Beginning practitioners.

** The following resources may be helpful to beginning practitioners who are just embarking on Ifa/Orisa study and worship.

Akalatunde, Iyalosa Apetebii Olaomi Osunyemi. 2009. Ona Agbani: The Ancient Path: Understanding And Implementing The Ways Of Our Ancestors. CreateSpace.

Aladokun. 2012. Ancestor Paths: Honoring our Ancestors and Guardian Spirits Through Prayers, Rituals, and Offerings. Second Edition. Oba Ilari Aladokun.

Canizares, Baba Raul (editor). 2004. Helping Yourself with Selected Prayers, Volume 2. Original Publications.

• Indispensable book of very effective prayers for beginning worshippers.
  
  

Correal, Tobe Melora. 2003. Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa: A West African Spiritual Tradition. Crossing Press.

• An interesting biographical narrative of one woman's journey to Orisha initiation.

Crawford, Larry D. (2016). IWA: The Warrior's Story. Reprint. Akoben House.

• A must read if you are truly interested in transforming your character before you even get to any ceremony. I believe you need to have this information on board to peel the layers of misunderstandings we have about being black, being spiritual, being reverent, being human. Very important book, especially for men.
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Gonzalez-Wippler, Migene. 1992. Powers of the Orishas: Santeria and the Worship of Saints. Original Publications.

• ​This author is not fully well regarded for various reasons. However, this publication gives an introduction to the Orisa in relatable terms.
  
  

Gregory, Steven. 1999. Santeria in New York City: A Study in Cultural Resistance. Garland Publishing.

Karade, Baba Ifa. 1994. The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts. Weiser Books.

Lazo, Irete. 2008. The Accidental Santera: A Novel. Thomas Dunne Books.

• Excellent autobiographical novel on one priestess's journey to Orisa initiation.
  
  

Lele, Ócha'ni. 2010. Teachings of the Santería Gods: The Spirit of the Odu. Destiny Books.

• Good treatise on basic patakis / itans of the Orisa.
  
  

Murphy, Joseph M. 1993. Santeria: African Spirits in America. Beacon Press.

• Good introductory text by a well-regarded author. He's a bit academic, but readable.

Neimark, Philip J. 1993. The Way of Orisa: Empowering Your Life Through the Ancient African Religion of Ifa. HarperOne.

• Decent primer that introduces Orisa worship in laymen's terms. I'm not a fan of the author, but the information is understandable.

Original Publications. 2008. New Revised Helping Yourself With Selected Prayers. Original Publications.

• Indispensable book of very effective prayers for beginner worshipers transitioning from Christianity to Lukumi.
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Quinones, Ayoka Wiles. 2010. I Hear Olofi's Song: A Collection of Yoruba Spiritual Prayers for Egun and Orisa. Oshun Publishing.

• Great book of prayers for Egun (ancestors), especially for worshippers who are descendants of African slaves.

Salami, Ayo. 2014. Egbe: The Heavenly Mates of Every Human. Fagbenga Ventures.

Teish, Luisah. 1994. Carnival of the Spirit: Seasonal Celebrations and Rites of Passage. HarperCollins.

Teish, Luisah. 1988. Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals. Reprint edition. HarperOne.

• A classic for women who are Orisa practitioners.
  
  

Vega, Marta Moreno. 2001. The Altar of My Soul: The Living Traditions of Santeria. One World/Ballantine.

• A meaningful biographical account of making Orisa initiation.