Magic from Brazil

Book excerpt: Get ready to launch yourself on an incredible journey into a fascinating cultural force and powerful magical system. Born in turn-of-the-century Brazil, the vibrant magical religions of Umbanda, Macumba, Spiritism, and Candomblé combined ecstatic African traditions with European Spiritualism. They share much in common with Wicca, shamanism, and even ceremonial magic. This book is an insider's look at their practices, practices that you can incorporate into your own workings. Call on the powers of the Orixás, the gods of the Afro-Brazilian pantheon; practice their spellwork and rituals, trance and mediumship; experience the energies of tropical botanicals used in magic and healing; and sample Afro-Brazilian cuisine: the foods of the gods. This book: Presents authentic Brazilian magic from a Portuguese and Brazilian scholar. The author has attended ceremonies, interviewed heads of sects, recorded music, and collected artifacts for this book Deepens understanding of channeling, color magic, drumming, nature religions, naturopathic healing, even psychotherapy Introduces a refreshing perspective with important lessons for practitioners of all religions