The Altar of My Soul: The Living Traditions of Santeria

by Marta Moreno Vega

Book Overview

Long cloaked in protective secrecy, demonized by Western society, and distorted by Hollywood, Santer a is at last emerging from the shadows with an estimated 75 million orisha followers worldwide. In The Altar of My Soul , Marta Moreno Vega recounts the compelling true story of her journey from ignorance and skepticism to initiation as a Yoruba priestess in the Santer a religion. This unforgettable spiritual memoir reveals the long-hidden roots and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345421558
• ISBN13: 9780345421555
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

An Excellent Book!

I am so happy to not only have read this book, but also to own it! I could personally relate to Dr. Vega's experiences as Santeria has been "hidden" in my family for quite some time now. I enjoy this book so much that I have purchased it for my extended family and friends. It has helped them to understand me and my way of life. This book was very positive, and was meant to be a personal narrative on Dr. Vega's journey through La Regla de Ocha. So anyone who is looking for a book on ebbos or trabajos, etc., well, you are going to have to keep looking-this book ain't it! This book touched my soul, and I love re-reading it whenever the mood hits me. Dr. Vega also personally e-mailed me concerning a small issue I had with a santero, and she was able to advise me on how to handle the situation. I was deeply touched that she was able to help me despite her busy schedule. As she is a child of Obatala, her advice was wise and practical and helpful. I am grateful to her for her advice and her beautiful words in her book. I can only hope that she will one day write another wonderful book about our religion. As an omo-Oshun, I am extremely happy with this book. Modupe Dr. Vega! Alafia.

Inspirational is an understatement

This book, I highly recommend to everyone, even my baba [Father] Not only is it a tattling read for people of all races but its beyond inspirational. Marta's life has been a fantasizing path full of spiritual growth, understanding, travel and knowledge, a very charmed life. In this book she not only stresses the impotents of traditional rituals, she also explains why it is important for Rites, knowledge, ancestor worship among many others with out being stuck up. This book will fill you in to things you may not have known, and forces you to see small and large aspects of the religion in a whole new light. When this book first arrived I was not thinking I would get hooked as fast as it did, but once I started reading, the content grabbed a hold of me and I was unable to put the book down, I read form beginning to end none stop and I know you will do the same. The books message is also very important to woman and the roles woman carry within Santeria. Be strong; be loving but most of all love you're self and what you do. The book talks about just how important woman are, unlike some books that more or less praise men all around. Wonderfully well written and styled - The detail is strong but not over powering where the writing becomes dull. The details are just right, and the wonderful thing is: You can feel her though her words. She writes from the depth of her soul and enlightened mind, and it comes through the pages as bright as the sun. You will be left with a cool claim mind, and a bigger and brighter out look on all things. I highly recommend this book for everyone includeding those who don't know what Santeria is, like your friends and family- this book will help them understand so much. This book is not just for people who are new to Santeria, but for everyone, young and old. Ashe. Happy reading.

Learn as you go into this world.

A candid view of a day in the life of a santera,practioner. I appreciate her honesty about her experience. I love her viewpoints about the Orishas the "Saints" or forces of nature and how we can all get along being in or out of the "Religion".Its very important to stay positive in this world and her experiences show that there is hope when you connect with the world and see with spiritual eyes.

Excellent memoir

Dr Vega gives an excellent and spellbinding account of her journey to Santeria. She dispels the myth that African based religions are withcraft or "paganist", forcing the reader to re-examine ideas of blindly accepting western religious practices without asking some serious questions.A must read for any student of religion and/or religious history.

Beautiful Autobiographical account

Dr. Vega's book is a rhapsodous account of her spiritual trek. As someone who is in the process of undergoing initiatings into the faith, it is enlightening to read an account of what it was like for another. A great text! From an omo-Chango to a daughter of Ayaguna, I applaud work! Bendicion, Dr. Vega