Santeria is a religious and magical practice that originated in the African diaspora in Latin America, particularly in Cuba. It combines elements of Roman Catholicism with traditional African animist beliefs and practices. Santeria became prevalent in Cuba during the period of the transatlantic slave trade when African slaves were brought to the New World. The African slaves were forcibly converted to Christianity by their Spanish masters, but they secretly continued to practice their traditional African religions. This led to the syncretism of African animism and Catholicism, resulting in the birth of Santeria. In Santeria, each Catholic saint is associated with an African deity and is worshipped accordingly.
I know, what am I thinking offering a Magic Tree House review to the internet? Magic Tree House books have been around for generations. Their popularity has never wavered over the years. Countless kids have discovered a love of reading because of these books. This series is an American institution, for crying out loud.
People just go on and on about how good Nutella is, and when you ask for a recommendation about what to spread on toast, they keep saying, Oh, Nutella is the greatest. People just go on and on about how good Nutella is, and when you ask for a recommendation about what to spread on toast, they keep saying, Oh, Nutella is the greatest.
In Santeria, each Catholic saint is associated with an African deity and is worshipped accordingly. This blending of religious traditions allowed African slaves to maintain their cultural heritage while outwardly adhering to the Catholic faith. Santeria is characterized by its emphasis on ritual, divination, and magic.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly about Magic Tree House
Please don’t shoot the messenger. I’m going to try to provide a picky review of the Magic Tree House series. It feels impossible to provide an accurate Magic Tree House critique because the books are almost universally loved, but I’m going to try.
Do y’all have a thing that everyone seems to love, and you’re the only one who just doesn’t get it? For example, maybe you don’t like Nutella. That’s insane, because Nutella is amazing, but you Nutella-haters will definitely understand what I’m talking about.
People just go on and on about how good Nutella is, and when you ask for a recommendation about what to spread on toast, they keep saying, “Oh, Nutella is the greatest!”
And all you can do is smile and nod while in your head you think, “What are they thinking. I’ve tried it, it’s not that great.”
Well, that’s me and the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. Everyone loves these books…except me.
I know, what am I thinking offering a Magic Tree House review to the internet? Magic Tree House books have been around for generations. Their popularity has never wavered over the years. Countless kids have discovered a love of reading because of these books. This series is an American institution, for crying out loud.
I know all of this. And I’m so thankful that it is a clean series that has introduced so many children to reading. That is a beautiful gift that Osborne has given to so many children! But I still wouldn’t personally recommend Magic Tree House books to read aloud to your family, and I’ll tell you why.
Rituals are performed to honor the African deities, known as orishas, who are believed to govern different aspects of life. These rituals often involve offerings, chants, drumming, and dancing. Divination, through methods such as consulting oracle shells or reading cowrie shells, is used to communicate with the orishas and seek their guidance. Magic is an integral part of Santeria, as it is believed to harness supernatural powers for various purposes. Practitioners of Santeria may use spells, charms, and talismans to protect themselves from harm, attract love or prosperity, or seek revenge against enemies. Santeria also incorporates healing practices, with practitioners known as santeros or santeras who are believed to possess spiritual healing abilities. Despite facing persecution and marginalization throughout history, Santeria has managed to survive and thrive among Afro-Latinx communities. Today, Santeria is practiced not only in Cuba but also in other Latin American countries such as Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil, as well as in diaspora communities in the United States. In recent years, Santeria has gained attention and popularity beyond its traditional communities. Its syncretic nature, rich rituals, and emphasis on ancestral connections have attracted individuals from diverse backgrounds who are seeking spiritual fulfillment and a deeper connection with the divine. However, it is important to note that Santeria is often misunderstood and stigmatized, as it is commonly associated with negative stereotypes and misrepresentations. The misappropriation and commodification of Santeria practices also perpetuate cultural appropriation. It is crucial to approach Santeria with respect and understanding, recognizing its rich cultural and historical significance..
Reviews for "Santeria Priests and Priestesses: The Guardians of African Magic"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Santeria African Magic in Latin America." The book seemed to lack depth and failed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Santeria. The author seemed more interested in sensationalizing the rituals and ceremonies rather than providing a balanced and objective view of the religion. I was hoping for a more scholarly approach, but instead, I found myself reading a collection of anecdotes with little contextual analysis. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone seeking a serious exploration of Santeria.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I found "Santeria African Magic in Latin America" to be misleading and culturally insensitive. The author relied heavily on stereotypes and myths surrounding Santeria, rather than delving into its roots and historical development. The book perpetuated harmful stereotypes of Santeria practitioners as superstitious and primitive, which is far from the truth. Additionally, the author seemed to exploit the religion for shock value, focusing solely on bizarre practices without providing a proper cultural and historical context. I was deeply disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone seeking an accurate and respectful portrayal of Santeria.
3. Michael - 2 stars - As someone who is genuinely interested in learning about different religions and their cultural significance, I found "Santeria African Magic in Latin America" to be a disappointment. The book lacked depth and failed to explore the intricacies and complexities of Santeria. The author's writing style was disjointed and lacked clarity, making it difficult to follow the narrative. Furthermore, the book seemed to be more of a personal account of the author's experiences rather than an objective exploration of Santeria. I would advise looking for more comprehensive and well-researched books on the topic to gain a better understanding of Santeria.
4. Emily - 1 star - "Santeria African Magic in Latin America" was nothing more than a sensationalized portrayal of Santeria. The author seemed more interested in captivating the reader with shocking rituals and practices rather than providing factual information about the religion. The book lacked depth and failed to go beyond surface-level descriptions of Santeria ceremonies. I was expecting a more scholarly and objective approach, but instead, I found myself reading a poorly-researched and exploitative piece of work. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking to gain a meaningful understanding of Santeria.