Santeria: the Religion: Faith, Rites, Magic (World Religion and Magic)

I understand that some reviewers thought that this book was all over the place. Maybe you have to be “all over the place” (like me), to enjoy it. I liked this book so much that I purchased one for my daughter and one for my mom. Thoughtfully written, much to learn in such a relatively small book.

The book is missing the picture section

Got this book for one of my brothers because I read it and out eldest brother had it. So it a great book to start learning about the subject.

Santeria has been in parts of my family long since I was born, but except for a limpiesa or 2 when I was a child, I have known very little of it. Now that I am an adult, I am very interested in the Religion, and I have searched for books that would teach me thoroughly on the subject. I found that book in 'Santeria: the Religion' by Migene Gonzalez-Wippler. This book has versed me thoroughly in the basics of the Religion, from the Orishas to the rituals and its history. I have surprised many of my family that practice Santeria with what I have learned and I would highly recommend anyone getting into the Religion for the first time to start with this book. It was the other reviews that led me to buy it and they were right on the money with their reviews.

I love this book so much! So informative, so insightful. A must read for practitioners & lifetime learners alike. If you even just wonder about the religion this book will clear up any questions you may have. So glad I own a copy.

A Santero recommended this book to me because I have recently become interested in the Religion. It's a great starter. It has a lot of information on the very clandestine practices of the religion. It teaches a lot about the orishas, initiation ceremonies, and the history of the religion. Gonzalez-Wippler also includes some VERY interesting anecdotes.... I would recommend reading the book just for these anecdotes. Still, the book definitely contains some misinformation.The author even admits that, when writing other books (and earlier versions of this book), the initiates from whom she sought information, told her lies so that outsiders would not be let in on the very private practices of the religion. I feel that that might still be true for this book. I was even more suspicious about the accuracy of this book because, in her discussion of Brazilian candomblé, she misspelled nearly all of the terms she used. How can you trust that her information is accurate when she didn't even care to get the correct spelling of the words?Still, it is a good read. Well written, with good information. I definitely wouldn't use it for any academic work, or as the go-to source for information on Santería. Definitely buy it, but do a lot of other research.

I really enjoyed this. There is a lot of personal experience and anecdotal information. Very approachable for any understanding level.

Years ago I purchased the paperback version of this book and loved it. I recently purchased another book she published through Kindle. I had to have them both. She is a teacher as well as an author. Her writing is very educational yet on point. I appreciate her attention to detail and her respect for and knowledge of the cultures she writes about.

I got interested in Santeria relatively recently. Any book on the subject deserved reading as there are not enough available info. The secrecy prevails. Read it to find out more.

A fabulous book which contains a wealth of information not only on Santeria, but on many of the religions that originated in Africa (voodoo, palo etc).

A very informative book dealing with this fascinating subject. Descriptions of the Orishas (Yoruba gods) and their equivalent saints. Case historiesand more.

Very easy to read and under stand. I know more have enjoyed this book who have been educating themselves on these traditions.

This book went above and beyond all expectations! I simply wanted to educate myself a little on the Afro Cuban religion and found it so uplifting and inspirational, I am so looking forward to reading more books on the subject.