Babalu-Aye: Santeria and the Lord of Pestilence

by Raúl J. Cañizares

Babalu Aye gives his devotees means to survive.

38 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sarah Goodner · Rating 4 out of 5]

As part of the voodoo research for my third book (Lord, please let me finish and get published!), I'm trying to learn about the fringe religions, such as Santeria. This book just showed me how much I still don't know. Babalu Aye is a parallel to Saint Lazarus in Catholicism, but he reminds me most of the book of Job in the Old Testament. He is both feared and revered, depending on which sect of voodooism you're looking at. The god of Pestilence, he is commonly attached to small pox, leprosy, and AIDS. Those who revere him look at him like the god of the saying, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." I'm quite confused by this little study. However, the small book was well written, starting with what the modern-day pilgrimage looks like in Cuba, going into the folklore and oral tradition from around the world, and then when and how to pray to the entity. I'm not sure exactly how to use this for my book, but because he's such a nasty little saint, I'm definitely wanting to put him in there somehow.

[Nzinga Foster-Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

By brother bought me this book while in Cuba. It explains the worship of a god of illness (and healing) in Africa which spread to places like Cuba and Brazil due to the slave trade. This god has been built into Christian tradition as he is associated with the beggar St.Lazarus. It is an interesting read. The parables about Babalu are the best bit. The book collates information from different sources and describes how Babalu is viewed and honoured in different cultures. This helps the reader to gain an understanding of attitudes to illness in these regions.

[Chris brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent & interesting read.