Macumba

A poetic exploration of Brazil's diverse magical and spiritual traditions, Macumba uncovers the intertwined roots of African, Indigenous, and European practices. Both scholarly and experiential, it illuminates the vibrant, syncretic spiritual landscape of Umbanda, Quimbanda, Candomblé, and more--celebrating the power of creolization and transformation.

A Journey Through the Sorcerous Heart of Brazil

Macumba: The Varieties of Brazilian Magic & Spirituality is a landmark work that explores the intricate nature of Brazilian magic from the fifteenth century to the present day. This book offers a poetic and immersive view of Brazil's spiritual landscape, weaving together African, Indigenous, European, and Catholic influences to showcase how these magical traditions have evolved over the years.

Often misunderstood, macumba becomes here an umbrella term that encompasses a wide selection of magical techniques. The book traces its evolution through traditions like Umbanda, Quimbanda, Jurema, Candomblé, Catimbó, Tambor de Mina, and Encantaria, examining their doctrines, mythologies, and lived practices. Grounded in academic research but filled with the author's lived experience, Macumba celebrates the beauty and complexity born of creolization, where culture, spirit, and necessity all come together. For practitioners, scholars, and curious readers alike, Macumba offers a transformative perspective on the magical heart of Brazil--a place where religions collide, spirits dance, and sorcery thrives.

Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold graduated in psychology, anthropology of religion, and cinema studies from the University of Oslo and NTNU, Trondheim, Norway. He is the owner of Sacred Alchemy Store and the retreat center The Monastery of St. Uriel, Archangel. He has been living in Brazil since 2003, where he has dedicated much of his time to studying, both as a practitioner and as an ethnographer, the varieties of Brazilian spirituality and sorcery.