Santería is an initiatory, mystery-based religion. Traditionalists argue that certain profound rituals—especially those regarding coronation ( hacer santo ) or high divination—should never be read in a book or downloaded online. They must be experienced directly through a spiritual lineage ( rama ).
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Santeria, also known as Lukumi or Regla de Osha, emerged in Cuba during the colonial period as a result of the transatlantic slave trade. Enslaved Yoruba people from West Africa brought their traditional practices, including their mythology, rituals, and spiritual leaders (known as babalorishas or ialorishas). Over time, they incorporated elements of Catholicism, which was the dominant religion of the colonizers, and other African traditions. Santería is an initiatory, mystery-based religion