Abstract For many years, Umbanda has been described as the most characteristic Afro-Brazilian religion and explained by the way it relates to and reflects the broader Brazilian socio-cultural context. In the last few decades though, Umbanda lives an increasing transnational growth, gaining independence from the national context that was once mobilized to explain its appeal. This is the case at...
Abstract Mediumship refers to practices that can be found in different cultures around the world and throughout history. Invoking, coming under the influence of, or engaging with disembodied powers can take various forms, which vary according to the local politics of religion, social context, and the personal circumstances of the people involved. In Europe, since the long 19th century...