The Secrets of Afro-Cuban Divination

DIVINATION / INDIGENOUS CULTURES The Afro-Cuban faith, known to outsiders as Santeria and to adherents as Las Reglas de Ocha de Los Lucumi, is not a static religion but is a living conduit of energy for connecting the spirit world to our own. It has roots in Africa, most specifically with the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, but came to the New World with the slave trade where it has evolved in response to the surrounding culture. For adherents of Lucumi the Diloggun is the most important focus of worship: the sacred shells reveal the forces at play in an adherent's life and these forces are redefined and placated by the orisha priest, who makes direct contact with the spirit world in an effort to help the adherent evolve. At the heart of New World orisha worship, the Diloggun is both an oracle and a guide on the long road to personal transformation. While many books have been published about Santeria, The Secrets of Afro-Cuban Divination is the first to provide complete information on how to cast the Diloggun, including instructions for opening, reading, and closing the oracle, as well as everything necessary for giving a comprehensive reading. With a detailed discussion about why each prayer is offered and insight into the metaphysical core of the religion, this book will bring those seeking the wisdom of the Diloggun closer to the living orishas than they have ever been. oCHA'NI LELE has been immersed in the underground culture of orisha worship since 1989. By 1995 he had received several initiations in both Santeria and the Congo faith Palo Mayombe. This year he made Ocha and was crowned a priest of Oya. He lives in Florida.