in 2007
AP
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
HAVANA, Cuba (AP) - Top priests of Cuba's African-influenced Santeria
religion issued their yearly forecast yesterday, predicting that the
island will enjoy a better economy, but suffer more health problems in 2007.
Competing groups of Santeria priests, or babalaos, gather every New
Year's Eve for religious ceremonies that include chanting and animal
sacrifices. Cubans eagerly look forward to the so-called Letter of the
Year released in the next days, containing the priests' vague
predictions which can be interpreted in many ways.
This year's letter did not say much about likely the biggest question on
Cubans' minds: the uncertain health of 80-year-old leader Fidel Castro,
who temporarily stepped aside five months ago following emergency
surgery for intestinal bleeding. He has not been seen in public since.
But Victor Betancourt of the Miguel Febres Padron group of some 950
Santeria priests said Castro's physicians could draw some advice from
the letter.
"The doctors attending to that case should be careful there are no
complications. or an infection," Betancourt told reporters.
Betancourt's group also said the Santeria orishas, or gods, ruling 2007
will be Ochosi, the patron hunter.
"This is a very good year for conquering adversaries," Betancourt said.
But Cubans - and people around the world - this year must watch out for
epidemics, changes in personal relationships, broken agreements and
possible military interventions, Betancourt added.
The smaller Yoruba Association of Cuba predicted that health will be a
major issue for Cuba in the new year and cautioned Cubans to take care
of themselves and eat well.
Santeria is a mix of spiritual traditions carried here by African
slaves, and Catholicism brought by Spaniards. The faith is practiced
throughout Cuba and even many members of the Communist Party follow its
rituals.
1 comment:
In my experience these readings have been very precise and 9 times out of 10 they are on the dot...so for those that receive them....put very close attention....
SANTERIA Webmaster.
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