Magic from Brazil: Recipes, Spells & Rituals

by Caroline Dow

Get ready to launch yourself on an incredible journey into a fascinating cultural force and powerful magical system. Born in turn-of-the-century Brazil, the vibrant magical religions of Umbanda, Macumba, Spiritism, and Candomblé combined ecstatic African traditions with European Spiritualism. They share much in common with Wicca, shamanism, and even ceremonial magic. This book is an insider's look at their practices, practices that you can incorporate into your own workings. Call on the powers of the Orixás, the gods of the Afro-Brazilian pantheon; practice their spellwork and rituals, trance and mediumship; experience the energies of tropical botanicals used in magic and healing; and sample Afro-Brazilian the foods of the gods. This

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jenna Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room. This was obviously written in 2001 by a white Wiccan high priestess. Her language is not up to date and sometimes can be downright cringey by today’s standards. Especially when she references the three fold law in Wicca as a reason not to hex and that these traditions supposedly have the law as well. With this said, if this was written today, I would not be so lenient with the score. Also I am in no way an authority on these traditions. Though I have Brazilian ancestry which is why I purchased this book, these practices are closed and one should seek out teachers to fully initiate themselves if they wish to participate.
We must also realize that most of these practices mentioned are closed and one must be initiated to fully practice these rituals. With that being said, there are some useful rituals one can do that does not have to be initiated. I cannot judge others and what they practice for I can receive critiques for what I practice as well.
It is a good book for being introduced to the traditions that seem rather rare to find books on. Is it up to standard? No. Should you use discretion while reading? Absolutely. Should you completely pass on it? No.
The actual structure of the book is great. Divided into sections that are helpful. Though it can be confusing at times when the author gets ahead of herself and when pulls a random obscure word you’ll never hear in your life again from a thesaurus. I found the healing section to be particularly informative and the bathing rituals to be my favorite part.
The glossary in the back is great and worth the buy as well for a reference book