Orisha worshippers who were not subjected to forced migration to the Americas in the nineteenth century remained their own masters, inhabiting cities, towns and farm villages in their West African kingdoms. This study uses documentation from Yoruba writings and from the written record of European missionaries to describe the various facets of their religious life. Arranged in the form of a phenomenology, the work deals with such matters as the veneration of the environment; carved images of the divine; the orisha celebrated in festival, worship and sacrifice; systems of divination; female and male religious specialists; and the protean divinities themselves. The comprehensive use of archival material will ensure the abiding value of this historical picture of the orisha, useful for comparisons with the present day.

Orion and Orisha: A Journey into Afro-Futurism In the vast realm of Afro-futurism, where science and spirituality intertwine, a new saga emerges. Welcome to the world of "Orion and Orisha," a groundbreaking book that takes readers on a captivating journey through three interconnected tales set in a futuristic universe. In this visionary work, we encounter two remarkable protagonists: Orion, a brilliant scientist, and Orisha, a gifted physicist. These individuals are destined to play pivotal roles in shaping the destiny of both outer space and planet Earth. The first tale unfolds amidst the limitless expanse of outer space, where Orion unleashes his intellect and tireless determination to save the people inhabiting distant galaxies. With his advanced technology and unwavering courage, Orion ventures into the depths of the cosmos, defying all odds to protect those who dwell beyond the reaches of our home planet. Meanwhile, on Earth, Orisha, with her profound understanding of physics and metaphysics, embarks on a mission to safeguard humanity's existence. She delves into the mysteries of quantum mechanics and harnesses her knowledge of energy manipulation to confront the looming threats that endanger the very fabric of our shared world. In this book, the narratives of Orion and Orisha intertwine, each representing a unique facet of the Afro-futuristic landscape. Through their intertwined stories, we witness the power of collaboration, resilience, and the inherent strength within each individual to overcome adversity. "Orion and Orisha" goes beyond the boundaries of traditional science fiction literature. It delves into the rich tapestry of Afro-futurism, celebrating Black culture, spirituality, and African diasporic perspectives. It invites readers to explore a future where the contributions of Black visionaries shape the scientific and technological advancements that propel humanity forward. Through these tales, we are reminded of the urgent necessity to bridge the gaps between disparate worlds and safeguard the future of both outer space and planet Earth. The characters of Orion and Orisha serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, urging us to unite our collective potential and protect our cosmic home. Join us as we dive into the immersive world of "Orion and Orisha," where the boundaries of science, spirituality, and culture converge. Let this book be your guide to a future that embraces diverse perspectives, redefines our relationship with the cosmos, and empowers us to become guardians of our shared existence. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey through the cosmos, where adventure, discovery, and the triumph of the human spirit coalesce. Together, let us embrace the call of the stars and forge a destiny that harmonizes the diverse threads of our universe. Welcome, traveler, to "Orion and Orisha."

A Philosophical look at the African Making of the Universe. Covering theories of physics, chemistry & astronomy. Excellent for Homeschool conversations and for answering some of those tough questions -like what is a Blackhole? Who are the Orisha? What are their stories? How were they used for generations to explain the complexities of science and to accurately depict modern scientific concepts?

For millennia, Eshu Elegba, Trickster-God of the Yoruba people of West Africa, was trapped in the Netherworld by Ogun, God of War, for seducing his wife Lady Oshun. Freed by accident, Eshu moves to Toronto, Ontario. The Trickster quickly adapts to his new environment, studying at Ryerson University and working at TD Bank. Trouble comes when Morrigan, Battle Goddess of the Celtic Isles arrives in Toronto to confront Dearg Due, a powerful Vampire of Irish Lore. As these two Immortals clash, mortal lives are at stake and Eshu must decide between running for his life, or protecting the only place where he's ever felt at home. Outmatched by his foes, Eshu decides to take a stand. It's a good thing that as a Trickster, Eshu's never played fair a day in his life. Oh, and he's Mankind's only hope. Wish him luck.

When the Yoruba of West Africa were brought to Cuba as slaves, they preserved their religious heritage by disguising their gods as Catholic saints and worshiping them in secret. The resulting religion is Santería, a blend of primitive magic and Catholicism now practiced by an estimated five million Hispanic Americans. Blending informed study with her personal experience, González-Wippler describes Santería¿s pantheon of gods ("orishas "); the priests ("santeros" ); the divining shells used to consult the gods (the "Diloggún" ) and the herbal potions prepared as medicinal cures and for magic ("Ewe ) "as well as controversial ceremonies-including animal sacrifice. She has obtained remarkable photographs and interviews with Santería leaders that highlight aspects of the religion rarely revealed to nonbelievers. This book satisfies the need for knowledge of this expanding religious force that links its devotees in America to a spiritual wisdom seemingly lost in modern society.

First Published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Religion is one of the most important elements of Afro-Caribbean culture linking its people to their African past, from Haitian Vodou and Cuban Santeria—popular religions that have often been demonized in popular culture—to Rastafari in Jamaica and Orisha-Shango of Trinidad and Tobago. In Afro-Caribbean Religions, Nathaniel Samuel Murrell provides a comprehensive study that respectfully traces the social, historical, and political contexts of these religions. And, because Brazil has the largest African population in the world outside of Africa, and has historic ties to the Caribbean, Murrell includes a section on Candomble, Umbanda, Xango, and Batique. This accessibly written introduction to Afro-Caribbean religions examines the cultural traditions and transformations of all of the African-derived religions of the Caribbean along with their cosmology, beliefs, cultic structures, and ritual practices. Ideal for classroom use, Afro-Caribbean Religions also includes a glossary defining unfamiliar terms and identifying key figures.

In this introductory volume, Baba Ifa Karade provides an easily understandable overview of the Yoruba religion. He describes 16 orisha and shows us how to work with divination, to use the chakras to internalize the teachings of Yoruba, and describes howto create a sacred place of worship. Includes prayers, dances, songs, offerings, and sacrifices to honor the orisha and egun. Illustrations, charts, glossary, bibliography, and index.

Dealing with the ongoing interaction of rich and diverse cultural traditions from Cuba and Jamaica to Guyana and Surinam, Nation Dance addresses some of the major contemporary issues in the study of Caribbean religion and identity. The book’s three sections move from a focus on spirituality and healing, to theology in social and political context, and on to questions of identity and diaspora. The book begins with the voices of female practitioners and then offers a broad, interdisciplinary examination of Caribbean religion and culture. Afro-Caribbean religions, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity are all addressed, with specific reflections on Santería, Palo Monte, Vodou, Winti, Obeah, Kali Mai, Orisha work, Spiritual Baptist faith, Spiritualism, Rastafari, Confucianism, Congregationalism, Pentecostalism, Catholicism, and liberation theology. Some essays are based on fieldwork, archival research, and textual or linguistic analysis, while others are concerned with methodological or theoretical issues. Contributors include practitioners and scholars, some very established in the field, others with fresh, new approaches; all of them come from the region or have done extensive fieldwork or research there. In these essays the poetic vitality of the practitioner’s voice meets the attentive commitment of the postcolonial scholar in a dance of "nations" across the waters.