Palo Mayombe, usually referred to simply as "Palo," is one of the African Diasporic religions. Like Santeria and Candomble, it blends African shamanic religion with elements of spiritism, magick, and Catholicism.

It is a common assumption that Palo is a form of Brujeria, witchcraft, because Palero may choose to work with ensambe, or "light" spirits, or with endoki, "dark" spirits or ghosts. Curses and "black" magick are not unheard of in palo practice, although not all Palos participate. The chief goal of Palo, however, is the same for its related faiths, that of spiritual growth.

Another common misconception is that Palo is a "lesser" form of Santeria. Some of this confuision may be due to initiates of Santeria who also pursue initiation in Palo, and the tendency of some practitioners to consult Palo practitioners. Palo, however, a seperate religion, and while similar in many ways to Santeria, it is a seperate faith with a different origin.

For an expanded overview of Palo, read our Introduction to Palo Mayombe.

Pronunciation: Paah-low Mie-ohm-bay • (noun)