-7714
gcmckay2@mac.com
Website: www.ancestralwisdom.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ancestral-Wisdom-111894932232270/
More content from this author
More content from this author
Oh my Gretchen how wonderful to hear your voice. This was wonderful! I remember you so fondly. I hope you do take up Steven’s idea of a follow up, or part 2. Blessings to you and all you do! Ann Riley
Actually Voodoo came from the Congo to Haiti and from Haiti to New Orleans. It is similar in many ways to Ifa, the Yoruba tradition in Nigeria, which came by the slave trade to Cuba, Puerto Rico and Brazil. In the Caribbean Ifa is called “Santeria” and in Brazil it’s called “Candomble.” Each has changed a bit from the original Yoruban tradition because the priests were killed by the slave traders and changes happen over time, but both Western versions found parallels with Catholic saints and often use the names of saints interchangeably with the Orixas (Gods). For instance, in Santeria the Ogun, the god of iron, is correlated with Saint Michael whereas in Brazil he’s correlated with Saint George; both bear metal swords.
Gretchen, I was so pleased to see that you were presenting on the African Sangoma tradition, and I enjoyed you talk very much. I am Canadian–Irish-Scottish/ Swiss German, and no African—not a spot. However, I grew up in Brazil, as my father was stationed there for the UN. There I grew to be fascinated by the African Spiritual tradition of Cadomble which is a synchetization of the Yoruba tradition, with Catholicism and Native beliefs. I have since been trying to find out as much as I can about the African traditions and there is not a whole lot that I have been able to locate. Also, I wonder if you are familiar with the book, “Lightning Bird,” which is about Adrian Boshier, a white Sangoma. I am really enjoying it. Thanks so much for your offering. It went straight to my heart. Jane
Dearest Ann,
Thank you so much for your blessing and I too remember our times together with great fondness. Gretchen
Jane,
There are many wonderful books written about the Sangoma tradition of Southern Africa. I have listed them on my website under African Shamanism (http://www.ancestralwisdom.com/books.html). The wisdom of Africa is powerful and guides all of us in reconnecting with our ancestral roots which is necessary in our journey toward healing and remembering our connection to the Ancestors. Gretchen
Thokoza Gogo
I hail from South Africa and my mother was a Zulu Sangoma and I am also a practioner of this wisdom. It is great to hear someone from across the seas talk about this wisdom with such reverence.
Sihlahlasezwe
South Africa
Thokoza Sihlahlasezwe!
Thank you for your sweet comment! Yes, there are a growing number of Sangoma here in America. The African Ancestors are calling us too!
Blessings,
Gogo Gretchen