Customer Reviews

Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a Northern black kid raised by Southern black parents, I recommend this book to people raised like me. It answers about as many questions as it raises.

Being of a Western mindset, I eventually gave up ever trying to find some way to make voudou more accessable to me. I may be African-American, but I'm neither African nor Cuban. Teish's book is primarily about the voudou of New Orleans, which is mixed with Catholicism, Amerind and Western pagan traditions. I think I've found in-road.

Want the story on the woman responsible for modern American Voudou, Man'zelle Marie LaVeau? On the voudou-Catholic connection? On how the Seven African Powers relate to the saints, the planets and the elements? On what is meant by "the devil is beating his wife?" Want to get scared out of making a spirit doll for yourself? How about getting guided away from hexing as a way of life?

This ... is a good book. If you've gotten frustrated when trying to learn about voudou, this is a great place to start.

I loved the fact that Teish put this book in the context of returning home and telling her personal story of coming to Voodoo. As a black woman who is drawn to many Pagan paths but especially looking for something that reflects my ancestry, this book really reverberated with me. Teish includes everything from the beginnings of Voodoo in W. African and its development in America, to altars for specific Gods, humorous anecdotes, spells for many purposes, etc. etc. etc. A much-overlooked but much-needed addition to any Pagan library.

So many books on Spirit set off my bog-o-meter, but this is not one of them. Teish is a fabulous teacher, story-teller, and leader. I refer to my copy of _Jambalaya_ so often, I've really got to get a new copy.

A beautiful book about a beautiful spiritual path.

Luisah Teish is a trailblazer who has paved the path for contemporary African American spiritualists and metaphysical works. "Jambalaya" is an ecletic book, that is unrestricted by strict adherence to a particular path. This approach makes the book inviting to practitioners of various paths and orientations. The style used by Teish in "Jambalaya" should be celebrated because African belief systems are as diverse as Africans and African descended people, rather than dubbed "New Age." The author is creative, her experience is rich and her writer's voice resonates."Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals" is a frequently visited book on my reference shelf, even though the pages are yellowing. Whatever level or type of practitioner the reader is, no doubt "Jambalaya will be a book capable of feeding the soul throughout the years.

I bought this book for research, and it more than met my expectations. In fact, I couldn't put this book down until I'd read it cover-to-cover! Ms. Teish weaves a compelling first-person story, balanced with rituals and work, to enrich the life of anyone who reads and applies what is in this book. Whether you're a woman looking for spiritual answers in a confusing and conflicted world, or a beginner curious about the spiritual options of Voudou, this book is absolutely, positively a must-read. It's a page-turner, no matter what your background and interests.

I was looking for a book that would give me some answers regarding voudun in New Orleans, which my parents are from and I felt this book was very helpful and knowledgeable. I'm an African American R.N. and Reiki Master in California and I just felt this book has enhanced my healings for me and my clients. Thank You Priestess of Osun!

I originally purchased this book back in the early 90's when I was just getting involved in my African culture. I am African-American and anything affiliated with my ancestry, I wanted to know about. Although this book isn't really traditionally Yoruba (which I am now), it will introduce African spirituality to those who are a bit leery of investigating this beautiful religion. The memoirs of Iya Teish are wonderful and she really opens you up to the possibility of magic. I work in a bookstore and I frequently reccomend it to young black women on a spiritual quest.

I Bought "Jambalaya" many,many,moons ago ;-) I am still in love with this book and the author Luisah Teish's writing style.She masterfully pulls you into her world,and guides you smoothly through past and present New Orleans.And a very rich,sensual,intelligent,thought provoking world it is!. This book is a must for black readers or for people who prefer to be politically correct 21st century style"African-american".Teish introduces whites and others to enter a world they did not know of real black family life,filled with:
tradition, survival tactics,good eatin!,and last but certainly not least(since this is what the book is about)Natural works, charms, rituals,living the life of a priestess in the Yoruba Lucumi tradition.
An Excellent book you will read for many reasons,over and over again!. ENJOY!!.

As an individual seaching for my own life path, I can really relate to this book - it certainly made me want to find out more about my ancestor's religion and teachings!

The combination of her journey towards spiritual discovery and the practical lessons at the end of each chapter will appeal to both those who learn through both story and those who learn through practical application. I found the combination kept me reading from beginning to end!

Being new to the Yoruba teachings, this book affirmed to me that this is the path for me - some readers may find like me that they either 'know' or are doing some of the things instinctively. I recommend this as a read for anyone seeking their life path and who have a feel for the Yoruba Religion.

One thing though - why does it take so long for stuff like this to reach the shores of the UK?

This book left me in absolute awe. Luisah Teish is an amazing author. I half to say that this is by far one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of owning. Teish presents an clear and concise work, complete with exercises, charts, and a myriad of other things. I had recently been in contact with Teish via On-line E-mail, I wrote her asking some questions about her book and if it could apply to males such as my self also. She was quick to respond and gave me all the information I wanted. Unlike many authors whom Ive written, Teish was kind, and generous with he advice. She explained that allthough her book was aimed at women, that males could use the information in her work aswell, i have found that it has deepened my understanding of my spiritual path and helped me more to grow in respect for the Goddess in every woman. Thank you Teish for this wonderfull, deeply profound work.