What is the meaning of Voodoo?

1. Topic: What is the significance of Voodoo Dr. Amos M.D.Sirleaf (Ph.D.)Strayer University P.G. Campus

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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”.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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).

9. 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.

10. Where is Voodoo practiced • Africa • Central North and South America • Haiti • New Orleans • New York City • Chicago

11. 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).

12. 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…