NMR ISSUE 49

Astrological Forecast 49
Blessing the Self
Calafia
Chaos: A New Approach to Magick
Common Elements of Ceremonial Initiation
Cults! Confessions of an Outsider
Editorial 49
Esoteric Symbology of the Tarot
Etymological
Fundamental Wiccan Rites
Getting More Magick Out of Your Meditations
Hail to the Hunter
Heathens Idolize School Prayer
Home Protection Amulets
Imbolc Ritual
Legend
On the Path of Destiny
Other Editorial 49
Prairie Dog, Octopus & Praying Mantis
Sarava! Afro-Brazilian Magic Carol l. Dow
Sistrum Sisters
Tarot Looking Glass
The Magick of Franz Bardon
The Sacred Home
The Truth about Sex Magick,
Working with the Sun and its Properties
Working with Your Inner Child
Yule

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REVIEWS

Sarav! Afro-Brazilian Magic
By Carol L. Dow

St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1997. 224 pages. ISBN# 1-56718-235-6

Brazil is a vast country with over three million square miles of varied terrain, including coastal plains, mountains and rain forest. It boasts some one hundred sixty million inhabitants, and about a third of them participates in some form of ritual magick. Although the state religion is Roman Catholicism, there is a prevailing attitude of religious tolerance that has allowed a number of alternative belief systems to flourish. Spiritism, Umbanda, Candombl and Macumba are but a few of these systems. Though Brazil may seem distant and her folk religions unfamiliar at first glance, there are elements of these traditions that are also recognizable in Santara, Amerindian and Wiccan practices. In Sarav! (Hail!) author Carol Dow, a professor of Brazilian studies who has lived and traveled extensively within that country, provides an intriguing introduction to the world of Brazilian folk magick. Through a combination of academically researched material and personal experiences, Dow paints a vivid picture of current folk religion in a Brazilian picture that allows the identification of differences and common ground among the specific traditions discussed.

Sarav! Begins with an overview of Brazilian mystery religions, focusing on Spiritism, Umbanda, Candombl, Macumba/Quimbanda and local Amerindian traditions. It should be noted that all these belief systems are relatively recent in terms of written history; while many claim a long oral tradition the actual organization and official establishment of the religions occurred around the turn of the century. Spiritism is based on the doctrines of French doctor Allan Kardec. He postulated that spirits from beyond this world exist, that they try to contact humans in order to help them and assist in spiritual enlightenment, and that spirit/human contact can be made through a person identified as a medium. These basic beliefs are common to all the Afro-Brazilian religions explored in this book, though there are variations in rituals, deities, etc. Spiritism is perhaps the least complicated tradition and services generally consist of a sermon, perhaps some chanting and mediumistic reception of spirits. In contrast, Umbanda is structured along strict hierarchical lines, with clearly delineated duties for the people associated with the temple or terreiro. There are seven commandments in the Law of Umbanda, and these promote cooperation, care of others, and religious tolerance. The recognized creator god is Zambi, and His workers, the spirits who manipulate earthly life, are known as Orixs. The Candombl tradition also recognizes Orixs, though they worship more of these entities than Umbanda sects do and deity names may differ. Candombl follows the practices of its African roots, primarily those of the Yoruba people. Seekers strive for unity with the godhead, and initiation into this group can be a long and complicated process. Next, Macumba/Quimbanda is the only Afro-Brazilian folk magick group mentioned in Sarav! that is credited with a dual focus; performing spellwork for both good and evil. Practitioners of this type of magick are often looked down on by some of the more established religions, which focus solely on doing good. Macumba/Quimbanda has a mixed background, consisting of elements from Candombl, Roman Catholicism, European Occultist, and Spiritist influences, among others. It claims to be the religion focused on defying White, capitalist cultural values by standing for the genuine liberation of Afro-Americans. Lastly, Amerindian traditions have coalesced into a system in which spirits are contacted through wild dancing and the smoking of tobacco or other substances during ceremonies. There is a strong emphasis on the use of herbs for healing and a recognized collection of talismans, amulets, and fetishes. There are separate sects within the tradition and these are usually defined by geographical location.

The next two chapters of Sarav! examine the powers of the divine intermediaries between God and humans; the Orixs. The Orixs exercise power over humans and can punish or protect according to will. Each entity has both a positive and a negative side, and devotees strive to appeal to the positive aspect through obedience and offerings. The Orixs incorporate through mediums and can be indirectly consulted or appealed to. Each Orix is associated with individual symbols, colors, modes of dress, drum rhythms, salutations, and other visible emblems or practices. A few of the more well known Orixs are Iemanj, the Lady of the Vibratory Force of the Sea, Ogum, the Orix of war, and Oxssi, Lord of the Forests and King of the Hunt. Moving on, there is another entity, a spirit not identified as an Orix but possessing incredible power: Exu, the universal agent of magick. Exu represents equilibrium, balance achieved through continuous change and creative impulse. In addition, there are historical figures: the Pretos Velhos (spirits of black slaves who have suffered in captivity), the Caboclos (half-breed Indians who risked their lives to save the Brazilian people), the Orientals (recognized Eastern teacher spirits), and Eguns (spirits of the dead). It is clear to the reader that there are multiple levels and types of entities and that each religious tradition favors specific spirits.

The following chapters of Sarav! explore some of the more prosaic details of Afro-Brazilian magick. First, temple (terreiro) design is explored, with the various areas necessary for both worship and everyday concerns defined and explained. Dow also reviews the roles of crucial temple personnel, giving a brief description of the duties of spiritual leaders, principal officers, and male and female officials. There is a sketch of the race and economic status of an average practitioner, and some discussion of how these factors differ among the belief systems. With a clear framework in place, Sarav! segues into a section on rituals, ceremonies and spellwork. The tools, symbols, and sacrificial procedures used by individual traditions are pointed out, as is the cowrie shell method of divination used by many of the magical groups. Dow then devotes a lengthy chapter to the subject of healing, recounting disease theory, aura and horary healing, working with herbs and incenses, and ritual healing baths.

Sarav! is a captivating book that blends sound scholarship with the author's personal knowledge and respect for a singular group of religions. Though small, the book relies on logical progression and faultless organization to present a remarkably complete look at a complicated collection of belief systems. The cultural and historical information presented initially and inserted where appropriate in the text greatly clarifies the content and is interesting in itself. Illustrations and photographs highlight important details and concepts. Sarav! delivers a very clear outline of the Orixs crucial to understanding Afro-Brazilian magick; and an appendix correlates the spirits to entities found in other religious systems. Healing techniques are well described, and are expanded on in appendixes, one which contains a listing of Brazilian herbs uncommon in North America. Rituals, practices and spellwork are sensitively presented and are adaptable enough for common use.

Sarav! is an excellent introduction to Afro-Brazilian magical practices. The reader's initial impression of an exotic and unfamiliar set of beliefs is quickly overcome by a sense of commonality with Wicca and other Western magical traditions in areas such as healing, spellwork and ritual practices. This book is a powerful illustration of the interconnection between peoples in the web of life as well as a thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

1997 Janet K. Dugan