Thanks, Destee for your kind words.
This isn't a new problem, of course. Religions are always a part of the culture that produces them. We are a long ways from Yorubaland. Many have gone to Africa for initiation, which is a wonderful experience, but then what? So it is difficult to be an adept in the Diaspora. Because of the nature of our ritual, money can be made in its commodification. Herein lies the source of so many charlatans.
Another problem lies within ourselves as Americans. You don't have to be initiated to worship. Yet, everyone wants to be initiated as a status symbol of sorts, and there are plenty of people who will gladly take your money. Initiation will not fix your life. It will only provide you the courage to make the changes within yourself that need to be made. Your ancestors are your best defense, and you don't need an initiation, or to spend a lot of money, to put together an ancestral shrine and connect with them.
If you feel drawn to the Orisa, where do you go? Wherever you end up, look at that person and analize their character - the central tenet of our religion is iwa pele - good character. I know that Chief Fama -
ileorunmila.com - is of good character. she has written books. Awo Falokun -
awostudycenter.com - is of good character. He has also written several books. However, books will only get you so far. You have to find a "house" or "godparents" who can teach you. So, back to square one. Also, there are variations in the Diaspora. Cuban Santeria, rejected by most African-Americans because of its mixing with Catholiscism; Lucumi, also Cuban but without the saints; Brazilian Candomble, which is closer to the traditional (some would say even more traditional) Yoruba; Haitian Vodun (In Cuba there are also "paleros" which is not Yoruba but Congo-Algerian. Same in Haiti); Puerto Rican style, which is more focused on ancestor worship, and of course, There are Iles - "Houses" here in the U.S. founded by African-Americans - Oyotunji village in South Carolina for instance.
If you are drawn to the Orisa, you should first of all get a reading done by a reputable santera, iyanifa or babalawo. You could get in touch with one of the folks mentioned above, and maybe they can hook you up with someone in your area. Or, ask around, investigate, and surely there is someone of good character in your area who can do a reading.
You will find a much more believable, beautiful, and complex theology than the silly, shallow nonsense that Christianity has been reduced to at the hands of the European. If you are drawn to Christianity, then at least go to its root - Ethiopia, and find the truth. Ase.
"Character is Destiny. Destiny is Character"