Two words sum up Teachings of the Santeria Gods: Spirit of the Odu …”Beautifully Written”.
This book goes through the Odu (a divination practice with cowry shells and the stories that are used to divine from them). First thing I want to say is that I had a hard time putting this book down. I’ve always been interested in learning more about Santeria; this gave me a different perspective on the beliefs that was absolutely wonderful.
Now, don’t get me wrong, this book is a book of stories, this is not a how to manual. To me, it was like Aesop’s fables, the stories were full of detail, wonder and teachings.
Now, the book starts out with an introduction to the Diloggun, which is the divination that is practiced in Santaria. It gives a brief history and an explanation. It does not give you a “how to” for this divination practice but more like a brief overview to get you ready for the rest of the book.
The chapters are broken down into set’s that coincide with the Diloggun meanings. Once you start reading you’ll understand, let’s just say it makes sense. I was glued to the pages while reading; it gave me a look into a different culture and a different world.
The back includes a glossary that I kept bookmarked because I used it quite often. Since this book deals with a different culture, there are words that are used throughout the book that you might not recognize, the glossary became a source that I flipped back to quite often.
The whole book was very well written and read very easy. I was engrossed the whole time and enjoyed every moment of it.
This one I will pick up and read over again. I really enjoyed it.
~review by Leon
Author: Ocha’ ni Lele
Inner Traditions, 2010
288 pages, $16.95
