| The secrets of Santeria, Voodoo and Obeah are among the oldest enigmas
in the world. Their roots go back to pre-historic Africa - perhaps even
beyond that. From the 16th century onwards, the slave trade brought
these ancient mysteries to the West, where they blended strangely with
traditional Christianity: the ancient African gods became identified
with legendary saints. This integration of the two faiths slowly
evolved to form the many varieties of Santeria, Obeah and Voudoun that
are widely practised throughout the world today. Their characteristic
dancing and drumming seem able to invoke strange states of mind in
which almost anything is possible.Even stories of zombies - the walking
dead - still persist. Is there a rational explanation for them?
Contemporary Voudoun priests, priestesses, magicians and enchanters use
rare herbs and spices as well as charms, dolls and talismans to control
the natural world in ways that science cannot always explain. Accounts
of their inexplicable successes are examined in depth. Most intriguing
of all are the claims that are made for their love philtres and
aphrodisiacs. What powers do these old religions still possess |
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