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Rating: 
Summary: Racist Propaganda - Not Ifa
Review: As a Babalawo, I have never seen so much racism in a book. Perhaps the author would like to offer a refund to any person not "of color" since he declares that the ancester ceremonies will not benefit them. The ancester ceremonies of Ifa, which he describes in the most rudimentary of ways, will and does work for all people. Shame on Ra Ifagbemi for spreading hatred and confusion.
Rating:
Summary: Racist Propaganda - Not Ifa
Review: As a Babalawo, I have never seen so much racism in a book. Perhaps the author would like to offer a refund to any person not "of color" since he declares that the ancester ceremonies will not benefit them. The ancester ceremonies of Ifa, which he describes in the most rudimentary of ways, will and does work for all people. Shame on Ra Ifagbemi for spreading hatred and confusion.
Rating: 
Summary: Not what I was expecting
Review: Good beginner book for those interested in Neo-Yoruba or Black Nationalist movements, not much info for those involved in Espiritismo or the New World religions.
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Summary: Race should never be mentioned in Ancestor Veneration
Review: I can not give this book five stars or recommend it to all, because simply it is not meant for all. What could have been a very beautiful introduction of African Egungun, Ancestor Veneration, took a few word twist that really feel heavy on my mind and I could not enjoy the book after this. It is not that I am trying to discredit Ifagbemi Babalawo, buy no means. I honestly give him my respects and reverences. But let me explain what made this potentially good book turn a bit sower for me.I was born Puerto Rican, and though my Father is of Taino bloodline, I took on my mothers Spanish Castilian completion. This is also true to half of the Puerto Rican and Cuban population. Either you are a mix of Castilian bloodline, with either African or Carib bloodline, or any mix of the three. My Godparents in Ocha are both a married Cubans; my godfather like myself is of Castilian European background, and his wife my godmother is of predominantly African heritage. So upon their Ancestral boveda lies pictures of their parents together, pictures of handsome and beautiful Cuban Men and Women, and yes you se the mix of black, white, and Indio Taino in the pictures. These are the images of the Ancestors of my godparents. This is the way you will see many Cuban and Puerto Rican Ancestral Shrines, with pictures of Ancestors that come from different groups, but they are all venerated as one. Know the book would have been a good read for many beginners, except for the Caucasian community who reads this book, and might find words of offense, as I did, and a few others of my White Latino brothers and Sisters, who have been worshipping the African Orisha ways since birth. Race should never be mentioned in Ancestor Veneration, thi makes people feel uncofrtable, and it s honestly not what respecting ones Ancestors is all about. But if you can pass a few words that might sem bothersome to some, then this is a good book for those people who have no Common Knowledge of Ancestral Reverence.
Rating: 
Summary: Give thanks..
Review: I love when a African speak up with the truth cut and dry. Many people will hate, reason, because of lack of self love, conditioning and fear. Everytime you have a black person speak about loving self, and directed too blacks, whites fear this. Instead of understanding Africans in America, with a open mind, they feel everytime we express a pro-black stance, its based on hate, but its based on survival.
I have no problem with whites practicing African Traditional traditions, but resepct its orgins, and stop trying to be a an authority, have compassoion for Africans in America, and respect. You should be happy we are imbracing our african culture, from what we been through as a people.
Example I lived for two months in a Thai Buddhist Monastery in Calif. I knew I had to respect there culture and the way they practice there faith, I was a guess to there culture even thought buddha taught for all people.
I did not come in and say that Buddha taught this way and that way.
I met many white Yoruba and Vodoun priest that understand this stance of the author,and respect it. Embrace the African in America struggle....
Peace and love to all beings
Rating:
Summary: Worth the buy
Review: If you're a beginning beginner as related to spirits and the spiritual realm, this book serves as a pretty good introduction. Otherwise, you'll end up skimming past most of the topics. In actuality, I purchased the book to learn more about preparing an Ancestral Altar. This particular section of the book provides detailed step-by-step instructions that will guide you to properly prepare and use your alter. Finally, also of particular interest was the listing of "Books of Interest." A section similar to this is always helpful for those on a "Knowledge-trek."
Rating:
Summary: Black Only
Review: My name is Alwo OgbeSA. This is a angry young man who needs to know IFA and my God Olodumare loves more then black people, but loves all. Some of his skills would be in question also. I glad it was a cheap book because the author cheapened IFA to a color. Thanks to the Great Olodumare who loves all color, people will make in spite of continual racism like this. If you are not a black racist please don't waste your time buying and supporting this person.
Rating:
Summary: Written Unlike A Scholar
Review: The author is said to be well-educated, a scholar and conversant in more than four languages. His book is written in a sermon / lecture format. However, his discussions and references should be delivered to a junior high school audience. All contents and facts presented in his book would appeal to spiritualists, psychics and new-agers alike. The book would also serve a better purpose for individuals suffering low self-esteem and despair -if you are Afrocentric. I can appreciate a mild introduction to the Ancestoral lineage and spirituality however it serves a disppointment when an author of such educational caliber does not elaborate factually. For instance, Native American concepts, rites and rituals, Cubans' historical reverence for their ancestors and Yoruban ancestoral festivities. A reader will find more information on this topic by ascertaining earth based religions as a whole. Unfortunately that may be time consuming.
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Summary: Well, I Enjoyed It!
Review: Yeah there is some spiritism in this author's practice and a little bit of African Revisionist in there as well. But it doesn't make the book a bad book. Unfortunately, a lot of people outside of the U.S. (and within) are not aware of the close kinship that the ancient Egyptians and the traditional African societies of the West of Africa have in common. This author recognized it and wrote about it. Now, I am quite sure that some people don't like that because they are accustomed to having their own customs as it appears that the author is mixing traditions. But a careful study of what is actually being presented will give the reader a deeper understanding of ancestral honoring, the ethics surrounding becoming an ancestor to your own community and an understanding about how the ancients revered their ancestors. No, if you are a purists it is not for you. But if you can open your mind, this book will be in the same vacinity as Awo Falokun's Iwapele.
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