In its African form, Voodoo was called Voudon and it comes from the Fon word for "God" or "Spirit" known as "Iwa".. African Voudon was also a Monotheistic religion, which recognized one Supreme Being expressed in the Natural . Again, respect is key, particularly if youre coming from another tradition and have no African or Caribbean roots. Voodoo is a religion practiced by the peoples of Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria My clients find that the channeled message they receive from their spirits and angels provide extremely helpful and healing guidance. 139-140, Last edited on 29 December 2022, at 08:18, "Pre Adchina Samson Takp, Prtre catholique", Vodn cult and Christian Liturgy. As Voodoo originally is a religion from Africa which came to New Orleans, Louisiana in the early 1700s. She is an elder woman, and usually a mother who is gentle and forgiving. In conclusion, Voodoo remains one of the most prominent religions in Africa. AFKTravel is the only comprehensive resource devoted solely to travel to and within Africa. She is one of the most important members of community. The guiding principle of the Vodn cult is: What you want to do to the inaccessible God, do it to the Vodn (or Spirits), they are his representatives and will give report to him on your behalf. "Historical Dictionary of Dahomey" (Metuchen, N.J: The Scarecrow Press, 1976). Papa Legba is a Loa in the Rada nanchon. When I met an Egungun in Benin, surrounded by excitedly shrieking children, I became the butt of a jibe from beyond the grave; the character quipped, Eh, le blanc (the French-speaking countrys equivalent of hey whitey). Other than research, planning is important when working with the Loa. Also note that my services are based on African traditional healing and psychic abilities, they are not intended to replace medical or legal services which should always be sought from a qualified . The practice is so ingrained in the country that Christians and Muslims are nicknamed 50-50s, as they often follow voodoo in addition to the Bible or the Koran. Katelyn "Kat" Restin, a 19-year-old Virginia woman, was found dead after she allegedly drowned in a bathtub according to one of her friends. Some say the nanchon is derived from the mythical character Dom Pedro, who was a well-known rebel. What does it mean if Baron Samedi approaches you first? Much has been written about Black Churches and the African religious traditions of the diaspora. The moment she steps off the bus in the French Quarter, she gets the feeling shes being followed. Sycretization is the blending (or disguise) of one religious belief/custom with another. Egunguns converge on the Voodoo Festival there in January, while another fascinating Beninese spot is Abomey. You can work with their Saint forms, as well. [14], About 17% of the population of Benin, some 1.6 million people, follow Vodun. With one of the pantheons of spirits, who perform a variety of functions in the universe. Comparison in a Christian perspective". Vodun (meaning spirit in the Fon, Gun and Ewe languages, pronounced [vod] with a nasal high-tone u; also spelled Vodon, Vodoun, Vodou, Vudu, Voudou, Voodoo, etc.) For this reason, they are known as the hot Loa and may act fiery and war-like. I chose the economy option, as the fee seemed to have more to do with the quantity of sodabe (moonshine) I would have to ply him with, and he sent me to buy a parrots plume and a small bottle of perfume. Updated on August 17, 2018. Given voodoos sinister undertones (thanks to its representation on film), encountering the religion in situ can be a powerful experience. Read books. In the same way some musicologists believe the music that gave rise to the blues crossed the Atlantic from the banks of the River Niger to the Mississippi: on the slave ships. Ogun, a deity who is followed by blacksmiths, hunters, warriors in Yoruba . If youre just beginning to work with the Loa, start with Papa Legba as he is the gate-opener and one of the cool loa. Vodou and Voodoo arose from the days when the African slaves were brought to the New World against their will. Louisiana or New Orleans Voodoo which originated in Louisiana and most often includes the use of magic. [16] However, because the Vodun deities are born to each clan, tribe, and nation, and their clergy are central to maintaining the moral, social and political order and ancestral foundation of its village, these efforts have not been successful. This Afro-Caribbean religion mixed practices from many African ethnics groups such as the Fon, the Nago, the Ibos, Dahomeans, Congos, Senegalese, Haussars, Caplaous, Mondungues, Mandinge, Angolese, Libyans, Ethiopians, and the Malgaches. The Loa which translates into les lois or laws are worshipped and served via food, advice and gifts. The vodun are the center of religious life. This is how medicines such as herbal remedies are understood, and explains the ubiquitous use of mundane objects in religious ritual. These spirits, like Papa Ghede, guide us to the afterlife. It would be like asking the White Buffalo Calf woman to aid your workings when you know nothing about the indigenous tribe who honors her. Both, however, can be traced back to early African magical practice. We are the authority on African travel information, advice, bookings and reviews on destinations from Cairo to Cape Town. Voodoo and Vodou grew out of their will to survive and keep their home customs. While hes known to be a jokester, he is also benevolent. Know exactly which nanchon and Loa youre working with and what their traits are, whether benevolent or mischievous. The Rada nanchon is considered the cool Voodoo spirit family. He is the son of two major Voodoo spirits: Dangabala Wedo and Ayida Wedo. The word "voodoo" comes from the West African word "vodun," meaning spirit. The divine Creator, called variously Mawu or Mahu, is a female being. As a trickster and a destroyer of life, Met Kalfu is probably not the first Loa to seek assistance from. They will then join their clan's convent to pursue spiritual instruction. They often are boisterous and have wild party-like personalities. Adherents also emphasize ancestor worship and hold that the spirits of the dead live side by side with the world of the living, each family of spirits having its own female priesthood, sometimes hereditary when it is from mother to blood daughter. Throughout the region, voodoo (originally known as vodun, which means the hidden or the mystery, and sometimes now spelled voudoun) influences every aspect of life the way people do business, divvy up food, haggle over bush taxi fares, socialise, and perceive the world around them. [13] According to him: Vodn cult is monotheistic-polylatric: that means there are many different mediation cults around a single recognized God. The entities that inhabit a fetish are able to perform different tasks according to their stage of development. Sakpata: Vodun of the Earth, Xvioso (or Xbioso): Vodun of Thunder, also associated with Divine Justice,[3] Agbe: Vodun of the Sea, G: Vodun of Iron and War, Ag: Vodun of Agriculture and Forests, Jo: Vodun of Air, and Lgba: Vodun of the Unpredictable. For other uses, see, West African Vodn cult and Christian Liturgy. We will describe them briefly below. I liken the Loa to angels or guardians. Print. University of Chicago Press. It is also a responsibility to take care of your loved ones, and the travel. 391417. Erzuli Dantor is the Black Madonna, etc. He instructed me to sprinkle some on my face and arms to travel safely. Thanks to its portrayal on the silver screen, voodoo has become a maligned and misunderstood religious practice. Consulting the priest normally involves a trip to the fetish market with a list of the ingredients he needs to make a gris-gris (talisman or charm); rather like visiting the chemist with a prescription from the doctor. Vodun altar with several fetishes in Abomey, Benin. I grew up in south east asia, in a Catholic country. Now, in Voodoo, they would not be referenced by the Greek and Roman names, but they have more general titles. Take a trip to New Orleans and learn from a vodoun himself. The more you learn about the spirits of Voodoo, the more you will understand how they can help you in your life. Ouidah was the final stop on African soil for slaves sold across the Atlantic by the Kings of Dahomey the fearsome, human-sacrificing rulers immortalised in Bruce Chatwins novel The Viceroy of Ouidah. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . In Africa today, voodoo is an animist religion with plenty in common with the indigenous beliefs found across the continent. Southern Spirits brings the ghost-voices . Specifically, they are objects inhabited by spirits. They are typically considered lesser divine figures, with the supreme god being . Legba is the mediator between the Loa and the Great Master Spirit (God), as well as between us and the Loa. The Voodoo spirits of the Petro nanchon are wilder and more apt to mischief and malevolence. Voodoo is performed with some instruments such as herbs, stones, and candles. Amen. At the 10th Jubilee Conference of Junior Theologians and Doctorals Students that took place on 28 February 1 March 2020 in Eger Hungary[12] Adechina Samson Takpe gave a lecture on the topic "West African Vodn Cult and Christian Liturgy. In addition, the New Orleans Voodoo tradition works with some spirits that might not have a traditional Nanchon (family) including Marie Laveau, Dr. John, and Black Hawk. Guarding spirits as they cross into the spirit realm is Papa Ghedes responsibility and he does it with a laugh and a smoke. In addition, many of the 41.5% of the population that refer to themselves as "Christian" practice a syncretized religion, not dissimilar from Haitian Vodou or Brazilian Candombl; indeed, many of them are descended from freed Brazilian slaves who settled on the coast near Ouidah. Vodou, Serving the Spirits. Some are easier to approach and work with than others. There are other families of Voodoo Spirits that we wont detail here including Igbo and Kongo, both heavily revered in Haiti. A Loa is a Voodoo spirit that aids the practitioner in life, including with success, sexuality, spirituality, protection, healing and even in death. You must show respect and reverence to call on the Voodoo spirits. Popoola Printers. An introductory song may go something like this: Legba, open the gates for me So that I may go through Upon my return I shall greet the Lwa Voodoo Legba open the gate for me So that I may come in. This section lists the distances from Ancn (Panam, , Panama) to the nearest regional cities. The Rada nanchon are the first to be called upon during ritual and are the oldest Loa from Africa. Or in some cases, just violent spirits. Set up an altar to honor that particular Loa with their colors and offerings before ever calling on them to aid you. Truly any liminal deity bears keys of some kind, including: Minerva, Hermes, Papa Legba, and [], [] The Loa: Voodoo Spirits and How to Approach Them []. Let me try and help you with love spells, traditional healing, native healing, fortune telling, witchcraft, psychic readings, black magic, voodoo, herbalist healing, or any other service you may desire within the realm of African native healing, the spirits . Papa Ghede is the Loa or Voodoo spirit of death. Men in this state do genuinely speak with an unnerving, otherworldly voice, and touching them or looking into their eyes is supposedly fatal. [10], All creation is considered divine and therefore contains the power of the divine. They are Voodoo spirits that watch over the graveyards and the dead. Legba is often represented as a phallus or as a man with a prominent phallus. And at that time Catholicism was a prevalent religion in New Orleans. Other popular loa, or spiritual entities, include Azaka who rules over agriculture, Erzuli has domain over love, and Ogoun who is in charge of war, defense and who stands on guard. Benin, called Dahomey until 1975, was West Africa's main slave-trading hub in the 19th century. In short, Met Kalfu is no Voodoo spirit for a witch to summon haphazardly. Happenings in Africa. They are also referred to as mystres or the invisibles and they act as intercessors between Bondye the supreme creator and humanity. And Vodou which has roots in Haiti and is most often considered a religion. This is vitally important because marketplaces are the focal points for gatherings and social centres in their communities. Understanding West African Traditional Religion. 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According to census data, about 14 million people practice traditional religion in Nigeria, most of whom are Yoruba practicing If, but no specific breakdown is available. With its countless deities, animal sacrifice and spirit possession, voodoo . Ojo, J.O. 0 replies on African Voodoo (Voudon) Explained, Black Madonna: Symbol Of Ancient Egypts Immaculate Conception. If youre white. According to Suzanne Preston Blier, The man following her is the Voodoo spirit Papa Ghede. [9] Dan, who is Mawu's androgynous son, is represented as a rainbow serpent, and was to remain with her and act as a go-between with her other creations. Familiarize yourself with the Voodoo culture. 1996 p. 39. New York: (The Rosen Group, 1988). Elements of the West African religion survived slavery [1] and . voodoo and summon an African spirit known as Papa Legba. Michelle notices someone is following her a tall black man with a top hat and sunglasses who smells of cigar smoke and rum. Every traditional Voodoo ritual invites Legba into the circle first, as he opens the gates at the crossroads for the others to come through. In the past when the men of the villages would go to war, the Queen Mothers would lead prayer ceremonies in which all the women attended every morning to ensure the safe return of their menfolk. In its African form, Voodoo was called Voudon and it comes from the Fon word for God or Spirit known as Iwa. She is honored on many altars and shrines through New Orleans. However, as an Oral Tradition, it can be said that African Voodoo probably originates and mirrors more closely Nigerias Ifa Oracle which remains an Oral Yoruba Tradition that also includes Divination to this day especially because most of the people that were enslaved were taken from West Africa after the 15th Century in the period when the indigenous African Religions practiced at the time were The Ifa Oracle and Voudon in its original African form. It is a syncretic religion, meaning it combines elements of two religious belief systems: Catholicism and West African Vodun. They were forced to adapt their captors religions, yet they didnt give up their own. Vodun (meaning spirit in the Fon, Gun and Ewe languages, pronounced[vod] with a nasal high-tone u; also spelled Vodon, Vodoun, Vodou, Vudu, Voudou, Voodoo, etc.) The Rada nanchon includes Papa Legba, Marassa, Ezili Freda, and Lasiren. Benin holds its annual voodoo festival -- an event that lures an influx of visitors to the capital Porto-Novo and underscores voodoo's comeback in the countr. In Haitian and Creole voodoo specifically, there is a unique set of practices and spirits that are followed in the religion. Priestesses, like priests, receive a calling from an oracle, which may come at any moment during their lives. Herskovits, Melville J, and Frances S. Herskovits. In 2016 the use of the word Voodoo in pop culture has been done to death ad nauseam.While the name is derived from the African Fon language ('Vodun' meaning 'spirit') and has a definite cultural and historical lineage as a form of African traditional spirituality, the word has been appropriated as a label for sports teams, concerts, chicken wings and doughnuts. The loa, or major divine beings of Voodoo, or Vodun, are spirits who serve as intermediaries between man and Bondye, the supreme Voodoo god. But those who dismiss vodouisants and their traditions as sorcerers or satanists are woefully unaware of the religion's rich culture and folklore. Its heartland is amongst the Fon people of the Dahomey Kingdom who live predominantly in what is now southern Benin. There are two major forms of Voodoo. The Loas within this nanchon are strong spirits and are mostly benevolent to their followers. When he appears, Papa Legba manifests as an old man with a cane, sometimes guarded by a dog, wearing a straw hat and smoking a pipe. . The Loa are divided into groups or nations known as Nanchons. is a religion practiced by the Aja, Ewe, and Fon peoples of Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria. Ajayi, J.F. It does have a dark side, of course market stalls in Benin and neighbouring Togo sell voodoo dolls riddled with nails. rutials ceremoniess and spells and each Loa colors and there type of offerings to give them you know what Im talking about everything get back with me when you get a chance Peace, [] some people believe Marie Laveau is one of the Lwa (Loa) in Voodoo tradition. (This does not count other traditional religions in Benin.) (1999). Voodoo is a religion relatively unknown to outsiders. Known as the youngest son of Mawu, he is the chief of all Vodun divinities;[7] in his Diasporic portrayal, Legba is believed to be a very old man who walks on crutches. . The Essence of Voodoo. "Thousand Years of West African History" (Ibadan: Ibadan University Press, 1967). Dahomean Narrative: A Cross-Cultural Analysis. Most of the components of the Christian liturgy can find their corresponding elements in the Vodn cult: Fa-oracle and interpretation vs Christian liturgy of the Word, presentation of the offerings vs Christian offertory, rite of kola nuts vs Christian communion, blessing of the Bokonon (Vodn priest) vs Priestly blessings, chants and dances to the praise of God or of the deities vs Christian praises. This tradition is often met with suspicion, primarily because in European and Euro-American Christian . In addition to its countless deities, animal sacrifice, spirit possession, and voodoo as it's known to the rest of the world. Vodun is practised by the Ewe, Kabye, Mina and Fon peoples of southeastern Ghana, southern and central Togo, southern and central Benin and . In Haitian Vodou, male priests are called houngan and female priestesses are called mambo. If you try and work eith him. Solitaires tarot cards and the demonic Baron Samedi, rising from a grave during an unholy ceremony, are as memorable as Roger Moores first outing as James Bond in Live and Let Die. Perpetually shrouded in mystery, the small, diasporic religion of African origins is more often associated with devil-worship and witchcraft than it is recognized as a religion in its own right. is a traditional organised religion of coastal West Africa from Nigeria to Ghana. She is also seen as the god who owns all other gods and even if there is no temple made in her name, the people continue to pray to her, especially in times of distress. The Anu: First Settlers Of The Nile Valley In Egypt. As a result, the success of the Haitian Revolution has been attributed to the influence of African Voodoo as a Unifying Principle that strengthened the Haitian resistance in a manner that other subsequent Slave Revolts like the Nat Turner Slave Revolt could not achieve because other Slave Revolts in North America were based entirely on the foreign religion of Christianity which was not strong enough to unify revolting Slaves in the United States. It involves the veneration of Saints and the Loa (Voodoo spirits) and the use of folk magic (called Hoodoo or rootwork). He offered me US$5 and US$10 options, saying the price dictated the concoctions potency. This is one of the most misunderstood religions on the globe. Hoodoo, on the other hand, is a set of skills used in folk magic. So how did voodoo reach Haiti, Cuba et al? Yes they can. African Voudon was also a Monotheistic religion, which recognized one Supreme Being expressed in the Natural Metaphysical and Physical Forces of Life which the Africans represented symbolically as Deities or Angels. In Africa today, voodoo is an animist religion with plenty in common . The Fairest Cape: A Guide to Cape Town, South Africa, Castles, Churches, Tombs and Other Treasures of Ethiopia. [15], European colonialism, followed by some of the totalitarian regimes in West Africa, have tried to suppress Vodun as well as other traditional religions. Unless you study and/or have been initiated into the Voodoo tradition and or you have roots in Haiti, I recommend approaching the Loa from the Rada nanchon long before you approach the Petro Loa. West African Vodun. These Voodoo spirits have roots in Haiti. Dont expect to live out your Indiana Jones fantasies at the latter, although an attendant may drape a sleepy python around your neck for a photographic opportunity. Decalo, Samuel. His personality is jovial and whacky. For our intents and purposes, we will heavily focus on Louisiana (New Orleans) Voodoo in this post. Communication and good relations with the ancestors, who live in a spirit world ruled by the supreme deity Nana Buluku and twins Mawu and Lisa (voodoo reveres twins), is seen as the key to a healthy, prosperous life. [15], In Togo, about half the population practices indigenous religions, of which Vodun is by far the largest, with some 2.5 million followers; there may be another million Vodunists among the Ewe of Ghana, as a 13% of the total Ghana population of 20 million are Ewe and 38% of Ghanaians practice traditional religion. In addition to being the Voodoo spirit of death and graveyards, he is a spirit of sexuality. The sacraments and sacramentals also find their similarities in the Vodn cult: First step of the initiation ritual vs Baptism, complementary initiation stages vs Confirmation, reconciliation celebrations and cleansing rites vs Penance, traditional care vs. Christian anointing of the sick, ritual marriage vs Church wedding, Vodn priesthood vs Christian priesthood, amulets vs Sacramentals, etc. In one tradition, she bore seven children. The basic principles for the indigenous African Religions of Ifa and Voudon practiced during the time Africans were enslaved to the Americas were probably derived from the more Ancient Metu Neter Oracle which continued to survive in different forms in the indigenous African Religions of Ifa and Voudon that were practiced by Africans before they were enslaved by the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. You can []. [8] Being old he is seen as wise, but when seen as a child he is one who is rebellious. , 1958. "Demoniacal Possession in Angola, Africa". While it certainly encompasses spirits (of . In New World Vodou, the spirits (or lwa) with whom believers interact are divided into three main families, Rada, Petro, and Ghede. As is the case with the Greek gods. Music has also got in on the voodoo act, for example Jimi Hendrixs Voodoo Child (Slight Return) and Dr. Johns New Orleans blues records such as Gris-Gris.. The Voodoo was interfused with Catholic practices. This page was last edited on 29 December 2022, at 08:18. If you plan to invite the Loa into your rituals or work with them in your witchcraft, do thorough research first. Every year, about 10,000 Ewe and Fon slaves were shipped to the Americas, where their religion fused with Catholicism and took the form that has inspired Hollywood treatments. African American Spirituality has taken diverse forms over the years. A few years later, Im still travelling safely with that little bottle in my bag. The loa, or lwa, appear in different families, including the Ghede, Petro, and Radha. Vodun is an ancient religion practiced by some 30 million people in the West African nations of Benin, Togo and Ghana. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); To learn more about the Otherworldly Oracles website Privacy Policy, visit our Privacy Policy page here. AND how to respectfully approach them no matter your tradition. In the Voodoo tradition, the African slaves brought to Louisiana and the Caribbean against their will were forced to adapt their captors religions one of which was Catholicism. He bridges the gap between God and humans, in many ways similar to Jesus Christ. Why is Shaq now distancing himself from crypto after promoting one just a few months ago? . Vodou or Vodn (meaning "spirit" or "god" in the Fon and Ewe languages of West Africa) is a blending (syncretism) of African religious traditions and Catholicism. One of the most popular religions still practised even today is voodoo. 35. Be respectful and put in the time and effort. He is testing you. Papa Legba is the guardian of the crossroads between the spirit world and the human world. If you dont understand the history of Voodoo/Vodou, then the Loa will not respect or understand you. In the United States, Vodou religious ceremonies are often performed in private community settings where spirits manifest by "mounting" practitioners. One must understand the origins of the Petro Loa in that they came forth to guard and protect the African slaves brought to Haiti against their will. Recently there have been moves to restore the place of Vodun in national society, such as an annual International Vodun Conference that has been held in the city of Ouidah, Benin since 1991.[17]. Voodoo is a religion and a magical practice (depending on who you ask) that originated in the Caribbean Islands and Louisiana, U.S. Mawu, the moon goddess, provides the cool of the night, peace, fertility, and rain. To give this in a summed aspect, a proverb says When Lisa punishes Mawu forgives.[6]. In a Beninese village where fetishes and dolls adorned every house and shop, I asked a priest for a travellers fetish. In this article we look at the basics of Voodoo spirits known as the Loa. However, for millions of Africans, voodoo is less about skullduggery than about showing respect to their ancestors. The notion of organized religion introduced to Africa is a hot debate. Before the introduction of Islam via traders along the African coast and Christianity through missionaries, Africans practised traditional religions. Nevertheless, due to fundamental differences, the aim here is not to compare or equate the two rites or cults each is unique in its own way and has its profound meaning in its context especially for its particular adherents. Each and every one MUST be approached with a humble respect and working knowledge. There is no inkling whatsoever of voudou there but it just struck a chord with me to learn about it and here we are. Every year, about 10,000 Ewe and Fon slaves were shipped to the Americas, where their religion fused with Catholicism and took the form that has inspired Hollywood treatments. It is therefore a question of examining if these similarities can inspire or provide the basis for a fruitful inculturation, which on the basis of innovative hermeneutics, makes their differences obvious and at the same time lays bare the fertile bridge between them. Can you teach me the full process of working with the Loa dealing with The Barons lead this nanchon including Baron Samedi, Kriminel, and Maman Brigitte. Just like the Deities of the Metu Neter and Ifa Oracles, the African Voodoo Deties or Angels also represent the Primordial aspects of Nature like Earth, Fire, Water and Air in a manner similar to the Ancient Egyptian Deities Shu, Geb, Nut and Tefnut who are the first 4 Children from the The Supreme Being that also represent the 4 Elements of Nature that are the determinants of the Reality we experience in our Universe. is a religion practiced by the Aja, Ewe, and Fon peoples of Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria . 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This may explain why Voodoo in the Americas and the Religions of Ifa and African Voodoo it was based on used some of the same Iconography such as Snake symbols which were originally conceived and used in Ancient Kemet. Michelle left him an offering of cigars and rum before she left New Orleans, and consequently, upon re-visiting never saw him again. Eventually, after various incantations in front of a fetish shrine, the priest presented me with the perfume bottle, stuffed with mysterious herbs, rags, and that red plume. You fail hus test, How can I attract in life or other ways talk to them in spiritual. The line between voodoo and juju (witchcraft) is blurry, and the latter does give rise to some heinous behaviour. He is feared by the other Loa. To help you plan, we offer hotel and restaurant reviews, articles, and advice from seasoned travelers. (1995) pp. By showing respect to spirits in such a way, Voodoo practitioners also underline their cultural background which is based on the worship of nature. Want to discover the finer side of Africa? The town was the seat of the Dahomey dynasty and you can tour their centuries-old palaces and temples, which are slowly crumbling into the dusty lanes. Know what offerings they prefer and colors. Fetish shrines stand guard outside family compounds, topped with animal skulls and littered with offerings such as food and palm wine. The Nanchons of Loa are families of Voodoo spirits, some originating in Africa and others in the New World. Preparation of a bat at Akodessawa Fetish Market for Voodoo rituals, This article is about the West African sub religion. As someone whose life is dedicated to solving challenges brought to me by different people from around the world, I often find myself having to explain a few issues about African voodoo spells.The reason why these spells, whether they African voodoo love spells or African voodoo revenge spells are so controversial is that they are some of the most . These loa were discovered or created when slaves were forced from Africa to Haiti. In Togo, there is an impressive fetish market on the outskirts of the elegantly decaying coastal capital, Lom. If you know a Voodoo priest or priestess, ask them for their advice on rituals. For example, Papa Legba is also portrayed as Saint Lazarus or Saint Anthony. Prior to Bakongo people coming to the United States and enslaved on plantations . Therefore, Papa Legba is a well-known Voodoo spirit to call upon when opening and closing rituals. When you work with the Loa, youll notice many of them are syncretized with a Catholic Saint. Elements of the West African religion survived slavery[1] and evolved into the current forms of religions with similar names that are found in the New World among the African diaspora in the Americas, such as Haitian Vodou; Louisiana Voodoo; Cuban Vod; Dominican Vud, Venezuelan Yuyu, and Brazilian Vodum (Candombl Jej and Tambor de Mina). Comparison in a Christian perspective, Kiss Gbor (ed), Abstracts of the 10th Jubilee Conference of Junior Theologians and Doctoral Students, Eger, 28 February 1 March 2020, Traditional Religion in Africa:The Vodun Phenomenon in Benin, Vodou-related Rara festivals in Haiti and New York, Spanish police pull pin on voodoo sex slave ring, For those who fight sex-trafficking, dark rituals compound the problem, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=West_African_Vodun&oldid=1130251526. Strangers are allowed to worship only the spirits of the standard pantheon. While African Voodoo can be defined as the African Religion that originated in the West African Kingdom of Dahomey in modern day Nigeria and Benin, its important to remember that African Voodoo is itself based on the Kemetic Spirituality from Ancient Egypts Metu Neter Oracle. Voodoo is a mix of a couple systems, including Catholicism, indigenous African beliefs, Native American and European. Akyea, O.E. [4], The Creator embodies a dual cosmogonic principle of which Mawu the moon and Lisa the sun are respectively the female and male aspects, often portrayed as the twin children of the Creator. [5] Lisa is the sun god who brings the day and the heat, and also strength and energy. As mentioned before, each Loa has preferred colors, offerings, and prayers. As the mediator between the spirits and the living, Dan maintains balance, order, peace and communication. The people were too strong to let their indigenous beliefs go completely, otherwise Voodoo wouldnt be a modern religion or practice. The March des Fticheurss tables and mats are piled with grisly items such as porcupine skins, snake heads and monkey skulls; if you go shopping, check you are not buying an endangered animal part. Dancing Voodoo in Nigeria. Benin, called Dahomey until 1975, was West Africas main slave-trading hub in the 19th century. Marie Laveau: 10 Ways to Work With the Voodoo Queen, Key Magic, Myth and a Lock & Key Spell for Protection, 8 Money Spirits & How to Attract Money Spiritually by Working With Them. The Queen Mother is the first daughter of a matriarchal lineage of a family collective. A few years ago, a Nigerian lynch mob demanded the police incarcerate a goat, which they believed to be a shape-shifting car thief. Vodn cult is set on the background of a dialectical panentheism, that means everything is included in God and has their being in Him, however there is a strict distinction between God and the creatures. The origins of Afro-Christianity began with Bantu-Kongo people in Central Africa. She will lead the women of a village when her family collective is the ruling one. She holds the right to lead the ceremonies incumbent to the clan: marriages, baptisms and funerals. Some continue to practice indigenous religions in conjunction with Christianity and Islam. Scroll through to learn more about 6 of the most revered spirits that are sacred to Haitian and African voodoo: Related stories This content creator went from just 11 views to working with Oprah . Petro loa demand difficult and dangerous blood sacrifices above all else. In addition, African Voodoo applied the same underlying principle in conceiving of the African Voodoo Deities not as actual Physical Gods, but as mere expressions of the Cosmic forces of Nature in the Moral and Physical planes of the Universe in the same way as the Deities of the Ifa Oracle and Ancient Kemets Metu Netu Oracle in the Ancient Egyptian Tree Of Life represent the Metaphysical Aspects of Nature such as Thought, Creation, Karma, Justice, Will, and Fertility. I believe this is why witches outside the constructs of the Voodoo tradition are sometimes approached by the Loa. Why African Voodoo Spells The Most Powerful. The Moral teachings and life lessons of African Voodoo were preserved and transmitted in an Oral Tradition which also included Divination. Vodun, Voodoo or Vudun ( spirit in the Fon and Ewess, pronounced [vodun] also spelled Vodon , Vodoun , Voudou, Voodoo etc.) Haitian Vodou (Religion) Haitian Vodou is known to the world as an African Diasporic Religion that grew in Haiti during the sixth tenth and nineteenth . The term "Voodoo" comes from the term Vodou which translates to "God" or "spirit", which came . Vodun cosmology centers around the vodun spirits and other elements of divine essence that govern the Earth, a hierarchy that range in power from major deities governing the forces of nature and human society to the spirits of individual streams, trees, and rocks, as well as dozens of ethnic vodun, defenders of a certain clan, tribe, or nation. Both these African Religions were Monotheistic believing in One Supreme Being expressed as the Neteru Deities like Ausar (Osiris) in the Metu Neter Oracle and the Orisha Deities like Ogun in the Ifa Oracle. I believe one of the Lwa appeared to me, but Im hearing conflicting information about wether or not they show up to outsiders of the religion. The term Voodoo comes from the term Vodou which translates to God or spirit, which came from Benin, Africa. Fetish objects are often combined in the construction of "shrines", used to call forth specific vodun and their associated powers.[11]. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. The markets are stacked with animal parts from monkey testicles to bat wings, thunderstones and other curios. There is also an underlying philosophical framing underpinning Vodun which, according to Suzanne Preston Blier, who undertook a year of research in 1985-86 in Abomey and the nearby area, highlights the importance of remaining calm in contexts of difficulty and in life more generally. Iwa can be viewed as forces of nature, but they also have personalities and personal mythologies. However, in Black churches it is called touched by the Holy Spirit, in Voodoo ceremonies African spirits mount or possess participants, but the response of possession is the same. pg. The family god and honour their chief god . Even outside the world of B-movie zombies, voodoo is often seen as a nefarious practice and commonly associated with the Caribbean and the American south. Only blood relatives were allowed in the family convent; strangers are forbidden. Vodun means, the idea of staying close to a water source, to not rush through life, to take time to attain tranquility. Her interpretation stems from two area diviners who maintain that its origins lie in the phrase rest to draw the water, from the Fon verbs vo to rest, and dun to draw water, the stoic suggestion of the need for one to be calm and composed in the face of adversity. Voodoo calls upon a specific set of deities and spirits, and is an actual religion. Most markets in Togo and Benin have a section devoted to fetishes, while the latter country has some famous sites such as Ouidahs Sacred Forest and Python Temple. The African roots of Voodoo may stretch back over 6000 years, making it one of the world's oldest ancestral traditions. Ive been approached by two Loa and Im not exactly sure what to dobecause of Covid I cant go to New Orleans, and I cant really find any local voodoo practitioners or even very many sources beyond academic articlesdo you have any books or forums or something that would be helpful? Many Voodoo followers consider this religion a way of life and a way to preserve cultural heritage. By clicking on the appropriate links, you will get a route between Ancn and neighboring major cities (national and transboundary). You can follow the slaves footsteps on the Route des Esclaves, a 4km track from the Portuguese fort to the beach, lined with fetishes and monuments and concluded by the Point of No Return memorial. But, sometimes, they may reach out to those they feel they could teach. So dont play around with the Voodoo Spirits theyre as powerful as the archangels. S.O. "Ewe." and Espie, I. Less, however, is available on the subject of Black magical spirituality, as exemplified in Hoodoo, Conjure, Rootwork, and Candle Burning. In the African voodoo spells ceremonies, believers will join together in order to connect with loa. The high priestess is the woman chosen by the oracle to care for the convent. In Michelle Belangers Haunted Experiences: Encounters with the Otherworldly, she tells an intriguing story about a trip to New Orleans. People are blaming her death on her practicing Haitian Vodou summoning spells. [2], Patterns of Vodun worship follow various dialects, spirits, practices, songs, and rituals. Educate yourself. Suzanne Preston Blier, African Vodun: Art, Psychology and Power. Restin died two days after she claimed that Although I tried to calm myself with the rational thought that I was simply exploring another culture, I was seized with concern that I was meddling with an African art that could alter my very karma. African Voodoo can be defined as the African Religion that originated in the West African Kingdom of Dahomey which is in modern day Nigeria and Benin.. Countries like Benin, Togo, Ghana and Nigeria and the African diaspora including Haiti, The Dominican Republic, Cuba, Brazil and America consider voodoo as part of their spiritual existence. African Voodoo gave African Slaves a continuous sense of Identity and connection with their African Homeland. 27606804550-mama-zamie-a-sangoma-traditional-healer.business.site ((+27606804550)) USE POWERFUL UNSEEN FORCES TO TRY AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE. As I sat waiting for my charm, I grew increasingly nervous. Petro: (also seen as Petwo). Voodoo is a mix of a couple systems, including Catholicism, indigenous African beliefs, Native American and European. This cult aims at capturing all visible and invisible forces, in order to bring everything into harmony and strengthen the vital force. Because we have one foot in this world and one foot in the spirit world, its common for witches to see spirits from the Voodoo tradition and beyond. 36. Perceived similarities with Roman Catholic doctrines such as the intercession of saints and angels allowed Vodun to appear compatible with Catholicism, and helped produce syncretic religions such as Haitian Vodou. One of the cornerstones of Voodoo is the Loa. Ive already identified who they are, and Im a bit clueless at what to do now. It is interesting to observe that the African Vodoun Theology mirrors very closely that of the other Ancient Nile Valley Religions of Africa like the Metu Neter Oracle fromAncient Egypts Story of Creation and Nigerias Yoruba Ifa Oracle. One of the best voodoo spirits names. These include being the spirit of love, the spirit of the sea, and the spirit of healing, respectively. The 8 Most Important Voodoo Gods. While often associated with countries like Haiti, Voodoo, or more properly, 'Vodun', is very much a West African religion, that ended up in the Caribbean for, uhm, obvious reasons. The untimely death of Restin is confirmed to have occurred in April of 2020, however from there . These rumors claim she tried to summon an African spirit using the practice of voodoo, and subsequently died after being visited by Papa Legba - a Haitian deity associated with serving as an intermediary between the spirit world and the human world. Many of us would be frightened if followed by a Voodoo spirit of death, but maybe we shouldnt be. Papa Ghede is often pictured smoking a cigar, wearing sunglasses, and donning a big smile. Voodoo is performed by priests or healers. Voodoo spirits in the Petro nanchon include Met Kalfu and Ezili Dantor. Vodun talismans, called "fetishes", are objects such as statues or dried animal or human parts that are sold for their healing and spiritually rejuvenating properties. A common way of communicating with the dearly departed is by entering a trance and becoming possessed by a spirit a powerful example of which is the cowrie shell-masked figure of the Egungun. In Voodoo, the world is comprised of many spirits, both those of the . African Voodoo can be defined as the African Religion that originated in the West African Kingdom of Dahomey which is in modern day Nigeria and Benin. The Ghede Loa are made up of spirits who have lived human lives before. In fact, the religion began on the stretch of West African coastline that runs from Nigeria to Ghana via Benin, where its still the dominant religion. It is also an oracle that will designate the future high priest and high priestess among the new recruits, establishing an order of succession within the convent. The Loa or lwa are the spirits served in this religion. The movie industry has harnessed the religion for its own sensationalist ends, casting it as a sinister force in celluloid classics such as Curse of the Voodoo and Hoodoo for Voodoo. They are the ascended souls of warriors, slaves, and houngans (voodoo priests.) In modern days, however, some family members to enter what is described as the first circle of worship. [] just like Hecate. He approached me when I was a child and I was not aware of who he was at the time. It is only through contact with Legba that it becomes possible to contact the other gods, for he is the guardian at the door of the spirits. You wouldnt talk to Michael the archangel with disrespect, would you? Once the spirits have been beckoned, the Vodouisants dance, hoping to be possessed or "mounted" by the lwa. p. 63. They take part in the organisation and the running of markets and are also responsible for their upkeep. Entering such a trance is normally the role of the priest, or juju man, who has an important place in the community for his ability to contact the dead. Journal of African History. It involves the veneration of Saints and the Loa (Voodoo spirits) and the use of folk magic (called Hoodoo or rootwork). 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