The Diloggun: The Orishas, Proverbs, Sacrifices, and Prohibitions of Cuban Santeria

Rating:
Summary: Dilogun leaves one half full.
Review: I read this book and was left wanting. The translations of the Yoruba prayers were not accurate and the language is key when making prayers/ incantation.
Also the author seems to be rewriting the history of Lukumi, he totally left out the Ifa priests, who, without their contribution there would be no Santeria, Lukumi, etc.
The interpretation of the dilogun takes a lot more than just memorizing refrains and a few apataki. There is a cultural and philosophical piece that is missing in this otherwise well written book. As a priest and diviner I could not recommend this book to people for a true understanding of the oracles of the Orisha.

Rating:
Summary: This is not an easy read
Review: Ochani Lele's first book, "The Secrets of Afro-Cuban Divination," was a basic primer on divination. It gave a good, essential overview of the system, although one that was a bit simplistic. His second book, "Obi: Oracle of Cuban Santeria," was a light, delightful read. Both his knowledge and his skill as a story-teller combined to create a light, joyful, yet accurate read.

This book, however, is no easy read. As a writer he shines; his material is accurate and well-written. This tome is advanced; it is packed with information. It is more of a textbook than a simple book -- one that will keep readers reading and studying for months, perhaps years, to come.

Of special note: In Lele's first book, he promised future volumes not only addressing each composite odu in more depth, but also works exploring the mythology upon which this divination system is based. His first promise has been kept, although not to the extent that one would wish. Although perhaps the most advanced tome written, one can only hope that Ochani continues to develop his work about the odu of the diloggun. His second promise has been, as far as I'm concerned, breached. For while this book begins to catalog some of the patakis (Yoruba/Lucumi myths) that belong in each composite odu, he has yet to tell their full story or bring out the cultural richness found in the holy corpus.

Let us hope that Lele continues to develop his work and grow as an author. For each volume is a true gift to the world, another milestone guaranteeing his immortality in the generations to come.

Rating:
Summary: Delivers
Review: This is the best book I have seen for intermediate followers. It will be a very useful tool for anyone who is interested in moving to another level beyond aleyo, because it deals with the mechanics of divination, and the lessons in odun from ocana to Eyila Chebora. As for Aleyos, this book will help them catch scam artists out there who are only interested in taking their money. My hope is that Ochani next tackles the patakis of each Odun. It is the only thing missing in this book.