The Santería tradition is a blending of Yoruba mythology with Catholic mysticism and the spiritual traditions of the indigenous Caribbean peoples. They worship nature and the connection of life to the Ache (Mana). Their Orishas (spirits) are a blending of Roman Catholic saints with Yoruba deities. The terms orisha and saint are used interchangeably. Early slaves taken to a strange land and forced to obey the rituals of an unfamiliar singular god met their spiritual crises by studying the unnatural religion. Their studies were rewarded by the discovery the distant god worked through saints— divine beings with attributes and responsibilities of the orisha. To the early believers, the strange religion was merely an unfamiliar aspect of the true faith, one that deepened and strengthened it. Their captors were pleased by the slaves’ “conversion” to Catholicism but persecuted any use of healing rituals or herbal medicines. The core tenet of Santería is perseverance in overcoming all obstacles, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical.

Spiritually the santeros and santeras (priests and priestesses) serve as the living’s ambassadors and advocates to the spirit world. While possession rituals similar to those of the Vodou tradition are a vital part of their relationship with the saints and orishas, santeros and santeras minister to the living primarily as sorcerers and conjurers who specialize in health, healing, and cleansing spells. Santería adepts are equally devoted to inding harmony with the spirit world. This tradition works in their favor when facing and overcoming challenges. “Self-initiation” is very rare but not unheard of among the santeros and santeras. Usually the candidate/supplicant is sponsored by an established adept who guides them through their spiritual journey. All reagents in the Santería tradition are plant based—many of the plants have secondary medicinal effects.

Andres Toit runs a psychology/espiritismo ofice in Old Havana. He believes that good and evil spirits affect the health, luck, and other elements of human life. These may be symbolic spirits, such as addiction, fear, and anger, or they can be actual toxic spirits or shades, so he’s ready for both. His ofice is always open, but by appointment only. When homeopathic techniques don’t help, he will bring his sword and face the menacing spirit head on.