Beginning practitioners.
** The following resources may be helpful to beginning practitioners who are just embarking on Ifa/Orisa study and worship.
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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.
Crawford, Larry D. (2016). IWA: The Warrior's Story. Reprint. Akoben House.
Karade, Baba Ifa. 1994. The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts. Weiser Books.
Lazo, Irete. 2008. The Accidental Santera: A Novel. Thomas Dunne Books.
Neimark, Philip J. 1993. The Way of Orisa: Empowering Your Life Through the Ancient African Religion of Ifa. HarperOne.
Original Publications. 2008. New Revised Helping Yourself With Selected Prayers. Original Publications.
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.
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.
- 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.
- This author is not fully well regarded for various reasons. However, this publication gives an introduction to the Orisa in relatable terms.
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.
- Good treatise on basic patakis / itans of the Orisa.
- 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.
- 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.
- A meaningful biographical account of making Orisa initiation.