Seven African Powers: The Orishas

by Monique Joiner Siedlak

These spirits are thought to give guidance for life issues and problems. Modern Santeria, Voodoo, and other Caribbean traditions still value this practice today. It can be found in different South American cultures as well. This book will guide you through learning about the Seven African Powers…who they are, what they represent, and how each has a different temperament. You’ll also know how the Orishas can be used in your home and daily routine.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help

78 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 2016

Reviews

[Joya Goffney]

Before you buy the paperback:

Know that this is more like an instruction manual. Half of it is spells. The other half is made up of very brief overviews of the seven orishas.

Before you buy, know that you're getting, like, a one page overview for each orisha. That being said, it's a great introduction to the orishas!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to the Orishas.

[Nella ☾ of Bookland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the Orisha.

[我是🌹 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for a basic understanding of communing with the Orishas and the guidelines on how to work with them.

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

super informative

[Ebony · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not cheating on the Egyptian gods and goddesses, it’s just time to learn about other mythologies. This is a super basic primer on the Orishas. I think someone referred it to me. I have no desire to hate on a black woman independent author getting her educating the masses on, but there were a few mistakes about the chakras and Egyptian parallels that made me feel like I need to read a handful more primers before I think I kinda sorta know anything. However, the book was enough to contextualize a lot of pop culture references to the Orishas that I didn’t fully understand like Django as Chango and Mama Oya in Lovecraft. If you don’t know anything this is a decent place to start. You learn the names, preferences, and domains of the seven core Orishas. You won’t learn their full origin stories or mythologies, but there are libraries of other books for that.

[Athena McKissack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Informative!!!

Very easy read!!! The book is to the point and will have you so interested that you may read the entire book in a day like I did!!!

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy book to read

Straight to the point, very informative, I didn't know much about the orishas this book gave me a quick introduction.

[Fina Oria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

Monique did an awesome job introducing readers to the Orishas.

[Shana Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good info. I listened to the audiobook and got annoyed about some pronunciation slips, but the material is very sound nonetheless.

[Sarita Rawls · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review

A pretty good intro to the Orisha. I am still very new in learning about everything outside of Christianity, so I still have A lot of reading to do.

[Tianna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very informative book and opened my eyes to Khamatic practices! The language was very friendly to the every day reader. However, the text was repetitive at times but good other than that.

[Nikkita Mcpherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, especially for anyone who would rather learn from people of the African Diaspora. It is critical to ensure we are sharing our own histories of our own people. Thank you!

[Caroline Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reads. Lots of great information and cultural detail.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Well Written

I am very interested inmy roots and my origin, finding my family lead me to our original practices and beliefs. Finding this book addresses some of those beliefs. I have embraced and adopted the Pagan/Wiccan beliefs and rituals of my grandparents grandparents and even thier grandparents.

[Marie Tyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye Opening!!

Very informative read. I'm still in the beginning stage of my journey back to self and it seems materials and vital information needed for my evolution are being put in my hands! Everyday I do a little research or a little reading and each time I find a new point, and I just keep connecting the dots. Thank you for assisting on my journey home.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

1h 8m
I adore these concise readings on such a broad subject.

Chp 1: Who are the Seven African Power
Chp 2: Yoruba
Chp 3: Elegua
Chp 4: Yemaya
Chp 5: Oshun
Chp 6: Chango
Chp 7: Obatala
Chp 8: Ogun
Chp 9: Oya
Chp 10: Spells (32:23)
Chp 11: Orishas In the Home
Chp 12: Orishas Days Through the Week

[Elliot Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

Very easy read not to long as straight to the point. Like a guide I can go over when needed. This book is not for the weak of heart this practices is typically done in the open no shame of practicing Ifa.

[Melany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book!

I really love this book. It's full of information and history, without being overwhelming. The book easily explains the Seven African Powers and the roles they play in our lives. Again, a great book!

[Demetrice Irizarry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information!

WONDERFUL source of information for those beginning studying on the Orishas or for those who just need a quick refresher! I enjoyed how everything was organized and how each Orishas got a feature.

[Marie Michel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

I am so happy and grateful of this book. I acquire great knowledge about my culture which I always want to know more about .Thank you Monique for writing g this book. Looking forward for more books from you.I love this book and i will pass to my daughter.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly Enjoyed

I’ve read this twice and I intend to study it so that it’s purpose can be put to great use! Thank you for writing the information and history of these powers so that a beginner like myself, understands.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good little introductory book, not too overwhelming. It's a 2.5 star for me for some inconsistencies in the writing and for a few redundancies. Monique has a great voice but needs a good editor to touch up these little nuances. Overall, I enjoyed it.

[Lilith L. MorningStar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discover the joy of immersing yourself in a delightful and enchanting story. Your unique journey is waiting for your personal touch. I'm not providing any details or mentioning anything because you've have to read it for yourself and it was beautifully written and informative.

[Anjua Maximo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great First Read

I thought this book was perfect for my first exploration into the orishas. Easy to follow and loved the recipe and spell section. Wish it were longer!

[Lakisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good beginners guided to the Orisha

[Jesus Escotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I loved this book very informational and I would recommend to all my family and friends. Looking forward to reading more of her work

[Brenda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative!

Very easy to understand. I love it. She got straight to the point and it's what I needed. It will be a great help.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more like a zine than a book. Very short and basic. Was hoping for a bit more detail.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful brief introduction to the Orishas and their worship.