Pronunciation: [ˈamans] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "amanse" can be a bit confusing due to its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /əˈmæns/ (uh-man-s). As you can hear, there is no "e" sound at the end, despite how it is spelled. This is because the final "e" is silent. The word comes from the Spanish verb "amansar," which means to tame or calm down. It is often used in the context of horse training or in reference to someone's behavior.
Amanse is a term derived from the Spanish language, primarily used in the Caribbean region, particularly in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. It is a noun that refers to a traditional religious ritual or ceremony conducted by indigenous spiritual practitioners, often known as "santeros" or "santeras."
In this context, an amanse is a form of healing or spiritual intervention. It involves invoking the divine forces and spirits to provide assistance, guidance, protection, or resolution to an individual or a community facing various challenges, such as illnesses, emotional distress, relationship troubles, or other difficulties. The ritual usually takes place in a designated sacred space where the practitioner utilizes symbolic objects, chants, songs, prayers, and sometimes herbal remedies to establish a connection with the spiritual realm.
Amanse is believed to bring about a harmonious balance between the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of an individual's life. It is seen as a means of accessing divine energy and wisdom to support personal and collective well-being. The practitioner acts as a mediator between the realms, channeling and directing spiritual energies towards the resolution of the person's concerns or ailments.
Furthermore, amanse is deeply rooted in African and Indigenous traditions, intertwined with elements of Catholicism through syncretism. It is considered an integral part of the cultural heritage and spiritual practices of Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latinx communities, preserving ancient knowledge and approaches to healing and spiritual connection.
