Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa - A West African Spiritual Tradition (Paperback, New Ed)

In the realm of African spiritual pathways, no tradition has been so widely embraced and practiced as the West African religion Orisa. Profoundly enriched and challenged by her own spiritual journey, Tobe Melora Correal, an initiated priestess in the Yoruba-Lukumi branch of Orisa, guides us along this blessed road Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa. Providing a fresh look at the soul of these ancient teachings, she emphasizes introspection and inner work over the outward manifestations of Orisa's practices. She also debunks misconceptions surrounding the tradition, drawing us into a lushly textured, Earth-centered spiritual system and shedding light on the nature of all spirituality. In the first part, of the book she gives an introduction to the basic teachings and metaphysical underpinnings of the tradition. She explores the history, branches, stories, and principles of Orisa, and discusses the Yoruba vision of God, comparing it to other traditions' versions of God. She also discusses how Orisa/Yoruba has been misunderstood by outsiders or misused by initiates as "black magic" or "voodoo," and leaffirms it as a positive, Earth-centered religion. In the second part, she discusses how to integrate these principles into our daily life, by building meaningful and authentic relationships with the spirits of your ancestors. The third part gives and overview of the tradition's structure and covers the purpose and function of the rites of initiation. First and foremost the book offers a personal approach to the tradition, emphasing that the principles and rituals of Orisa cannot be accepted and performed blindly but must adhered to with active participation. Correal describes her personal struggle to find a spiritual road, finally discovering what she was looking for in Orisa. More than just a book for a single religion, Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa offers a compassionate and useful roadmap for revering God's myriad and sometimes challenging faces. It explores the essential principles of the tradition and integrating them into daily life. Combining the Orisa based principles of deity and ancestor worship with such universal spiritual necessities as surrender- self-care, and service, Correal provides a practical approach to purposeful living that will benefit both seasoned Orisa practitioners and uninitiated students of all traditions.