A revealing window into the secret and seductive world of Santeria. <p /><p><br />. A Santeria priest discloses information never before revealed to outsiders. </p><p><br />. Removes the veil of occultism from Santeria to show it as a highly spiritual, thriving religion. </p><p><br />Initiated into the Santeria priesthood at the age of seven, Raul Canizares unveils in <i>Cuban Santeria</i> the secret and seductive world of this rapidly growing, yet largely misunderstood, Afro-Cuban religion. With the knowledge of an insider and the insight of a scholar, Canizares astutely examines the practice of Santeria, revealing many of its hidden dimensions while simultaneously providing a fascinating account of its unique textured mix of African, Cuban, and Catholic traditions. </p><p>The Cuban-born author describes the practices and rituals of the followers of Santeria--from magical herbal prescription and healing to spiritism and animal sacrifice--and explains how for many years the religion has been maintained under the guise of Catholicism to avoid religious persecution. Most initiates are sworn to a code of silence, but Canizares believes that the time has come to move Santeria, a religion of beauty and resilience, out of the darkness and into the light so that a more accurate picture of this rich tradition can emerge. </p>