Hidden within the mysterious Afro-Cuban religion of Santería, also known as Lucumí, there is a deep body of secrets and rituals called Ifá, practices of priests whose title, babalawo, means “Father of the Secrets.” This book pulls away the veil of secrecy to reveal exactly what Ifá is and how it works, exploring its history, cosmology, Orichas, initiations, mythology, offerings, and sacrifices. Join Frank Baba Eyiogbe in this fascinating introduction that discusses the functions of the babalawo, the role of women, the future of Ifá, and much more.
First surfacing in France in the 18th century, The Black Pullet is a guide to the construction and use of magical talismanic rings. With the use of these rings, people attained extraordinary powers. Perhaps the most wonderful secret revealed is the power to produce the Black Pullet, otherwise known as the "Hen with the Golden Eggs." Unlimited wealth was granted to the person who achieved the creation of this incredible Hen.
The Africans, in particular, have been extremely successful in transplanting their way of life, their indigenousity, to Brazil. Forming self-sufficient communities deep in the jungle, many of these Africans were Bantu-speaking runaway slaves whose magico-religious systems have come to be known as Macumba, Kimbanda also spelled Quimbanda and, more recently, Umbanda. These cults bear a striking resemblance to the better-known Cuban Palo rites; yet, while Cuban Palo has been slowly allowing its veil to fall, its Brazilian counterparts have remained hermetic and mysterious, rarely practiced outside Brazil. In this primer I will attempt to offer a glimpse of this fascinating, rarely talked-about magical system called KIMBANDA; BRAZILIAN PALO by offering some tried-and-true spells, recipes, and incantations sure to help you achieve your most cherished desires.
The diloggún, the cowrie-shell oracle of Cuban Santería, is more than an oracle. It is the doorway to a powerful transformational process, and the forces that are set in motion when it is cast determine the future evolution of the adherent. The Diloggún explores this mysterious Afro-Cuban oracle from the perspective of diaspora orisha worship and includes a thorough exploration of the body of lore surrounding the oracle, which is the living Bible of one of the world’s fastest growing faiths.
In Divine Utterances, Katherine J. Hagedorn explores the enduring cultural and spiritual power of the music of Afro-Cuban Santería and the process by which it has been transformed for a secular audience. She focuses on the integral connections between sacred music performances and the dramatizations of theatrical troupes, especially the state-sponsored Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba, and examines the complex relationships involving race, politics, and religion in Cuba. The music that Hagedorn describes is rooted in Afro-Cuban religious tradition and today pervades a secular performances that can produce a trance in audience members in the same way as a traditional religious ceremony
Take command, be the dominant figure in every group: that is your goal. Understand and master the techniques for bringing those around you under your domination. Make a commitment to make things happen in your life, enjoy the successful outcome of your labor; your accomplishments will be many.
Yoruba theology teaches that there are 401 powers of the right (angels) called Orisha whose role is to act as protectors and facilitators of humankind. There are also 201 powers of the left called Ajogun (demons) whose role is to present humans with challenges and obstacles. Eshu’s place is unique because he is both an Orisha and the leader of the Ajogun; he is the one in four-hundred-and-one and the one in two-hundred-and-one.
Did you know that Voodoo dolls are actually used for healing? Ever wonder what ingredients are inside a gris-gris bagor even what one is? Find these answers and more in this introduction to Voodoo. Learn about the mysterious religion’s history, meet Voodoo’s pantheon of spirits, and witness a Voodoo ritual within a dark courtyard in the New Orleans French Quarter. You’ll also find spells and rituals for love, money, luck, protection, and more, as well as instructions for crafting your own voodoo dolls and gris-gris bags. By Beth Dolgner.
Exu & the Quimbanda of Night and Fire, is the strong companion to Pomba Gira and together with her gives the most complete account of this sorcerous cult. Exu is the fusion of Umbanda, Angolan sorcery, European demonology and Kardec's spiritsm, erupting in a uniquely Brazilian cult of practical magical action. Spells, workings, hierarchies and origins are all given in detail. This is an essential text for students of the grimoires, Satanism and Traditional Witchcraft, as well as those drawn to or working within the cults of Quimbanda, Candomble, Santeria, Palo Mayombe and the ATRs.
The Grimoire of Santa Muerte is an introductory manual for devotees of Most Holy Death, the powerful folk saint of Mexico who has drawn the wrath of both the church and state. Santa Muerte has millions of devotees and the numbers are growing all over the world! To those devoted to her, she is their friend, a spiritual mother and the source of unconditional love and protection from whom all of the necessities of life flow. She is an advocate, a healer and the performer of miracles. Santa Muerte is the patron saint of those who have confronted death and lived and those who must confront deadly situations every day. She is a spirit of second chances who avenges those who are devoted to her and punishes evil-doers. She is a godmother who guides those under her care and arranges things in much the way a benevolent and powerful living benefactor might. This book shows you how to connect with Santa Muerte and includes information about how to construct an altar for her, how to consecrate items, how to pray the Rosary of Santa Muerte and provides prayers, spells and rituals for a variety of purposes.
Haitian Vodou is a fascinating spiritual tradition rich with ceremonies and magic, songs and prayers, dances and fellowship. Yet outside of Haiti, next to no one understands this joyous and profound way of life. ln Haitian Vodou, Mambo Chita Tann explores the historical roots and contemporary practices of this unique tradition.
