Voodoo is a lot of things. It is exciting, it is a mystery, it is a way of life. The problem is years of racism and oppression have created a series of negative stereotypes that are as rampant as ever. We have lost great houngans and mambos like Max Beauvoir, Zora Neale Hurston, and others, and yet we are left with new-found ignorance and marginalization. There is the case of New Orleans Voodoo and also Haitian Vodou where these stereotypes are accepted fallacies about these sacred traditions. Let’s examine the most offensive assumptions, one at a time.
- Voodoo is Evil and Negative Dark Magick– This ridiculous belief won’t die. Some Wiccans who have been discriminated against and persecuted, still can’t see past their own witchy noses … not a week goes by where I don’t come up across this misconception. I even had an event organizer this week question wether or not we should use the “scary” word Voodoo in my biography. I’m seriously scratching my head.
- Voodoo has Zombies– The recent passing of Max Beauvoir, Vodou priest, has left me thinking again about zombies and their bizarre and erroneous connection with this religion. This was a cause that Beauvoir, as a scientist and a priest frequently addressed. Yet the ignorance persists…
For those who would care to witness this nonsense in action, here’s a clip from the popular television game show Family Feud with Steve Harvey. Mr. Harvey’s response is priceless.
- Voodoo has Dolls – Don’t get me wrong, dolls certainly can and are used for magickal purposes, but this is not founded in Voodoo tradition.
- Voodoo is Demonic Possession– A lot has been written and said lately aboout the topic of spiritual possession. Diana Paxson’s recent book the Essential Guide to Possession, Depossession and Divine Relationships, asks many of the tough questions and starts at providing an understanding of this sacred phenomenon. Voodoo possession is very different than the Hollywood concept of losing oneself to the devil, in reality it is a blessing for all concerned and can bring great healing and insight.
- Voodoo is Dead, False, or Non-existent. I guess some people just live in a cave. Obviously regular readers of this blog know that Voodoo can and does manifest in all it’s glorious forms in many different places. One of my spiritual teachers likes to remind us that “Voodoo is about healing.” Healing for mind, body, spirit, and soul through a deep and respectful harmony with the elemental forces of nature who manifest as Lwa, or Loa.
Please do your best to learn the real truth. Many of these arguments remind me of the racist drivel that first occurred surrounding Jazz and then Rock and Roll music. Time has proven those to be false, and hopefully people will seek better answers about what these religions are. I have been struggling against these misconceptions for decades. If you can, please be sure to like and share this post with those who may not understand , in the hopes that we can all have a better tomorrow.
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