An introduction to the spiritual source of the beliefs and practices that have so profoundly shaped African American religious traditions. Most of the Africans who were enslaved and brought to the Americas were from the Yoruba nation of West Africa, an ancient and vast civilization. In the diaspora caused by the slave trade, the guiding concepts of the Yoruba spiritual tradition took root in Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Brazil, and the United States. In this accessible introduction, Baba Ifa Karade provides an overview of the Yoruba tradition and its influence in the West. He describes the sixteen Orisha, or spirit gods, and shows us how to work with divination, use the energy centers of the body to internalize the teachings of Yoruba, and create a sacred place of worship. The book also includes prayers, dances, songs, offerings, and sacrifices to honor the Orisha.

Ojise: Messenger of the Yoruba Tradition is a journal of the day-to-day activities and rituals that Karade encountered in his quest for priesthood in the Yoruba religion. Embedded in this journal are the very emotions, ideas and changes in his psyche-and the healing of soul - that occured on this journey. Karade explains the significance of the spiritual pilgrimage for people of all faiths.

Surveys previous works on Yoruba religion and outlines a typology of beliefs, as well as offers an interpretation of religious rites as elements of sacrificial system. This serious study gives valuable material for other approaches to religion-comparative, scientific and theological in addition to providing a point to reference for further studies of socio-religious change and a glimpse into the potential future of the Yoruba religion.

An inspiring exploration of the goddesses of the West African spiritual traditions and their role in shaping Yoruba (Ifa), Santeria, Haitian Vodoun, and New Orleans Voodoo. Throughout Africa and beyond in the diaspora caused by the slave trade, the divine feminine was revered in the forms of goddesses like the ancient Nana Buluku, water spirits like Yemaya, Oshun, and Mami Wata, and the warrior Oya. The power of these goddesses and spirit beings has taken root in the West. New Orleans, for example, is the home of Marie Laveau, who used her magical powers to become the “Voodoo Queen” of New Orleans. Orishas, Goddesses, and Voodoo Queens shows you how to celebrate and cultivate the traits of these goddesses, drawing upon their strengths to empower your own life. In addition to offering a guided tour of the key goddesses of the African religious traditions, the book offers magical spells, rituals, potions, astrological correspondences, sacred offerings, and much more to help guide you on your own transformational journey.

The Ifa/Orisha Religious Tradition: A New World Perspective is the latest work by renown author Oloye "Baba" Ifa Karade. The text centers on the importance of deepening understandings of this African Traditional Faith via historical and societal studies. The thesis is that there is a great importance to having a global perspective on Ifa/Orisha in order to see how the faith developed and how world views impact the thoughts and behaviors, and rituals held by adherents and disciples (iyawos to awos). The text takes the reader on the author's intellectual and spiritual journey, and serves as a culmination of his involvement in Ifa/Orisha for over three decades. Presented are a number of lectures; historical references; travel journals from the author's experiences and studies in Nigeria, the Caribbean, South America. Included also are interviews with the priestly and charts depicting comparative world religions -- to include Ifa/Orisha. Oloye "Baba" Ifa Karade dedicates his book to Zora Neal Hurston, the African-American anthropologist, ethnologist, and initiate in the Ifa/Orisha faith. He sees it as testament to her struggle to go beyond the surface levels slavery and survival and attempt to see the core of the faith from a perspective other than what is depicted and held as "fact". References to her work are included along with other noted scholars in the field. In conclusion, the text is an inner-eye opener guaranteed to stimulate deeper thinking and dialogue around the tenets and global impact of the Ifa/Orisha. And though many might ponder the importance of having historical basis for their involvement or interest in Ifa, at some point, as suggested, it must become of paramount importance to do so. I am honored to have the art work of Juan Picasso gifted to this textbook as well as the photography of Mansa K. Mussa and others.

Cuban Ifá From An Insider Hidden within the mysterious Afro-Cuban religion of Santería, also known as Lucumí, there is a deep body of secrets and rituals called Ifá. This book pulls away the veil of secrecy to reveal exactly what Ifá is and how it works, exploring its history, cosmology, Orichas, initiations, mythology, offerings, and sacrifices. Join Frank Baba Eyiogbe in this fascinating introduction that discusses the functions of the babalawo, the role of women, the future of Ifá, and much more. Praise: "A wonderful and much needed addition to the literature on Afro-Cuban religion. Engagingly written, scholarly while remaining accessible . . . it presents an up-to-date exposition of both the history and contemporary philosophy of one of the world's most complex systems of divination."mdash;Stephan Palmié, Chair of the Department of Anthropology and Social Sciences at the University of Chicago and author of The Cooking of History: How Not to Study Afro-Cuban Religion

The Oral tradition has been maintained since time immemorial. In this age of science and technology, they are now being preserved for posterity. Iba Se is an invaluable resource for Proverbs and Folktales in the Ifa Orisa Tradition. It delves further into their spiritual meaning and its significance in the wider world. It is a great starting point for a beginner in the tradition sharing the dynamics for spiritual growth, concept of self and the Ori, divination principles and the overall Ifa world view. Awo Falokun begins to unravel the sacred history and the concept relating to the Immortals to bring the reader a full appreciation for the path of Ifa.

"African Religions and Philosophy" is a systematic study of the attitudes of mind and belief that have evolved in the many societies of Africa. In this second edition, Dr Mbiti has updated his material to include the involvement of women in religion, and the potential unity to be found in what was once thought to be a mass of quite separate religions. Mbiti adds a new dimension to the understanding of the history, thinking, and life throughout the African continent. Religion is approached from an African point of view but is as accessible to readers who belong to non-African societies as it is to those who have grown up in African nations. Since its first publication, this book has become acknowledged as the standard work in the field of study, and it is essential reading for anyone concerned with African religion, history, philosophy, anthropology or general African studies.

Gain a deep understanding of the Orishas from A to Z! You are not alone. The spirits of our ancestors are with you. The ancient Orishas, known for their tremendous powers, will help you on your journey through life. With their Ashe at your disposal, you can command tremendous results and ultimately live a fulfilled life. In this book, secrets and praises of the Orishas are laid bare - waiting for you to read, digest, and apply. You don't have to look far for divine answers. This book will show you how to find your answers with ease. In this book, you will: Learn how the Orishas came to be, starting with the source of all things - Olodumare Discover which Orisha to call upon for specific circumstances Find out how to praise and invoke the presence of the Orishas Learn how to get divine answers for your heart's questions using Diloggun Discover how to interpret the answers you get from Obi and Diloggun And so much more! In the book, you'll find truths about the Orishas and the basic steps you need to take to worship the Orisha of your choice - particularly the major Orishas. One thing is certain, Orisha worship is bound to influence your life significantly, and you can determine the energy (positive or negative) that you draw from them. There's more than meets the eye in this book. So what are you waiting for? Click on the "add to cart" button to get your copy of this book!