Many cultures and religions across the world believe in different mythological earth deities. An intriguing fact is that despite holding the same rank as ‘earth gods and goddesses,’ these beings differ in the purposes they serve within their respective communities. Their roles are influenced by their unique backgrounds and the circumstances under which they came … Read more

Religion and witchcraft have plenty in common. One can be confused with the other. Both have some type of sacrifice to their god(s). Some offer money, others worship through singing and dancing, and the bizarre ones slaughter people or animals to appease their gods. The type of worship is also sometimes similar as well. Santeria … Read more

Africa is a continent with many different cultures and traditions. Known all over the world is the African belief in traditional healing. Africans use locally available plants, herbs, and animal parts to cure many ailments. However, found deep in their mythological beliefs are supernatural beings they look to for quick recovery. Christianity was introduced in … Read more

Like most religions, there is a set of guidelines that Santeria practitioners should observe. Only those who meet the requirements of the Santeria religion benefit from its spiritual practices. Some of the eleke rules, which vary across Santeria communities, include not sharing the necklaces with another person, not taking drugs or alcohol while wearing them, … Read more

Africa boasts of some unique musical beats and instrumentals that have existed for centuries. This is attributed to its wide collection of instruments which were majorly used for communication, rituals, entertainment, and artistic expression.  Some of these instruments were made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, reed, horn, ivory, gourd, and fruit, while others … Read more

If you live in the southern part of Florida, you are probably aware of the infamous Santeria belief system. Despite being similar in many ways to orthodox Christianity, it has strange rituals that are uncommon in the Christian faith. The common one is sacrificing animals.  Animal sacrifice is no doubt at the center of Santeria. … Read more

With their incredibly strong jaws, ferocious attitudes, and high prey drives, hyenas are no animals to keep as pets. Although humans are not their common prey, the scavengers can attack them if need be. There are plenty of reports of hyenas killing and injuring people. They often prey on children, women, and weak men but … Read more

Lip plates are a form of body modification that involves piercing and stretching the lower or upper lip to insert a circular disc made of clay, wood, or metal. The disc stretches the lip over time, creating a distinctive appearance valued by some cultures. Lip plates have been invented independently in different parts of the … Read more

Elekes are associated with the Santeria tradition, where the religion’s practitioners wear necklaces and bracelets believed to have a spiritual connection to different Orishas or supernatural spirits. Elekes are, therefore, a linkage between the believers and the five deities, whose spiritual connection must be renewed and maintained periodically. So, how do you feed elekes, or … Read more