Within afro american religions, magic is very important. It is not just a world of devil worshippers, black magicians, charlatans and ignorants. It is a part, for any serious practitioner or believer, to seek for a solution that Science or Psichology or mainstream religion has not solved. A Magician tries, by the use of totally natural objects and forces, to conjure the Invisible for the clients needs.
To get a relief, a cure, a second chance, an income, love, self esteem.
Often, those seeking the aid of magic are desperate or from low social classes.
When I started my field researches, witch doctors in Cuba worked as healers, magicians, psychologysts, psycotherapists, herbal doctors, priests, counselors, fathers, brothers, godfathers, grandfathers, lovers and loners. They did what they had to do, to help.
The situation wasn’t easy.
Those things DRAMATICALLY changes when exported to rich countries with a few exceptions like Papa Joe of Raleigh for example.

Photo copyright of Henning Christoph/Soul of Africa Museum, Essen. Used with kind permission

Posted in Hermetica Italica and tagged

About Manuel Congo

A renowned Palero, Babalawo, Ajarn and Hougan, Manuel Congo lives in rural Italy, where he spends most of his free time touring on his custom Harley Davidson. An avid ethnographer and noted expert on Italian witchcraft, Manuel has spent decades working for elite clients around the world, conducting investigations in locales as far-flung as Togo and Thailand. He enjoys rainy days, BBQ and blondes.

Leave a Comment