Recommended Reading
While Lucumí is an oral tradition that can only be learned through in person experience and communal instruction, there is a wealth of basic information and fascinating history that can be gleaned from books on the religion. Here are a few books our ilé has found the most helpful for people looking to learn more about Regla de Ocha.
Black Gods: Orisa Studies in the New World by Gary Edwards and John Mason
This short but deeply beloved book was one of the first written in English to explore the main Orisha worshipped in Lucumí by practitioners, for practitioners. Baba John Mason, an early member of the African American Lukumí community in New York, is one of the most widely respected priests in the religion, and his decades of knowledge shine through in this collection.
Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa by Tobe Melora Correal
This introductory text is written by respected Orisha priestess Tobe Melora Correal especially for people entering the Lucumí religion. Though the practice of the religion must be done through guidance of competent, initiated Olorisha, this book provides many helpful small steps a person can take who has not yet found a Godparent to lead them on this journey.
A Year in White: Cultural Newcomers to Lukumi and Santería in the United States by C. Lynn Carr
Sociologist C. Lynn Carr provides the first study of the iyaworaje, or year in white, that follows the initiation of new priests in the Lucumí religion. Carr examines the experiences of iyawos as they traverse the world dressed in white and observing strict new taboos. It is a fascinating look into one of the most important aspects of the religion, drawn from in-depth interviews and survey data. We are also quite proud to say that the author is a member of our own ilé!
Ritual Use of Plants in Lucumi Tradition by Maria Oggunbemi
Without plants, there is are no Orisha. Plants form the basis of our work in this religion. Written by Oba Oriate Maria Oggunbemi, this book is an essential reference guide for initiated priests in the religion, covering many of the more common herbs used in ceremony. Highly recommended!
Santeria: African Spirits in America by Joseph Murphy
First published in 1993, Joseph Murphy’s Santeria was a groundbreaking study of the Lucumí religion in major urban centres in the United States. Both scholar and priest, Murphy’s book is an accessible primer that focuses on Ifá-centric houses of Ocha. This has long been one of the best books for beginners - giving a thorough overview of how Ifá-centric Lucumí is practiced.
Santeria From Africa to the New World: the Dead Sell Memories by George Brandon
George Brandon traces the history of the Lucumí religion from the trans-Atlantic slave trade, through its transformations in Cuba, and it’s second diaspora in the United States. With a focus on both the ancestors who brought the religion first to Cuba and then to New York, Brandon clearly lays out the how and why behind the changes that have shaped this religion across two centuries.
Santeria Enthroned: Art, Ritual, and Innovation in an Afro-Cuban Religion by David H. Brown
One of the most thorough explorations of Lucumí religion published to date, this massive tome explores Regla de Ocha through an art history lens. Written by academic and priest David H. Brown, there are few priests today who do not regularly refer to this book. Though not an introductory text by any means, those who have read the above books and crave more information will find what they are looking for in Santeria Enthroned.
The Altar of My Soul by Marta Moreno Vega
A beautiful personal account of the religion by esteemed elder Marta Moreno Vega, this book is an excellent place to start to understand the Orisha and the Lucumí religion.