BOOK by: Baba Ifa Karade. Yoruba religion has a direct link to a substantial segment of American society for . . . ``the greatest percentage of Africans enslaved for the New World labor came from the Yoruba nation`` of Nigeria, West Africa. Author Karade traces the concepts of the Yoruba religion through its entrance into the Americas via Haiti, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Cuba. Variations such as Santeria and Voodun have accumulated some negative connotations, but Karade maintains persuasively that ``Yoruba religion is not a cult nor is it `occult,` but rather a divine journey to the inner self and to God-consciousness.`` Readers of this straightforward text will find they believe that this force is the source of life and social harmony. They believe that dedicated followers will gain "Òrìsà status", giving them a connection to their first African ancestors. According to believers, Ìyá Àjé is able to cure, curse or to cause retributive justice on anyone who disrespects woman and motherhood. Familiar concepts such as angels and even an elevated stature comparable to that of the ``son of God`` in the person of Orunmila, the prophet of Yoruba religion. Further, the text compares Yoruban religious concepts to those of other religions in order to make understanding the tradition even easier. Prayers and rituals (e.g., herbal baths, etc.) complete this interesting handbook. This is a 120 page softcover book.
MORE INFORMATION: Followers of the Yoruba religion believe that Ìyá Nlá, or "Our Mothers", is a spiritual force that gives them access to the "Forces of Nature" and the wisdom of their ancestors. The Yoruba believe in reincarnation. They sometimes name children Babatunde ("Father returns") and Yetunde ("Mother returns") to signal this belief. fascinating !!