Homosexuality in Candomblé

Every single person is deserving of respect and feeling like their Ori is being honored. We all have that piece of the divine within us, working through us and exchanging axé all the time. That respect extends to all differences we may have, including differences in sexuality.

English Interview: Iya Omindarewa

Iya Omindarewa’s story is interesting, being a non-Brazilian priestess who ran a terreiro in Rio for many years.  This short documentary doesn’t tell her entire story, but takes the viewer on a short tour through her terreiro.

Witchcraft?

Besides seeking a reading to figure out matters of love or money, one of the most common reasons that people consult merindinlogun is because they believe that someone is using witchcraft to work against them.  This article isn’t about negating the existence of witchcraft, but rather begs the question about the depths of our faith.

Orisha Workshop: Chicago

Oxum and International Women’s Day

by Melissa Several years ago I taught a high school elective called Images of Women of Color in the Media.  It was an amazing class with a curriculum that had been developed by a colleague of mine.  When she decided to leave the school, she asked me to continue teaching it.  Until then, the course began

Who You Callin’ a Priest?

by Melissa As Candomblé continues to spread in the United States, I’m coming across more and more people who have been taken for a ride by impostor priests.  In Brazil, priests often validate themselves by stating their lineage.  In the United States, however, that’s not always helpful because it’s not as easy to verify.  Here