Why She Traveled to Cuba to Connect with Her Late Mother Through Afro-Cuban Spiritual Traditions

What would compel a woman from Ohio to fly to Havana in search of her deceased mother—three decades after her passing? Meet Rebe Huntman , author of My Mother in Havana: A Memoir of Magic & Miracle , whose powerful story of loss, grief, and rebirth will leave you spellbound. At 19, Rebe lost her mother to cancer. But it wasn’t until 30 years later that her healing truly began—when she followed a spiritual call to Cuba and stepped into the mystical world of Afro-Cuban religions. Through seances, Santeria, and communion with gods, ghosts, and saints, Rebe discovered more than ancestral wisdom—she found her mother again. In this intimate interview, Rebe shares how her journey through Afro-Cuban traditions redefined grief and why these vibrant practices helped her reconnect with what was lost but never gone. This is a story of magic, miracles, and the transformative power of spiritual seeking across borders and beliefs. Ready to be inspired and uplifted? Don’t miss it! WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIMONvLg74M&list=PL7judgDzhkAWmfyB5r5WgFD6ahombBvoh&index=3 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT THINGS LIKE: Navigating grief that resurfaces decades later. Seeking connection with deceased loved ones through spiritual traditions. The power of seances and mediumship in bridging the gap between worlds. The value of pilgrimage as a tool for healing and self-discovery. Creating personal rituals to honor ancestors and maintain connection. How writing can be a transformative act of healing. Learning from Afro-Cuban spiritual traditions like Santeria and Spiritism. Understanding the role of gods, ghosts, and saints in everyday life. Embracing the messy, multifaceted nature of life and identity. Finding joy by confronting vulnerability and accepting imperfection. The concept of becoming an ancestor and leaving a positive legacy. SOME QUESTIONS IRENE ASKS REBE: How did you initially react to losing your mom? What was your relationship with her like? Who helped you speak to your mother from beyond the grave? Share some of the things that you learned from the gods and goddesses of Cuba. What would you like to tell us about your book and about why you created it? You recommend writing as a healing tool. Why? If healing grief offers us the opportunity to keep the dead close, how does it act as an invitation to create space and rituals in our lives? What is the Rebe tip for finding joy in life? --- ✨ Grief & Rebirth: Healing Resources & Tools ✨ 🎧 Irene's Books (Including a Free Audiobook!) They Serve Bagels in Heaven—Irene’s heartfelt story of love and life beyond. Listen Free on Audible as a First Time User: https://amzn.to/4dG4l4w Get the Paperback or Hard copy: https://amzn.to/3XrE995 📚 Embrace Life’s Third Chapter Good to the Last Drop—A powerful anthology on aging with purpose: https://amzn.to/3VJgEa5 🛍️ Healing & Self-Care Picks Curated books and essentials from Irene: https://kit.co/GriefandRebirth 📚 Grief & Rebirth Bookshop Books by podcast guests for healing & wisdom: https://bookshop.org/shop/griefandrebirth 🎙️ Podcast & Community Inspiring stories of transformation on the Grief and Rebirth website: https://griefandrebirth.com 📱 Stay Connected Subscribe to Grief and Rebirth on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSDru2EU1djRZaZxxFkMig?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenesweinberg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IreneSWeinberg TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irenesweinberg 🎥 Irene’s Spiritual Awakening Story Watch how the podcast began: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0mJWKfg5PM 🎙️ Be a Podcast Guest Have a story or healing work to share? Apply Here: https://ireneweinberg.com/be-on-the-podcast/ 📰 Newsletter Get updates, tips, and new episodes by signing up to the Grief and Rebirth Substack: https://substack.com/@griefandrebirth 💖 Affiliate Disclaimer Some links may e