One of the first books to explore this influential spiritual and magical tradition, covering its philosophy while also providing a practical hands-on guide.
Espiritismo is the Spanish word for Spiritism or Spiritualism, spiritual traditions that emerged to great popularity in the US following the Civil War.
In the US and Canada, Spiritualism’s primary focus was on communication between the living and the dead. The spiritual tradition traveled around the world, especially in Latin America, where it evolved in different ways.
The Puerto Rican influence on modern Western magic is profound but largely unheralded. Beginning in the early 20th century, Puerto Rican immigrants to the US introduced Espiritismo to the US spiritual landscape, strongly affecting the way magic was practiced. Hector Salva’s book places Puerto Rican Espiritismo in this broader perspective.
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“In Espiritismo: Puerto Rican Mediumship and Magic, Hector Salva recounts with sentiment and love the spiritualism he grew up with in Puerto Rico. I certainly can relate to a lot of similarities with the spiritual praxis of my own roots from my native Cuba. As Salva speaks of working with the ALL and the spirits, I am reminded of the primordial force that binds us all. I admire Salva’s writings about the “Science of the Spirit” — knowledge being a key component of consciousness which is spirit and soul. An exceptional read filled with informative material and wisdom, Espiritismo is truly a worthy addition to anyone’s spiritual library.”
Reverend Alexander Cabot, author of Touched by The Goddess: Memoirs of a High Priest
“Hector Salva brings the luz (light) to a proud and beautiful tradition in his newest book, Espiritismo: Puerto Rican Mediumship and Magic. He intertwines his personal experiences as an espiritisto with a compelling narrative of the history and practices of this longstanding, yet often misunderstood, practice.”
Mambo Chita Tann, author of Haitian Vodou: An Introduction to Haiti’s Indigenous Spiritual Tradition
“Papa Hector Salva has out done himself with Espiritismo. This is a one-of-a-kind book and a must read. So much knowledge and information are shared within these pages. I love the stories of his youth. Papa Hector explains things in a way that even a novice can understand.”
Starr Casas, author of Old Time Conjure and Hoodoo Your Love
“Hector Salva’s Espiritismo: Puerto Rican Mediumship and Magic combines cultural, historical, and personal experiences to bring readers into the world of Puerto Rican Espiritismo. Salva’s narratives take you into the reading rooms of mediums where you swear you can smell the incense and feel the presence of the sacred. Espiritismo introduces readers to the spirits of the Gitanas, Santos, and Indios, as it demonstrates the fascinating diversity of the tradition. An insightful contribution to the field of cultural understanding.”
Tony Kail, cultural anthropologist and author of A Secret History of Memphis Hoodoo
"Espiritismo: Puerto Rican Mediumship and Magic compiles folk history and the author’s stories of his personal experiences with the magic and folklore of Puerto Rico. Espiritismo is another magnificent work of traditional spiritism from Papa Hector, written from the point of view of a true expert with the heart of a warrior who is here to teach you and guide you to work your own powerful sorcery in a new and different direction. "
Elhoim Leafar, author of The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags and Manifestation Magic
