one that is and has been usually passed down from family generation to family generation. Becoming a traditional healer requires an intense amount of SBA, an ancient Kemetic word meaning teaching, learning, wisdom, and study, or overall deep thought(1). In fact, the process of learning to become a healer consist of a very high level of learning; it is necessary that every healer be taught properly, in order for him or her to be able to share his knowledge properly with the forthcoming generation. For the aspiring healer, one must first become a good learner and listener before one can become a good teacher; the two concepts of teaching and learning are intertwined, one hand washes the other. Once this level of SBA is reached as a healer, the whole world is seen in a different light so says Asa G. Hilliard. III. Sounds are heard that no one can hear, visions that no one else can see are seen by the healer.After his training the healer walks through the same world every person walks through. But he sees signs others just dont see. He hears sounds others dont hear. The same tree that just stands there dumbly to everyone, to the healer its leaves have something to say. The healer learns the meaning of the rivers sound, of the sounds of the forest animals. And when he needs the curing spirit from a plant , if his eyes are well prepared , he may see from a great distance some small sign of a leaf that is ready to be taken(2).This distinction between the healer and the common man puts the healer in a position of power and respect in most African communities. Achieving this elevated level of perception and awareness is due to the process of years and years of mental focus, good teaching, and spirituality. Studies on spiritual healers have found the group to be very heterogeneous, not having much in common relating to their religion, sex, or level of education. According to Msiu and Chhabra there are four main types of traditional healers...
