Mysteries and secrets of Voodoo, Santeria and Obeah / Lionel and Patricia Fanthorpe.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Fanthorpe, R. Lionel.

Contributor:

Fanthorpe, P. A.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Vodou.

Santeria.

Obeah (Cult).

Physical Description:

253 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Toronto : Dundurn Press, [2008]

Summary:

The secrets of Voodoo, Santeria, and Obeah are among the oldest enigmas in the world. Their roots go back to prehistoric Africa - perhaps even beyond that. From the sixteenth century onwards, the slave trade brought these ancient mysteries to the West, where they blended strangely with traditional Christianity: the ancient African gods became identified with legendary saints. This integration of the two faiths slowly evolved to form the many varieties of Voodoo, Santeria, and Obeah that are widely practised throughout the world today.

Contemporary Voodoo priests, priestesses, magicians, and enchanters use rare herbs and spices as well as charms, dolls, and talismans to control the natural world in ways that science cannot always explain. Accounts of their inexplicable successes are examined in depth. Sinister accounts of zombiism - reports of the living dead - are also inseparably interwoven throughout Voodoo history. What powers do these old religions still possess?

Contents:

The ancient origins of African magic

The gods of prehistoric Africa

The slave trade and its consequences

Christianity encounters the old African religions

Strange religious hybridization

The principles of Santeria, Voodoo, Obeah, and similar religions

Hypnotic liturgies and rituals

The power of religious music, drumming, and dancing

Strange ceremonies and sacrifices

The power of the priest

The powers of the priestess

Voodoo dolls and talismans

Spells, incantations, and magical ingredients

Sexual magic

Case histories

When Voodoo works, how does it work?

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references: pages [250]-253.

ISBN:

9781550027846

1550027840

OCLC:

226302699