ok- i'm ready to get down to business

[spooky]

i've been all over this site, reading what i can about paths and paganism- and i've decided i would like to start studying it for myself. i like what i have read, but i've had to keep it to herbs and chatting.
so ummm.. *shuffles feet* where do i start? there was a great post about just this, but i can't remember where. what kind of path is right for me? i am loving all i hear about yoruba, which isn't really on this site. tell me what you can and i would be infinetely appreciate.

(this is a big step for me)

[Pan]

Congratulations on coming to a conclusion, Spooky. :smile:

I can't really tell you where to start, because I don't know what you want to learn! There are so many different trails to take.

[Sadb]

I remembered this because how much the answers didnt fit me , but maybe it will help you decide where to start .

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=64040

[Loopaleigh]

Hi there Spooky..Yoruba is a pretty serious undertaking. I live in South Florida and know (more than a few) people who practice Santeria. Here are a couple of books you might want to read...

"The Altar of my Soul: The living traditions of Santeria" by Marta Moreno Vega ( This book is very autobiographical and I really enjoyed following the author's personal experiances.)

"Santeria: A practical guide to Afro-Caribbean Magic" ( a mix of the author's first initiation or "Asentado" and magical practice.)

Although I do not practice Santeria myself, I have been told that I am a "Child of Obatala", and Yemaya is a personal favorite Orisha of mine!

I also know of a popular website, but I can't for the life of me remember the URL! I will look for it though and post it as soon as I find it!

Good Luck on your Journey!

[semi]

WOOHOO!!! Spooky, you bring the goat, I'll bring the virgin and we'll start the initiation. Actually, I'm not sure where I can find one of those. Ok, we'll skip that part.

I have been practicing Santeria for a little more than 10 years, Voodoo a little bit shorter of a time. I have practiced mostly alone but I've been invited to visit several houses this year and perhaps join one or two. I don't use the Christianized Santeria, but the African form called Ifa. Ifa evolved into Santeria during the slave trade when Christains attempted to force the slaves to practice Christianity. Ifa was the religion that the Yoruba people, as well as many other nations like the Fon, Ketu, Arara, etc., practiced in Africa. It's a beautiful system.

Ask me anything either publicly or in PM, I don't care. If I don't have an answer, I'll find one.

[spooky]

I remembered this because how much the answers didnt fit me , but maybe it will help you decide where to start .

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=64040

thank you for the link. i turned up with druid and thelema as my top two. so. now i'm off to learn up about those. thanks again.