[Cuban Santeria] [Author: Canizares, Raul J.] [November, 1999]

by Raúl J. Cañizares

A revealing window into the secret and seductive world of Santeria.

• A Santeria priest discloses information never before revealed to outsiders.

• Removes the veil of occultism from Santeria to show it as a highly spiritual, thriving religion.

Initiated into the Santeria priesthood at the age of seven, Raul Canizares unveils in Cuban Santeria the secret and seductive world of this rapidly growing, yet largely misunderstood, Afro-Cuban religion. With the knowledge of an insider and the insight of a scholar, Canizares astutely examines the practice of Santeria, revealing many of its hidden dimensions while simultaneously providing a fascinating account of its unique textured mix of African, Cuban, and Catholic traditions.

The Cuban-born author describes the practices and rituals of the followers of Santeria--from magical herbal prescription and healing to spiritism and animal sacrifice--and explains how for many years the religion has been maintained under the guise of Catholicism to avoid religious persecution. Most initiates are sworn to a code of silence, but Canizares believes that the time has come to move Santeria, a religion of beauty and resilience, out of the darkness and into the light so that a more accurate picture of this rich tradition can emerge.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Research

Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a witchy person of Cuban and Puerto Rican ancestry, I have been interested in Santeria for most of my life. Even in my predominantly white family, Santeria has managed to find its way into my mother's stories of her youth, and on my own trip to Cuban several years ago, it was apparent that the religion is still thriving. I was pleased with Raul Canizares very accessible guide to the often mysterious religion. It was nice to have an expert practitioner explain not just the practices but infuse the book with personal experiences that made it even more engaging and meaningful.

[Jason Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent overview of a belief system that is unfamiliar to many North Americans.

There are many points that the author brings up that can be used as a starting point for further research into an intriguing topic.

I would recommend this book to any readers who have an interest on how African tribal beliefs were carried into the New World by slaves. Also, how Cuban exiles brought the beliefs to America after Castro came into power.

[Tekla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Information about Santería presented in a very readable style. Seems like a nice introduction to the topic. Also, many interesting observations about Cuban society and history.

The author was an adherent of Santería and also an academic observer. At first this seemed like an awkward viewpoint but by the end I felt that it made him seem like a very reliable source.

[Franzeska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, engaging, and highly readable by a layperson, this should be required background for any author contemplating a plot involving ~voodoo~ or anything of that sort.

[Barbara Anthonissen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the personal stories by the writer, however, quite a bit of it is outdated, like the discussion on the Orisha's and the Saints. A whole chapter being dedicated to syncretism and dissimulation.

[Adebayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It the well written and explains the Cuban belief in this spirituality.