Afro-Caribbean Religions

[teak.]

Do any members belong to any of the African diasporic religions? (Santería, Palo Mayombe, etc.)?

[Clover]

I am very familiar with Santeria. My mother in law practiced it.I am not affiliated in any way. I know the books call it a religion, but I see it more as a practice of rituals.

[teak.]

Originally Posted by Clover

I am very familiar with Santeria. My mother in law practiced it.I am not affiliated in any way. I know the books call it a religion, but I see it more as a practice of rituals.

Santería involves the worship of several deities as well as having many rituals. I believe that's why it's referred to as a religion by books and by people. I don't practice either, but I've grown up around it, so it's somewhat familiar to me.

[Caitlyn Laufey]

I believe Santeria is somewhat syncretic and more of collection that has grown from a base of practices that has added as different cultures have adopted it. i was required to study it when i was a teacher and we were being trained with the FBI on occult awareness and gang influences from the regions of the America's I think it has African roots as well.

That it as very brief description, which I am sorry for and i hope it does not come off as offensive . I do not place it in either of those categories. But it was the way it was classified by the authorities similar to Hodun and Voodoo.

[teak.]

I've studied it plenty. I'm looking for those who practice who might be on the forums.

It is a blend of several African religions which evolved in Cuba based on the supression of religions other than Catholicism. In order for the religion to survive, Catholic saints were replaced with the Orishas. It would appear they were praying to the saints when it was really the Orishas.

Here in the US the African religions were blended and evolved into Voodoo, Voudun in Haiti, etc. Diaspora describes the bringing of Africans around the world.

Again, just looking for those who practice any of them. I just have some questions. Looking to connect.

[Jenny Crow]

Hi Teak, I study and work some Hoodoo - does that help?

[Clover]

Originally Posted by teak.

Santería involves the worship of several deities as well as having many rituals. I believe that's why it's referred to as a religion by books and by people. I don't practice either, but I've grown up around it, so it's somewhat familiar to me.

The topic has come up before on the forum, I have yet to meet anyone on SF who has practiced Santeria. I have brought it up a few times, but not much conversation has progressed from it.

I am of Cuban-American origin so of course, I have met a few folks down the road. My mother in law is an active Seventh day Adventist, but like most folks, she just does the rituals or consults with the master healer ( Santero)

If you have a specific question, who knows maybe we will get a lurker that will help jump in. It's an interesting topic to get into, I wish more people would be open to discuss it.