Santería: Correcting the Myths and Uncovering the Realities of a Growing Religion

by Mary Ann Clark

Santería, also known as Yoruba, Lukumi, or Orisha, was originally brought to the Americas from Africa by enslaved peoples destined for the Caribbean and South America. By the late 1980s it was estimated that more than 70 million African and American people participated in, or were familiar with, the various forms of Santeria, including traditional religions in Africa, Vodun in Haiti, Candomble in Brazil, Shango religion in Trinidad, Santeria in Cuba and, of course, variants of all of these in the U.S. Today there are practitioners around the world including Europe and Asia. Because of the secretive nature of the religion, it has been difficult to get accurate and objective information, but here, Clark introduces readers to the religion, explores the basic elements, including the Orisha, and answers the many questions Santeria arouses in observers and practitioners alike.

Santería was brought to the United States in two principle waves, one in the early 1960s after the Cuban Revolution and later by the Marielitos who escaped from the island in the 1980s. Since then it has spread to the larger Hispanic community, to the African American community, and to other segments of society as well. Today, practitioners can be found in every state, and interest in Orisha and related traditions has gained popularity. As the number of practitioners has grown so has public awareness. In this compelling introduction, Clark answers such questions as where did this religion come from? What do practioners believe? Is it a cult? What takes place at a ritual event? How does it view death and the afterlife? Is there ritual sacrifice? Clark, a practitioner as well as a scholar of the faith, dispels the myths that surround this religious practice, and brings readers to a better understanding of this growing faith in America.

Genres: Religion

185 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Mary Ann Clark is both a published scholar and an explorer of speculative fiction. As a recognized authority on the Afro-Caribbean religions, primarily Santería/Lukumi, she has published three academic books: Then We Will Sing a New Song: African Influences on America's Religious Landscape (Roman & Littlefield, 2012), Santería: Correcting the Myths and Uncovering the Realities of a Growing Religion (Praeger Publishers, 2007) and <>Where Men are Wives and Mothers Rule: Santería Ritual Practices and Their Gender Implications (University Press of Florida, 2005).

Mary Ann's newest passion is speculative fiction including her debut novella The Baron’s Box: A Story from the Bardo. In this account of one woman’s journey through a surprising afterlife, Sara discovers the Empyrean isn’t heaven and the Nether Realm isn’t hell, and the Bardo is at all what she expected. Her only hope is working together with Sam, her compeer, to deliver The Baron Samedi’s box to his sister, Kore, the Queen of the Dead. Before Sam and Sara can receive the gift hidden in The Baron’s box, they must discover who they were, why they were thrown together on this journey, and, most importantly, what they mean to each other.

Growing up on the high plains of Colorado, Mary Ann received her undergraduate degree from Creighton University. She earned an MBA from the University of Houston, and started her own technical writing company. There she managed the writing of computer documentation and other types of procedure manuals.

After almost 20 years as a technical writer, she went back to school and earned a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Rice University, in Houston, Texas. Currently, she is a faculty member at Yavapai College in Prescott where she teaches Comparative Religion.

Reviews

[Cosette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Ann Clark’s book, Santería: Correcting the Myths and Uncovering the Realities of a Growing Religion, is one of the best introductory texts on the topic. As a scholar and practitioner, Clark brings clarity and depth to a misunderstood religion. The book is accessible and well-structured, though sometimes a bit dry.

Santería presents a traditional, contextual overview of Santería—ideal for readers seeking to understand its history, beliefs, and practices. However, it’s not a how-to guide, so readers looking for practical instruction may need to look elsewhere. While some readers have noted minor editorial oversights, these do not significantly detract from the book's overall value. Santería is a thoughtful and respectful starting point for anyone beginning their exploration.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As introductory-style religious books go, this one was fairly good. It touches on some elements of Santeria not commonly covered in other books, so that was nice. A few areas were slightly repetitive, but otherwise the book was fairly well written.

[Kristy Marquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting and informative read into the world of Santeria. I enjoyed the details and explanations provided regarding the rules, the rituals, and the orishas. If Santeria is something you are interested in, this is a great place to start.

[Mary Ann Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santeria, also known as Yoruba, Lukumi, or Orisha, was originally brought to the Americas from Africa by enslaved peoples destined for the Caribbean and South America. By the late 1980s it was estimated that more than 70 million African and American people participated in, or were familiar with, the various forms of Santeria, including traditional religions in Africa, Vodun in Haiti, Candomble in Brazil, Shango religion in Trinidad, Santeria in Cuba and, of course, variants of all of these in the U.S. Today there are practitioners around the world including Europe and Asia. Because of the secretive nature of the religion, it has been difficult to get accurate and objective information, but here, Clark introduces readers to the religion, explores the basic elements, including the Orisha, and answers the many questions Santeria arouses in observers and practitioners alike.

Santeria was brought to the United States in two principle waves, one in the early 1960s after the Cuban Revolution and later by the Marielitos who escaped from the island in the 1980s. Since then it has spread to the larger Hispanic community, to the African American community, and to other segments of society as well. Today, practitioners can be found in every state, and interest in Orisha and related traditions has gained popularity. As the number of practitioners has grown so has public awareness. In this compelling introduction, Clark answers such questions as where did this religion come from? What do practioners believe? Is it a cult? What takes place at a ritual event? How does it view death and the afterlife? Is there ritual sacrifice? Clark, a practitioner as well as a scholar of the faith, dispels the myths that surround this religious practice, and brings readers to a better understanding of this growing faith in America.