Divination, Theology and Healing in an African Context

Abstract

The attachment to the ancestral worship among Africans combines the respect for the dead who are now near the Great One, and the power they have after death over earthly problems. They have control over a lot of earthly elements, and at the same time they are now able to fight the evil spirits which send evil spells on the living. I have heard of a Lenje prayer to the ancestors, which runs as follows: 'You our ancestors who were so good while you were with us. You were kind to us. Help us to have rain. Speak to the High One, the Great Spirit, to send us rain' (Milingo 1977:11)