Palo isn’t a book religion, but a secret tradition taught in person through initiations; it has roots in slavery, and isn’t shared with outsiders. That said, here are a few related topics you can research on your own if you’re really curious:
Kongo Philosophy
Palo draws most of its concepts (along with much of its vocabulary) straight from Kongolese shamanism.
 |
 |
 |
| Flash of the Spirit: African & Afro-American Art & Philosophy | African Cosmology of the Bantu-Kongo | Death and the Invisible Powers: The World of Kongo Belief |
Hoodoo (also known as “Rootwork” or “Conjure”) is a a style of African-American folk magic heavily influenced by Kongolese witchcraft. It shares with Palo certain techniques involving the use of herbs and graveyard dirt for sympathetic and contagious magic.
Other Afro-Carribbean Traditions
Palo Mayombe is part of the larger family of Afro-Carribbean traditions which also includes Obeah (Jamaica), Santeria (Cuba) and Voudon (Haiti).
 |
 |
 |
| Creole Religions of the Caribbean | Magical Herbal Baths of Santeria | Magico-Religious Groups and Ritualistic Activities: A Guide for First Responders |
Palo Mayombe CDs
Authentic Palo ritual music from Cuba
 |
 |
 |
| Religious Music of Palo Monte – A Cajon Ceremony | Havana and Matanzas, Cuba 1957: Bata, Bembe and Palo | Fiesta de Palo : Santa Marta Dominadora |
