Guide to Afro-Cuban Herbalism is aimed to serve as a reference tool for practitioners of the various african based traditions such as Afro-Cuban Orisha/Ifa Worship, Vodou, Camdomble, et al. This book provides extensive information on the medicinal, religious and magical uses of 700 plants.

In the early 19th century, Cuba emerged as the world’s largest producer of sugar and the United States its most important buyer. Barely documented today, there was a close commercial relationship between Cuba and the Rhode Island coastal town of Bristol. The citizens of Bristol were heavily involved in the slavery trade and owned sugarcane plantations in Cuba and also served as staff workers at these facilities. Available in print for the first time is a diary that sheds light on this connection. Mr. George Howe, Esquire (1791–1837), documented his tasks at a Bristolian-owned plantation called New Hope, which was owned by well-known Bristol merchant, slave trader, and US senator James DeWolf (1764–1837). Howe expressed mixed personal feelings about local slavery work practices. He felt lucky to be employed and was determined to do his job well, in spite of the harsh conditions operating at New Hope, but he also struggled with his personal feelings regarding slavery. Though an oppressive system, it was at the core of New Hope’s financial success and, therefore, Howe’s well-being as an employee. This book examines Howe’s diary entries in the thematic context of the local Costumbrista literary production. Costumbrismo both documented local customs and critically analyzed social ills. In his letters to relatives and friends Howe depicted a more personal reaction to the underpinnings of slavery practices, a reaction reflecting early abolitionist sentiments.

The Ritual Use of Plants in Lucumi Tradition is an in depth look at the importance of plants for the Lucumi community. Explains why certain plants have hierarchical position and power for healing and why they are essential for the completion of Lucumi rituals.Includes translations of over thirty patakins, with the English, Spanish, Anago and Latin scientific names and sixteen black and white photos. A CD with color photos of over fifty plants is available at www.oggunbemi.com. The author, Maria Oggunbemi is a student of Lucumi tradition, Osainista and Oba Oriate. She has extensively researched the language and the ethno-botany of the Lucumi religion as it is practiced in Cuba and the diaspora. Her first book, The Anago Language of Cuba focused on the language used in Lucumi rituals for songs, prayers, rituals of consecration, initiation healing and celebration."

In Caribbean history, the European colonial plantocracy created a cultural diaspora in which African slaves were torn from their ancestral homeland. In order to maintain vital links to their traditions and culture, slaves retained certain customs and nurtured them in the Caribbean. The creation of lace-bark cloth from the lagetta tree was a practice that enabled slave women to fashion their own clothing, an exercise that was both a necessity, as clothing provisions for slaves were poor, and empowering, as it allowed women who participated in the industry to achieve some financial independence. This is the first book on the subject and, through close collaboration with experts in the field including Maroon descendants, scientists and conservationists, it offers a pioneering perspective on the material culture of Caribbean slaves, bringing into focus the dynamics of race, class and gender. Focussing on the time period from the 1660s to the 1920s, it examines how the industry developed, the types of clothes made, and the people who wore them. The study asks crucial questions about the social roles that bark cloth production played in the plantation economy and colonial society, and in particular explores the relationship between bark cloth production and identity amongst slave women.

The purpose of this book is to bring into context and greater accessibility the knowledge of the plants used in the Santeria Religion. Many books have been written about said plants, but there seems to be no standardized version where the plant in question can be narrowed down to a more common name and proper scientific taxonomy. When I say that this book is "Ewe for the New Diaspora" it is because we are now in a "New Diaspora". The first great diaspora that occurred was when the natives from Africa were brought to the "New World" as slaves of the Spanish, Portuguese, English, etc. These natives brought with them a very ample religious macrocosm and an intimate knowledge of the plants that surrounded them. This knowledge was used in the "New World" by their ability to find equal or similar plants that had been used in Africa. Although people have moved between the United States and countries of Central and South America for centuries; the coming of Fidel Castro in Cuba caused a massive outflow of people and their religious beliefs. Since then, other nationalities have emigrated to the United States causing what can be called a "New Diaspora". With this "New Diaspora", unknown religious beliefs have been brought to the shores of the United States. Now, it is not unusual to find "Botanicas" (stores that cater to the Afro-Caribbean religious beliefs) in most big cities in the United States (or the world). Since the basis of this book is "El Monte" by Lydia Cabrera, most of the plant listings are from there with an updating as to the uses, the name of the Orisha that is the tutelary owner of the herbs/plants, the Odun from Ifá associated with it, and the names and usage in Brazil (with tutelary Orisha in the different sects). It should be noted that I have not offered an opinion on the tutelary Orisha or the usage of any of these plants. This is just a compilation of available information on each of these plants from available sources. It is the responsibility of the person using this book to get guidance from their elders as to what is the proper use of these plants and the tutelary Orisha it belongs to.

Delve into the world of witchcraft, communicate with your ancestors, and perform spiritual cleansings while celebrating culture and tradition. This is not your abuela’s brujería. This modern take on traditional witchcraft will introduce newcomers to the unique and vibrant traditions of magical practice. Drawing inspiration from Latin American and Afro-Caribbean regions, The Modern Art of Brujería takes readers on a journey through spirituality. Touching on historical colonial impact, this book offers new approaches to practicing traditional magic that support and uplift cultures that were once oppressed for their beliefs. Inside you’ll find: Tips for ancestral communication Instruction for limpias or spiritual cleansings Different types of candle magic And much more! Let The Modern Art of Brujería be your guidebook as you delve into the complex world of witchcraft. “This was a really interesting book that glimpses into Mexican cultural lore and traditional folk magic. Packed full of recipes and prayers, this book is essential for witches of all paths . . . If you feel a pull back to the magic of your ancestors, this book is written for you.” —Roses and Reviews “You will find inspiration here from Latin American and Afro-Caribbean regions written in a very readable style. There are tips for ancestral communication, instruction for spiritual cleansing, various types of candle magic, and oh so much more!” —PaganPages.org

Dive into an enchanting world where the magic of nature meets the wisdom of ancestors!