Sallie Ann Glassman is definitely a product of the modern age. In this work, she has synthesized and transformed voodoo, mixing in her own background as a Cabalist, her Jewish roots, Santeria and voodoo. This makes for a free form, new age reinterpretation of all these traditions. Some in the vodou community disagree with her on her interpretations and methods, however, I found the book refreshing.
The book is essentially broken up in two separate parts. The first is an introduction and explanation of her beliefs and methods concerning the why and wherefore of the elements of vodou. The second part, and far the largest section is her visions. Ms Glassman is an initiated Mambo and has collaborated on a deck of vodou tarot cards. Here she goes through the symbols of the vodou tarot deck and lays out the information on each one, including a vision of her own. Each card is shown, the veve for that loa (or lwa) is given and the invocation is translated from the French to the Creole and into English. The traditional belief concerning the Loa is provided and Ms Glassman's personal vision is delved into.
I enjoyed this work and would recommend it to anyone interested in voodoo
(vodou), and it also makes an interesting addition to the occult library and
shows the synthesis and integration that is happening in this New Age.
RATING: 4
ADVICE: Acquire (great for the vodou tarot information)
Jack L. Eyton III
8.1.00