Voodoo gods

I know that the loa live in the earth, in the rivers, under the sea, voodoo gods, in the waters of the lake, in the sun when it rises or sets, in the seasons, in the harvests, voodoo gods the smile of the stars…How could they not live eternally in the heart of men?

Numbering in their thousands, the lwa protect, guide, and heal the faithful followers of the voodoo tradition. Voodoo is a religion relatively unknown to outsiders. Perpetually shrouded in mystery, the small, diasporic religion of African origins is more often associated with devil-worship and witchcraft than it is recognized as a religion in its own right. But voodoo and its deities have been undermined and misunderstood for far too long. It is time to make some introductions.

Voodoo gods

The loa, or major divine beings of Voodoo, or Vodun, are spirits who serve as intermediaries between man and Bondye, the supreme Voodoo god. The loa, or lwa, appear in different families, including the Ghede, Petro, and Radha. They are typically considered lesser divine figures, with the supreme god being Bondye, the creator. Enslaved people in Haiti and Louisiana syncretized their loa with Catholic saints , and many of the loa have corresponding figures in Catholicism. They are called upon in ritual by Voodoo mambos or houngan, and are presented with offerings of food and drink before they are petitioned for assistance. In some African traditional religions, the orishas are worked with, in addition to or instead of the loa. The orishas are the human form of spirits found in the Yoruba belief systems. Bondye is the creator god found in the Voodoo religion, and the loa answer to him. The loa serve as intermediaries between man and Bondye, whose existence is far beyond human comprehension. Bondye is essentially unknowable to mankind, and doesn't meddle around in the affairs of mortals, so spiritual work is done with the loa instead.

Long, Carolyn Morrow

Enter the mystical world of Haitian Vodou, where powerful gods reign supreme. From the fierce warrior Ogoun to the loving mother Erzulie, practitioners have revered and honored these deities for centuries. But beyond the Hollywood portrayals of zombies and trance possessions, lies a rich cultural heritage steeped in tradition, ritual, and community. Join us as we go deeper into the fascinating realm of the spirits and discover the true essence of Haitian Vodou. Actually, there are no gods or goddesses in Vodou. There are no angels or demons, either.

The Vodou or Voodoo religion is monotheistic, meaning that followers believe in a single god. In this case, it is Bondye who is also known as "the good god. According to Vodou beliefs , Bondye is the highest principle in the universe and is the creator god. He is responsible for both universal order and human activity. He is the wholeness of the human community and is the origin of all life, which ultimately belongs to him. He is sometimes referred to as "the good god" although there is no corresponding "evil god" in Vodou. Goodness is measured by how much an action increases or decreases Bondye's power in the world. Thus, things such as freedom, prosperity, and happiness that strengthen community and protect life are good, while things that destroy either are bad. The word 'Bondye' is Creole. It is a derivative of the French " bon dieu ," meaning "good god.

Voodoo gods

Haitian mythology consists of many folklore stories from different time periods, involving sacred dance and deities, all the way to Vodou. Haitian Vodou is a syncretic mixture of Roman Catholic rituals developed during the French colonial period , based on traditional African beliefs , with roots in Dahomey , Kongo and Yoruba traditions, and folkloric influence from the indigenous Taino peoples of Haiti. The lwa , or spirits with whom Vodou adherents work and practice, are not gods but servants of the Supreme Creator Bondye pronounced Bon Dieu. A lot of the Iwa identities come from deities formed in the West African traditional regions, especially the Fon and Yoruba. Vodou originated from the Animist beliefs of the Yoruba tribes in Benin. Voudon talks about a whole assortment of cultural elements such as: personal creeds and practices, including a complex system of folk medical practices. Voudon to some is more than a belief but a way of life, including: proverbs, stories, songs, and folklores. There are in total lwa in the Vodou religion, each of them carrying a name and, a specific and exclusive function. For instance, Gede [4] are the spirit of life and death who is assigned to separate the souls and bodies of people when the time comes and also to watch over their graveyards.

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As soon as someone is possessed by her, they are washed and dressed in finery. He is married to another powerful death lwa by the name of Maman Brigitte, but he does not let that ruin his fun- he is still known to chase after mortal women. Interestingly, he is associated with Saint Patrick, who is said to have driven the snakes out of Ireland. Ogun is one of the orisha who come to Voodoo from the Yoruba belief system, and is a god associated with warriors, blacksmiths, and the wheels of justice. He is the god of destiny, honored first at every ceremony, receiving first offerings. Bawon Samdi is known for his mischievous and playful nature, but it should not be taken lightly, as he holds the power of life and death in his hands. Ramsey, Kate Together, Damballa and Ayida are the source of life and wisdom. It is this tearful and sad side of her that allows the women to accept her in her haughty ways. Who Is Papa Legba? At the end the houngan and the possessed alike jump in the fire and stamp it out. Papa Legba walks with a cane, and is accompanied by a dog. But be careful: his gifts come at a steep price, and he won't hesitate to exact it. The lwa are associated with specific Roman Catholic saints. Michel, Claudine

Vodou or Voodoo is a monotheistic religion that is often misunderstood.

He cannot stand being away from water; children who go to fetch water at springs run the risk-- particularly if they are fair-skinned--of being kidnapped to work for him under the water for a few years, gifting them with second sight for their trouble. Services take place near seas, rivers, or lakes. The Structure of the Voodoo Pantheon. Ghede is neither delighted by eroticism, and certainly not shamed by it. Simpson has a fairly informative list of the major loas. In the world of Haitian Vodou, the mermaid goddess of the sea, Lasiren, reigns supreme. He is one of the mythical creatures who once gave assistance to the Ancestor. Dumballah and his wife Ayida, represent human sexuality. Tools Tools. Ogoun is the deity of fire and "metallurgical elements" and red is his color. In the French colony of Saint-Domingue , which became the republic of Haiti in the early 19th century, the diasporic religion of Vodou emerged amid the mixing of different West African traditional religions and the influence of the French colonists' Roman Catholicism. Many of her followers keep their altar to Oshun in the bedroom. At the end the houngan and the possessed alike jump in the fire and stamp it out.