Orishas, Goddesses, and Voodoo Queens: The Divine Feminine in the African Religious Traditions

In this elegant, if peculiar, primer, Dorsey (Love Magic), a voodoo priestess, explores the oral traditions of African religions to reveal the strength and beauty of female deities. Structuring her study around divine spirits, goddesses, and voodoo queens, Dorsey presents mythological and historical backgrounds of orishas (West African gods) such as the water spirit Oshún, the creator Mami Wata, the goddess Erzulie, and folk saint Santa Muerte, who “holds a prominent place in the lives of many Afro-Latinx practitioners.” Dorsey details ways to create a sacred space and enhance one’s spiritual exploration by concocting potions, establishing rituals, offering gifts, designing cleansing waters, and cooking meals. For Dorsey, the feminine focus and mix of cultures and traditions embedded into these all-too-often hidden and suppressed faith traditions can help “navigate to an empowered future.” Those interested in African and pagan religions should enjoy this broad survey. (May)