Principles, History & Gods

Voodoo History

Basic Principles Background

The word 'vodun' — the Haitian word 'Voodoo' comes from the African Fon Language which is still spoken today in Benin. Vodun means "divinity" or "Idol".

The history of voodoo does not start, as many people believe around 1500 AD in Haiti, but about 15,000 years before Christ in Africa. Thus, the real source of voodoo is the Egyptian pyramids. These people would later come to be called 'Yoruba'. They were slaves to the Pharaohs and Kings. These people were later released however they never forgot the unbelievable things that they saw. They had a profound admiration for God and desired to know him.

At that time the Yoruba people crossed from Egypt into Africa, using a route which crossed over into Afica from the Nile and into Niger. In this area of today's Nigeria, at that time, dwelled a culture called the 'Nok'. Between 200 and 500 BC, The Yoruba

met the Nok and the two cultures slowly began to merge. Under the leadership of the Yoruba king Oduduwa, the people of Yoruba settled down in the city of Ile-Ife, which was considered a holy city by the natives. Descendant of this nation conquered large areas and laid the foundation of the Yoruba kingdom and spread voodoo through all of his conquered lands.

In 1492 AD Columbus discovered an island, known today as Haiti, which he named "Hispaniola". Very quickly, the settlers discovered the sugar cane and tobacco, the benefits of cotton and agricultural wealth of Hispaniola. The original inhabitants of Hispaniola, proved to be poor slaves, and very susceptible to diseases. King Charles V of Spain ordered the deportation of 15,000 blacks from Africa to meet the demand of the Spanish colonists in Hispaniola. As indeed belonged to many but not all, of the black slaves of the Yoruba ethnic group, soon began to merge cultures and religions, and laid the foundation for today's voodoo.

Ask a hundred different voodoo priest about voodoo and you will get a hundred different answers.

Today it is estimated that from the 16th to 19th century nearly 12 million people were deported from Africa. Of the survivors a little bit more than forty percent presumably went to the Caribbean (Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica), possibly also many to Brazil, approximately five percent to North America and the remaining in Spanish, French and Dutch South America. Therefore Haitian voodoo developed, the Cuban variation of Voodoo Santeria as well as the Brazilian variations of Voodoo Candomble and Umbanda.

In the historical consciousness of the Haitians Voodoo has an extraordinary meaning and as well played a role in Bois Caiman, and in the ensuing revolution. This has made the voodoo into a kind of national religion of Haiti. Thus today Voodoo has a certain military symbolism, which is not found in other Afro-American religions.

voodoo history

In 1996 Voodoo became an official national religion in Benin. April 4th 2003 opened yet another new chapter for the Voodoo religion. Voodoo was made the official religion of Haiti. Priests and priestesses in Haiti now have the same rights as their Catholic counterparts. They may perform formal marriages, baptisms and conduct funerals. A few years ago Voodoo was recognized by the pope as a separate religion, because Voodoo priest have healed so many people and their healing power has become very well known.

Do you have a feeling that voodoo can help you? You can speak about that with us!

Voodoo Magic

White Magic

The principle of Voodoo Magic lies in the connection with Gods (Loas) and spirits. Voodoo Magic is about worshipping of these Gods, spirits and ancestors.
Voodoo priest makes connection with Gods and spirits through performing magic rituals and prayers. But his role is not just to make this connection, but also to win God's favour and this way to motivate this strong entity to help. Voodoo priest goes into the trance state of mind, makes the contact with the chosen God or spirit, communicates his/her desire and brings back the information, what is needed to do (including what sacrifices are needed to bring).

Majority of people considers voodoo magic as something dark, negative or even diabolic. This image is not what Voodoo really is. There are many people, whose lives has been saved through voodoo healing rituals! If Voodoo Magic is used with the right intentions, it can bring to people love, health and much more.

In our voodoo practice, we perform voodoo magic through prayers to God and to the beings of Light, so that we preclude all negative influences.

Voodoo has been here for ages. It is strong, universal power, which needs to be used in a responsible way, to the welfare of all people. Then, it work properly. For us is work with this power a tool, which transforms the intention into reality of our material world. The intention has to be absolutely clear, and magician has to be able to target it precisely, so that desired result is achieved. We can compare it to the work with the laser beam. Because laser beam is also the power of light transformed and concentrated.

The one, who know exactly, what he wants and why, and who really works on himself, such person will achieve everything what he wants. Also things, which seemed first unbelievable!

In this central core of voodoo worship is Loa (god, divine being, good spirit), Oracle, ancestral worship and reincarnation. Heaven and hell do not exist in Voodooism. Why? In Voodoo they believe in reincarnation. The deeds of a person influence his next life. Someone who has been a good, honest and faithful person has the chance to ascend to Loa. Thus they are given not only the power and influence but the opportunity to shape the world. If the person has not behaved well and was angry the person will be again born as a human and begin a new life cycle. He again well have every opportunity, but all the temptations from before well still threaten and entice him.

If the person was not good in their life it is possible that in his next life he will be punished by Loa. This could be a spiritual or physical impediments. However the belief of voodoo involves primarily light punishment for offenses. However, serious offenses will be punished with misfortune or illness, or the rebirth as an animal. If the person was particularly bad, they can be reborn as Diab, as a demonic creature that only aspires to harm the living or dominate you. Voodoo believers believe that Loa as well as Diab are Omnipresent. Therefore both take part in ones everyday life and are informed about all actions and misdeeds of believers.

The Trance state in Voodoo

Rhythm and possession.

Rhythmic drumming is the important part of voodoo rituals and celebrations. It is used to attune oneself to a chosen Loa (Deity), but also to attract desired situations and results. Every Loa (Deity) has the own rhythm. This rhythm doesn't have to be just played on drums, but it can be created by clapping, singing or reciting. Rhythms and recitations are adapted to the qualities of a chosen Loa.
One can communicate with Loas or spirits and receive their answers only in the altered state of consciousness. This is achieved through a dance, which can help to put the rational mind aside and to come into ecstasy.

When we are dealing with such practices, we should ask a question, what is the difference/ where is the border between voodoo ritual possession and psychological disorder?
The difference is in the personal control of the process. If a person is able to control it with his/her will, that means to control the moment of beginning and to give it also the end, then it is ok. But if someone cannot sleep, because s/he can hear a voices in his/her head, then, things are not under the control and one should search for a help. This border is sometimes very thin and playing with things without proper preparation and knowledge can be dangerous.

Voodoo dancing and singing make the bonds between people in a community stronger. It can help people to get practical counsels for their problems- how to decide in certain situation, how to be healed or how to balance love life… But it should not substitute the personal growth and development, because taking counsels from others can make us less responsible for our own lives!

Loa Rada and Loa Petro

Voodoo gods

Voodoo folloowers divide godly creatures into loa Rada and loa Petro. It is not such a strict division as between angels and demons in Christian religion. Loa Rada were working on the creation of the world, on making rules and life-keeping. Here are the gods like Loco (god of woods), Agwe (god of sea), Erzulia (the goddess of beauty). Some gods belong to both groups. Legba (god of crossroads), can be invoked as loa Rada to bring the wealth but also as loa Petro to cause a disaster. Loa Petro are a group of demons that are called mainly to cause destruction. The bond of African traditions with cults of native Indians living in Haiti made Voodoo in Haiti a very dangerous practice in terms of harmful rituals. Invocation of any loa Petro always means risking damage of body and soul! Therefore we want to warn those people, who are not prepared for such act, against such action.

Loa Rada

Legba or Elegba, Eshu, Ellegua.[Papa Legba]

God of crossroads, singer, fighter, fool, guardian of the door into the spiritual sphere - he appears as either a child or a hunched old man (old man with a crutch).

In Haiti voodoo Legba is worshipped in two different forms: as a child or as a hunched fragile old man. Both these forms express his speed and unpredictable behaviour. He is seen as a cheater but also as a messenger of destiny. He is a rebellious child and a wise man at the same time. In some myths Legba is a thief as he has stolen the secrets of gods and gave them to people.

Every ritual starts with invoking him and ends by saying goodbye to him. This is because he is the guardian of the door, therefore the contact with him enables better communication with other gods. During the ritual he is acting as a messenger of gods as he is translating the words of gods (ghosts) into human language. Those who died can return back to the world of living people if they obtain Legba's blessing.

veve_legba

Shango or Xango, Chango [Nago Shango]

God of fire, fighter, judge, lord of the lightning and thunder - brave, healthy looking man.

Initially Xango was worshipped by Yoruba tribe in Nigeria. Althoug he belongs among seven most powerful loa, he is not invoked in Haiti as often as other gods. He was born as one of the gods of earth and lived as a king of Oyo land on the earth with people.

Today he is worshipped as a god of justice. On the home altar Shango is symbolised by double axe or ram's horn. Invocation of Shango can help with legal proceeding or it can give more power and courage.


Oshun or Oxum, Ezili, Erzulie [Erzulie Freda]

Goddess of love and power of creation, abundance and passion - beautiful, seductive young woman.

Oshun is African Venus of Afrodite. She is the beauty, sensuality and love. Erzulia is a lady of visual arts and her attribute are jewels. She spreads the joy of life and passion. She heals diseases with cold water upon which she rules. Her generosity feeds the hungry. She spreads universal abundance so that everybody can enjoy the beauty of creation.

Careful, though, she is also a mother of witches and she colours herself with the blood of her enemies, she is the ruler of a vulture.

veve erzulie

Oya or Yansa, Aida-Lenso, Olla.

Goddess of wind, fire, water and rainbow; ruler of the nature, fighter - courageous, beautiful, passionate and unpredictable.

Oya is a goddess of sudden change. Her energy is shown also in the destructive power of wind storms, floods and earthquakes.

The Power of Oya stems in her speed and her ability to change things immediately.


Yemaya or Imanje, La Balianne [Yemalla]

Goddess of the sea - motherly, she gives nutrition, loving and desirable.

Yemaya is a ruler of the sea and personification of female power. She is watching all the powers that give nutrition and food and she takes care of female affairs. Yemaya protects child in the womb and also protects home. She has the powers to nurture and to destroy. Her task is constant renewal. In many countries people celebrate her on the days of full moon.


Obatala or Oxala, Batala, Blanc Dani

Goddess of heavens, personification of creative energy - old with white hair, kind and extremely powerful.

Obatala is goddess of creation of Yoruba tribe. Her/his name is the word for god as such. Obatala is man and woman at the same time. He/She is direct descendant of the highest and onmipresent god Oludumar. He/She personifies highest ethical principals such as justice, wisdom, abilities and generosity. He/She brings wealth and well-being to people, heals the most serious or even deadly diseases. Obatala is constantly trying to create therefore always fights for protection of sources and nature.


Ogun or Ogum, Ogu [Ogoun]

Wild man of woods, god of iron and smithery, protector of wealth and work, peaceful and dangerous man.

Nigerian god Ogun transforms wild forests into new land for gods. He uses machete and axes for making way through the woodland, thus he is called a god of pioneers and "The one who prepares the way“. Ogun teaches people how to use knife for self-defence in the jungle. He teaches the smith craft, he helps people to build houses for shelter. He is the father of civilisation and technology. According to the legend he was initially crowned as a king, but once people learned everything from him, he returned the crown and left for the forests.

veve ogoun

Agwe or Agwe-Taroyo

God of waters, lord of the seas, handsome, proud, he likes order, he takes care of his look.

He has strong character and tasks. He protects all the animals and plants and he preserves the harmony in nature. He is often compared to European god of sea, Neptune, from whom he probably took the trident as an attribute.

Agwe is called to calm the waves of the sea or ensure happy sailing, but mainly he is worshipped by those who fish and whose life depends on the life in the waters. People under his protection will never drown and water will never harm them.

veve agwe

Damballah or Aida-Wedo

Primordial god, god of snakes, he has a form of snake, he is universal power, protector of trees and waters- vivacious, strict and brave.

Damballah is a primordial and constantly renewing creature. He is the protector of universal knowledge, he is the original creative power (energy).

Veve Dambalah

Loco

Another primordial god is Loco. He is the spirit of vegetation and male form of plants. According to the legend he was the first priest, who transformed from a human being into a loa. Therefore he is the intermediary between people and gods.If Loco appears at a ceremony, he could be recognised by a gnarled stick that he always carries with him or by his companion who always smokes a pipe and always accompanies Loco.

Veve Loco

Simbi

He is the loa of white magic. Simbi is depicted as a green snake and he is very wise. A person obsessed b y Simba is turning like a snake and is attracted by the water, because he is more than Damballah depending on the element of water. Simbi is also providing certain connection between people and ghosts, because among voodoo people the mythical other side is deep in the sea.

Veve Simbi

Petro Loas

Symbol Petro

Symbol Petro has only dark character. It represents aggressive side of voodoo. As sacrifice is given goat’s blood for example.

Baron Samedie and Guede

Barons are gods of death and cemeteries. The most powerful is baron Samedie. He appears as a thin black man wearing a hat and holding a walking stick in his hand. Baron La Croix appears as a skeleton, he answers all the questions with sarcasm and he scares by his chilling look. Baron Cemetiere Boumba has sinister look and his frightening behaviour evokes fear. The colours of barons are black and purple. All the rituals have to be done at night-time at a cemetery. The most suitable sacrifice offers are coal, black candles, purple flowers or stones, but also rum and black chickens.

Veve Baron Samedhi

Marassa

The speciality of voodoo is the worship of twins. They have an important meaning that has been transferred from African tradition. Special attention that is paid to live and dead twins has its roots in the veneration of godly twins: Mawa and Lisa. They symbolise active male and passive female energy, they personify the sun and the moon. Together they create a hermaphrodite (bisexual) god that symbolises inseparable divine unity. Twins, especially if it is a boy (Dossou) and a girl (Dossa) are considered as their earthly delegates. The birth of twins is in every case associated with a number of problems as they are seen as exceptionally powerful creatures. They are foreseen as difficult, impulsive, sensitive and malicious (mischievous, vicious) beings. In everyday life it is recommended to deal with both children the same way, as they react in a very sensitive way to any differences made between them. Families with twins often suffer diseases or bad luck, which is explained among voodoo people that the family did not complete the duty to Marassa.

Veve Marassa

More about Candomble (Voodoo) and the unity of religions.

Recommended reading:

Heike Owusu - Voodoo rituals - backgrounds, practices and safeguards
Papa Sangha - practice of voodoo - Magic
Papa Sangha - Voodoo practice - new techniques, rituals and practices of the Voodoo
Papa Nemo - The path of Voodoo - From the basics to practice
Astrid Reuter - Voodoo and other African-American religions
Gert Chesi - Voodoo in Africa
Kenaz Filan - Vodou Love Magic: A Practical Guide to Love, Sex, and Relationships
Kenaz Filan - The Haitian Vodou Handbook: Protocols for Riding with the Lwa

Voodoo Soul

Ancestor worship in Voodoo

So if a family member dies but still exists in material form, then there is no reason to not talk further with this family member and ask for help and advice from them. As a payment for their assistance sacrifices must be made and their graves kept in order, so you can remember them more. While ancestors are considered not as powerful as Loa, they have some knowledge and a certain power to influence the future and fate of their offspring.

Soul in Voodoo

Voodoo believers understand the soul not as a compact unity, but divide it into two parts, the Ti-bon-ange (vital spark and conscience - Voodoo) and the Gros-bon-ange (the individual and immortal soul, also can be equated to the ego. After physical death it returns to the underworld of the minds). Together these parts form the mind and the soul of a living person.

The Ti-bon-ane is of the unique vital spark of a person, without him he cannot live. If a person dies, the Ti-bon-ange goes to Dahome (Vodooistische On the other side), remains with the forefathers and becomes one of them. The Gros-bon-ange is unique and the mind of a person. As soon as a person has passed away, and his Gros-bon-ange was long enough with Dahome, his Gros-bon-ange is born again and receives a new Ti-bon-ange in the birth. Thus, it is absolutely logical for Voodoo believers to talk to their ancestors and ask them for advice and help, even if they have been deceased for many years.

Bon Dieu

Bon Dieu is the universal power and primordial God. He created all the original deity's and is the epitome of universal power. He gave the deity's order in power in the world. His word is law, even for the deity's. Believers of Voodoo almost never contact Bon Dieu directly, it is the job of the Diety's to take care of the worries and concerns of believers.

Mambo and Oungan

No problem is too small to be presented to the Gods and spirits: Be it love, pain, or financial worries, the academic difficulties of children, conflicts with family or at work, especially health emergencies - a Mambo (Chief Priestess of Voodoo) or an Oungan (Senior priest of Voodoo) will be ready to ask the deity's (Loa or Loa's) for their council and support. The role of the Mambo and the Oungan is therefore, less compared with that of a priest or pastor in the Christian churches.

Mambo and Oungan in Voodoo devote themselves, primarily, to the practical "life help" and are more healers than priest and the Voodoo "temple" more "advice centers" than law. A lot of Mambo or Oungan offer regular "speech hours" during which they question the deity's about the problems which are reported to them. Behind his is the belief that disease, but also all other kinds of hardship and adversity, are consequences of disturbed relationships in the spiritual realm. At the same time one believes in Voodoo that the responsible spiritual forces can be identified and be influenced in favor of the believer.

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