The Big Book of Soul: The Ultimate Guide to the African American Spirit

by Stephanie Rose Bird

Soul is the ultimate expression and experience of African-American culture. The Big Book of Soul is the first popular reference book to provide an in-depth examination of the source of soul in African culture and how soul finds its expression today. Author Stephanie Rose Bird takes readers on a breathtaking journey of soul by examining the spirit of animism and how it evolved in contemporary African-American culture. She explores spiritual practices related to diet, dance, beauty, healing, and the arts, and provides readers with ancient healing rituals and practices they can use today. Filled with fun facts, practical advice, and ancient spiritual wisdom, The Big Book of Soul is for any reader who wants a genuine, rooted experience of soul today.

Genres: Spirituality

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2009

About the author

Stephanie Rose Bird is a prolific nonfiction author. Her newest work of nonfiction, "Mama Earth's Spiritual Guide to Weight-loss" has just been published (May 2017) by Green Magic Publishing. She is also the author of 5 other published books, the most recent two are "The Big Book of Soul: the Ultimate Guide to the African American Spirit: Legends & Lore, Music & Mysticism, Recipes and Rituals" (Hampton Roads Publishers, 2010) and "A Healing Grove: African Tree Remedies and Rituals for Body and Spirit," (Chicago Review Press, 2009). Bird is an eclectic pagan practicing Green Witchcraft, Shamanism and Hoodoo. She is also a practicing artist, herbalist and aromatherapist. Bird is available to conduct hands-on herbal, botanical arts, magick and ritual workshops as well as hosting spiritual retreats. Contact her for more information:
www.stephanierosebird.com

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Reviews

[Sandra Carrington-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being passionate of all things spiritual, I became really intrigued when I read the editorial reviews of The Big Book of Soul. Finally I had the opportunity to read a book dealing with the spiritual practice of Hoodoo which focused on healing rather than hexing.

I went to a local bookstore to pick up a copy already expecting to like the book, but nothing prepared me for the treat I was about to receive. The cover itself, with its abundance of color and festive energy was striking enough to get my attention the moment I laid eyes on it. I gingerly took the book home and began to read. Little did I know that I wouldn’t be able to put it down for the next day and a half.

I’m not sure if it was the exquisite style of writing that drew me in most, or the amazing descriptions of a culture I wasn’t so familiar with. I became so enthralled with the lives of the people described in the book that I could almost picture them in front of me, and their suffering and joys became my own.

I was thrilled to find such detailed explanations not only on the use of healing herbs and foods, but also on how each of them became such an important part of the African-American culture. I learned about soul food and how it came to be, and I felt I was given the opportunity to enrich my own life and perception through the many tidbits of ancient wisdom so skillfully delivered and beautifully threaded throughout the book.

The Big Book of Soul is definitely a title I would recommend hands down; not to those who view Hoodoo as a Band-Aid maybe, but certainly to everyone seriously wishing to learn more about true healing and spiritual practices.

Stephanie Rose Bird became the mouthpiece of her ancestors, and was able to convey many tidbits of their wisdom with ease; when she allowed them to merge with her own superb knowledge of herbs and healing foods, a magickal book was born. The Big Book of Soul is a spellbinding read that will undoubtedly open new doors of perception.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

From my blog...[return]An insightful look into the many facets of the African culture, from spiritual beliefs, folklore, herbal remedies, as well as recipes, Stephanie Rose Bird has assembled a fascinating collection of history in her book, The Big Book of Soul: The Ultimate Guide To The African American Spirit. The book is divided into ten chapters, beginning with Bird's thorough introduction to the African history and culture with definitions and origins. Next she writes about African American wellness, beginning with Hoodoo, or folkloric practices. Again Bird does a stellar job explaining the origins, usage and beliefs. She segues into the use of African herbs, traditional and modern uses and spends a large segment speaking on this topic, which I found quite interesting. I know a little about Chinese herbalists, but I knew nothing about traditional African herbalists. Bird continues on with childbirth, spa treatments, beauty regimens, and some recipes as well as personal stories. The Big Book of Soul was an intriguing and educational read for me. I found the knowledge to be intriguing, Bird's definitions and origins to be very helpful and I gained an insight and knowledge about a culture I did not previously have. If one is interested in learning more about the African culture, The Big Book of Soul may be a fabulous place to begin.

[Brookeinca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fine example of Ms Rose Bird's exceptional research and prose.

[Isaiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super informational on holistic living and natural remedies. Bird lists various fruits, vegetables and herbs along with their beneficial properties. She also includes recipes for Egyptian milk baths, multiple herbal teas and even steps to creating a garden and beginning a spiritual detox. This book really encourages love and light and living within healthy means, very enjoyable and warming.

[Stephanie Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am the author of the book. Through my research and writing on the topic I learned that soul, as investigated through herbalism, art and craft is very complex.

[Sharon Moonbeam]

I didn't actually read the book cover to cover. I skipped around and found bits and bites of wisdom tucked inside.