The Osha: Secrets of the Yoruba-Lucumi-Santeria Religion in the United States and the Americas : Initiation, Rituals, Ceremonies, Orishas, Divination, Plants, s (Paperback)

~ Julio Garcia Cortez (Author), Julio Garcia Corlez (Author) "The African influence in the Americas, as well as in Europe is inestimable..." (more)
Key Phrases: baye tonu, one white rooster, white guinea hen, Ile Ife, Sign Number, Saint Lazarus (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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 (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #137,380 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 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

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

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

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Osha, April 18, 2003

By	Olori Oriyomi "OLORI" (ALL OVER DA WORLD!) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Alafia! Aboru Aboye Abosise! May Ifa bless all those who are called by the African Orisa. I pay homage to all Babalawos,Awos Iyaloshas and Babaloshas who have paved the way for us to travel our journey / destiny which is the crooked road which leads us to Ifa.
My only advise to all who read, is to be reminded that it is important to be under the guidance of your Godparents.No matter how simple it may seem..YOU STILL REQUIRE ASE! You can't get that out of any book! ASE! You can only benefit under the guidance of your Elders. This culture is an active life. Remember, by doing the work, not just by reading a book will you gain many blessings and understanding of what it means to be an Orisa Devotee.Orisa ni ma sin! Eepa O Orisa! Ore Yeye Osun! Adupe O!Apetebii Yeye Olori Oriyomi