Who is Shota the Witch Woman from Wizard's First Rule and what is their importance?

The seers of the Mud People send Richard and Kahlan to Shota the witch woman, a fearsome fortuneteller. She foretells a number of prophesies that all come true, although not in the way that anyone expects. Shota has the power to assume any form, and she initially appears to Richard as his mother. Then she turns into a beautiful, auburn-haired woman.