Rating: 
Summary: Magically delicious!!.
Review: I Bought "Jambalaya" many,many,moons ago ;-) I am still in love with this book and the author Luisah Teish's writing style.She masterfully pulls you into her world,and guides you smoothly through past and present New Orleans.And a very rich,sensual,intelligent,thought provoking world it is!. This book is a must for black readers or for people who prefer to be politically correct 21st century style"African-american".Teish introduces whites and others to enter a world they did not know of real black family life,filled with:
tradition, survival tactics,good eatin!,and last but certainly not least(since this is what the book is about)Natural works, charms, rituals,living the life of a priestess in the Yoruba Lucumi tradition.
An Excellent book you will read for many reasons,over and over again!. ENJOY!!.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent intro to African Spirituality
Review: As a post-Christian/Unitarian/Wicca, I found this book particularly useful. This book was so full of information re: orishas and african spirituality in the Americas. It was a true spirital growth experience for my family...My daughter and I actually fought over who would keep this book (she won! but I bought another one for me...along with her second book). She has an excellent chart on the various orijas and all their characteristics so that it is easy know how to honor them and the ancestors.
Rating:
Summary: A Breath of Fresh Air
Review: As an individual seaching for my own life path, I can really relate to this book - it certainly made me want to find out more about my ancestor's religion and teachings!The combination of her journey towards spiritual discovery and the practical lessons at the end of each chapter will appeal to both those who learn through both story and those who learn through practical application. I found the combination kept me reading from beginning to end! Being new to the Yoruba teachings, this book affirmed to me that this is the path for me - some readers may find like me that they either 'know' or are doing some of the things instinctively. I recommend this as a read for anyone seeking their life path and who have a feel for the Yoruba Religion. One thing though - why does it take so long for stuff like this to reach the shores of the UK?
Rating:
Summary: positive and enlightening!
Review: First and foremost, I am a solo practicing wise woman. An African-American/NativeAmerican Witch, who honors my nature oriented beliefs and practices,inherent in my bloodlines. I embrace an eclectic blend of spirituality. Luisah Teish's wonderful book is not only one of the most treasured items in my spritual library but also a sacred reference book which will be passed down to my beloved daughter. This beautifully written work helped me feel whole and not alone during a dark period in my life. Jambalaya reached out to me like an ancient and wise ancestor enhancing and nuturing the Goddess within! I highly recommend this enchanting book!
Rating:
Summary: positive and enlightening!
Review: First and foremost, I am a solo practicing wise woman. An African-American/NativeAmerican Witch, who honors my nature oriented beliefs and practices,inherent in my bloodlines. I embrace an eclectic blend of spirituality. Luisah Teish's wonderful book is not only one of the most treasured items in my spritual library but also a sacred reference book which will be passed down to my beloved daughter. This beautifully written work helped me feel whole and not alone during a dark period in my life. Jambalaya reached out to me like an ancient and wise ancestor enhancing and nuturing the Goddess within! I highly recommend this enchanting book!
Rating:
Summary: For everyone who wants to learn the truth about Voodoo.
Review: I loved the fact that Teish put this book in the context of returning home and telling her personal story of coming to Voodoo. As a black woman who is drawn to many Pagan paths but especially looking for something that reflects my ancestry, this book really reverberated with me. Teish includes everything from the beginnings of Voodoo in W. African and its development in America, to altars for specific Gods, humorous anecdotes, spells for many purposes, etc. etc. etc. A much-overlooked but much-needed addition to any Pagan library.
Rating:
Summary: Great introduction to Voodoo and African Earth spirituality
Review: I wish I could just sit at Mama Luisah's knee and learn...but I have to settle for the book. The book is well-written and intimate. You feel like the author is speaking to you. The book is both poignant, sassy, spiritual and sensual. 'Jambalaya' breaks all the media-hyped stereotypes concerning Voodoo (or Vodun) practices. Definitely read this book with an open mind and heart. Ms. Luisah also includes simple rituals that people from any background do, by themselves and as a group. This is a window into the heart and mind of an African Goddess worshiper that I think all lovers of the Goddess, Wiccan or otherwise will greatly appreciate. A must read.
Rating:
Summary: Soul Food
Review: Luisah Teish is a trailblazer who has paved the path for contemporary African American spiritualists and metaphysical works. "Jambalaya" is an ecletic book, that is unrestricted by strict adherence to a particular path. This approach makes the book inviting to practitioners of various paths and orientations. The style used by Teish in "Jambalaya" should be celebrated because African belief systems are as diverse as Africans and African descended people, rather than dubbed "New Age." The author is creative, her experience is rich and her writer's voice resonates."Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals" is a frequently visited book on my reference shelf, even though the pages are yellowing. Whatever level or type of practitioner the reader is, no doubt "Jambalaya will be a book capable of feeding the soul throughout the years.
Rating:
Summary: Soul Food
Review: Luisah Teish is a trailblazer who has paved the path for contemporary African American spiritualists and metaphysical works. "Jambalaya" is an ecletic book, that is unrestricted by strict adherence to a particular path. This approach makes the book inviting to practitioners of various paths and orientations. The style used by Teish in "Jambalaya" should be celebrated because African belief systems are as diverse as Africans and African descended people, rather than dubbed "New Age." The author is creative, her experience is rich and her writer's voice resonates."Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals" is a frequently visited book on my reference shelf, even though the pages are yellowing. Whatever level or type of practitioner the reader is, no doubt "Jambalaya will be a book capable of feeding the soul throughout the years.
Rating:
Summary: WELCOMING TO ALL
Review: Teish's book "Jambalaya" is truly magnificent. I am very happy to report that as a man, I had absolutely no trouble embracing the concepts that Teish writes about. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who feels that they are not connected to the forces that bring all people together. This book, undoubtedly, will give one the sense that we are all here for a purpose -- to give back to She who gives to us.
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