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Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals
A Marvelous Blend of Memoir, Folk Wisdom, and Afro-American Beliefs.
Actress, storyteller, and priestess Luisah Teish dramatically re-creates centuries-old African-American traditions with music, memoir, and folk wisdom.
Actress, storyteller, and priestess Luisah Teish dramatically re-creates centuries-old African-American traditions with music, memoir, and folk wisdom.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
September 28, 2013
Be Thou Forewarned...I am incapable of being non-biased when it comes to this book. I'm simply too close to the material it explores, and after reading it, I feel a strong connection to Ms. Luisah Teish herself. And that, in short, is why I adore it.
"Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals" is part memoir, part folk-magic practices, and part tome of women's spirituality. Written in the eighties, it has some of the historical assumptions about women's spiritual traditions that have since proven shaky, but far less than the equally good "The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk (who addresses the discoveries of such scholarship in the prefaces of the later additions) because Ms. Teish is mostly addressing Afro-American and African/African Diaspora practices which have been in place for thousands of years, rather than reconstructionist ones.
Luisah Teish takes the reader through the world of New Orleans she knew growing up in the fifties, and through the riotous mix of L.A. and San Francisco in the sixties and seventies. She addresses race, class, ethnicity and gender issues with a simple, clear understanding that remains as relevant and true today as it was then. Ms. Teish writes with warmth, humor, intelligence, and wisdom. She has a keen sense of herself, and those around her, and we get loving but rounded portraits of her family and friends.
For those mostly interested in the 'practical magic' side of things, she offers charms, spells, and rituals in every chapter, some of her own making, many based upon traditional folk and religious practices. She gives a really wonderful, gritty look at the New Orleans of her time, and how it has changed. For those who enjoy memoirs of political activists of the sixties and seventies, this is definitely a gem, especially those interested in the women's spirituality or "alternative religious" movements.
Lots of ink has been spent on the economic, political, and social aspects of the civil rights movements of the sixties and seventies. Less has been written on the spiritual movements, and how they interacted and informed them. "Jambalaya" gives a beautiful look into how much connection can be made through mutually inclusive, toleranant spiritual practice and understanding - something we don't quite get enough of when it comes to religion.
"Sisterhood", I find, is rarely proffered as a term of much meaning among modern feminist circles. When it is, it is sometimes with an air of derision, as if those who used it were naive: how could there be sisterhood when there were so many racial and cultural differences, and prejudices, and privileges? And perhaps the feminists of the past were a bit naive. Certainly, they didn't have the same access to the more up-to-date scholarship about women's history and women's spiritual traditions we now possess.
But those feminists who connected through the women's spirituality movement like Starhawk (whose glowing praises adorn the back of the book) and Luisah also seemed able to make deep connections because they were working in the arena of women's rights through spirituality. If you're looking to find relatively unbroken traditions of goddess worship, you must include the orishas of the African diaspora religions, the goddess of Africa and Asia, the Amerindian spirits and folk saints so popular in New Orleans itself. When Luisah describes women as her "Altar-Sisters" it carries weight and meaning because deep personal connections through faith are not just a political statement, but a ritual reality. We're sadly very used to religion as a tool of division: it's a breath of fresh air to get a glimpse of just how much true respect and understanding and appreciation can be engendered (pun intended) when people feel that they have a divine reason to do so.
And it makes sense that a writer who can show this would grow up in and around New Orleans, a city where racial mixing, and in particular religious mixing took place despite official sanctioned race, gender, and class lines. Despite the attempt to prevent it, white women flocked to many of the Voodoo rituals held by 'Mam'zelle Marie LaVeau' as Ms. Teish calls her. When it comes to describing the delicious gumbo of beliefs, practices, charms, and spells that dwell in the Crescent City, Ms. Teish goes into a depth of personal detail that is very fulfilling if you're interested in the topic.
As a book on women's spirituality from a historical perspective, again, she is mostly in keeping with current scholarship because as an initiated priestess of Oshun in the Lucumi tradition, those practices have been alive and well for hundreds of years. It's good to keep in mind the book was written in the 1980s; you can tell it is if you know the style of those times, and so inaccuracies, if they bother you, aren't really a big worry. (In fact, her 'A "Generic" African Woman' section (based upon a Western African model, from the same areas where the Orisha traditions have their birth) manages to neither put her "generic" woman on a pedestal and sugarcoat reality in an attempt to "fix" current perceptions, nor to paint a pitiful portrait of a stereotypical oppressed woman in need of rescue - a pretty big accomplishment).
So, the important question: would you like this book as much as yours truly did? Well, if you're interested in memoirs from women active in the women's spirituality movement/the women's right movement/civil rights movements of the sixties; in Southern memoirs; in African/African Diaspora spirituality; in New Orleans; in Voodoo, Hoodoo, and things of that nature; or if you just plain want a book that describes some REALLY delicious food - I'd say check it out.
"Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals" is part memoir, part folk-magic practices, and part tome of women's spirituality. Written in the eighties, it has some of the historical assumptions about women's spiritual traditions that have since proven shaky, but far less than the equally good "The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk (who addresses the discoveries of such scholarship in the prefaces of the later additions) because Ms. Teish is mostly addressing Afro-American and African/African Diaspora practices which have been in place for thousands of years, rather than reconstructionist ones.
Luisah Teish takes the reader through the world of New Orleans she knew growing up in the fifties, and through the riotous mix of L.A. and San Francisco in the sixties and seventies. She addresses race, class, ethnicity and gender issues with a simple, clear understanding that remains as relevant and true today as it was then. Ms. Teish writes with warmth, humor, intelligence, and wisdom. She has a keen sense of herself, and those around her, and we get loving but rounded portraits of her family and friends.
For those mostly interested in the 'practical magic' side of things, she offers charms, spells, and rituals in every chapter, some of her own making, many based upon traditional folk and religious practices. She gives a really wonderful, gritty look at the New Orleans of her time, and how it has changed. For those who enjoy memoirs of political activists of the sixties and seventies, this is definitely a gem, especially those interested in the women's spirituality or "alternative religious" movements.
Lots of ink has been spent on the economic, political, and social aspects of the civil rights movements of the sixties and seventies. Less has been written on the spiritual movements, and how they interacted and informed them. "Jambalaya" gives a beautiful look into how much connection can be made through mutually inclusive, toleranant spiritual practice and understanding - something we don't quite get enough of when it comes to religion.
"Sisterhood", I find, is rarely proffered as a term of much meaning among modern feminist circles. When it is, it is sometimes with an air of derision, as if those who used it were naive: how could there be sisterhood when there were so many racial and cultural differences, and prejudices, and privileges? And perhaps the feminists of the past were a bit naive. Certainly, they didn't have the same access to the more up-to-date scholarship about women's history and women's spiritual traditions we now possess.
But those feminists who connected through the women's spirituality movement like Starhawk (whose glowing praises adorn the back of the book) and Luisah also seemed able to make deep connections because they were working in the arena of women's rights through spirituality. If you're looking to find relatively unbroken traditions of goddess worship, you must include the orishas of the African diaspora religions, the goddess of Africa and Asia, the Amerindian spirits and folk saints so popular in New Orleans itself. When Luisah describes women as her "Altar-Sisters" it carries weight and meaning because deep personal connections through faith are not just a political statement, but a ritual reality. We're sadly very used to religion as a tool of division: it's a breath of fresh air to get a glimpse of just how much true respect and understanding and appreciation can be engendered (pun intended) when people feel that they have a divine reason to do so.
And it makes sense that a writer who can show this would grow up in and around New Orleans, a city where racial mixing, and in particular religious mixing took place despite official sanctioned race, gender, and class lines. Despite the attempt to prevent it, white women flocked to many of the Voodoo rituals held by 'Mam'zelle Marie LaVeau' as Ms. Teish calls her. When it comes to describing the delicious gumbo of beliefs, practices, charms, and spells that dwell in the Crescent City, Ms. Teish goes into a depth of personal detail that is very fulfilling if you're interested in the topic.
As a book on women's spirituality from a historical perspective, again, she is mostly in keeping with current scholarship because as an initiated priestess of Oshun in the Lucumi tradition, those practices have been alive and well for hundreds of years. It's good to keep in mind the book was written in the 1980s; you can tell it is if you know the style of those times, and so inaccuracies, if they bother you, aren't really a big worry. (In fact, her 'A "Generic" African Woman' section (based upon a Western African model, from the same areas where the Orisha traditions have their birth) manages to neither put her "generic" woman on a pedestal and sugarcoat reality in an attempt to "fix" current perceptions, nor to paint a pitiful portrait of a stereotypical oppressed woman in need of rescue - a pretty big accomplishment).
So, the important question: would you like this book as much as yours truly did? Well, if you're interested in memoirs from women active in the women's spirituality movement/the women's right movement/civil rights movements of the sixties; in Southern memoirs; in African/African Diaspora spirituality; in New Orleans; in Voodoo, Hoodoo, and things of that nature; or if you just plain want a book that describes some REALLY delicious food - I'd say check it out.
June 9, 2011
This is one of my all time favorite books and the one I recommend to everyone who wants to learn about New Orleans Voodoo. If you want to know when it is okay to do a work against someone, or how to make a little soul doll, it's in this book. If you want to meet the orishas and learn to work the rainbow, it's in this book. Chief Luisah Teish provides an intimate look at her relationship with the mysteries and gives the reader some practical instruction on how to serve the Spirits without initiation. This book is a must have for anyone interested in learning from someone who lives and breathes what she writes. Its all real, so get your copy and read it now.
January 1, 2009
I really enjoy how Luisha talks about her first experiences with magic and how they are intertwined with her family history. Each chapter describes useful and easy step by step rituals. It is a rare gem discussing magic, spiritual journeys and being a woman of color. In the sea of white witches in the northwest, starhawak and irish wiccan books and the like, this one was really important to me.
August 6, 2021
Despite my plan to read this slowly I devoured it.
I quite enjoyed it and will update my review upon a reread.
I quite enjoyed it and will update my review upon a reread.
February 11, 2018
I finally read this after it coming up in so many groups that I'm in. Many folx consider this to be THE go to book for getting into spiritualism as a Black woman. After reading it, I can agree that the book contains many of the basics needed to build a foundation for a fruitful and fulfilling spiritual practice.
However, while I was reading the book, it came to my attention that the author has spoken against trans people and therefore I am not recommending her book to anyone as her values do not align with mine.
This is not evident in this book as she wrote the text way back in the 80s and trans folx were, perhaps, not as "in the news" as they are today.
The book itself contains passages from her own life and struggles which is the majority of the each chapter. Towards the end, we are given a lesson and a magical ritual to help us solve our own, similar issue.
Reading this was. . . strange. Teish seems to be very concerned about nuclear war to the point of including rituals to help counter that threat. I know, in the 80s we were involved in the Cold War with Russia but it was still strange to see it so directly addressed in a spiritual text. Useful though because in 2018 that threat has returned.
The rituals are easy to follow but may not be everyone's cup of tea. They include using menstrual blood and bodily fluids in small amounts which is just not something that everyone is going to be into. Still, the rituals were clearly laid out and easy to follow.
Overall, this text is educational and easy to get into, even if you have no background and spirituality at all.
However, while I was reading the book, it came to my attention that the author has spoken against trans people and therefore I am not recommending her book to anyone as her values do not align with mine.
This is not evident in this book as she wrote the text way back in the 80s and trans folx were, perhaps, not as "in the news" as they are today.
The book itself contains passages from her own life and struggles which is the majority of the each chapter. Towards the end, we are given a lesson and a magical ritual to help us solve our own, similar issue.
Reading this was. . . strange. Teish seems to be very concerned about nuclear war to the point of including rituals to help counter that threat. I know, in the 80s we were involved in the Cold War with Russia but it was still strange to see it so directly addressed in a spiritual text. Useful though because in 2018 that threat has returned.
The rituals are easy to follow but may not be everyone's cup of tea. They include using menstrual blood and bodily fluids in small amounts which is just not something that everyone is going to be into. Still, the rituals were clearly laid out and easy to follow.
Overall, this text is educational and easy to get into, even if you have no background and spirituality at all.
August 23, 2007
nicely shows the connection between spiritual practice and personal evolution (& growth).
March 25, 2019
“My altar sister are my bread and my roses�
A fantastic read, part memoir, part history, part instructional. A necessary read for anyone interested in decolonizing their religious practice and spirituality (not in that it is a universal how-to, but how and why one woman did)
A fantastic read, part memoir, part history, part instructional. A necessary read for anyone interested in decolonizing their religious practice and spirituality (not in that it is a universal how-to, but how and why one woman did)
April 1, 2015
I had this dream about Oya recently and decided to read up on her; I started with the intertubes and then figured I'd read Jambalaya, since I'd had it sitting on my shelf for a few years and why not? My reaction is kind of meh; it feels very dated (80s Starhawkiness), and you get the sense Teish knows a lot more than this but that it's oathbound. I can respect that. I just don't feel like I learned a ton. That said, its time has to be factored in there too. There was not nearly as much info available to the general public when this was written, I think.
September 22, 2017
I like it for what it is, however , I don't see myself using all the information in it. I like keeping things simple and the rituals, etc, take a lot. At least to me. and that's okay if you're completely I to one tradition. I am not. I also, again, like simplicity. Though I personally stopped reading the last section of the book, I believe those in the tradition will find it all a great help!
December 30, 2007
This book was one that really started me on my personal journey.
July 8, 2014
Good information for beginners looking to start their spiritual journey.
December 27, 2021
I must be the only woman on the planet who did not enjoy this book. It was "meh" at best.
April 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Her backstory was very interesting and I appreciate the way she wove that into her perspectives on spiritual practice. There's so much to learn and try. In my mind there is a curriculum that I'd like to read through that includes this and other books I learned about from my African Spiritual Traditions course I took last year. I'm slowly making my way. I plan to read this again and go through the things she listed to try.
June 5, 2022
Honestly I wanted to love this book so badly, but it just didn’t hit like i feel it should’ve. I’m still giving it 4 stars because I do think the author was knowledgeable, intentional, and somewhat entertaining. I feel like this was not the book for me but I do know that it could be the book for someone. I know lots of women who I could recommend this book to that would love it. I think it boils down to a matter of interest and religion.
October 20, 2008
I have had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Teish at a Women's Spirituality conference. She led the opening ceremony and taught us some tricks of the trade. She spoke about Haiti and the magical women there. She spoke about ancient traditions and wisdoms. This is a text book of healing and empowerment. This book concentrates on the voudou powers in New Orleans.It employs the subconscious mind. It is a working woman's tradition and is easily used by working women.
This is a book to have on your reference shelf. Feminist spirituality allows women to call the Goddess by her many names, Kuan Yin, White Buffalo Woman, Oshun.
This is a book of spells and intentions.
This is a book to have on your reference shelf. Feminist spirituality allows women to call the Goddess by her many names, Kuan Yin, White Buffalo Woman, Oshun.
This is a book of spells and intentions.
January 17, 2022
If you’re interested in African spirituality, this is a good book to have on hand for reference as it does have a few gems. However, a lot of the information presented is based on the author’s personal experience versus scholarly research. This book does contain some scholarly research, but majority of it is her own personal narrative. It’s still a great book, for those who might enjoy narratives vs science and history.
June 13, 2008
One of the few books that's a mainstay in my library. The story of how she became a priestess & the life she lead is amazing 7 inspriring. The book itself is simple, easy read. Her explainations of the rituals are straight forward. She gives a general history of the God/Goddess of the Orisha traditions as well as other African traditions. Can't say how much I enjoyed the read.
January 5, 2020
This groundbreaking book is a classic. It started me on my spiritual journey. Years later, I still refer back to it. There have been many, many books in between this and my studies of African-Atlantic spiritual traditions. Every journey begins, ends and begins again. That is how I experience this book.
May 26, 2019
I really needed this book. I have known that ever since I read Gloria Anzaldua's interview with Yeye Luisah Teish in This Bridge Called My Back. In that essay she talks about the inspiration to write this book. Teish's words are literally a magic spell. And it works especially potently on me!
I devoured this book. I have not tried any of her magic spells or rituals yet though I am eager to try.
"We know witch to be a strong, proud woman, wise in the ways of natural medicine. We know her as a self-confident freedom fighter, defending her way to her sexuality, and her right to govern her life and community according to The laws of nature. We know that she was slandered, oppressed, and burned alive for her wisdom and her defiance of patriarchal rule."�-page 1
"When problems arise, proceed from a position of strength. Affirm that there is a positive solution to every problem, take the matter into your ancestors or saints, then take positive action.
I do not mean that you cannot complain, cry, or get angry. On the contrary, your complaining becomes a means to analyze the difficulty, your tears become healing waters, and your anger becomes fuel for positive action."
-Luisah Teish, "The Rainbow Serpent," Jambalaya
Wonderful organic ancestral refreshing fuel for the coming revolution!
I devoured this book. I have not tried any of her magic spells or rituals yet though I am eager to try.
"We know witch to be a strong, proud woman, wise in the ways of natural medicine. We know her as a self-confident freedom fighter, defending her way to her sexuality, and her right to govern her life and community according to The laws of nature. We know that she was slandered, oppressed, and burned alive for her wisdom and her defiance of patriarchal rule."�-page 1
"When problems arise, proceed from a position of strength. Affirm that there is a positive solution to every problem, take the matter into your ancestors or saints, then take positive action.
I do not mean that you cannot complain, cry, or get angry. On the contrary, your complaining becomes a means to analyze the difficulty, your tears become healing waters, and your anger becomes fuel for positive action."
-Luisah Teish, "The Rainbow Serpent," Jambalaya
Wonderful organic ancestral refreshing fuel for the coming revolution!
September 8, 2019
Although I write fiction that often involves magic and the supernatural, I am a pretty strict rationalist, which I feel is important context for my review of this book. Simply put, I don't subscribe to any of the supernatural beliefs Teish advances in Jambalaya.
That said, I thought the book was excellent. There's music in the language and beauty in the underlying commitments that Teish promotes -- protecting the earth and empowering women. Her philosophy is inclusive and not merely tolerant of, but welcoming to many religions and worldviews. Kindness runs through virtually every page of this book, and a deep and genuine concern for all of those who encounter her ideas.
On top of that, Teish is a natural storyteller of the finest sort -- one whose eloquence seems far more effortless than it actually is.
Magic aside, I believe there are a lot of psychological insights here that many people will find powerfully affirming and valuable. If nothing else, Teish's personal tales are full of warmth and are well worth the read. And while it is aimed at women, we men can gain a lot from this book, too.
That said, I thought the book was excellent. There's music in the language and beauty in the underlying commitments that Teish promotes -- protecting the earth and empowering women. Her philosophy is inclusive and not merely tolerant of, but welcoming to many religions and worldviews. Kindness runs through virtually every page of this book, and a deep and genuine concern for all of those who encounter her ideas.
On top of that, Teish is a natural storyteller of the finest sort -- one whose eloquence seems far more effortless than it actually is.
Magic aside, I believe there are a lot of psychological insights here that many people will find powerfully affirming and valuable. If nothing else, Teish's personal tales are full of warmth and are well worth the read. And while it is aimed at women, we men can gain a lot from this book, too.
April 17, 2023
I picked this book up when I was in New Orleans after taking a tour around the city. A tour guide that day mentioned that New Orleans Voodoo was not what people thought it was. I admit, I had my misconceptions about it as I only knew what I had seen on TV. I cannot remember the shop I went to but after asking for recommendations to get a better understanding, they offered this book. I loved how Luisah Teish went through her history, the folklore and how she came to be interested in it. There is one part where she goes back to the city and has a hard time finding authentic Voodoo places. There is one place she went into, which I believe was some type of café, and on the counter were items for tourists but they were not authentic. This was in the 1980s. When I was there in 2020, I wonder just how many places catered to the idea for tourists but were not authentic. I imagine this does happen a lot throughout the world.
While I do not practice nor will do any of the rituals listed and described in the book, I can certainly see where beginners would get the benefit.
While I do not practice nor will do any of the rituals listed and described in the book, I can certainly see where beginners would get the benefit.
January 19, 2022
4.5 Stars ! (Why isn’t that an option again?)
Teish provides all of the details on how to perform rituals, when and why .. which is extremely helpful for beginners. She also gives some insight from her own perspective and discusses her own experiences, which can make the information provided seem bias for some readers. Overall, it’s a great and helpful read. Perfect to keep on your shelf and reach for when performing ritual, although you really don’t have to say specific words, you can always listen to what comes up intuitively.
This book is focused on women, and is not gender inclusive or privy to non-binary persons - but it was written in the 80s. So, this may trigger some readers, as she often refers to the reader as sister or a woman.
If you’re looking for a some insight into African Spirituality, I suggest reading this book it’s a great start and she provides a list of her sources if you’d like to dive deeper.
Teish provides all of the details on how to perform rituals, when and why .. which is extremely helpful for beginners. She also gives some insight from her own perspective and discusses her own experiences, which can make the information provided seem bias for some readers. Overall, it’s a great and helpful read. Perfect to keep on your shelf and reach for when performing ritual, although you really don’t have to say specific words, you can always listen to what comes up intuitively.
This book is focused on women, and is not gender inclusive or privy to non-binary persons - but it was written in the 80s. So, this may trigger some readers, as she often refers to the reader as sister or a woman.
If you’re looking for a some insight into African Spirituality, I suggest reading this book it’s a great start and she provides a list of her sources if you’d like to dive deeper.
October 15, 2019
This is one of my favourite books written about magic, and actively practicing an intentional and magical lifestyle. I was delighted to read that Starhawk is a circle Sister of Teish's at the end of the book because their books are my favourite to read on this topic, and the ones that I identify with the most. In the past I have most often read European traditions with regards to magic, so it was enlightening to learn about the African tradition, vodou, and Yoruba.
May 12, 2020
Filled with jewels of wisdom! It's a combination of the author's personal stories, prayers, rituals, folk tales about & information on African deities, tips for connecting with your ancestors, yourself, Creator & just the spiritual journey in general. And if that sounds like a hodgepodge of things that's because it is, just like the creole dish jambalaya! It's the kind of book you can just pick up, flip open and enjoy
August 25, 2021
an amazingggg introductory to new orleans voodoo, this book helped me start my journey of spiritualism and my own personal growth. i appreciate the easy step-by-step rituals that were given throughout the book as luisah spoke about how magic has been heavily influenced in her life since she was a youth.
December 15, 2021
This book is like a warm letter from a friend, a mother, an aunt, a mentor. In my lonely state, it was a warm tonic and a glowing light of hope. I saw myself in the pages in a way I did not expect and cannot yet explain. It's a book I know I will keep with me, through all my future travels and will continue to revisit over and over again. All I can say is, thank you Luisah Teish.
September 15, 2022
I wasn't the right person for this book, I picked it up because I can't resist anything relating to New Orleans and I have a lazy interest in witchcraft. There wasn't enough New Orleans in it for me. I enjoyed it in passing, I liked the authors voice. And she makes a hell of a case for animal sacrifice which I wasn't expecting.
August 1, 2023
Edifying and soothing. Made me realize how much I had neglected my spiritual self. The book emphasizes womanhood but it was not alienating to me as it didn't read as cissexist. There were some sentiments I didn't agree with but overall Luisah Teish's voice read to me like an older sister. And that was comforting.
January 28, 2019
This was a good book if you want a glimpse into New Orleans Spiritualism. The author did a good job at setting up the scenes of her childhood and young adulthood. However, I was confused at some points but I just chalk it up to me being an aleyo.
October 8, 2019
Gorgeous mix of memoir and help for today. An invitation to come back to ourselves by going deep to recover what we've lost or never knew we had. It's just a beautiful book written with love and humor. A way to put the pieces together by 're-connecting' with Spirit.
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