Permalink Reply by Oni on October 18, 2009 at 6:41am
For Vodou: Mama Lola by Karen Brown
Idiot's Guide to Voodoo by Shannon R. Turlington
For Santeria: The Altar of My Soul by Marta Morena Vega
Santeria, The beliefs and Rituals of a Growing Religion in America by Miguel A De La Torre
That said. The traditional way is to have a reading done to see what your involvement is, have a House/Godparents that teach you in person. This is a religion of community, you learn by being there. Personal character means a lot in Santeria, like if you vouch for someone and they are of poor character/behavior that reflects on you to some extent.
Hougan Matt is familar with Voudou in Boston/Mass area and probably more.
I know of some Santeria Houses in DC, VA & TX. Some Botanicas are run by Priests & Priestesses but not all are honest.