Angela M. (angelablueskies) reviewed Of Water and the Spirit: Ritual, Magic, and Initiation in the Life of an African Shaman on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is an amazing book. It shares the story of the author, who was abducted from his Dagara village in Upper Volta at age four, taken by Jesuit missionaries to indoctrinate him into "proper" education and religious practices. His story shares customs of his village, expanded realities of realms that don't conform to our view of "reality," and the abuses he endured, along with thousands of others, at the hands of the white missionaries there to "save" them. His compassion in the midst of sharing his story of hardship that would have destroyed the spirit of most people shines throughout the story. I consider it a blessing that my own reality has been expanded through this book, and would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone with an open mind.
Noah D. (noah-d) reviewed Of Water and the Spirit: Ritual, Magic, and Initiation in the Life of an African Shaman on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This first-hand account by M.P. Some is a testament to his experience growing up in the 60s and 70s in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Born into a traditional-style village practicing local indigenous traditions, Some recalls what it was like to learn practical and more esoteric lessons from his grandfather and other relatives. At an early age he was taken into custody by a Christian compound where he was trained in a western-style education. This (oft traumatic) experience is paralleled with lessons learned within his community. After isolation from his village for a number of years, Some leaves the Christian compound to return to his roots, pinnacly reached through a series of initiations. Today M.P. Some considers himself a spiritual teacher, educating english-speaking western audiences about the importance of African traditions for both communal and individual growth. A worthwhile read for those interested in learning about West African traditional religion, specifically practices within Burkina Faso, which are quickly dying out or transforming as Christianity and Islam take stronger holds within the region.
