by Glenn Steel

Created on: September 07, 2007

The Origins of Vodou are clearly known to be Shamanic, extending from the Hunter / Gatherer Societies of Central Africa. Shamanism has a common theme of Ancestral Worship and Respect paid to the Spirits who Guard and Guide the Tribe. From Shamanic Roots, we find an early form of Vodou known as Oshun, which eventually spread to West Africa Prior to European Slavery.

Hiati is now known as being the Home of Vodou as many Haitians have their roots in Slaves taken from West Africa under French rule. Vodou being outlawed within Slavery, had to find a mask if it were to survive oppressive ideologies from Europe. So Catholicism was placed amongst the Lwa or Spirits associated with Vodou. In fact many of the Lwa are known to be of pale skin as opposed to African in their Descent. Erzulie Freda being dusky skinned and resembling an Expensive Parisian Lady.La Sirene the Mermaid, Pappa Legba and others, are known in this form and readily accepted this way by Haitians. Vodou Priestess Mambo Racine Sans Bout also expresses the same view of certain Lwa, which is taught to students of the roots without end society in Haiti. This is what separates Haitians Vodou from African Shamanism, in the Shamanic Rites the Gods are local, of springs, wells and trees along with the tribal Ancestors. While Traditional Haitian Vodou groups the Lwa into families, which represent their evolution from Shamanic Roots. In oshun there is little emphasis on the Petro Lwa or more aggressive spirits, Oshun is more centred upon the Rada or beneficial Lwa. These became the Brothers and Sisters of the Petro Lwa which possibly originated in Haiti as it is believed Vodou freed the slaves. This meant involving Lwa who could deliver retribution, fight on behalf of the Slaves and Provide A Path which would lead away from poverty.

However we look at this subject, Vodou is an Interesting way of life and having attended Vodou services I have seen the Lwa served Vegetables and no animals sacrificed, the Services are Colorful and usually very noisy. If you haven't been why not try it and see for yourself but be warned Animal Sacrifices still take place in Haiti, this again is due to the poverty which remains there and the simple fact that sustainable living is much harder for Haitians than their counterparts in the Dominican republic. In the name of the Ancestors, God and the Lwa, I thank you all for listening.

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