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The Altar of My Soul: The Living Traditions of Santeria
Long cloaked in protective secrecy, demonized by Western society, and distorted by Hollywood, Santería is at last emerging from the shadows with an estimated 75 million orisha followers worldwide. In The Altar of My Soul , Marta Moreno Vega recounts the compelling true story of her journey from ignorance and skepticism to initiation as a Yoruba priestess in the Santería religion. This unforgettable spiritual memoir reveals the long-hidden roots and traditions of a centuries-old faith that originated on the shores of West Africa.
As an Afro-Puerto Rican child in the New York barrio, Marta paid little heed to the storefront botanicas full of spiritual paraphernalia or to the Catholic saints with foreign Yemayá, Ellegua, Shangó. As an adult, in search of a religion that would reflect her racial and cultural heritage, Marta was led to the Way of the Saints. She came to know Santería intimately through its prayers and rituals, drumming and dancing, trances and divination that spark sacred healing energy for family, spiritual growth, and service to others. Written by one who is a professor and a santera priestess, The Altar of My Soul lays before us an electrifying and inspiring faith–one passed down from generation to generation that vitalizes the sacred energy necessary to build a family, a community, and a strong, loving society.
As an Afro-Puerto Rican child in the New York barrio, Marta paid little heed to the storefront botanicas full of spiritual paraphernalia or to the Catholic saints with foreign Yemayá, Ellegua, Shangó. As an adult, in search of a religion that would reflect her racial and cultural heritage, Marta was led to the Way of the Saints. She came to know Santería intimately through its prayers and rituals, drumming and dancing, trances and divination that spark sacred healing energy for family, spiritual growth, and service to others. Written by one who is a professor and a santera priestess, The Altar of My Soul lays before us an electrifying and inspiring faith–one passed down from generation to generation that vitalizes the sacred energy necessary to build a family, a community, and a strong, loving society.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 20, 2022
Voudoo has many names and variations - voodoo, santeria, candomble and, locally for me, obeah. And in my experience it has several types of practitioners. The first are usually Christians as well. Their belief in obeah is somewhat clandestine and usually reserved for trying to get more money, trying to get back a lover who is with someone else and revenge. So long as the spells, or 'work' is confined to other believers, it has quite a lot of success.
The second kind are very Afrocentric . They cast aside their religion and deny their entire logical and scientific education for one where there is an unseen world with a multitude of gods who can be influenced to change people and the future with the right rituals. They often give themselves African names. It is almost the politics of rejection and seems to be based on a conscious decision and not faith. To me, the author falls into this category.
The third group are fervent in their beliefs and reject all other religions. These people are not uncommon in Trinidad, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Cuba and Santo Domingo.
Haitians are different. They may or may not be fervent believers, may or may not practice Christianity, but for them it has been the only means of having their voice heard under their many repressive dictators. Taking to the streets as 'horses' for the gods who have taken over their bodies, they can say what they want, express anything they feel without fear of the police or politicians, all of whom are afraid of the retribution that might come their way from mambos and houngans, the priests of vodou.
I had a customer once, a young lady from St. Lucia, she ordered The Pentacles of Solomon and several other obeah books. She got deported before she could pick them up. . The Pentacles of Solomon has many extracts from the psalms and bits resembling kabbalah and also Hebrew words. And that's where it fell down. We can all tell a real word from gobbledegook in English, so can I in Hebrew and some of these words were meaningless, ergo the spells are meaningless too.
And that's where this book fails too. In the introduction the author, who has an MA in Education and a PhD in African studies,says, "In Judaism, practitioners sacrifice and cleanse with animals as we do," Not for several thousand years have animals been sacrificed in Judaism and well the author knows it. She says she always draws these comparisons to show how our religions are similar, and her's is not so different as it may seem.
So now I can't read the book. If such egregious inaccuracies or perhaps it is cynical manipulation, hoping for people's ignorance is in the introduction, what hope for honesty and accuracy in the main body of the book?
Years ago I read Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn, a 10 star read, originally the PhD thesis of the author, Karen McCarthy Brown who converted to Vodou, herself! So when I came across this book, The Altar of My Soul, I was excited, now I'm disappointed instead.
Recommended, Tell My Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica, best book on Voodoo I ever read.
The second kind are very Afrocentric . They cast aside their religion and deny their entire logical and scientific education for one where there is an unseen world with a multitude of gods who can be influenced to change people and the future with the right rituals. They often give themselves African names. It is almost the politics of rejection and seems to be based on a conscious decision and not faith. To me, the author falls into this category.
The third group are fervent in their beliefs and reject all other religions. These people are not uncommon in Trinidad, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Cuba and Santo Domingo.
Haitians are different. They may or may not be fervent believers, may or may not practice Christianity, but for them it has been the only means of having their voice heard under their many repressive dictators. Taking to the streets as 'horses' for the gods who have taken over their bodies, they can say what they want, express anything they feel without fear of the police or politicians, all of whom are afraid of the retribution that might come their way from mambos and houngans, the priests of vodou.
I had a customer once, a young lady from St. Lucia, she ordered The Pentacles of Solomon and several other obeah books. She got deported before she could pick them up. . The Pentacles of Solomon has many extracts from the psalms and bits resembling kabbalah and also Hebrew words. And that's where it fell down. We can all tell a real word from gobbledegook in English, so can I in Hebrew and some of these words were meaningless, ergo the spells are meaningless too.
And that's where this book fails too. In the introduction the author, who has an MA in Education and a PhD in African studies,says, "In Judaism, practitioners sacrifice and cleanse with animals as we do," Not for several thousand years have animals been sacrificed in Judaism and well the author knows it. She says she always draws these comparisons to show how our religions are similar, and her's is not so different as it may seem.
So now I can't read the book. If such egregious inaccuracies or perhaps it is cynical manipulation, hoping for people's ignorance is in the introduction, what hope for honesty and accuracy in the main body of the book?
Years ago I read Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn, a 10 star read, originally the PhD thesis of the author, Karen McCarthy Brown who converted to Vodou, herself! So when I came across this book, The Altar of My Soul, I was excited, now I'm disappointed instead.
Recommended, Tell My Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica, best book on Voodoo I ever read.
November 18, 2014
Marta Moreno Vega's sojourn through Santeria is pure magic! Her captivating biography is breathtaking in its depth of spiritual wisdom and inspiration. If you are a student of any of the African-American Diaspora religions, I highly recommend this book. Vega's story serves as a wonderful guide. I've read this book over and over. It has become a standard on my nightstand.
June 9, 2008
This is a very good book about her journey through this wonderful religion. It is well written and a must read. For anyone that has some interest in this religion or just want to open your mind to it read this book. She is also the co founder of the Caribbean Cultural Center in NYC.
November 16, 2016
A very engaging tale, part biography and part introduction to Santeria.
May 21, 2012
I recently came across a YA memoir about the experience of growing up Puerto Rican in New York by Marta Moreno Vega. I was interested in Vega's relationship with her grandmother who maintained Santeria altars. I also noted references to the spirits of Santeria in music and in daily life. After reading this memoir, I wanted to know if Marta Moreno Vega had written more about Santeria. Yes, indeed she had. I then discovered The Altar of My Soul .
I think what is most important about Vega's spiritual approach is that hers is a path of reconciliation. In The Altar of My Soul she makes reference to other African diasporic religions such as Candomble from Brazil and Vodun from Haiti. Her perspective is international. She welcomes and celebrates both the commonalities, and the diversity of all the communities that make up the African diaspora.
For my complete review see http://maskedpersona.blogspot.com
I think what is most important about Vega's spiritual approach is that hers is a path of reconciliation. In The Altar of My Soul she makes reference to other African diasporic religions such as Candomble from Brazil and Vodun from Haiti. Her perspective is international. She welcomes and celebrates both the commonalities, and the diversity of all the communities that make up the African diaspora.
For my complete review see http://maskedpersona.blogspot.com
March 31, 2020
I haven't opened this book in almost 7 years. In 2013 I was just starting my journey of discovery and African Traditional Religions. Reading the experiences and life lessons throughout each chapter are so different to me now that I've delved deeper into the religion and my spiritual background. This book is an excellent recommendation to anyone whether they are new to learning about ATRs or not.
April 4, 2020
It's a very personal very memoirist writing of Marta Moreno Vega's spiritual journey which is appreciated to her an own voice review of the religion which you wouldn't find in academic writing. She also gives Patakís- legends and stories of the Orishas at the start of each chapter flowing well in what the chapter is about. There's also detail about rituals and practices but also from a personal standpoint.
We also see the importance of community in Santeria, the history of how it survived, challenges that have happened in the new world are currently happening in the birth place of the Orishas and despite the resistance they still find a way to survive.
It's really interesting to see how her interpretation of Santeria doesn't invalidate other spiritual experiences and cultures. Unlike Christianity who believes everything outside Christianity is automatically evil even though they appropriated so many "pagan" views. She really explored different branches of the Orishas and how other religions incorporated it ofcourse through Christianity, and also through Hindu and Chinese religion how initiates also blend elements from those religion into Santeria.
"We have never forced baptism or the tenets of our beliefs on other groups in the name of Oldumare or the orishas."
We also see the importance of community in Santeria, the history of how it survived, challenges that have happened in the new world are currently happening in the birth place of the Orishas and despite the resistance they still find a way to survive.
It's really interesting to see how her interpretation of Santeria doesn't invalidate other spiritual experiences and cultures. Unlike Christianity who believes everything outside Christianity is automatically evil even though they appropriated so many "pagan" views. She really explored different branches of the Orishas and how other religions incorporated it ofcourse through Christianity, and also through Hindu and Chinese religion how initiates also blend elements from those religion into Santeria.
"We have never forced baptism or the tenets of our beliefs on other groups in the name of Oldumare or the orishas."
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April 15, 2025"The Altar of My Soul" es una obra poderosa y profundamente personal que entrelaza la memoria, la historia y la espiritualidad. Marta Moreno Vega no solo narra su viaje hacia la comprensión de la santería, sino que también honra las raíces africanas de esta tradición viva. A lo largo del libro, se nos revela que los hechizos en la santería no son meras fórmulas mágicas, sino expresiones cargadas de intención, respeto y conexión ancestral. Más que rituales aislados, estos actos se convierten en canales de sanación, protección y afirmación de identidad cultural. El texto nos invita a ver los hechizos como puentes entre el mundo físico y lo divino, donde la fe, el simbolismo y el compromiso espiritual son inseparables.
April 15, 2021
A great first hand account of initiating into the practice. Moreno Vega's memoir does a great job of demystifying Santería as a faith that asserts the beauty and validity of the diaspora. It is also an account of how she finds peace and stability after the dissolution of her own family, so this may make it more relatable to readers who aren't familiar with Santería. It should be noted that her accounts, like those of any convert to any faith, are "rosy", they depict her process in a way that may gloss over concerns or issues that others may have. It's a wonderful memoir and a great place to start if you want to learn about African Diasporic religions from the perspective of a practitioner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2020
I usually am not fawn of religious books but this one held my interest. I have been studying different religious practices and santeria has always sparked my interest. It was written well and had a lot of useful information.
August 3, 2017
Good information on a poorly understood religion.
January 11, 2021
Read this in a day
November 12, 2022
Part memoir, part spiritual text, part reference book. All gold.
November 7, 2024
Heartfelt memoir and informative cultural journey of a practitioner's experience of Santeria.
January 16, 2019
The best part of this book is the appendix and glossary
March 22, 2022
I came across this book due to my interest in ATRs (African Traditional Religions), more specifically, Lucumí. M. Moreno-Vega reveals her journey growing up in a household where they proclaimed themselves ‘Catholic’, attending Mass, yet keeping those more African traditions at home. She recounts how her grandmother allowed her to clean her altar properly, sing religious songs. She recounts the important questions and events in her life that bring her to journey to Cuba to initiate all those years later.
For anyone interested in this religion, this book is a beautiful starting point to reference. This book is filled with not only Vega’s personal stories and events, but also knowledge of the various Orishas in the Tradition, and some of the lessons and parables were written in the book are ones that are universal, initiated or not.
All in all, this was a beautiful book. Highly recommend. 12/10
For anyone interested in this religion, this book is a beautiful starting point to reference. This book is filled with not only Vega’s personal stories and events, but also knowledge of the various Orishas in the Tradition, and some of the lessons and parables were written in the book are ones that are universal, initiated or not.
All in all, this was a beautiful book. Highly recommend. 12/10
September 1, 2015
I've always thought of Santeria as evil and maybe in the wrong hands, it is.
Growing up in a West Indian household, you hear about voodoo, obeah and Santeria a lot (it's all the same). Marta made Santeria seem MAGICAL and transformative in the most POSITIVE ways. Well written and heart felt; This book is definitely a favorite on my (actual) bookshelf.
Growing up in a West Indian household, you hear about voodoo, obeah and Santeria a lot (it's all the same). Marta made Santeria seem MAGICAL and transformative in the most POSITIVE ways. Well written and heart felt; This book is definitely a favorite on my (actual) bookshelf.
April 11, 2015
I felt like I was in a closet hidden away watching secret rituals. I learned so much from this books. She made me look at Santeria with such fondness. I would LOVE to have Marta as a godmother knowing so much about her road to the Orishas and her ancestors. This book was truly beautiful. Well written. A must read.
September 5, 2013
Dr. Vega does an excellent job of showing the heart of Santeria and relationship with the Orisha through her personal journey. I feel privileged to have read her story. She is a wonderful teacher, and truly shows her love and respect for the Orisha, her ancestors and her beloved spiritual family.
June 10, 2008
This book brings understanding to a misunderstood tradition. She tells her tale of spiritual evolution from her own eyes for the world to see. Must read.
September 11, 2009
Love this book.
April 6, 2011
Excellent resource! This is one I plan to buy to add to my reference collection.
July 18, 2011
Excellent book on Santeria and the Orisha tradtions in general
January 25, 2013
This book is amazing !!! As well as the Author .. I had the pleasure of meeting her and let me just say I still get excited to say I met her!!! This book help me in so many ways !!! Ase Ase Ase o
December 23, 2013
Dr. Moreno Vega literally answered every question that had been resting in my head regarding Lucumi. The book was a lovely and quick read. The diagrams and the glossary were very helpful.
January 30, 2016
I love this book. Help me
A lot with my santeria experience and still keep
Our religion secret save.
A lot with my santeria experience and still keep
Our religion secret save.
September 30, 2016
I don't remember when I first started the book exactly (I'm hoping to improve that), however I know it was so good I finished it in two days!
November 17, 2019
Recommended read to peer into a portion of the daily life of a priestess of Santeria. Well peppered with culture and life experiences of the author. Good stuff!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews