Palo Mayombe: The Garden of Blood and Bones

This book seemed to teach me things I already knew. I had an immediate bond with the book, it taught me so much. I am grateful for such an author to write such an important piece of work. This book is part of my blood and bones. I can't praise it higher. The firmas are beautiful. The text cohesive, sensible, truthful. Palo is not the same thing as Santeria; looks like one person got confused with that in their review; Siete Rayos is not Chango. At any rate, this book will blow your mind. Get a copy when you can!

[...]The world has been waiting for a well written concise book about Palo in English for quite some time now. I was completely unaware that this book existed up until not too long ago. I believe this is because the publisher, Scarlet Imprint, was targeting the "new age crowd" and not solely those English speaking practitioners of other Afro-Cuban religions. This makes it difficult to stumble upon the same way we stumble upon books at "botanicas" whether they be virtual or not.I was however lucky enough to come across it at the suggestion of one of my godsons who spoke very highly of the work and wanted to know what I thought of it. I anxiously looked for it and found I couldn't get it at my local Barnes & Noble. I searched for the book online and hesitantly coughed up $29.99 plus shipping for a paperback version that was coming from a third party. As somewhat of a collector of published works on Palo I wanted to add it to my library but I was worried it was going to be as big a disappointment as Raul Canizares' The Book on Palo or perhaps another sensationalized book on Palo that really isn't about Palo and is a strange mix of folk magic, Palo names and Mexican deities.The author, Nicholaj De Mattos Frisvold, is an Anthropologist, Psychologist as well as a practitioner who traveled to Havana, Cuba to undergo initiation. I almost couldn't think of anyone better to tackle such a project! I was hoping his work would be a reflection of both the academic aspects of his life as well as the religious one and I am happy to say it is. Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold has released thefirst authoritative work on Palo in English and available for mass distribution that is worth reading. I can't say that I agree with all of the author's ideas or that the work is flawless. The references and comparisons to unrelated cultures and history was a little too much Anthropology for me and seemed unnecessary but that may just be because I wanted to get to the "meat" of the subject and I have little interest in anything that is not directly related to Palo. The author's role as a Psychologist rather than as a Palero are dominant when he describes fake possession as a "public display of psychopathology" which while interesting is completely unacceptable among Palo practitioners. In short, aside from the price tag, there is very little negative that can be said about the book. Rather than dive into a "how to" mess with solely folkloric, little or unfounded explanations of why, or how or where the author provides careful analysis and information that anyone interested in the subject should be aware of. I do believe this to be a highly respectable piece of work and an excellent addition to any library.

I wanted something that would give more details in English some times even in spanish you're wondering what is the plant called or object & google doesn't understand half of the things to search for. Just my luck on a good note i stumbled over this book i was looking for the full version which is about 1k pages long and a hefty price match yikes but for those who have been left in the dark or not given proper teaching???? Well this book explain in full detail yes it's slow & boring for those who don't care to read about the history of the culture & religion but hey in order to appreciate the finish product you have to understand the basic. With this book you won't feel alone or left behind very detailed & focus & well put & honest & great price

I have always been interested and this book offered a good basic and somehow extended understanding of the cult and the dieties=gods=energies=mpungos. I write based on the experience of a person who was initiated and does not reveal any secrets thus they are hidden into deep spiritual understanding. This is a great source of new information from a different perspective in a professional non-fiitcious way. Also show general "firmas, most of the Cuban criollo chantings, etc. I recommend this book.

This book arrived early and in great condition, like new. This was bought as part of a study I was doing and proved very useful and informative. It proved to be my best introduction to the religious cult of Creole Sorcery that Palo truly is, from it's development in Cuba to it's Congo inspired roots. .If you are doing a study of Palo Mayombe this book is a must have ,but it is a "heavy read" You will find yourself re-reading chapters to make sure you have not missed anything.

Amazing book, very very informational. I do not practice Palo, but as someone looking at this religion from the outside in I have alot of respect for their ideology and technology in necromancy. For anyone wanting answers for the question "What is Palo?" This is the book to get. The author provides alot of historical and ritual explanations without revealing the secrets of the religion (reserved for practitioners and tata's/yaya's). This book is a must have in any occult library.

One of the most accurate Palo books I've read. its not a book on ones experience, but on the religion of Palo Mayombe. A definite must for anyone interested in the religion

What a great book! Nowhere else have I found such an informative document on the Palo Mayombe cult. Some of the terminology is confusing at first but if you consult the glossary in the back, you memorize the basic terms fast. The book covers history, practice, some of the rituals, the gods/goddesses, occult theory, everything. Prices for this book are high everywhere you'll look, but if you can get it a little cheaper than it is usually sold for then go for it!