Throughout time the world has been introduced to many religions. A certain Afro- Cuban religion has sparked much controversy since its inception. Like many religions, it has been misunderstood due to its religious beliefs. As well, their use of black magic and communication with the spirit world leaves others puzzled. Despite what one might think, the religion of Palo is quite a beautiful one.
History of Palo It is the blending of African shamanic religion with elements of Spiritism, magic and Catholicism to create the beliefs surrounding Palo. Palo originated from the Congo religion of Africa, and was brought to the western world by the slaves in the 1500s (Kambon, 2008; Montenegro 1994). According to Montenegro (1994), the influence …show more content…
Paleros believe in the Nsambi, the supreme deity, and the God that rules over the universe, as well as a variety of elemental spirits, Mfumbe which are spirits of the dead, and Nkisi who are powerful ancestral spirits (Rodriguez, 2015). Although the origins of Palo were derived from multiple cultures, there was an overall understanding of the necessity to respect ancestors and communicate with the spirits (2015). Montenegro (1994) said a person wanting to practice Palo, must first consult an experienced Palero Priest; and through direct contact with the spirit world and the person’s ancestors the Palero will determine if they will be able to practice. A Palero Priest works with the Nsambi and the ancestors to help better his life and the lives of others. In the death of a Palero it is believed they are distinguished by the greatest light of all, God the Father (1994). It is also understood that, after death, Palero Priests become an elevated spiritual guide of the eternal living darkness. Paleros practice extremely powerful black magic, so strong “It is believed that a Palero can bring death within a 24 hour period to an individual” (Montenegro 1994). However, one must be careful when practicing such dark magic because according to Rodriguez (2015), there are two forces in the universe and imbalances in these forces lead to injustices. In all, the beliefs within this religion are quite unique. The practices of multiple spiritualties merging to one; Palo takes the agreed upon beliefs to worship God in their own
History of Palo It is the blending of African shamanic religion with elements of Spiritism, magic and Catholicism to create the beliefs surrounding Palo. Palo originated from the Congo religion of Africa, and was brought to the western world by the slaves in the 1500s (Kambon, 2008; Montenegro 1994). According to Montenegro (1994), the influence …show more content…
Paleros believe in the Nsambi, the supreme deity, and the God that rules over the universe, as well as a variety of elemental spirits, Mfumbe which are spirits of the dead, and Nkisi who are powerful ancestral spirits (Rodriguez, 2015). Although the origins of Palo were derived from multiple cultures, there was an overall understanding of the necessity to respect ancestors and communicate with the spirits (2015). Montenegro (1994) said a person wanting to practice Palo, must first consult an experienced Palero Priest; and through direct contact with the spirit world and the person’s ancestors the Palero will determine if they will be able to practice. A Palero Priest works with the Nsambi and the ancestors to help better his life and the lives of others. In the death of a Palero it is believed they are distinguished by the greatest light of all, God the Father (1994). It is also understood that, after death, Palero Priests become an elevated spiritual guide of the eternal living darkness. Paleros practice extremely powerful black magic, so strong “It is believed that a Palero can bring death within a 24 hour period to an individual” (Montenegro 1994). However, one must be careful when practicing such dark magic because according to Rodriguez (2015), there are two forces in the universe and imbalances in these forces lead to injustices. In all, the beliefs within this religion are quite unique. The practices of multiple spiritualties merging to one; Palo takes the agreed upon beliefs to worship God in their own