Studying Talismanic Medicine in the African Dagara Tradition

Posted by Bonnie Bright on March 28, 2011 at 12:28am

Hi everyone: I'm freshly back from a special session with African (Dagara) Elder Malidoma Some where I was able to learn some fascinating  stuff about talismanic medicine. I've always been fascinated by ritual and by the elements and this helped to see how all of that can come together. I've found a short article on talismans in general that may be of interest: it's a bit different than what I experienced, but quite informative all the same: http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/medmuseum/galleryexhibits/artthatheals/00introduction.html

Has anyone else had experience in this arena or worked with Malidoma? - if not, whom have you worked with? I'd love to know...

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Tags: african, malidoma, medicine, ritual, shamanism, talisman
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  • Bonnie Bright April 28, 2011 at 1:21am
    Hi Sandy: Thanks so much for your comments on talismanic medicine. It's so great to meet others who are doing this work in the world--seemingly so naturally. Our ancestors were clearly in touch with this kind of medicine and I feel its loss in our culture quite deeply. I think whatever way we are able to bring it back in the world--even in our culture that is often out of touch with such forms of mystery--reinitiates our relationship to creativity, magic, and the imaginal. Glad you enjoyed the article. Makes me want to re-read it again....
  • Sandy List April 27, 2011 at 4:57am

    In my healing art practice, I craft talismans for meditation and healing. I found the article you sent out just wonderful.

     

    Interesting comment about the power of African masks as "magic things"- gee, not at all a surprise, and certainly this power has been recognized in the kachina dancer masks of the Hopi & other Southwest tribes, and by the Chinese - such as their Dragon dancers.

     

    I have had many warm compliments from my clients who attest to the power of the talismans they receive. In my work with these pieces, I seek to stimulate and strengthen the user's work in healing and meditation, especially intentions and affirmations.

     

    Great article, thanks for sending out~

     

     Here is a quote I've put together to help explain talismans as I make them -

    TALISMAN - an object consecrated with psychic force and crafted to be a tool to serve its owner in healing and/or protection. Talismans are tools – not jewelry. One’s mind responds to a Talisman – used for focus, meditation, amplifying personal power, healing - in a different way than one does to pretty jewelry worn for ornamentation and adornment. A Talisman is only made from natural elements – gold, silver, copper, wood, gemstones. The setting is as simple as possible.

     

    Sandy - Sagehealer

    seaturtle23@gmail.com

     

    • Ed Koffenberger > Sandy List April 29, 2011 at 11:20am

      Thanks Sandy,

      I especially liked your re-emphasizing the fact that talismans are not jewelry. I have been disturbed by the number of religious symbols that have been used for decoration thereby limiting their numinous potential for the uninitiated. What are your thoughts/feelings about this?

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