The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts

Before I decided to worship, before meeting Baba Karade, before being welcomed into his Temple, before inititation, there was this book. I stumbled upon Ifa and this book just happened to be the first one that I bought. That was a year and a half ago. To this day I carry it almost every where I go...it stays open!...it is, in a sense, my Bible. It answered my questions as an interested seeker, and it answers my questions as an aborisha (devotee). If you are seeking an introduction into the Ifa faith; if you are looking to further your Ifa knowledge; if you are doing academic research; or if you have an interest in world religions, this book is a clear and digestable understanding of Ifa. Ase O

i would recommend this book to any beginner in this traditional path - it is extremely informative. it's simple enough for children to understand, yet it's chock full of information for anyone of any reading and comprehension level. not only does Baba Ifa give detail of what the crux of yoruba traditional belief is...he supplies the reader with one of the closest accounts of our history (for a westerner to tell it), and for that he receives many thanks. in this book you will learn about the different Orisa, songs and prayers for them, what they like as in what is usually offered to them during ritual or prayer, you will learn the basics of Ifá Divination and come to understand this method of connecting with the earth and spiritual forces, you will even pick up some yoruba vocabulary - as Baba Ifá has included familiar phrases from our culture, standard greetings and many other things you would enjoy!in my opinion, this is the BEST book i've read on the tradition hands down. not to say that there aren't other books out there that are good reads...but this one does not take 40 pages to get to a point, and it's not anecdotal like so many books on the tradition seem to be. it's a very good, and easy read for anyone of any culture.if you are a new comer to the faith and want to learn more, if you are doing academic research, or if you just like to read about other cultures then this book is definately for you!

The Handbook makes our tradition accessible. A highlight of this work is the wonderful job Baba does in paralleling Ifa with other spiritual practices and beliefs. This facilitates the reader's understanding of Ifa and traditional African spirituality as sacred. Baba's work helps dispel the negative "hoodoo," manipulation cloak which often surrounds African religion. This book makes it easy to return to our tradition and receive the full benefit of our sacred and powerful spiritual science. We give thanks to the divine forces guiding Baba's work!

This author has a full understanding of the Yoruba concepts, is attuned to presenting information in an organized manner, and in vocabulary that the lay person can fully relate to and understand. The book is so well written, I would recommend it to adolescents interested in studying African religion, religious ceremonies, and philosophy. The book is not meant to create an aura of mystery; rather, it dispels the so-called "secrets" associated with the Yoruba religion. A must for all, particularly for African American adolescents trying to find their way, Latinos who want to relate to their Yoruba roots, and spiritualists looking for the connection. The author does not attempt to convert the reader through his presentation of the rituals; he gives us an "insider's view" of the Yoruba practices.