~Voodoo~

By: Shyan Chapman 08/20/04

Voodoo is also known by Vodun, Vodoun, Voudou or Vodou. It is a derivative of the world’s oldest known Catholic and West African religions, which have been around in since the beginning of human civilization. Voodoo is a religion in which the worshipers believe in seven Gods, spells and Magic both good and bad in nature.

There are many different types of Voodoo, for example The Voodoo practiced in New Orleans is different then in Haiti.

Voodoo high priests are called Houngan, or if it is a woman, she is called Mambo.

Typical Voodoo ceremonies take place on Saturday nights at a Houmfour (a temple in which there is plenty of room to house sacred relics and large gatherings of people for prayer, incantations and propitiatory libations).

Veves or magical symbols are drawn on the ground by the Houngan that are special to the Loa he wishes to summon that night.