The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts [Paperback]

Baba Ifa Karade (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1994

In this introductory volume, Baba Ifa Karade provides an easily understandable overview of the Yoruba religion. He describes 16 orisha and shows us how to work with divination, to use the chakras to internalize the teachings of Yoruba, and describes howto create a sacred place of worship. Includes prayers, dances, songs, offerings, and sacrifices to honor the orisha and egun. Illustrations, charts, glossary, bibliography, and index.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Yoruba religion has a direct link to a substantial segment of American society for . . . ``the greatest percentage of Africans enslaved for the New World labor came from the Yoruba nation'' of Nigeria, West Africa. Author Karade traces the concepts of the Yoruba religion through its entrance into the Americas via Haiti, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Cuba. Variations such as Santeria and Voodun have accumulated some negative connotations, but Karade maintains persuasively that ``Yoruba religion is not a cult nor is it `occult,' but rather a divine journey to the inner self and to God-consciousness.'' Readers of this straightforward text will find familiar concepts such as angels and even an elevated stature comparable to that of the ``son of God'' in the person of Orunmila, the prophet of Yoruba religion. Further, the text compares Yoruban religious concepts to those of other religions in order to make understanding the tradition even easier. Prayers and rituals (e.g., herbal baths, etc.) complete this interesting handbook. Illustrated.

Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books (August 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877287899
• ISBN-13: 978-0877287896
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,506 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #57 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Tribal & Ethnic

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars completely magnificent!, May 16, 2000

By 

"esubunmiaabo" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts (Paperback)

i would recommend this book to any beginner in this traditional path - it is extremely informative. it's simple enough for children to understand, yet it's chock full of information for anyone of any reading and comprehension level.

not only does Baba Ifa give detail of what the crux of yoruba traditional belief is...he supplies the reader with one of the closest accounts of our history (for a westerner to tell it), and for that he receives many thanks.

in this book you will learn about the different Orisa, songs and prayers for them, what they like as in what is usually offered to them during ritual or prayer, you will learn the basics of Ifá Divination and come to understand this method of connecting with the earth and spiritual forces, you will even pick up some yoruba vocabulary - as Baba Ifá has included familiar phrases from our culture, standard greetings and many other things you would enjoy!

in my opinion, this is the BEST book i've read on the tradition hands down. not to say that there aren't other books out there that are good reads...but this one does not take 40 pages to get to a point, and it's not anecdotal like so many books on the tradition seem to be. it's a very good, and easy read for anyone of any culture.

if you are a new comer to the faith and want to learn more, if you are doing academic research, or if you just like to read about other cultures then this book is definately for you!

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent outline of Yoruba pantheon--very well presented., October 31, 1999

By 

P. Miki Dash ([e-mail]) (Old Westbury, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts (Paperback)

This author has a full understanding of the Yoruba concepts, is attuned to presenting information in an organized manner, and in vocabulary that the lay person can fully relate to and understand. The book is so well written, I would recommend it to adolescents interested in studying African religion, religious ceremonies, and philosophy. The book is not meant to create an aura of mystery; rather, it dispels the so-called "secrets" associated with the Yoruba religion. A must for all, particularly for African American adolescents trying to find their way, Latinos who want to relate to their Yoruba roots, and spiritualists looking for the connection. The author does not attempt to convert the reader through his presentation of the rituals; he gives us an "insider's view" of the Yoruba practices.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IT STAYS OPEN!, April 6, 2001

By 

Adetowon Awodola Karade (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts (Paperback)

Before I decided to worship, before meeting Baba Karade, before being welcomed into his Temple, before inititation, there was this book. I stumbled upon Ifa and this book just happened to be the first one that I bought. That was a year and a half ago. To this day I carry it almost every where I go...it stays open!...it is, in a sense, my Bible. It answered my questions as an interested seeker, and it answers my questions as an aborisha (devotee). If you are seeking an introduction into the Ifa faith; if you are looking to further your Ifa knowledge; if you are doing academic research; or if you have an interest in world religions, this book is a clear and digestable understanding of Ifa. Ase O