Religious Book Store > Religious books beginning with N
|
Nature's Ancient Religion: Orisha worship & IFA |
Author: Charles Spencer King
Published: 2008-10-16 |
List price: $16.95
Our price: $16.95
|
Usually ships in 24 hours
As of: January 07th, 2009 08:21:19 PM
|
|
|
Customer comments on this selection.
 The Odu of a Maverick Babalawo
Natures Ancient Religion is a book that discovers and discusses one of the most ancient Religions, Orisha Worship or IFA that was born in Africa and later pollinated to various parts of the world where Black slaves travelled along with their captors. IFA is a religion that worships nature in various elements. Being a nature lover and a Hindu whetted my interest to pick up this book and learn some more about this religion which is quite similar in some philosophies to Hinduism.
The author has very engagingly explained the various Pataki's (stories) about the various Gods and the lessons learnt from them which makes it quite interesting even to a non-believer outside the faith. This religion is unique from the others since it involves mathematical calculations during the divination process to predict an individuals' Odu or path they would take in life.
There were a few Gods and their avatars that have been discussed in this book. Two of my favorites were Shango & Oshun.
Shango - He's the Orisha of thunder and has the power of the fire. He's enigmatic in looks, vibrant and full of fun and married to Oya the Orisha of the wind and a warrior goddess. Shango is also the orisha of dance and his female counterpart is Oshun.
Oshun - She is the goddess of the river, gold, copper and sexuality and sexual desires. A la Aphrodite! She's the most beautiful Orisha who has enchanted almost all the male Orishas when she was single. She's unpredictable coz at one hand she's playful and carefree and on the other hand she's selfless always putting others before her. The mighty wise Orunmila (another powerful orisha) finally managed to contain her robust energy.
One thing that leaves me cold however is the animal sacrifices to appease the various gods. One of the branches in Hinduism too has this practice that I stay away from. My argument is based on Logic. If God made animals and nature...why would he want man to kill his own creation to appease him?
Lastly, the author comes across as a well read individual who was claimed by the Orishas by a series of events that happened in his life and convinced him that his Odu (path) was to spread this religion's message far & wide. I'm hopeful that he takes this crusade to a higher level and interprets the true meaning of this beautiful religion. The environment and Nature need beliefs like these to encourage its followers to respect what we have and how fast we can lose it.
Pick up this book if you are interested in Religion and Anthropology. There are some great discussions that tickles the mind :)
Spiritual Havana!!!
Excellent read!!! I'm a keen follower of environmental issues, not very religious but spiritual. I bought this book because I liked the book cover LOL. I'm glad I did. I liked it so much that I am writing my first review here. The concepts are neat(cept for sacrifice). The respect the religion has for nature is something I like. I wish we as Americans could vacation in Cuba as a tourist. I feel like I am getting screwed by my government not letting me visit. I felt I was in Havana with Mr. King at his ceremonies. Five Stars is my rating.
quite a journey
fantastic read. anyone who wants to understand orisha worship from the outside looking in needs this book.
|
Similar Listings
|
|
Our Religious book picks:
|
|
Search the Religious Products Store
LCS Amazon Store 2.5 © 2009
|
