Author Archives: anibalmejia

Obi

Posted on May 1, 2019 by anibalmejia

Here’s a piece I wrote about the ubiquitous use of kola nuts in Orisha tradition, specifically in Candomblé de Ketu. Please, let me know what you think? Obi – 2019

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How to Take your Spiritual Bath

Posted on November 27, 2018 by anibalmejia

I wrote this to help folks getting involved know how to deal with taking a ritual bath, something that happens a lot if you get involved in an Afro-Brazilian spiritual tradition. I hope it is useful. How to Take Your … Continue reading →

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Our Umbanda

Posted on November 27, 2018 by anibalmejia

I’m attaching a longer piece I wrote awhile back about Umbanda. It’s kind of a religious rant that kind of just came to me one morning and, after some edits and additions, I hope it’s worthy of putting out there. … Continue reading →

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Beads

Posted on November 27, 2018 by anibalmejia

Here’s a piece I wrote about the use of beads in Candomblé and Umbanda. I could have gone on and on, but tried to keep it succinct and tidy so as to be usable to someone just wanting to know … Continue reading →

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Day of the Dead 2018

Posted on November 4, 2018 by anibalmejia

These are the days we sit between Light and Dark. In the world around us the season is turning from bright to dark with all hope that on the other side it turns from dark to bright. It is a … Continue reading →

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Spells

Posted on June 23, 2018 by anibalmejia

  Lately, I have been feeling so much heavy stuff. I’ve been getting messages from so many out in the world that have just left me shocked, then angry, then feeling hurt and hopeless. From our president making friends with … Continue reading →

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Chameleon vs. Leviathan

Posted on July 9, 2016 by anibalmejia

Anyone that knows me knows I hate taking recourse in divination. Nonetheless, every now and then I pull out the shells and get to it, or, even seek out an elder and ask them to let me have it. Talking … Continue reading →

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Libations anyone?

Posted on May 29, 2016 by anibalmejia

Otun ~Sinuka ~ Kuya The Water Pot In every Orisha shrine, and in just about any ceremony or ritual in our traditions, there is always a small container of fresh water set out. A gourd, a clay vase, cup or … Continue reading →

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A River without Shores

Posted on September 1, 2015 by anibalmejia

A friend of mine asked me last Sunday about “meditative” or “contemplative” practices in Candomblé or Orisha practices in general and also asked about the nature of “possession” or “trance” that is such a notable hallmark of our tradition. I … Continue reading →

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A friend of mine is gone on

Posted on July 22, 2015 by anibalmejia

I learned today that one of my teachers of Candomble traditions passed away. I feel a bit shaken, not sure of what to say, who to reach out to, to console or be consoled; to speak to the absence and … Continue reading →

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