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The Way of the Leopard: Meditations and Shamanic Practices from the Heart of Africa
When John Lockley was initiated by the shamans of Africa's Xhosa tradition, he was given a purpose: to share their core spiritual teachings related to ancestors and dreams in order to help people worldwide reconnect with their own ubuntu (humanity). In this practice-based audio companion to his new book Leopard Warrior, John offers teachings, exercises, and music for awakening the power of your body and soul. With The Way of the Leopard, you'll learn to tap into all your senses, including your sense of spiritual connection and dream realization; practice listening as a form of deep mindfulness; dance and shake your way to greater vitality, health, and joy; and create a life rich in meaning and supported by spirit.
Audio CD
Published November 1, 2017
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About the author
John Lockley
2 books9 followersJohn is one of the first white men, in recent history, to become a fully initiated sangoma in the Xhosa lineage of South Africa.
He was born, in 1971, into a divided Apartheid South Africa, with the mark of the sangoma on his face – a band of white birth skin around the eyes. At 18, John was serving in the South African army as a medic (during the war with Angola in the 1980s) when he had a strong, prophetic dream calling him to train as a Xhosa sangoma. He immediately began to suffer from the thwasa, a severe period of ill-health that is inherent in all ancient shamanic cultures which can only be cured through apprenticeship to a shamanic teacher. Because of the restrictions of Apartheid (which ended in 1994) it would take John seven years to find a Xhosa teacher. During the early days of his calling he trained as a Zen student under renowned Zen Master, Su Bong, completing an intensive three-month kyol che in a Buddhist monastery in South Korea. He was then invited by the Grand Master Dae Soen Sa Nim to join his “monk army”, but the strength of his sangoma calling drew him back to South Africa.
John with his teacher, Mum Ngwevu and her husband.
John with his teacher, Mum Ngwevu and her husband.
Eventually, post-Apartheid, John met Mum Ngwevu, a well-known Xhosa Sangoma medicine woman, in one of the poorest townships in South Africa. She had foreseen his arrival in a dream and began his 10-year apprenticeship, giving him the initiated name Ucingolwendaba, meaning messenger or connector between people and cultures.
John now splits his time between South Africa, Europe and the U.S.
He was born, in 1971, into a divided Apartheid South Africa, with the mark of the sangoma on his face – a band of white birth skin around the eyes. At 18, John was serving in the South African army as a medic (during the war with Angola in the 1980s) when he had a strong, prophetic dream calling him to train as a Xhosa sangoma. He immediately began to suffer from the thwasa, a severe period of ill-health that is inherent in all ancient shamanic cultures which can only be cured through apprenticeship to a shamanic teacher. Because of the restrictions of Apartheid (which ended in 1994) it would take John seven years to find a Xhosa teacher. During the early days of his calling he trained as a Zen student under renowned Zen Master, Su Bong, completing an intensive three-month kyol che in a Buddhist monastery in South Korea. He was then invited by the Grand Master Dae Soen Sa Nim to join his “monk army”, but the strength of his sangoma calling drew him back to South Africa.
John with his teacher, Mum Ngwevu and her husband.
John with his teacher, Mum Ngwevu and her husband.
Eventually, post-Apartheid, John met Mum Ngwevu, a well-known Xhosa Sangoma medicine woman, in one of the poorest townships in South Africa. She had foreseen his arrival in a dream and began his 10-year apprenticeship, giving him the initiated name Ucingolwendaba, meaning messenger or connector between people and cultures.
John now splits his time between South Africa, Europe and the U.S.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 27, 2018
John Lockley reveals his personal journey to becoming a Sangoma with deep reverence and heart. In these pages lies true wisdom. Having had the privilege of attending a workshop of John's, these written stories, and recorded discs allow me to remember, deepen, and immerse myself ever deeper into these African teachings.
If your soul is looking to roam free, The Way of the Leopard my lead you to the steps of your ancestors doors, and help you through them.
If your soul is looking to roam free, The Way of the Leopard my lead you to the steps of your ancestors doors, and help you through them.
October 18, 2020
Important for me to gather information about other traditions and practices.
As himself says, I am a spiritual shopper at the moment and I do like to cherry-pick ideas that can help me heal and learn about myself.
I will come back to really try some practices, very interesting since I am paying attention to dreams and I work with them in psychoanalysis.
As himself says, I am a spiritual shopper at the moment and I do like to cherry-pick ideas that can help me heal and learn about myself.
I will come back to really try some practices, very interesting since I am paying attention to dreams and I work with them in psychoanalysis.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews