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The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts

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( 512 ratings, 43 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts offers an accessible introduction to the spiritual beliefs that have deeply influenced African American religious traditions. Baba Ifa Karade explores the ancient Yoruba civilisation of West Africa and the diaspora's impact across the Americas. The book describes the sixteen Orisha, spirit gods central to Yoruba faith, and guides readers through divination practices, harnessing the body's energy centres, and creating sacred worship spaces. It includes prayers, dances, songs, offerings, and sacrifices honouring the Orisha.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in African spirituality, religious studies, and those curious about the cultural and spiritual roots of African diasporic religions in the Americas.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An introduction to the spiritual source of the beliefs and practices that have so profoundly shaped African American religious traditions.

Most of the Africans who were enslaved and brought to the Americas were from the Yoruba nation of West Africa, an ancient and vast civilisation. In the diaspora caused by the slave trade, the guiding concepts of the Yoruba spiritual tradition took root in Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Brazil, and the United States.

In this accessible introduction, Baba Ifa Karade provides an overview of the Yoruba tradition and its influence in the West. He describes the sixteen Orisha, or spirit gods, and shows us how to work with divination, use the energy centres of the body to internalise the teachings of Yoruba, and create a sacred place of worship. The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts also includes prayers, dances, songs, offerings, and sacrifices to honour the Orisha.

Series: Weiser Classics Series

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  • The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts
    An introduction to the spiritual source of the beliefs and practices that have so profoundly shaped African American religious traditions. Most of the Africans who were enslaved and brought to the Americas were from the Yoruba nation of West Africa, an ancient and vast civilisation. In the diaspora caused by the slave trade, the guiding concepts of the Yoruba spiritual...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Publishers Weekly praises the book for presenting Yoruba as a divine journey to inner self and God-consciousness. The text draws parallels between Yoruba concepts and familiar religious ideas like angels and the elevated figure of Orunmila, the Yoruba prophet. The inclusion of prayers and rituals, such as herbal baths, enriches this well-illustrated handbook that aids in understanding the tradition.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781578636679

Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 March 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Weiser Books

Illustration: B&W photos & drawings

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 146.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 236g

Pages: 160

About the Author

Baba Ifa Karade holds a degree in Africana studies from Rutgers University and has written a number of books about the Yoruba/Ifa culture. He has traveled to Kenya, Nigeria, the Caribbean, Brazil, Netherlands, and throughout the United States. He's been a keynote lecturer at colleges across the United States and at Orisha conferences throughout the world.

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