Santeria has a set of beliefs that involve the practice of divination, communicating

with spirits, and sometimes sacrifice.

In today's story, you'll hear a first-hand experience with the effects of black Santeria,

the dark side.

My name is Edwin, and here is Edwin's true, scary story.

My story takes place back home in the island of Puerto Rico, growing up over there back

in the early 80s.

My grandma from the maternal side lived two apartments down from us.

Most of her friends, they practiced Santeria, which my grandma was involved in it too.

My mom was involved in it, but they would practice what they call the white Santeria, which

is apparently the good kind.

My great grandpa from my paternal side, he used to practice the black Santeria.

Most of my grandparents were also involved in it.

One of them passed away, and I was persisting on my grandma to take me to see him to the

wake.

I finally convinced her, and she took me with her.

I remember seeing him dressed up in white from head to toe.

He had his colorful necklaces.

That's what the people that practiced Santeria be wearing.

I was getting like this weird smell that I never smelled before.

It was a smell of flowers.

We rotted me.

...