Exploring Santería through literature can enrich both understanding and practice, with key books covering history, rituals, Orishas, divination, and healing traditions.
Foundational and Historical Texts
These books provide context for the origins and development of Santería:
Santería: African Spirits in America by Joseph M. Murphy
Santería: The Religion—Faith, Rites, Magic by Migene González-Wippler
Creole Religions of the Caribbean by Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert
The Altar of My Soul: The Living Traditions of Santería by Marta Moreno Vega
Theoretical Guides and Orisha Studies
Books that explore Santería philosophy, divine spirits, and Orishas:
Orishas: The Ultimate Guide to African Orisha Deities…and Diloggun Divination by Mari Silva
Powers of the Orishas: Santeria and the Worship of Saints by Migene González-Wippler
Shangó: Santeria and the Orisha of Thunder by Raúl J. Cañizares
Obatala: Santeria and the White Robed King of the Orisha by Raúl J. Cañizares
Oshun: Santeria and the Orisha of Love, Rivers and Sensuality by Raúl J. Cañizares
Practical Manuals and Ritual Guides
These guides provide step-by-step instructions on rituals, altars, and ceremonies:
Rituals and Spells of Santeria by Migene González-Wippler
Santeria: A Brief Beginners Guide to Santeria History, Practices, Deities, Spells and Rituals by Riley Star
The Diloggun: The Orishas, Proverbs, Sacrifices, and Prohibitions of Cuban Santeria by Ócha'ni Lele
Obi: Oracle of Cuban Santeria by Ócha'ni Lele
Santeria Formulary & Spellbook: Candles, Oils, Incense
Divination, Magic, and Oracular Texts
Books covering divination tools, Ifá, and interpretation of signs:
Sixteen Cowries: Yoruba Divination from Africa to the New World
Teachings of the Santería Gods: The Spirit of the Odu by Ócha'ni Lele
The Secrets of Afro-Cuban Divination: How to Cast the Diloggún
Herbal, Healing, and Medicinal Guides
Books that bridge spirituality and natural remedies:
Magical Herbal Baths of Santeria by Carlos Montenegro
Guide to Afro-Cuban Herbalism by Dalia Quiros-Moran
Mythology, Personal Stories, and Cultural Narratives
Collections of myths, legends, or personal accounts:
Santeria Stories
Leyendas de la Santería: Pataki by Migene González-Wippler
Cuban Santeria: Walking with the Night by Raúl J. Cañizares
Living Santería: Rituals and Experiences in an Afro-Cuban Religion
Free Resources
InfoBooks.org offers a collection of free PDF books on Santería, covering foundational beliefs, Orishas, rituals, and cultural practices
These categories and selections provide a comprehensive entry point for anyone interested in studying Santería, whether for academic, spiritual, or practical purposes. Prioritize books that match your current level of familiarity with the religion, from beginner guides to detailed practical and theological texts.