Luisah Teish – författare

A refreshed edition of Jambalaya: The Natural Woman’s Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals—updated with a note from the author sharing the changes that have occurred in the 30 years since its original publication. 

"A book of startling remembrances, revelations, directives, and imperatives, filled with the mysticism, wisdom, and common sense of the African religion of the Mother. It should be read with the same open-minded love with which it was written."—Alice Walker, author of The Color PurpleSince its original publication in 1985, Jambalaya has become a classic among Women’s Spirituality Educators, practitioners of traditional Africana religions, environmental activists, and cultural creatives. A mix of memoir, spiritual teachings, and practices from Afro-American traditions such as Ifa/Orisha, and New Orleans Voudou, it offers a fascinating introduction to the world of nature-based spirituality, Goddess worship, and rituals from the African diaspora. More relevant today than it was 36 years ago, the wisdom of Jambalaya reconnects us to the natural and spiritual world, and the centuries-old traditions of African ancestors, whose voices echo through time, guiding us and blending with our own.

The decision to write this book is born out of 20-30 years of experience. We are blessed to be two women of color who have grown up in a spiritual culture that has survived centuries of oppression and kept its regard for the sacredness of Land intact and in the forefront of our behavior and rituals. However, we also recognize that ritual protocol is not taught in school and is not available even in schools with Spirituality Departments and in only a few of the books presently on the shelf.

We long for the reconstruction of a culture that respects the Earth and Her people. Our present ecological crisis: global warming, water and air pollution, starvation and war are all manifestations of our disregard for the Earth, Her gifts, and Her children. The world needs leadership that emphasizes Reverence, Community, and Peacekeeping. And this can only happen in an atmosphere of mutual respect and sharing. We must do this without arrogance, and we must overcome our ignorance.

So, we decided to write this book as an offering of guidelines and protocols to heal our relationship to sacred lands and to each other. We encourage its use as a means to insure the re-creation of our Earth-centered traditions and the evolution of a global and authentic spiritual practice."

On Holy Ground is a self-published, quality paperback. It contains our personal stories, cultural myths and folktales, prayers, chants, rituals, and exercises to help you define your relationship to Mother Earth and Her Children. It also contains photographs from our travels to several sacred sites and our original artwork. This book will be useful to those wishing to travel as kindred spirits, to address ecological and environmental issues, and to experience the joys of rituals in nature.