Santeria - Fusion of the Gods. Interview with a Santero. Documentary. 

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"Aren't you worried about someone breaking in?" "No." "Oh, because you're protected.." "I have an alarm."

After studying science, history, mathematics, and world religion, it gets crazy as hell to see how everything connects. The man is wise and knows what he is talking about, very informative video thought.

This man taught me more history than when I attended school good job Papi

I enjoyed this santero's interview. He was very knowledgeable about the history and very down to earth in explaining very simplebut complex information. Through being multi lingual and having travellled extensively is a big plus for him, because so many latino priests and priestesses do not speak english. I feel this man is a good example of how orisha work through us in an enllightening way. Thankyou, God Bless you. God created heaven and earth and ALL things. Mafedefun OLODUMARE!!!! ASHE-O

I am a Muslim and very weary of these things however this gentleman is a very likeable character. Religion aside, I could quite easily be friends with this man and learn much from him. He has much knowledge and needs to be looked after at all costs. He does not disrespect anybody and I liked the fact he lived in Qatar to learn about Islam. Take care, Uncle.

It's crazy because he knows more history about African history than many American Blacks smh. It's amazing that he has so much knowledge on his cap. Nice video

This is my 3rd time watching. This interview with the Santero is worth $20k minimum. He is so full of knowledge. Great job interviewing as well.

When he talks about Orishas and how each of them represents something is like he is also describing the Aztec gods each god was a representation of something in this world, something that could be found physically in the planet but with a spiritual meaning. Each Aztec god had a special offer that he liked just like those Orishas. We are all connected we just represent them in a different way

This is such an amazing interview, thank you so much for sharing

Wow about time something to explain with dignity. Great information. Thank you for this.

What a lovely man. He is very enoyable to listen to, very knowlegeble man. He should give lectures on Santeria so ppl would know more from the real source/Santero. Thank you very much for sharing ..

Wonderful video. I am doing a presentation on Santeria for my Spanish class and this was very informative. I was very impressed with Guelperin's professionalism, he's exactly the kind of person that religion should be discussed with.

Just listening to this brotha, you can tell that he is an OG in the Santeria, Spirituality, and in life generally speaking💯

I’m half Cuban, my father doesn’t believe in Santeria but all my friends in Miami practice it. The religion and it’s history is extremely interesting and the rituals also.

Every West Indian country has a version they practice along with mainstream catholic or Hindu etc

He told me so much and I connect with his energy, I'm learning to go back to my roots . We held great power and religion.

Santeria is a subject that caught our attention ever since we heard Joey Diaz waxing lyrical about it in a podcast interview some years back. We contacted Charles and asked him if we could come to his shop and record an interview to which he agreed. We spent roughly three hours with him. Charles blew our minds with his ability to lay down the facts regarding this remarkable religion. We can't thanks him enough for his kindness, energy and hospitality. Please tell us what you think of the short film in the comments section below if you enjoyed the video then give us a like and subscribe. Many thanks, The UNION Team.

I'm currently a law student who read Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah yesterday in my First Amendment class (the Supreme Court Case mentioned by the Santero around 18:00). I came to RU-vid to learn more about the religion, and I am so happy I clicked on this video. So informative!

I watched this interview at least 3 times now and each time I listen to this santero it enriches me, he is very knowledgeable and everything he says makes sense.

I’m been searching for a spiritual practice for years. I just moved to LA last November and his botanica happens to be 1 mile away. I look forward to meeting this man and learning as much as I can. Thanks for posting this!

The difference between exploitation and what the Santero is talking about is not just a mere exchange of knowledge. The money is referred to as derecho or the cost of the initiation. Everything in life is paid for, everything is sacrificed. For instance, working to get a pay check is a sacrifice of time; the derecho is another form of sacrifice from the initiate. With that being said when you become initiated into Santeria there is a myriad of things that happen, drumming ceremonies (and not just random drummings, every Orisha has particular drumming patterns that call them down to bear witness and in the case of the initiate to crown their head) you have to pay for these drummers, you have to pay for their food for the entire seven days of the ceremony, you also dress all in white for a year and a seven days the godparent takes the derecho and prepares for the entirety of the ceremony including all the animals that are sacrificed. However the derecho varies from house to house, for instance in Florida where the supply of drummers and supplies is much higher the derecho is lower. Also the derecho changes based on the Orisha being crowned. So in this case the derecho is not exploitative rather it is a complex spiritual component of the religion that many people don't understand. I am not a Santeria expert but I am an aleyo and I plan on being initiated, so my knowledge of the religion and its practices stems a bit pass this singular documentary. It is necessary to examine things from a neutral cultural lens at times and this is an excellent example of that. Americans are very hesitant to pay people for services as they should be, but in this case the derecho is not paying a singular person for knowledge, the derecho pays for every component of the initiation and a good Godparent will sit down with the initiate and explain in detail where their money is going. Simple as that, Santeria is not a religion you practice because its easy or fun, you practice it because it's neccessary for your spiritual evolution, and there is no one forcing you to make ocha it is something that is decided first and foremost through the Diloggun (the cowrie shells) if it is not in your spiritual destiny to become a priest you don't become one. Simple as that. I hope that clears up some of the confusion around the derecho aspect of Santeria. :)

So knowlegable, so much we don't know about the world, religion, etc one of my top, favorite genuine and honest interview.

Thank you very much for posting this interview.

Charles sounds like the real deal. He's very well educated and researched. I like this guy. Nice to have an elder whom uses modern mediums of communications. God bless him! Maferefun Obatala. Maferefun El Congo Manuel.

His nails are perfect....

Good job! Great documentary and the santero knows what he's talking about knowledge is power.

The knowledge this man possesses is of another world 🌎 I’ve literally began to master my own universe with his knowledge and wisdom 😮

I remember charlie being in Cuba and in one of his Tambores .... and incredible spiritual masses he did ..... I met him thru my God Father ... at the age of 16 years old .... (so very respected. He could sit with u and give u so much knowledge ... Ashe ....

Thank you for these interviews and your open mindedness to not criticize but learn about this religion-subscribed!

by far the best video on santeria! thank you

I got initiated 4months ago crowned Yemaya it is the most important decision I have made in my life. I don’t get offended when ppl say negative comments it’s because they don’t know this is soo deep and this is a personal decision it’s NOT for everybody so plz respect each other peace and love. Maferefun la osha Maferefun eggun 🙌🏼

I really appreciate your Joey Diaz interview and this documentary/interview. I watched both in this order. I'm a student of my own peoples' pre-Christian Paganism and found it lacking in terms of worship and practice and have postulated and found my own practices. Thanks to your work here I've found those practices I've intuited are very close to Santeria. Also, in general, I love the interviewing and cinematography style. Interviewer is very easy and sociable. There were some special moments.

Loved this! Wishing you had more with Baba Funke. I am feeling drawn to meet him one day. :)

What an incredible person , very much in touch with the craft and the principles , as well as the modern world we live in . His knowledge of the past and why things are what they are today is paramount. Understanding the arts beginnings gives you insight into what you see today. These forces are alarming to some but after one has been rode a couple of times its first hand gnosis as opposed to reading about it or studying the subject. Our friend here is the real deal and has a great gift of explanation , this makes him a good teacher.

I absolutely adored this! I could listen to this man speak ALL DAY. Thank you so much for this❤️

When it comes to being a wise man who's very cool and down to earth - you're everything I want to be! I'm a Voodooist and I'm always gonna look up to you Mr Charles

Very Interesting and Informative...Powerful video, thanks for creating and posting🙏🏿💯⚡️⚡️⚡️

I've seen this oluwo speak many times. This is the real story of how this religion manifested itself. I am honored to be Omo Oshun and have been born into this beautiful religion. Maferefun Osha Maferefun Eggun!

It truly saddens me how people that know nothing about Santeria are the first to call us Santeros and santeras devil worshippers. First of all, you’ve lost touch with your eggun, your guides your ancestors. Secondly, Santeria isn’t as hateful as Christianity. You’re not going to hell for premarital sex, you’re not going to hell for being gay, people that practice Santeria never shame others for what they practice yet we’re always the first to be shamed. As far as I know Santeria is one of the few still living practices that doesn’t shame and only protects. It’s not evil or dark to be in touch with your culture, your roots, and your ancestors.

AMAZING Documentary!!!!!! I grew up with Santeria around me.

The gentleman conducting the interview seems so uncomfortable. like he doesnt know what to say.

I enjoyed this documentary, such knowledge and historical facts shared. Definitely more understanding after watching this video.

A very informed individual and everything he says hits close to home. Mother(Colombiana)is a Santera and my father(Cubano)is a babalawo. I would like to contact this individual one on one. Thanks for the video.

Great documentary. I could listen to Charles forever.

Respect for Orisha in the world. Afrikans worldwide.

Good job guys. Great video and very informative.

What an amazing interview! I loved it! He is so knowledgeable, charismatic and...like, you feel comfortable listening to him. Santeria has always interested me. I hope I can find more video's with him to watch

he killed me when he said you threw the ball I just threw it back

Great Video!!!!!!! I learned a lot from this video. I love his infinite knowledge and wisdom.

wow, this was a very interesting interview. Gave me an understanding and the knowledge as well. thank you for sharing.

Loved this video! I have known about Santeria for some time now, but it's only recently that I started to actually study it. Last night while I was looking at a picture of Yemaya, I felt a tingling sensation coming from the top of my head, went through out my body. I feel particularly drawn to Her.

There is something very visceral and genuine about this religion. Fascinating. Like it hasn't been diluted and warped with time.

This is such a wonderful video! I’m so happy to be an Orisha priestess💙We never stop learning, growing, and teaching

One heck of a history lesson! I enjoyed this video.

interview this guy again because i replay this like 300 times

love this! love how he explains everything. such a beautiful religion itself. so blessed for the teaching and energy ❤ orishaloveforever

Great interview, very informative and authentic.

I learned so much~ I always had the questions on this topic and most of it is answered~

Absolutely love this video. He breaks it down to some of what the religion is truly about. While still giving respect to others. Also that he is saying it all in English is solo cool! I've done most of my research through books and asking my Madrina questions. Am still growing in the religion. But at least I have help. Had to go through a lot of bull shit to find her, but its all good and am learning a lot. But still what bothers me is. That people tend to put everything of what they assume and hear in to 1 box when in fact it is many. My Madrina is of the 21 divisions but most or all people still claim it to be Santo. Where as my Madrina always tells me all paths lead to god. Respect them as you respect yourself. Santo is Santo. Palo is Palo. All paths are adopted at one point or another.

Loved it very informative clear & to the point I would love to sit down with Charles & listen to him tell me all about the Pataki..excellent philosopher & you can tell he know what he doing !!!!

I'm a Voodooist who practices Haitian voodoo and if you're reading this - the truth is that I want to be a Voodooist who wants to be as a smart as you, Mr Charles!

You did a fantastic!!!! Job explaining everything😊

¡Qué interesante! Soy de Puerto Rico que es uno de los lugares donde se practica santería. Siempre he tenido interés pero creo que no es tan popular como en años atrás porque casi no hablan de eso. Aprendí mucho de este video. ¡Gracias!

To all my brothers and sisters who practice Santeria I have a special place in my heart for you, so this is why I must tell you The last Blood sacrifice Is Christ's . If you do otherwise(sacrifice other blood) you will not fall under the promise of his blood .Don't leave that door open , let no spirit enter into you.You become an open vessel with out the complete protection of Christ. Who knows what could pass through you and lie.Only be an open vessel to the Holy Spirit Of God! I too was raised with Santeria teachings . I denounced them and came into a new covenant. There is no spirit higher or stronger than the Holy Spirit creator of all because he created them and everything beyond them. These spirits you talk to ,ask them ... ask them about Christ... ask them about his blood ...ask them about the Holy Spirit.... Im sure they we recognize Royalty of Father God. I love you !!!!!!! I love my people I love my culture and my family and most of all I love God.

One of my favorite Documentaries...

Nice documentery I really enyoyed the conversation. Thank you.

A pleasure to listen to this mans voice & wisdom Real depth of knowledge & experience His story & journey was fascinating thanks for sharing

EXCELLENT! Intelligent, concise and humorous all wrapped up together.

I would love to have a conversation with him! He's like a professor giving interesting lecture.

I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful presentation.

amazing teachings i love how u teaching of santeria history u break it down and explain the practise of the santeria reliigion i love how u explain everyrhing i wish i could lrarn more from u keep up the good work sendig u many blessing positive energy love and light

People think that Cubans don't know what time it is, they know history real good think its a game.☉tribe

“The religion can’t exist without the sacrifice of animals” Thankful Jesus is the “It is Finished” sacrifice that has torn the veil between God & man. His blood can flow through your veins if you accept you have been forgiven by Yahweh. He loves you and wants a relationship with you.

This gentleman has amazing energy very intelligent man

Does this guys do voice overs? He has a great voice!

I wish I could learn a lot more!! Thanks very much for this video, lots of information.. Wish I had you as a mentor

i love his voice. i could listen to him talk all day

Very informative. Thank you for this video.

dis was so well put together. love seein da diaspora's spirituality. 🙌🏾

Kawo Kabiosile Baba Chango may we all walk in your footsteps with bravery, vitality and passion for life. Thank you for all the great blessings you have given me.

thanks for posting this video. He made it simple.

This was powerful. Sooooo insightful. I fell in love with Baba Funke. Wowwww.

I knew he was a good man when I saw how quickly he gave the interviewer a cigar when asked.

My grandmother passed in 2014, born in Yauco, PR. She was a devoted practitioner.

Respectfully to a great teacher and leader, thank you.

Thanks for the video that brother charles dropped a lot of knowledge. He knows his stuff.

Who is this Santero? I was absolutely transfixed watching this vid! He has such wisdom & clarity- Ashe'!

I really liked and found this video very informative. Thank you both, and my deepest respect for the creation of this video. Blessed Be ❤️

great knowledge and information from this great elder.

Great video. Very informative 👌🏾

I absolutely love this video I learned a lot🙏

I really enjoyed the video.... Thank you for sharing! Hope to see more!

absolutely loved the video, helped me understand the religion even more. Is there any way to contact him? Does he have a youtube channel, or instagram?

He was very knowledgeable I enjoyed the knowledge and I’m thankful that he was willing to share with us.

Thanks for the video. Would love to learn more

Honestly I've been on a spiritual path. Trying to find my place spiritually. I was raised in a catholic family went to catholic school and all. Know all the saints and the bible but I'm drawn to Santeria being a Afro American I want to know more of the Yoruba religion and the Orishas. This documentary was enlightening

Very informative. Much respect.

Loved this video, thank you for explaining the religion so good, congratulations

I have been having this calling these last few years and It's overwhelming. I've never been to my home or speak the language but my soul has been missing all of it