The Santería Experience

by Migene González-Wippler

The author gives vivid first hand descriptions of exotic rituals that are instructive and fascinating to professionals and lay persons alike.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

227 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2008

About the author

Migene González-Wippler es una autora puertorriqueña de temas como la Wicca y una líder experta en la religión afro-caribeña de la santería. González-Wippler nació en Puerto Rico y tiene grados de psicología y antropología de la Universidad de Puerto Rico y de la Universidad de Columbia.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is a white woman who became a Santeria priestess. She was introduced to the religion by her nanny. In this book, she tells her own story and explains Santeria in the process. I was surprised to learn that Babalu Aye is not only a song made famous by Ricky Ricardo, but also an orisha, the god of pestilence!

[George Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this book numerous times over the past 20 years, still fascinates and feeds me. Always learn something new, always speaks to where I'm at in my stage of life. Author uses own story to make her insight of Santeria accessible. This reading really brought to the forefront the notion of archetypes.

[Ayiticherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a perfect introduction to the Yoruba religion and its New World version in Cuba. It was never boring and a great read from start to finish. Ms. Whippler is a wonderful story teller and I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn about traditional African religions and how they have survived despite the influences of slavery and subjugation.

[Ela MM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can recommend this book if you're at all interested in alternative religious movements of Latin America. The truth is, it's an easy read, more like a memoir than an exploration of the actual religion. Very detailed though.

[Weavre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into a culture with which I wasn't previously familiar

[Dara · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 168/251. A la verga con Santería. Cualquier religión que requiere el sacrificio de animales es una religión egoísta y vana, ya sea santería o cristianismo. No me importa si se comen después. El simbolismo de sacrificar a un animal es basado en una falacia. Si sus dioses poderosos necesitan un sacrificio para darte bendiciones no son dioses reales. Ningún dios necesita la sangre, además que los dioses que los humanos inventan y ahora quieren apaciguar.