Babalawo

Delve into the profound world of Afro-Cuban spirituality with Babalawo: The Secrets of Afro-Cuban Ifá by Baba Frank Eyiogbe. This insightful paperback, released on February 8, 2015, serves as a comprehensive guide to the intricate practices and beliefs of Ifá, a central component of the Afro-Cuban religion known as Santería or Lucumí.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a babalawo—a high priest and diviner in the Ifá tradition—Eyiogbe unveils the rich tapestry of Ifá's history, cosmology, and rituals. Readers are introduced to the revered Orichas (deities), the significance of various initiations, and the profound myths that have shaped the tradition. The book also sheds light on the roles within the Ifá community, including the pivotal functions of babalawos and the esteemed positions held by women.

Esteemed anthropologist Stephan Palmié, Chair of the Department of Anthropology and Social Sciences at the University of Chicago, praises the work as "a wonderful and much-needed addition to the literature on Afro-Cuban religion." He commends its engaging narrative and scholarly depth, noting its accessibility to both novices and seasoned practitioners.

Whether you're a spiritual seeker, a scholar, or someone intrigued by Afro-Cuban traditions, Babalawo: The Secrets of Afro-Cuban Ifá offers a rare and enlightening perspective into one of the world's most intricate systems of divination.