Esoteric Crossroads: Scholars Meet Practitioners - Santería/Regla de Osha

September 27, 2025

Podcast Video Session with Sarah Nimführ, Department of Cultural Studies / University of Arts Linz.

Research Network for the Study of Esoteric Practices (RENSEP) in collaboration with Rejected Religion

The podcast video session can be replayed here.

In this discussion, two perspectives come together: that of cultural anthropologist Dr. Sarah Nimführ from the Department of Cultural Studies and that of religious practitioner Raisel Tejeda Martínez.

The joint discussion will focus on the Regla de Osha, its diverse roots and the controversial term "Santería", as well as the role of the Orishas as natural forces and life companions. The two also discuss questions of research and secrecy, collaborative knowledge production in religious contexts, gender roles in ritual contexts and how rituals can be adapted to new ecological and social environments. Last but not least, Raisel will share insights into his own spiritual journey between Cuba and Europe.

The session is in English and Spanish.

Moderation and program design: Stephanie Shea