Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa: A West African Spiritual Tradition [Paperback]

Tobe Melora Correal (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 28, 2003

In the realm of African spiritual pathways, no tradition is so widely embraced and practiced as the West African religion Orisa. Awakened by her own spiritual journey, Tobe Melora Correal, an initiated priestess in the Yoruba-Lukumi branch of Orisa, guides us along this blessed road. FINDING THE SOUL ON THE PATH OF ORISA provides a fresh look at these ancient teachings and emphasizes introspection and inner work over the outward manifestations of Orisa’s practices. Correal debunks misconceptions surrounding the tradition, drawing us into a lushly textured, Earth-centered spiritual system—a compassionate and useful roadmap for revering God.

Product Details

• Paperback: 182 pages
• Publisher: Crossing Press (January 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580911498
• ISBN-13: 978-1580911498
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #394,231 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Destined to be a classic, a must read for all Aborisha!!!!!!, October 9, 2003

By 

El Brujo "Brujo Hechisero" (Lowell, Ma) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa: A West African Spiritual Tradition (Paperback)

I received this book during my "Iyaworaje' year in white, by one of my good friends and Abure "Spiritual Brother" within our Spiritual House. This book is one of the most important books on Orisha Spirituality. For the first time, the author does not reflect or even touch the subject of Orisha sacred items, numbers, and all that other stuff than is found in many Orisha books these days. This gem of a book reflects on starting to honor the Orisha starting from within. The book focuses on self-reflection, healing inner pains, honoring commitments, mindfulness, honesty, and other true wisdoms that our found in the teachings of religions such as Zen, Buddihsm, and Hinduism.
The book is written for the followers of the various Orisha traditions, but can be applied by any person no matter race, religion or sexual preference. There is a small section on Orisa Soul work, which again can be applied by anyone. A section on honoring ones Ancestors and creating a shrine for them.

A most beautiful, and well-written book that does not dabble, with silly "how to do magic spells" or superstitions. But instead teaches how to work with ones inner spirits, how to seek blessings from the divinities within, how to find peace through meditation with the mysteries of the Orisha tradition. This book is a basic fundamental to the truth, beauty and wisdom that lie within the Orisha tradition.
I have to highly recommend this book to all newly initiated Iyawo, it will bring deeper blessings and meanings to your first year in white. But I also have to recommend this book to all that are looking for their first book on Orisha Spirituality.
Bravo and Ashe! To you Iyalosha Omilade, "Tobe Melora Correal" your book is important, groundbreaking, and will be forever listed under the greats such as John Mason, Chief Fama, and Iyanifa Ileana

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars restored my faith...., March 30, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa: A West African Spiritual Tradition (Paperback)

this book is a great gift. i found it at a time that i had nearly lost all faith in the orisa community, especially the community in the united states. once i received this book i sat with it, touched its spirit and its spirit touched me. iya is grounded in her writing, honest in her sharing and clear about not only the beauty of this path but the challenges that can also accompany one's journey down this road.

i wish more authors wrote in this way - without pretense, without pomp and with clear hearts. this book has ase. it is real. it can communicate its purpose clearly without the weight of human ego all too often seen in what should be a road humbly walked.

in a moment when i was disheartened by what i've seen in the community this book gave me heart. it gave me enough hope to hold on and to allow the love for this road to reopen me to my own relationship with it. it has, in many ways, restored my faith. our community needs more books like this. it is like water in the heat of the desert.

thank you iya.
thank you ori.
thank you ancestors.
thank you orisa.
thank you olodumare.
ase.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book that Goes Past the Mechanics, February 14, 2005

By 

Sister Holistic (Atlanta , GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa: A West African Spiritual Tradition (Paperback)

Iya Correal's book is excellent reading for anyone on the traditonal path but wants to go past being just religious and on to intergrating their spirituality with growth as a human being. She gives insight on how to have a real relationship with our ancestors and the Orisa. The book is well written and encourages devotees to seek a deeper relationship with the Divine. I must say that Iya's book is one of those that I continually go back to when I am in need of rememberance of what magic truly is: that connection with the force that animates us and the world that we live in.