Mazhle magic and muscles mal is a concept that refers to the power and impact of storytelling and the strength of our imaginations. Mazhle magic is derived from the phrase "magical maze," which represents the intricate web of narratives that weaved together to form a vivid and immersive experience. On the other hand, muscles mal is a play on words for "muscles and male," symbolizing strength and masculinity associated with physical prowess. Storytelling has always held a significant place in human culture, serving as a means of communication, entertainment, and education. The ability to craft a compelling narrative and transport others to different worlds is a true form of magic. Mazhle magic encapsulates the enchantment created by skilled storytellers who have the power to captivate their audience and evoke emotions ranging from joy to fear, from excitement to sadness.
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2021 However, getting policy statements from the Center of the American Experiment on how to do this is like getting cancer treatment advice from a witch doctor. Recent Examples on the Web On the other chair was Sincere Seven, the 43-year-old master of this ceremony, who calls himself a multidimensional travel agent, spiritual tour guide, medicine man and witch doctor.
Mazhle magic encapsulates the enchantment created by skilled storytellers who have the power to captivate their audience and evoke emotions ranging from joy to fear, from excitement to sadness. Moreover, storytelling is also a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. Through stories, we can learn about ourselves, others, and the world around us.
What do witch doctors actually do?
One thing every Acholi person wants to avoid is being associated with a witch doctor, but I took courage and informed the bodaboda (motorbike taxi) man that I was heading to the witch doctor’s place. He bombarded me with questions: What is your problem? Are you looking for riches? Has someone bewitched you? And his last word was that these people (witch doctors) are bad.
People certainly associate witch doctors with bad acts. They don’t associate witch doctors with, for example, deciding whether widows, with or without children, can stay on the land of their dead husbands, return to their maiden home or have the choice to reject or accept a protector (male relative of their late husband)?
Yet these are just some of the roles I discovered when I interviewed some witch doctors in Northern Uganda as part of my research for CPAID. Let’s hear from Akumu Christen (a female witch doctor):
‘It was in 2009 when I became a witch doctor, even though I never wanted to be one. In 2005 I was attacked by a ‘jok’ for the first time’.
Robin: ‘She was trying to show me what she uses in her daily work, Each one of those things has got different roles to play. The spear represents a god call Jok Kalawinya. Kalawinya is summoned when someone is possessed by evil spirits. The Bible represents a god called Mary, Mary is a white and she loves peace, so for anything concerning bringing peace, they summon her. The beer bottle represents a god call Jok Kirikitiny. Kirikitiny is a god from the Karomonjong ethnic groups – he is concerned with protection. The small syrup bottles contain a liquid substance which she takes before starting her work, it makes her see and hear from the gods.’
A jok is a class of spirit within the traditional Acholi belief system that is viewed as the cause of illness. Traditional healers (known as ajwaka) first identify the jok in question and then make an appropriate sacrifice and ceremony to counter them. Alternatively if such an approach is unsuccessful the person possessed by the jok can go through a series of rituals to gain some level of control over the jok and then themselves become ajwaka.
‘This jok wanted me to become a witch doctor. When I resisted, I became mad for three months, but in the fourth month I was taken from the forest and became a born-again Christian and the jok left me alone. But that liberty only lasted for two years and then I suffered the hardest attack yet from the jok. I became mad for the second time and lived in trees like a monkey for three months without eating food or drinking water and without coming down to the ground. Then my sister brought another witch doctor to initiate me into being a witch doctor, which was what the jok wanted all along, and that’s how I became a witch doctor.
‘I was scared because of what people would say but I now have realised that this jok–known as jokajula- does not support wrong-doing like killing people. I don’t do rituals to kill people but to help them’.
Akumu Christen now helps the people in her neighbourhood town. Paico, in different ways, including:
Mental Health Worker: Helping victims or Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) returnees by trying to stop or prevent spirits from attacking them. Or stop them from being haunted or rerunning in their minds the bad things that they did in the bush, preventing nightmares and helping them cope in their community.
Peace Maker: Participating in the reconciliation of two clans, where one killed a person from the other clan. Beside that she is also involved in summoning the spirit of the dead to ask him who should receive the ‘kwo money’(blood money paid to the victim’s family/clan).
Family Therapist: End barrenness in both men and women, which is hugely important because children are very significant to an Acholi: for a home to be called a home it should have children around.
Repair broken marriages or relationships.
Livelihoods Promotion: Remove bad luck and make people rich, especially those who have been put into bondage by bad people who want them to remain poor.
Disaster Prevention: She is summoned by the community elders to perform rituals to prevent natural calamities like drought or floods.
These are some of the things she does, but she is also a mother of two children with a very loving husband.
So now let me ask you again, do you still think witch doctors are bad people?
Robin Oryem (@oryem_robin ) is a researcher for LSE’s CPAID programme in northern Uganda.
The views expressed in this post are those of the author and in no way reflect those of the Africa at LSE blog, the Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa or the London School of Economics and Political Science.
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We can explore different perspectives, gain empathy, and develop a deeper understanding of the human experience. Mazhle magic taps into this transformative aspect of storytelling, inviting us to embrace the power of our imaginations and the potential for personal growth. On the other hand, muscles mal highlights the physical aspect of human existence and reminds us of the importance of strength and vitality. Muscles are not only a symbol of physical power but also demonstrate discipline, dedication, and hard work. In today's society, there is an increasing focus on physical fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Muscles mal encourages individuals to prioritize their physical well-being, recognizing the impact it has on overall health and happiness. It serves as a reminder to exercise regularly, eat nutritiously, and engage in activities that promote physical strength and endurance. In conclusion, mazhle magic and muscles mal represent two different yet interconnected aspects of human existence. While mazhle magic celebrates the power of storytelling and the strength of our imaginations, muscles mal emphasizes the importance of physical strength and well-being. Together, these concepts remind us of the incredible capabilities we possess as individuals and the transformative potential within us. Both mazhle magic and muscles mal encourage us to embrace our unique abilities and strive for growth and self-improvement..
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