Myths and Rituals: From Christianity to Obeah

The islands of Trinidad and Tobago have beautiful rolling belts of mountainous highlands, flourishing rain forests, large reserves of petroleum, and obeah. Obeah, a form of black magic or witchcraft used in the West Indies, is prevalent even today in Trinidad and Tobago. Obeah was viewed by white slave owners as a superstition, was a form of slave religion a powerful facet of African culture transplanted to America. The word Obeah translates into the meaning …

…I loved the way that we were encouraged to discuss things, even though I did not always want to. Nevertheless, I felt like I could say whatever I wanted to say. I think believing in obeah and spiritual shepherds are like believing in anything else. You have the right to do what is that you like. If you think that strong thoughts about something or words will do what you want, then so be it.