The Lucumi Practitioner’s Handbook

Book excerpt: The recent explosion of social media has led to a huge amount of shared information regarding the path of Orisha. This has led to a rise in consciousness regarding Lucumi ( Aka; Santeria). This branch of Orisha practice has its roots in Cuba, but has travelled far beyond its birthplace. Consequently, there has been a shift in the access of information and scams and charlatans are commonplace. Fractured relationships are frequent. This book is a self-help book which explains the basics of our traditions and how to spot red flags. For those already practising the religion, there is a chapter on how to negotiate being a Godparent and how to create healthy communities. Caring for our planet and our mental health is also addressed. What are the new challenges we face as a community in this technological age? This book acknowledges the need to protect our traditions, safe-guarding secrets, whilst promoting a quest for knowledge. It is a call to reframe our traditions, born from slavery and trauma in a healthy way which acknowledges the unhealthy relationships that exist within the traditional hierarchical structure. This book is for all following the Lucumi way of life and those who aspire to do so.