Topic: What is the significance of Voodoo Dr. Amos M.D.Sirleaf (Ph.D.)

Strayer University P.G. Campus

What is the meaning of Voodoo?

• The word Voodoo means “Spirit”.• A person who practices Voodoo

communicates with spirits. This is also, Black-African’s Scientific, Tradition, Cultural Philosophy.

Spirits

• Agwe: spirit of the sea • Aida Wedo: rainbow spirit• Ayza: protector• Baka: an evil spirit who takes the form of an

animal• Baron Samedi: guardian of the grave• Dambala (or Damballah-wedo): serpent spirit• Erinle: spirit of the forest• Ezili (or Erulie): female spirit of love

Spirits continued…..

• Mawu Lisa: spirit of creation• Ogou Balanjo: spirit of healing• Ogun (or Ogu Bodagris): spirit of war• Osun: spirit of healing streams• Sango (or Shango): spirit of storms• Yemanja: female spirit of water• Zaka: (or Oko): spirit of agriculture• Magic: spirit of spells

History of Voodoo

• Voodoo is a religion originated in West Africa.• Voodoo was brought to Haiti by slaves.• Most aspects of the religion are positive and it

affects all aspects of a person’s life, such as mortality, economics, relationship and health issues.

• Vodun is another word for Voodoo.• Vodun means “spirit”.

History continued……• Vodun can be traced back to the Yoruba people of

West Africa.• Vodun was suppressed during colonial times. White

people destroyed the Black African believes systems, and utilized it for themselves.

• Many priest were killed or imprisoned, and their shrines destroyed, because of the threat they posed to Euro-Christian.

• Vodun has been freely practiced in Benin since a democratic government was installed in 1989.

• Vodun is the official religion of Benin starting in Feb 1996.

What are the beliefs of Vodun?• Vodun practioners worship the Loa (spirit).• The word Loa means “mystery” in the Yoruba language.• Yoruba’s believe in a chief god named Olorun, and a

lesser god names Obatala.• Vodun believes in a higher power just as the Roman

Catholics. • The Loa’s (spirits) resemble Christian Saints.• Vodun believes in the afterlife.• Gros bon ange meaning “big guardian angel”.• Ti bon ange meaning “ little guardian angel.

Voodoo Rituals and Ceremonies

• Purpose to make contact with spirits.• Escape bad fortune.• Celebrate healing, birth, marriage, and death.• Voodoo priest are both male and female.• Male ( hungan).• Female (mambo).• Voodoo temple (humfort).

Components of a Ritual or Ceremony

• A feast• Creation of veve (pattern of cornmeal of flour to

represent the loa)• Shaking of rattle, beating of drums.• Chanting.• Dancing by the houngan or mambo and hounsis.• Animal sacrifices (goat, sheep, chicken, or dog).• Individual possession.

Where is Voodoo practiced

• Africa• Central North and South America• Haiti• New Orleans• New York City• Chicago

Demystifying the beliefs about Voodoo

• All Voodoos are not evil. Like the Bible, you can use it to your benefits

• Voodoo dolls are evil ( not heard of in the original Voodoo in Haiti).

• Human sacrifice (goes against Voodoo moral code).

• Voodoo is not sorcery, but a religion.• Voodoo is only practiced for evil, no Voodoo is a

active energy.• Black Magic ( depends on the person’s intent).

Conclusion

• In conclusion Voodoo is another form of Spirituality, religion, Meditation, that holds a significant purpose in today’s society. Whether or not one chooses to believe it represents good or evil is a personal decision one must make for themselves. All things are relatively evil or all things are relatively good. From a personal perspective, Voodoo is a spiritually necessary practice…