Powers of the Orishas: Santeria and the Worship of Saints

by Migene González-Wippler

During the slave trade, the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria who were brought to Cuba were forbidden the practice of their religion by their Spanish masters. In order to continue their magical and religious observances safely the slaves opted for the identification and disguise of the Orishas with some of the Catholic Saints worshipped by the Spainiards. In this manner they were able to worship their deities under the very noses of the Spainiards without danger of punishment.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Paganism

Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

About the author

Migene González-Wippler es una autora puertorriqueña de temas como la Wicca y una líder experta en la religión afro-caribeña de la santería. González-Wippler nació en Puerto Rico y tiene grados de psicología y antropología de la Universidad de Puerto Rico y de la Universidad de Columbia.

Reviews

[dianne b. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really a reference book that carefully goes through each of the major Orishas, their legends, their days, numbers, likes, etc. It is a very helpful book for learning about Santeria, especially if you know a bit of the basics but would like more specific information about an Orisha. I enjoyed the legends.
The syncretic saints - which vary from country to country were covered, but not completely; frankly that is less important to me. I found myself reading certain chapters (those relevant to me) many times, and scanning others - as one does with reference books.

[Adebayo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It broke down what colors,Numbers and other attributes were to each Orisha.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Realistically, this book is more like 3.5...It was pretty dry, but good information; that's what this book is though it's information and correspondences. The Paktis (sp? I don't have the book in front of me at this time) of each Orisha was interesting.

I couldn't help but think that information was purposefully omitted; and not in that the author didn't have enough the space, but they gave a bit of the info, but "refused" to go in depth about it, which made me kind of think "why bother putting it there or hinting at it in the first place?". But I guess Santeria is a very secretive religion, and this is the first book on Santeria that I've read from Gonzalez-Wippler, I'll have to see what her other books are about too.

Good information, but really just a taste of what Santeria is and by no means a guide book.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this as a reference book,it is great for setting up altars to any of the Orishas.

[Judyann]

love this book alot

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way Migene paints the myths of the orishas is great. I appreciated the Orishas a little more after reading this book.

[Chase Suno]

i want to read

[JOSE MANCHADO]

curiosidad por saber