NCJ Number
133672
Editor(s)
C V Wetli
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This police training document instructs officers in the rituals and practices of Santeria and Palo Mayombe which are religious cults often practiced by Hispanic and Cuban immigrants.
Abstract
Santeria is a religious cult popular among Hispanics in general and Cubans in particular. Like other Afro-Caribbean cults, it blends African religion with some aspects of Christianity. Santeria practices or magic are most often used as a strategy to resolve conflict both within and between persons. Although Santeria is predominantly a neutral magic religion, it does have a component of malevolent sorcery wherein spells and deities can be called upon to harm enemies and invoke hatred or hostility. The cult of Palo Mayombe originated from the Congo region of Africa. The myths and rituals of Palo Mayombe center in the spirit of the dead. In most instances, the magic is used to inflict misfortune such as insanity, divorce, or even death upon an enemy or the enemy of a client. These religions in themselves do not foster overt criminal activity; however, the religions are often used by criminals to foster and further their criminal enterprises. Also, devotees often feel they are protected by the deities and may therefore act in rash and bold ways that could endanger a police officer. Questions and answers on the material are provided. Table of cult gods and their characteristics