A botanica is a religious supply shop, most often found in Latin communities, that services members of the Santeria/Lukumi and related faiths. A typical botanica is a two-part facility. The front, public area is a shop usually offers a selection of herbs, oils, candles, and statuary, while the private, rear area is used for spiritual consultations such as divination, healing work, and a variety of other services. Sometimes these services are provided by a priest of priestess (Santera/a) of Santeria, sometimes a skilled inhitiate.

The botanica also serves as a gathering or meeting place, a community center for a faith that does not use traditional Church buildings.

Related Resources:

• African Religions Glossary
• Afro-Caribbean syncretic religions
  Santeria, Vodoun, and more at Alternative Religions.
• The Seven African powers
  In the Yoruban tradition that is parent to the Lukumi and Palo faiths, the Orishas are emissaries of God, ruling the forces of nature and the fortunes of mankind. The Seven African powers are the primary deities of this tradition.