What comes to mind when you think of Voodoo? For most, the word is synonymous with black magic, evil rituals and the spirit world. However, the basic ideals of Voodoo have been warped by the media. Voodoo is a religion (yes, a religion – not some spooky hobby) frowned upon and debased by a huge portion of modern Americans.
In an attempt to clear the tarnished reputation of Voodoo and its followers, here’s a list of some of the things you’ll need to start on your path to Voodoo (and some insight into why it became so taboo).
No, Voodoo is not based on a practice of malice and black magic. Far too often the media has sensationalized Voodoo and put it in a bad light. The ideals of Voodoo are based in goodwill, not evil.
There is no physical handbook of Voodoo beliefs. Instead, Voodoo is a communal act of belief, practice, empowerment and responsibility for one’s actions. By choosing Voodoo as a religion, you do not subscribe to a list of rules but rather the involvement in a community.
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Voodoo has strong roots in medicine and healing through the use of herbs. Healing in Voodoo is not necessarily physical. Marie Laveau, a famous Voodoo priestess, was a hairdresser as well. In that position, she could effectively heal broken hearts and other emotional ailments.
It’s important to understand that the taboo view of voodoo came from years laced with racism and violence. Originating in Africa, the American practices of Voodoo are a cross between Catholic, African and Native American traditions. Since it was practiced by slaves, it was debased and labeled as superstition and witchcraft. When Haitian slaves rebelled, the violence involved in their fight for freedom was attributed to the Voodoo religion rather than a battle for equality. From this sprung the false idea that Voodoo followers are violent.
All of these objects are placed inside voodoo dolls, which are actually meant to be blessings for the people they represent. Stock up on these supplies, so you can send good luck and godspeed to your loved ones.
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This idea goes along with one’s desire for healing. Though violence shrouds the Voodoo history, it is not part of its dogma.
There are actually a large number of parallels between Christianity and voodoo. Even Pope John Paul II accepted Voodoo and said that its premise had a “fundamental goodness,” according to AfricaW. Besides that, they also take a monotheistic angle in believing in one sovereign god. Many figures in Voodoo have similar Christian counterparts as well.
Voodoo is not a practice of devil worship, black magic and hexes. Many times a spirit will only be called upon to aid in healing a person. Though it is true that some voodoo practitioners have used their techniques for evildoing, these are outliers.
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Often times non-voodoo religions are falsely deemed as Voodoo. Examples include Santeria and Hoodoo. Santeria is a Cuban-based religion based on the worship of orishas, which are demi-gods of the Yoruba people. Hoodoo is merely folk magic, not a religion. It includes the use of mojo bags and magical powers and prayer to Jesus. Neither of these are Voodoo, despite media confusion.
Like many other religions, Voodoo is not universally standardized. There are five different varieties of Voodoo, such as New Orleans/Louisiana Voodoo, Haitian Voodoo, West African Vodun, Cuban Vodu and Dominican Vudu.
