Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the difference between obeah and Myal?

A: Due to the fact that Myal is often misnomered as obeah, this is a common question. Myal (the traditional religion) vs obeah (which refers to both the items used or made by a person or an action taken to achieve particular desired results). In the 1700’s when the British colonizers criminalized all pre-Christian religion, practice and spirituality, they misnomered ALL activities associated with pre-Christian spiritual culture as obeah, and called anyone who used or associated themselves with it obeahmen and obeahwomen, a derogatory term. This derogatory term was institutionalized through the legislation now called the Obeah Act. During this time of intense colonial oppression and suppression, there were some wayward ones who misused our traditional sciences for evil purposes, and in some cases the colonizers actually employed them to use obeah during the days of slavery, so obeah was also used by the colonizers to enslave and keep colonized peoples in bondage. This created a deep fear by the people of obeah because it was being used as a tool of slavery by the enslavers. Myal priests then had to fight against evil magic and obeah that were being used against their communities, so obeah was being used by both sides. At the same time that the colonizers were using obeah to enslave and keep people in slavery, they were persecuting the Myal People for their resistance. So while obeah is a part of our tradition it began to be misused for evil purposes. Even though the British was using obeah against Myal People, the British referred to their brand of obeah as Christianity, but referred to the Myal People as obeahman and obeahwoman as a racial slur.

Today, about three centuries later after intense persecution, all pre-Christian practices and religions including Myal are wrongly called obeah, and believers of the Myal religion and any other traditional spiritual practice or religious tradition were called obeahmen/obeahwomen, though obeah itself does not refer to a religion or belief system. Obeah is a word invented by the British when they encountered Obi in Africa. In our indigenous Arawakan language it is more appropriately referred to as “bina” meaning magic or power, while it is referred to as guzzum or komfo in Bakongo and Akan traditions.

In a recent discussion on a radio interview on Nationwide 90 FM Priest Alex discussed the difference between Myal and obeah and shared that ritual objects/actions (obeah) is a tool in the Myal Priest’s toolkit, in addition to prayers, ceremony etc. These are elements which are present in all spiritual traditions / religions, as through Myal cosmovision a Christian priest could be characterized as working obeah by using holy water, incense, candles etc. So plainly, obeah is ritual work borne out through the religion.

Q: Is Myal bad or evil?

A: No. Myal is not evil. It is a traditional Jamaican spiritual practice rooted in healing, protection and the restoration of balance within individuals and communities. Historically Myal was often misunderstood and misrepresented during the colonial period, when pre-Christian religions were stigmatized. In truth, Myal emphasizes harmony with nature and the spirit world, respect for the ancestors and the well-being of the community. Its purpose is constructive and life-affirming, not destructive.

Q: How did Myal survive colonial suppression ?

A: Myal survived colonial suppression through resilience, secrecy and adaptation. Sacred knowledge, spiritual practices, rituals and oral traditions within tight-knit communities were often blended with cultural and social life to avoid persecution. The dedication of the Priests, elders and the community as a whole and the transmission of teachings from generation to generation ensured that Myal endured, maintaining its identity, values and spiritual essence despite historical efforts to eradicate it.

In more urban areas and on the plantations, Myal survived through adaptation and syncretism, which is born out through syncretic faiths like Revivalism and Rastafari.

In indigenous/tribal communities and in particularly rural remote areas, Myal survived through the protection and autonomy these communities maintained in remote areas in the mountains and forests. In Maroon communities Myal was preserved as part of cultural identity and resistance to colonial control. Knowledge, rituals and ceremonies were passed down orally and practiced within the safety of these close-knit communities, ensuring the continuity of Myal despite external pressures and suppression.

Q: Is pure Myal still practiced?

A: Yes, pure Myal was maintained by indigenous / tribal communities living in remote rural areas and still exists as an institution, though it is not as widespread due to colonial persecution. Due to the colonial suppression of the religion by racist discriminatory laws there is an active campaign to advocate for the decriminalization of the Myal religion. Due to these laws it is nearly impossible to educate and publish educational material which is why information is scarcely available outside of these close-knit communities.

Q: How can I support Myal?

A: Support for the Myal tradition can be expressed in several meaningful ways:

1. Education and Awareness - Take the time to learn about the history, philosophy, and practices of Myal, and share accurate knowledge and information to help dispel myths and stereotypes.

2. Preservation of Heritage - Contribute to initiatives that safeguard sacred sites, oral traditions and cultural expressions associated with Myal.

3. Participation in Programs - Attend lectures, workshops, festivals, ceremonies, educational programs and cultural events organized to promote understanding and appreciation of the Myal faith.

4. Philanthropic Support - Provide financial contributions or volunteer services to our institutions and projects dedicated to the preservation and growth of Myal. There is an ongoing fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to support the building of the official Temple.

5. Advocacy - Support efforts that uphold religious freedom, indigenous rights, and the recognition of Myal as an integral part of Jamaica’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

6. Respectful Engagement - Approach ceremonies and sacred spaces with reverence and follow the guidance of community leaders when invited to observe or participate.

Supporting the Myal religion is not solely about religion - it’s about preserving heritage, protecting spiritual freedom and strengthening cultural identity.

Q: Is initiation required for Myal?

A: Initiation is a central aspect for those who wish to fully commit to the spiritual path. While learning about the tradition and participating in some community events can be done without initiation, formal initiation marks a deeper dedication and is guided by a Priest within the Myal community. It ensures that individuals receive proper instruction, spiritual protection and recognition within the faith.

Initiation is just one of many rites of passage which exist in religious systems, but initiation signifies the entry into the religious community or embarking on a path of spiritual discipline. So while initiation commemorates the beginning of a particular stage in the spiritual journey, there are other rites of passage or sacraments that commemorate life events such as births, deaths or even unions such as a wedding ceremony. While the word initiation is most often associated with the pre-Christian religions of colonized peoples it exists in all religions, but because of its common association with pre-Christian religions there is an inherent sense of suspicion and mistrust brought on by colonial prejudice on the part of the colonizers and indoctrination on the part of colonized peoples. In fact, all religious communities require an initiatory rite. The Christian baptism, Muslim shahada etc are all initiatory rites required for true membership into the religious community.

Q: How do I initiate into the Myal religion ?

A: Initiation begins with a desire to live and be dedicated to a spiritual life within the Myal community. It is a guided process led by an experienced Priest. It involves learning the tradition, instruction in spiritual principles, participating in ceremonies, receiving sacred knowledge and ongoing mentorship to integrate spiritual principles into daily life. It ensures both personal commitment and recognition within the Myal community. It is important that individuals interested in initiation seek guidance from the Myal Temple or the Myal Priest who will provide instruction, mentorship, and oversight to ensure the process is carried out respectfully and safely. 

To learn more about initiation and membership in the Myal Temple please email Tata Alex at alex.myalpriest@gmail.com to inquire.