Are you searching for a spiritual path that speaks to your cultural identity? Are you curious about the connection of the African-American experience to ancient African culture and spirituality?

The Quest for Spiritual Transformation: An Introduction to Traditional Akan Religion, Rituals, and Practices is an important contribution to the exploration of cultural approaches to healing the mind, body, and spirit. Author Nana Opokuwaa clearly illustrates the connection between the traditions and beliefs of Africans born in the Diaspora to the ancient customs of the Akans. Her writing style exhibits a special sensitivity and compassion that shows appreciation for the reader’s need for guidance. Opokuwaa’s approach to explaining the Akan Akom Tradition brings clarity to the complicated practices associated with African religion in the Diaspora.

In addition to seven study guides meant to serve as discussion points within your organization, group of friends, or for yourself, this book includes a list of references to enlighten you about Akan culture, customs, and traditions. There is a glossary of Twi words, with which readers may not be familiar, utilized in the book and an index for readily available reference. In the follow-up to Akan Protocol: Remembering the Traditions of Our Ancestors, Opokuwaa continues her effort to share information about the ancient traditions and customs of the Akans of Ghana, West Africa.

EXCERPTS...

"If you have studied any African religion, you have clues to the Akan religion, because there is a common thread. …If you know something about African American culture and religions, you also know something about Akan culture and religion. Our Ancestors … brought with them the only thing that they could carry. They brought with them practices, …"

"Mama said: … Go to bed when it is thundering and lightening, God is talking so be still. … Don't open an umbrella in the house, its bad luck. … Don't talk with food in your mouth, you will choke. … If you make your bed hard, you have to sleep in it. … Don't split poles. …When you take hair out of the comb, burn it or flush it…

"I am sure that everyone reading this book will remember many more "old folks sayings and practices" … The most interesting aspect of this to me is that all of these sayings have similar Akan proverbs that were used by our Ancestors."

"In my experience, some people believe that it is one or the other; that we must make a choice between Christianity or some other mainstream religion and traditional religion. Actually, there is no real conflict if the entire system is investigated. I believe that ultimately African people in the Diaspora and on the Continent will realize the truths and will make a choice of Sankofa! …"

ANCESTRAL ALTARS

"…The ancestral altar allows us to establish that communication with our personal Ancestors in a real way. We can touch the altar, and feel the presence of those ancestors while we sit there, and talk there. It is our very own connection to those Ancestors who can help us…"

ORDAINED POSITIONS

"We have mentioned the importance of the Akomfo at the actual religious service. However, their role in the community at large is much broader. …the profession is coveted yet feared by most …" "… The Akomfo belong to a sacred Spiritual order of men and women who are trained in the Spiritual tenets and customs of our Ancestors…"

CELEBRATIONS

"As most of us know, people of African descent love to celebrate…. Our Ancestors, in the Akan culture, set aside special times to recognize each important occasion. These celebrations were properly planned and executed with all the appropriate protocols in place…"

AWEREGYE RITES (MARRIAGE CEREMONY) AND ENGAGEMENT

"The coming together of two families is a very important ritual in the life of an Akan. Therefore the rituals of engagement and marriage are taken very seriously and nothing is left to guessing…"

AFTERWORD

"This book is a primer for those who want to know about the Akan religion, rituals and practices."