Occultism in Latin America has a long and complex history, deeply rooted in the indigenous cultures and influenced by European traditions. It encompasses a wide range of practices, including shamanism, witchcraft, and spiritualism. **A significant feature of occultism in Latin America is its syncretism**, which merges elements from various religious and spiritual traditions such as Catholicism, African diasporic religions, and indigenous beliefs. **One prominent example of syncretic occultism in Latin America is Santeria**, a blend of African spirituality and Catholicism that originated in Cuba and has spread throughout the region. Through rituals and ceremonies, practitioners of Santeria communicate with spirits known as Orishas, who serve as intermediaries between humans and the divine. **Santeria represents the fusion of African Yoruba traditions with Catholicism, resulting in a unique and deeply ingrained religious and occult practice within Latin America.
The Pew Research survey finds that nearly all Catholics and Protestants in most Latin American countries believe in God. In a number of countries, most of those who are unaffiliated with any religion also say they believe in God.
Some of the best of these are taken from the excellent published work of the well-known French photographer, Pierre Verger, although no credit is given. Her table, draped with a velvet and gold-lace cloth the kind of design that you d expect from a fortune teller , and masked in the warm orange glow of a crystal lamp, casts a soothing aura over the chaos of informal conversations and loud music.
**Santeria represents the fusion of African Yoruba traditions with Catholicism, resulting in a unique and deeply ingrained religious and occult practice within Latin America.** In addition to syncretic practices, **Latin America is also home to indigenous healing traditions**, often referred to as shamanism. Shamans, known by various names such as curanderos or ayahuasqueros, are spiritual leaders who possess the ability to communicate with the spirit world.
African Magic in Latin America: Santería
This is a disappointing book. The author, a Puerto Rican, according to the book jacket, has “degrees in anthropology and psychology.” The book, however, is primarily the testimony of a believer. She defines santería quite inaccurately variously as Latin American (or African) magic. More correctly, santería is the Afro-Catholic religion of Cuba, some of whose adherents have spread to Puerto Rico and the U.S. To say that santería has “over a hundred million practitioners” in Latin America and the U.S. is nothing less than startling. Nor, with the exception of Haitian “voodoo,” is there any specific reference to the various other Latin American Afro-Catholic syncretic religions, such as the Shango cult of Trinidad or the Candomblé, Xângo, macumba, Umbanda, etc., of Brazil. To say that this is the first book in English on either Latin American magic or on santería is most surely a grossly exaggerated claim.
The book contains some 20 pages of magic recipes and a mixture of chapters on various kinds of magic and on the African spirits invoked. The ritual invocations given are said to be in the Yoruba language of Nigeria. They do contain some Yoruba words, but also Spanish and nonsense syllables. This, in spite of the fact that some fully intelligible Yoruba texts have been collected from Cuban santeros. There are also a number of interesting photographs. Some of the best of these are taken from the excellent published work of the well-known French photographer, Pierre Verger, although no credit is given. They were taken in Brazil and in West Africa, but are not so identified here.
The book’s primary value lies in being a testimonial, a source of anecdotes and recipes. A strenuous attempt is made to link santería with astrology, yoga, cabala, witchcraft, and other trends in the occult revival. As the author phrases her claim: “The elements contained in Santería will play a major role in the development of the new religious movement which is coming into world consciousness in order to fulfill the deep spiritual needs of mankind” (p. 123). Whatever the case may be, one may question whether the very practical and mundane uses of magic presented here have much to do with spiritual needs.
The survey asked respondents which of the following statements is closer to their view: “My religion is the one true faith leading to eternal life,” or “Many religions can lead to eternal life.” In a majority of countries surveyed, roughly equal shares of Catholics and Protestants say theirs is the one true faith that can lead to eternal life. In a handful of countries, however, Protestants are more likely than Catholics to see their faith as the one true religion. In Argentina, for example, nearly half of Protestants (46%) say that theirs is the only faith that can show the path to eternal salvation, while just a quarter of Catholics take this view. In Brazil, Protestants are about twice as likely as Catholics to say that theirs is the one true faith.
They use various techniques such as plant medicine, ritual ceremonies, and divination to heal both physical and spiritual ailments. **These indigenous healing practices have been preserved and integrated into occultism in Latin America, often coexisting with syncretic or European spiritual traditions.** Furthermore, **the influence of European occultism is also evident in Latin America**. Practices such as witchcraft, esotericism, and divination have been introduced through colonization and migration. **European occultism, particularly the Western esoteric tradition, has had a profound impact on Latin American occultism**. The introduction of Tarot cards, astrology, and ceremonial magic has enriched the occult practices in the region, leading to the emergence of unique and eclectic forms of spirituality. **Throughout Latin America, the occult has served as a means of empowerment, resistance, and cultural preservation**. It has provided a space for individuals and communities to connect with their ancestral roots, seek healing, and navigate the complex intersection of diverse belief systems. **Occultism in Latin America is a vibrant and dynamic phenomenon, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultures and spiritualities found across the region**. Whether syncretic, indigenous, or influenced by European traditions, the occult continues to play a significant role in the spiritual lives of many Latin Americans, offering a unique lens through which to explore and understand the diverse and complex nature of the Latin American psyche..
Reviews for "Tarot and Divination in Latin American Occultism"
- John - 1/5 stars - I found "Occultism in Latin America" to be extremely disappointing. The book promised to provide insights into the fascinating world of occult practices in the region, but instead, it lacked depth and failed to deliver any substantial information. The author seemed more interested in personal anecdotes and subjective opinions rather than providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time and money on this book.
- Sarah - 2/5 stars - "Occultism in Latin America" had the potential to be an intriguing read, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book lacked coherence and structure, making it difficult to follow along. The author jumped from one topic to another without providing any clear explanations or connections. Additionally, the writing style was dry and uninspiring, which made it hard to engage with the material. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to those looking for a comprehensive exploration of occultism in Latin America.
- Alex - 3/5 stars - As someone familiar with the topic, I found "Occultism in Latin America" to be a shallow overview of a complex subject. While the book touched on various occult practices and traditions, it failed to delve deeper into any of them. It felt more like a surface-level introduction rather than an in-depth analysis. Furthermore, I was disappointed by the lack of diverse perspectives and voices represented in the book. It primarily presented a Western-oriented view of occultism in Latin America, neglecting the indigenous and Afro-Latinx contributions. Overall, it was an average read that left much to be desired in terms of depth and inclusivity.