With thanks to pendamuse who emailed me this

Sep. 12th, 2008 at 10:08 PM

I don't know if anyone reading here has the same twist in their spiritual path that I do, but if so, you will enjoy this article from the BBC.

The white priestess of 'black magic'

By Andrew Walker
BBC News, Osogbo, Nigeria

Bent double by age, the high-priestess of Nigeria's Yoruba spirit-world shuffles forward from under the trees, reaching out a white, blotchy hand in welcome.

Susanne Wenger and her adopted daughter Doyin Faniyi

Mrs Wenger resurrected the traditions of the river-god Osun

Half a lifetime ago, Susanne Wenger dedicated herself to reviving the traditions of the pre-Christian Yoruba gods, "the orishas", and left Austria to make Nigeria her home.

The frail 94-year-old artist, with one seeing eye, has been a driving force in Osogbo town, where she is in charge of the sacred grove, a place where spirits of the river and trees are said to live.

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Link to article

Comments

( 7 comments — Leave a comment )

droops

Sep. 13th, 2008 02:25 am (UTC)

That's an inspiring article, it really is.

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pjvj

Sep. 13th, 2008 02:28 am (UTC)

I agree. I got goosebumps when I read it. Blessings to Penda for sending it on to me. :-)

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droops

Sep. 13th, 2008 02:31 am (UTC)

Me too, and I have no connection (that I know) to the Orishas. But it is heartening nevertheless to see people not letting missionaries ruin their lives.

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pjvj

Sep. 13th, 2008 02:40 am (UTC)

Excellent word, heartening. I love that word and it is perfect for this. :-)

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pjvj

Sep. 13th, 2008 02:41 am (UTC)

I see I am overusing smileys again. ~le sigh~ lol <----there, I'll over use that instead!

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