Latin Native Paranormal BeliefLatin Native Paranormal belief is centered in the spiritual practices of Candomble’ and Santeria which are the predominant folk religions of South and Central America.Many people and folk religions have been influenced by Islam and Christianity, but still go to witch doctors, shamans, diviners and healers during the week. Latin Native Paranormal Belief There is a strong belief in the supernatural, but to contact those spirits or to receive protection from evil spirits witch doctors, shamans and diviners must be used. Those who believe in the power of the Shaman accept that the lives of the living are affected by by invisible forces or spirits. The Shaman has been trained in specialized knowledge and is endowed with special abilities. Shamans operate alone and on occasion take on and train an apprentice. Latin Native Paranormal Belief The shamans share common beliefs as identified by Eliade in 1964 which are: Bruheria is the belief in witchcraft and sorcery and some folk religions consider a Shaman as one who cures as opposed to sorcerors who cause harm. Some believe the Shaman has capabilities for both good and evil. Candombe’ Is a religion practiced for the most part in south America and is based on the traditions of older African beliefs and makes much use of animal sacrifice. This animal sacrifice feeds gods or deities known as “orishas” who in turn attend to the true believers requests and desires, healing disease and solving financial or personal problems. Although Christian and other religions disapprove of this ritual sacrifice of animals we wholeheartedly accept the daily slaughter of animals in abbatoires to fulfill our own daily needs. Many folk religions are a mixture of Christianity or Islam with the local animistic practices constituting a two tiered approach. There are 29 common domestic animals used in these sacrifices and the sacrifice is usually carried out by priests, priestesses and adherents. Christians assumed that traditional south american folk religions would die out with the advent of Christianity. This was not true, as folk religions, which may have incorporated some of the Christian beliefs, simply went underground. The four life concerns that underline the beliefs of folk religions are the threat of death, tragedies and life’s misfortunes, guidance and the unknown and the problem of right, wrong and moral order Santeria Santeria also known as La Regla Lucumi originated in west Africa. The slave trade brought these people to Cuba, Brazil, Haiti, Trinidad, Puerto Tico and other areas.Santeria originated with the Yoruba who were a civilized and cultured people who believe in a God known as Olorun or Oldumare who is the source of spiritual energy that makes up the universe. This God interacts to the people of the world through emissaries known as orishas who communicate through ritual prayer, divination, offerings (ebo which include animal sacrifice) song, rhythms and trance possession.In today’s world Santeria is deeply entwined with Christianity as may be noted by the inclusion of Jesus or Mary in many shrines. Return from Latin Native Paranormal Belief to home page. |
