Obi: Oracle of Cuban Santeria
Within the Santeria faith, the coconut is said to contain the wisdom of  Obi, an ancestor who once fell from grace within this Afro-Cuban-based religion.  Author and crowned Santeria priest Ocha'ni Lele (The Secrets of Afro-Cuban  Divination) assembled this rich book that teaches readers how to use the  coconut, or the wisdom of Obi, for divination. Along the way Lele offers stories  about the history and main characters of the Santeria faith. Readers will learn  how to choose the right coconut (find one that has milk sloshing inside), how to  break it apart, and how to piece out the four sections of coconut that will be  used to answer the questions brought to Obi. The idea is to drop the coconut  pieces from waist height and study the patterns they form on the ground. For  example, it's important to note how many pieces land with the dark rind side  showing, and how many land with the white meat facing skyward. Lele also teaches  readers how to pay homage to the powers of creation, the dead priests and  priestesses of the Orisha, as well as all their religious and blood ancestors.  Bear in mind that this book is for serious followers of the Santeria faith, who  will be greatly pleased with Lele's reverence and willingness to share insider  secrets.--Gail Hudson