About the author
Raúl J. Canizares (1954–2002) was a Cuban-American scholar and Santería priest, initiated into the Santería priesthood as a child in Cuba, who went on to write and teach about Afro-Cuban religion from the perspective of a practitioner with academic training. His book, published in English as Cuban Santeria: Walking with the Night (Destiny Books) and in Spanish as Santería Cubana: El Sendero de la Noche (Inner Traditions International), draws on that dual position to describe Santería's practices, cosmology, and history, aiming to correct common misconceptions and present the religion as a coherent spiritual tradition rather than folklore or superstition. The Spanish edition is written in Spanish; the English edition is a translation of the same material. Canizares is a recognized voice in scholarship on Afro-Caribbean religion, and his books remain reference points for readers approaching Santería through both religious studies and practitioner testimony.
📖 Where to start with Raul J Canizares
💬 What our editors say about Raul J Canizares's books
“Canizares offers a compelling insider view that strips away sensationalism to reveal Santería’s philosophical core. However, readers seeking dry academic detachment may find the personal narrative too intimate, while those…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Santeria Cubana: El Sendero de la Noche = Cuban Santeria Canizares, Raul J
“Canizares offers a vital corrective to misconceptions, presenting Santeria with scholarly rigor and intimate warmth. However, readers expecting quick magical fixes or sensationalist 'witchcraft' tropes will find little…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Cuban Santeria: Walking with the Night
