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Anthropologist, psychologist, and Palero, Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold joins us in podcast episode 112 to discuss his wonderful book Palo Mayombe: The Garden of Blood and Bones published by Scarlet Imprint. In addition to studying Palo as an academic, Nicholaj is also an initiate and practitioner. Because of his knowledge and experience, the book is written “from within the cult,” but also conveys a scholarly exposition on the contextual history of Palo’s heritage. This book also continues a tradition of absolutely stunning talismanic texts from Scarlet Imprint. Visually and tangibly their books are exquisite, but most importantly the content is always of a very high caliber, and Frisvold’s Palo Mayombe: The Garden of Blood and Bones and Pomba Gira and the Quimbanda of Mbumba Nzila are no exceptions.

“Palo Mayombe is an initiate’s account of this much maligned cult whose central nigromantic mystery is the prenda, the cauldron containing the human skull or bones, re-animated by living spirit… Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold traces the roots of Palo Mayombe back to Kongolese sorcery, the warrior and leopard societies, and the impact of the Portugese Mission. The original African faith is carried in chains across the abysmal waters of Kalunga and it flowers in Cuba as a New World Creole religion and cult. Yet Palo Mayombe can only be truly understood in the light of a highly developed African cosmology.

“In drawing parallels with both the ancient Greek practices of Necromancy and Nigromancy, and the grimoire tradition, Nicholaj also illuminates the Western tradition, showing what we have lost in our denial of the dead and the cult of the ancestors…

“The Garden of Blood and Bones gives explicit detail of the workings of Palo Mayombe for good and ill, the method of divination, the herbs, animals, trees and plants, powders, baths and waters, the songs and chants. It presents a complete living system …

“This is a serious study which confronts the sinister and violent aspects of the cult, but rather than purveying lurid sensationalism expresses the deep dignity and integrity of its nature.

“This is a book written from within the cult … With access to rare materials, pamphlets, booklets and unpublished field notes, this is the most comprehensive study of Palo Mayombe to date…”

Nicholaj begins our interview by describing his interest and early experience in esotericism. He describes how this interest led to formal studies in anthropology and psychology at university while simultaneously practicing the traditions he was studying. Even though this appears to be a most thorough and balanced approach, addressing both the intellectual and experiential aspects, his “pre-modern” views inevitably caused some difficulties in the academy. Nicholaj’s  interest in witchcraft led directly to Palo Mayombe through the recognition of the difference in the treatment of the cauldron, n’ganga, prenda, or spirit vessel.

Nicholaj discusses the history, theology, and cosmology of Palo Mayombe. He stresses the importance of initiation and ancestry to this living tradition and direct contact with the spirits of the lineage. We also discuss necromancy and opinions about so-called high and low magick. Nicholaj talks about writing Palo Mayombe: The Garden of Blood and Bones and his desire to portray the power and beauty of the cult, or religion, as he experiences it.

I highly recommend both of Nicholaj’s books from Scarlet Imprint. If you listen to the interview, you’ll understand why. Palo Mayombe: The Garden of Blood and Bones is a fascinating study by an insider and scholar that sets a high standard for texts about initiatic traditions. Pomba Gira and Quimbanda of Mbumba Nzila is also amazing as a connection to a strong current of feminine magick.

Nicholaj and I continue this fascinating interview and he goes into even greater depth about his experience as a Palero in the Occult of Personality Membership Section. Help support the show and check it out!

The Starry Cave – An Oasis of Traditional Arts and Thoughts by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold

Palo Mayombe: The Garden of Blood and Bones by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold

Pomba Gira and the Quimbanda of Mbumba Nzila by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold

Scarlet Imprint – Independent publisher of talismanic esoteric and occult works

Occult of Personality interview with Peter and Alkistis of Scarlet Imprint

intro music by HipGnosis and Paul Avgerinos

outro music – “Papadambalah” by Axial