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

by Luisah Teish (Author) "Somehow I knew that there was much more going on than was apparent on the surface..." (more)
Key Phrases: little soul doll, personal candle, altar sisters, New Orleans, Seven African Powers, Big Moma (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
""Jambalaya is a gift, open to all people, a gift of an ancient tradition, a gift of stories and celebrations, a gift of Teish's own history and voice, the voice of a strong, knowledgeable, and wise black woman." -- Starhawk, author of "Truth or Dare""A book of startling remembrances, revelations, directives, and imperatives, filled with the mysticism, wisdom, and common sense of the African religion of the Mother. It should be read with the same open-minded love with which it was written." -- Alice Walker, author of "The Color Purple""Teish reveals a wealth of new visions and ancient wisdom from a cultural heritage unknown to most readers. To a style of writing that is friendly and relaxed, Teish adds the spice of her wonderful sense of humor. This is a book that sharpens the intuitive sense in each of us and encourages us to that inner knowlcdge." -- Merlin Stone, author of "When God Was a Woman"

Product Description

A Marvelous Blend
of Memoir, Folk Wisdom,
and Afro-American Beliefs.

Actress, storyteller, and priestess Luisah Teish dramatically re-creates centuries-old African-American traditions with music, memoir, and folk wisdom.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (March 3, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062508598
• ISBN-13: 978-0062508591
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #233,313 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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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 A very good book on practical American voudou., July 23, 1997

By	R. Byrd "byrdie" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For everyone who wants to learn the truth about Voodoo., April 8, 1999

By A Customer

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A breath of fresh air., December 28, 1999

By A Customer

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.