DIVINATION AND HEALING IN AFRICAN CULTURE: EXPLORING THEIR REALITY AND RELEVANCE
Prof. Michael T. Katola - Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Divination is an integral part of African culture. It is a ritual practiced with the aim of seeking knowledge or guidance about past, present, and future events. Divination is not merely superstition but a sophisticated epistemological system that integrates spirituality, health, and community well-being. Each African community has unique forms and practices of divination, deeply rooted in history, mythology, and spirituality, yet all share the core function of linking the human and spiritual realms. Diviners play a multifaceted role in African culture, serving as spiritual advisors, healers, and sources of guidance, decision-making, and problem-solving. Despite the influence of modernization and globalization, divination remains an essential part of African culture. Many Africans continue to rely on it as a means of navigating the complexities of modern life, seeking guidance on issues such as health, wealth, and relationships. It can therefore be concluded that African epistemology regards divination as a holistic means of understanding the world—integrating physical and spiritual realities to address personal and communal concerns. This paper examines the role of divination in African culture by comparing it with Western epistemological frameworks, exploring its role in health and healing, and analysing its continued relevance in modern African societies. While divination remains vital, the practice faces challenges such as the proliferation of fraudulent diviners, tensions with Christianity, and the struggle for integration into modern health systems. Nevertheless, divination endures as a holistic means of understanding and addressing life’s challenges in contemporary Africa.