Sarava! Afro-Brazilian Magick

by Carol L. Dow

This text explores the exotic aspects of Brazilian mystery religions such as Candomble, Umbanda and Macumba, whilst delving into ther spiritual roots to show how deeply-held magickal beliefs affect all aspects of people's lives.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1567182356
• ISBN13: 9781567182354
• Release Date: March 1997
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Umbanda

This book is primarily an overview of Umbanda. As an initiate in Candomble, I find this book somewhat enjoyable except for some material with which I take issue. Ms. Dow certainly is in touch with the Brazilian spiritual scene. Understanding the depth and complexity of the traditions which this book quickly skirts over (Iansa axe!), however, I can only say it gives just a quicky peek through the door, and only really at Umbanda. The really deep tradition is Candomble, and this book doesn't even come close to it. The only real way to learn Umbanda or Macumba or whatever else from Brazil, not to mention Candomble, is to do it, and that means to get initiated in it, immerse oneself in it and live it. Therefore, it is not altogether a wise idea to do magic with the Orixas, especially Exu, without the proper initiations. This is serious. I know some people think otherwise, but I would caution the reader. If you respect the tradition, get initiated. Exu deserves total respect and love. You cannot do anything without his blessing. He is the keeper of the keys of all the doors. Then the author expresses squeemishness about the sacrifices. Why then write about them? If she feels sentimental about her little "furry beasties," that's fine. But I think it is neither respectful to talk of the sacrifices with such squeemishness, nor to apologise for them as she does to the non-initiated. If she eats animals, what makes it better if they are butchered in some stinking meat processing plant rather than killed in the sacred way? Anyway, I certainly wish Ms. Dow a lot of success in her attempts to describe the Umbanda. It's a huge undertaking. Hopefully she will find a better publisher than Llewellyn in the future.

Strange religion that millions embrace

Well written by one who moved into the circles of this strange religion Dr. Carol Dow (the author) is said to have attended many ceremonies and talked with many concerning the faith that 160 million + embrace while living and studing in Brazil. Her book explains many of the rituals and beliefs of the religion, makes references to likenesses of Roman Catholic saints to persons in the faith. photos and illustrations are given to bring the reader into a better understanding visually . Methods of healing, appeasement of the entities,the persona of the entities and many other aspects are well covered . This is a great book for one practicing SARAV'A or for one studing various religions of the world. Obviously it is one that cannot be ignored with such a large following worldwide. A great reference book for ones shelf.