Customer Reviews

The Challenge

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am an African-American woman, Aborisha, not yet initiated, but on my way in the path of initiation.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It is a refreshing change of pace from the personal biographies and overly academic texts that I have read so far on the religion. Although I find it no more informative than other books on Orisa worship, I appreciate the way the information is presented by Iyanifa Alcamo.

The thing that bothers me most about this book is how the author seems to demonize of all forms of discipline that occur in the religion. There is even an itemized list of phrases characterized as "you know you're being abused if your mentor says..." [paraphrased] I understand the intent of the list and agree with it wholeheartedly, but I find this a potentially dangerous message for neophytes. I have known peers interested in the religion who are impatient, shallow, stubborn, self-centered, and looking for entertainment (hocus-pocus). They get frustrated when a mentor wants them to slow down to slowly soak in the depth of information. If any of these students were to read Iyanifa Alcamo's book, they might come away justified in their beligerence and mistakenly coin their mentor as "abusive."

The book could have used a more in-depth discussion about how certain forms of discipline could be either nurturing (positive/ encouraging growth) or abusive (negative/ hampering growth) depending upon context, vs. those forms of discipline that are just plain abusive. The lack of discussion on this topic left me with the impression that the author was venting frustration of personal past experiences.

In spite of this shortcoming, I applaud Iyanifa Alcamo for bringing the difficult issue of egocentric and abusive mentors to the forefront and contrasting this with the positive side of the religion.

I am an Iyalorisha initiated Oshun Olordi.
When one of my godchildren came to my house with this book, my first reaction was put it on top of a dish shelf and continue to do what I was doing. I totally forgot about this book. A few days later, I was searching for a beautiful cup that belongs to Oshun and to my surprise the book fell on my feet. I picked the book and started to read the overview and I had to sit down.
It was a shock for me to read in black and white how precise what Iyanifa Alcamo was describing as abnormalities that has been passing thru generations. I was astonished and I started reviving this book in dreams as I had to look at myself again in the mirror.
I had been initiated in this religion for over 25 years and nothing has changed. I was a person who live those experiences myself. When I started my own house,I promised Oshun that I will never treat a person the way I was treated.What appeared incredible to believe was what Iyanifa Alcamo reveals in her book, regardless of how people are going to deny these abnormalities by covering it up as an excuse and that this is "not a way of respect"?
All religions are good; it is only the people who are involved with it that would make it good or bad. A good example is what is currently going on with major religions.
Iyanifa Alcamo really reveals just a few of the abnormalities, and I can say that there is quite a bit more than what she exposes in this book.
I read and read more than once each page and I am still in shock, admire her courage to come out publicly with some of the hidden agendas that you would only discover when you are inside. She alerts the reader to be attentive to leaders, teachers, guidance counselor, priest or priestesses of any religion and not to be victimized by any bad behavior that may destroy a person's well being.
Iyanifa Alcamo give us a good and living examples on everyday life situations and gives guidance to Babalorisha, Iyalorisha, Babalawos etc. whether in Lukumí or Yoruba or any religion to teach and cultivate moral values . The most important thing that she describes is to help others to develop a personal self esteem which is important in life.
As a personal example,it took me over 10 years after being initiated to find out how to worship Oshun Olordi.No one in my house could explain to me how to worship this path of Oshun.I have to discover it by myself, because everyone was to busy on how to prepare "tronos" and keep up with the Jones by buying more Orishas.

Iyanifa Alcamo I also applaud you not only for your courage but for the awakening especially for the Aleyos.
May Oshun Olordi bless you every day of your life.
Ocan de Nille

I am an Iyalorisha initiated Oshun Olordi.
When one of my godchildren came to my house with this book, my first reaction was put it on top of a dish shelf and continue to do what I was doing. I totally forgot about this book. A few days later, I was searching for a beautiful cup that belongs to Oshun and to my surprise the book fell on my feet. I picked the book and started to read the overview and I had to sit down.
It was a shock for me to read in black and white how precise what Iyanifa Alcamo was describing as abnormalities that has been passing thru generations. I was astonished and I started reviving this book in dreams as I had to look at myself again in the mirror.
I had been initiated in this religion for over 25 years and nothing has changed. I was a person who live those experiences myself. When I started my own house,I promised Oshun that I will never treat a person the way I was treated.What appeared incredible to believe was what Iyanifa Alcamo reveals in her book, regardless of how people are going to deny these abnormalities by covering it up as an excuse and that this is "not a way of respect"?
All religions are good; it is only the people who are involved with it that would make it good or bad. A good example is what is currently going on with major religions.
Iyanifa Alcamo really reveals just a few of the abnormalities, and I can say that there is quite a bit more than what she exposes in this book.
I read and read more than once each page and I am still in shock, admire her courage to come out publicly with some of the hidden agendas that you would only discover when you are inside. She alerts the reader to be attentive to leaders, teachers, guidance counselor, priest or priestesses of any religion and not to be victimized by any bad behavior that may destroy a person's well being.
Iyanifa Alcamo give us a good and living examples on everyday life situations and gives guidance to Babalorisha, Iyalorisha, Babalawos etc. whether in Lukumí or Yoruba or any religion to teach and cultivate moral values . The most important thing that she describes is to help others to develop a personal self esteem which is important in life.
As a personal example,it took me over 10 years after being initiated to find out how to worship Oshun Olordi.No one in my house could explain to me how to worship this path of Oshun.I have to discover it by myself, because everyone was to busy on how to prepare "tronos" and keep up with the Jones by buying more Orishas.

Iyanifa Alcamo I also applaud you not only for your courage but for the awakening especially for the Aleyos.

May Oshun Olordi bless you every day of your life.
Ocan de Nille

I am an Iyalorisha initiated Oshun Olordi. When one of my godchildren came to my house with this book, my first reaction was put it on top of a dish shelf and continue to do what I was doing. I totally forgot about this book. A few days later, I was searching for a beautiful cup that belongs to Oshun and to my surprise the book fell on my feet. I picked the book and started to read the overview and I had to sit down. It was a shock for me to read in black and white how precise what Iyanifa Alcamo was describing as abnormalities that has been passing thru generations. I was astonished and I started reviving this book in dreams as I had to look at myself again in the mirror. I had been initiated in this religion for over 25 years and nothing has changed. I was a person who live those experiences myself. When I started my own house,I promised Oshun that I will never treat a person the way I was treated.What appeared incredible to believe was what Iyanifa Alcamo reveals in her book, regardless of how people are going to deny these abnormalities by covering it up as an excuse and that this is "not a way of respect"? All religions are good; it is only the people who are involved with it that would make it good or bad. A good example is what is currently going on with major religions. Iyanifa Alcamo really reveals just a few of the abnormalities, and I can say that there is quite a bit more than what she exposes in this book. I read and read more than once each page and I am still in shock, admire her courage to come out publicly with some of the hidden agendas that you would only discover when you are inside. She alerts the reader to be attentive to leaders, teachers, guidance counselor, priest or priestesses of any religion and not to be victimized by any bad behavior that may destroy a person's well being. Iyanifa Alcamo give us a good and living examples on everyday life situations and gives guidance to Babalorisha, Iyalorisha, Babalawos etc. whether in Lukumí or Yoruba or any religion to teach and cultivate moral values . The most important thing that she describes is to help others to develop a personal self esteem which is important in life. As a personal example,it took me over 10 years after being initiated to find out how to worship Oshun Olordi.No one in my house could explain to me how to worship this path of Oshun.I have to discover it by myself, because everyone was to busy on how to prepare "tronos" and keep up with the Jones by buying more Orishas. Iyanifa Alcamo I also applaud you not only for your courage but for the awakening especially for the Aleyos. May Oshun Olordi bless you every day of your life. Ocan de Nille

This book is an exposition and a serious study on the trials that a woman ordained to Ifá may encounter.Unfortunately, this book may offend a number of practitioners in this religion. ..., it can be said that if the shoe fits, the people will make a lot noise about their own persona. This book by no means can be classified as new age and it is not the typical recipe book on how to make spells. It is a book of Iyanifa Alcamo true experience within the Ifa practice and the anomalies she had experienced. For the most part, it is prevalent in the religion than one wants to acknowledge .This book is much needed for the community and especially those who are new to the religion in order to open their minds to the Charlatan priest who tend to ..., control and manipulate so many into believing that their lives are in danger and must satisfy the Charlatan pocketbook in the name of the religion. This book is a tremendous and valuable contribution to the community and the religion.

I too applaud Iyanifa Alcamo on her vision and her courage to expose the frauds and their behavior. The subject of ethical and moral conflicts is well described in this book and I suggest that these people who like to have the control reread it over and over again until they finally get the point....this book is for all the Orisha devotees who are searching to find Spiritual fulfillment and development within the Orisha community. Thank you and Ase to you Iyanifa Alcamo so much for this beautiful exposition...

The author not only discusses the anomalies we find in religion, but gives us insight of the 16 principal Odus, and her explanations of Ifa spirituality are unsurpassed in clearness and logic. If you are confused and looking for a knowledgeable guide to this religion this is what you need. This book is impeccable and this book is truly useful.

This book is in its own way revolutionary path given the state of the religions in today's society. I am a bablorisha and a parent of two kids. I have to say that this book opens different views of what is going on with the religion, families, friends and communities. People in high position must know that are just fooling themselves. Iyanifa Ileana tells us exactly how to preceive these anomalies and the control and manipulations that are going on behind closed doors. Great work!!!

This book is truly ground breaking.
The author discusses the true role of women in the Yoruba Religion and affiliated religions(Santeria, Lucumi, Vodou,etc.) as well as the control and manipulation within the practices of the priesthood.
She discusses the Ifa religion from a fresh prespective for those who wish to find spiritual development and fulfillment within the Orisa community and explores questions of ethical and moral conflicts within the religion today.
She shares her depth of experience on this very urgent and important subject.
I think this book is great and a must for people to read especially those who practice in the religion.
She explains how people can overcome being victimized behind closed doors. I felt very comfortable with the subject matter .

Alaafia:
This book is a very good book and is very important and to let the reader know it is also good for all the entire community.

Chief Adisa Tunde Makoranwale Aworeni , Ile Ife, Nigeria.

Alaafia:
This book is a very good book and is very important and to let the reader know it is also good for all the entire community.

Chief Adisa Tunde Makoranwale Aworeni , Ile Ife, Nigeria.