Feb 21 2009
Pagan Paths: Exploring Voodoo, An Introduction
Voodoo is one of the most controversial spiritual paths in existence, particularly for those of us living in the Western world. Originating in Benin, West Africa, it is now practiced, experienced, and noticed in many other areas of the world and in multiple forms. Because it has been spread about, Vodun/Voodoo has changed and evolved as its practitioners have done.
You will note that the below National Geographic video about Voodoo will affirm some common Western stereotypes about Voodoo (chicken sacrifice, spirit mediums). Taking an objective approach and tracing Voodoo back to its origins, I think National Geographic gives an excellent overview of the religion. In particular, the video makes mention of monotheistic worship, also noting the use of spirits to communicate with that higher power.
According to religioustolerance.org, the Yoruba people have been practicing Vodun for thousands of years. This source also categorizes the Western notion of “voodoo” as a separate item, and labels it as false. This source also describes the use of magic or sorcery in Voodoo, particularly as it is practiced in America. The article implies that most Voodoo priests tend to focus on white magic exclusively, though some do in fact practice dark magic or a combination of the two, much the way a pagan witch of any variety could choose to do.
According to Wikipedia,”voodoo” may actually refer to four different paths with some basic commonalities: Vodun (West Africa), Louisiana Voodoo, Haitian Vodou, and Candoble (Brazil). Future blog posts will explore these paths in depth, one by one.
Voodoo paths do have things in common with other branches of paganism, particulary in terms of supersition and practice. Salt is significant in various rituals and supersitions; gender is also a focus regarding luck or fortune. Broomsticks are present in the New Orleans variety of Voodoo as well. While many Westerners find these superstitions bizarre and accuse them of being Satanic, they often don’t mind fairy tales from locations such as Ireland.
It is my belief that Irish and Voodoo supersitions have amazing similarities, and it’s particularly fascinating to observe the way practitioners in Ireland and Lousiana melded together their pre-existing beliefs and Catholicism.
What are your thoughts on Voodoo? What do you think about when you hear it?
