The OSHA, Initation Rituals, Ceremonies: Secrets of the Yoruba, Lucumi, Santeria Religion in the United States [Paperback]

Julio Garcia Cortez (Author, Translator), Roger Francis (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2000

The Osha examines a religion. (not a cult) practiced by hundreds of thousands of people in different countries principally Cuba, Brazil, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Latin America and most recently the United States. The Osha provides the stories, history, types and manner of divination, the procedures of vestment, names of the deities and everything which is part of the Yoruba/Santeria Religion. A bold work of great intimacy with "The Religion."

Product Details

• Paperback: 473 pages
• Publisher: Athelia Henrietta PR (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890157228
• ISBN-13: 978-1890157227
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #702,602 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Handbook for the Newly Initiated, September 28, 2002

By 

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

This review is from: The OSHA, Initation Rituals, Ceremonies: Secrets of the Yoruba, Lucumi, Santeria Religion in the United States (Paperback)

The Osha is an excellent book that will make an excellent handbook to the newly crowned in the Osha Lucumi Tradition. This is a good book for its information, and should be used with the watchful eye of once Elders. The Reason being, yes there are allot of rituals, ceremonies, rites and passages revealed. But for those who have received the ceremonies of Kariocha, "the Crowning of their Santo." They will realize that many of the important key elements of these sacred acts have been left out. Fact is that Mr. Julio Garcia Cortez being an ordained Babalorisha of Chango, knew that this information could not be written in any book, because this Sacred knowledge is passed down through experience, and it is a sacred act that is passed down from initiated Elder to young Iyawo, and Aborishas.

Yes the book teaches you how to read the coco for the Santos, but it does not tell you how to properly petition Obi, before opening Obi up for consultation. Also there are set rules before consulting Obi that are not discussed in full detail in this book. But honestly these are lessons that one learns from their respected godparents in the religion.

For the beginner or those curious of the religion, this book will be curious but strange and alien, none of the Orikis or Orins are translated they are left in Lucumi dialect. Many of the herb's names are in Spanish, are not fully explained and further study will be needed. This is just some examples.

I recommend this book for those who have received the ceremonies of Kariocha, and for those who have a close bond with their respectful godparents, this is a handbook or lesson book that can be used as a basis for many learning discussions, or as a check back after other minor rituals and ceremonies.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Honest communication, November 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The OSHA, Initation Rituals, Ceremonies: Secrets of the Yoruba, Lucumi, Santeria Religion in the United States (Paperback)

Given the complexity of the Orisha/Ifa tradition and it's many branches this book lent it's self to opening up one of the most secret branches of our traditon. As an initate I found the information both informative and helpful. Many other priests have commented on the "secret componants" that are revealed, but as initated persons in this tradition remember that the non initate does not know what he/she is looking at nor has the ashe to preform those things that are beyond their scope. This is a must have book for the serious practicioner of Ifa/Orisha worship.

Awo Oni FaDe

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mixed feelings, January 18, 2007

By 

Elaine Hall (Clam Gulch, AK United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The OSHA, Initation Rituals, Ceremonies: Secrets of the Yoruba, Lucumi, Santeria Religion in the United States (Paperback)

Well, I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, it is very thorough; on the other hand, there are bits and pieces that are not considered accurate in my lineage, and overall it seems to be a bit misogynistic. I guess my biggest concern has to deal with the section regarding the Asiento/Santo/Kariocha ceremony. While I can appreciate the author's desire to remove the secrecy element from the religion, there is something to be said for maintaining a degree of mystery, that allows an individual to experience something without preconceived notions. All I can say is that I am grateful that I had already been crowned before I read this book, and that I would discourage any uninitiated godchildren from reading this book simply because I wouldn't want to possibly ruin the joyful surprise and spiritual enlightment that can only come from an unbiased mind when presented with the Divine.

I would certainly recommend this book -- perceived errors and all -- to those who have already been initiated with their Santo, while cautioning others to practice self-restraint and to skip over those sections that deal with assorted initiations that they, themselves, have not yet received.

Respectfully,

Elaine Hall