Voodoo (Voudun) ?

[ShadowFox]

I was reading through one of Estariol's blog posts.. It talked a bit about voodoo/voudun. I realized that I am very ignorant of this culture/religion/magick. I wish to know more about it.

Have any of you been in contact with a voudun practitioner? (Estariol I know you have )

What exactly is it all about? Is it really the same as what we've seen in the old movies? Chicken claws, snake heads etc? Tell me what you know about it, I find it interesting.

Also on a note I believe I know something related to it. I've read this somewhere, but it goes like this:

In certain parts of Africa, some communities do not practice any form of capital punishment. When some person commits a capital crime, such as killing another person or sleeping with the chieftan's wife, the community will not lay a hand on him. Instead, the whole community will get together to perform a great ritual known as "voodoo death". Much drumming and chanting is done infront of a campfire and the ritual's sole purpose is to bring about the death of the intended. After the final chant, the whole community becomes silent, and forgets about it. For all intensive purpose, the community considers the person dead. Even his own family will not look him in the eye, or communicate or even give any sign acknowledging his life. He goes about the whole community, and no one acknowledges his existence, even talking to others about him they refer to him as "dead". And almost invariably, the victim develops a weak heart beating very hard; a fever that doesn't go away. He dies, within a span of a few days to a few weeks. With this, the voodoo death is done.

Quite eerie to me. LOL

[Celtaur]

That would be a very difficult thing to experience... nobody acknowledging your existence, those would be very lonely, heartbreaking, depressing days. I wonder if these acts by the community is what actually has the impact of causing death more than the ritual itself. The ritual seems to be more about setting the intention of the townspeople to come into agreement on how to go about existing in the community. If nobody assists you, ignores, you etc, you'd have to always forage for yourself, you'd probably lose your shelter if you were living with family.

Say if the townspeople depended on someone who oversaw the distribution of water for all of the community, and that person was ignoring this outcast when they came to get their water... only a few days later they'd be dead. I think there's a lot of factors that would come into play being completely shunned by your community that works on a physical level. That's why in the event of a catastrophe when a community is completely shut down and out of commission, when people have to forage for themselves and have no knowledge of how to survive in the wild, etc., they are the first to go. There's not much point in living if there's nothing to live for, and certainly this outcast would feel this way. Of course, none of this excuses their acts that got them there in the first place. Has me think about how supportive a prison is for example, providing food, shelter, community, social structure etc. It really goes to show you how much we depend on others to survive. People say they are independent, but truthfully, that's more of a false illusion of self worth... it's nearly impossible to survive without depending on others.

[LadyofBlackLions]

My initiation into the world of voodoo was guided by a medicine woman (referred to as "Ba'hai"), of the Garafuna tribes in Belize.

She explained to me that voodoo was an earth based way of life with many similarities to all indigenous religions and philosophies. The religion of the Garafuna is referred to as "Gubida", which is the knowledge and wisdoms of dreams and possession of the physical body. She explained that the four races of man all retain specific wisdoms and knowing of the "elements", each to be taught and shared through the religions and philosophies of that particular race. Her people, the black race, were the Keepers of Water and the "Akashic Records" pertaining to the element of water are retained and recovered through "voodoo". For your records: The white race are the Keepers of Fire; the yellow race are the Keepers of Air; and the red race are the Keepers of Earth.

The Ba'hai taught me how to connect with my patron master, "The Two Faced One", most commonly recognized as Janus/Jana, the Greek God of Gates and duality. She taught me that in this physical realm, matter (the "concrete") is the reality while in the "Otherworlds", thought is the abstract and vise versa. In the Otherworlds, thought is the reality while the physical is the abstract. The Ba'hai taught me how to "walk in" any realm I choose, at will.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janus_(mythology)

I learned how to see both sides of any given situation and/or set of circumstances, simultaneously. She taught me how to see the "duality" of all things, and how to braid these energy flows with "life force" to return to a non-dualistic state of being. This occurs when I allow Janus/Jana to channel their energies through me and allow them to see through my eyes, hear through my ears, feel through my sense of touch and emotions. I am able to allow any entity who asks to channel through me and walk as "One".

When an entity wishes to communicate I invite them to "walk into" my soul and I can feel their presence in my physical body and other realms of my being. It is essential to note the key word is "invite". Only that which intends to do harm will infringe on One's "free will". It knows it will be invited, and is attracted to "like".

It's a strange feeling at first to experience the world through the eyes of another. It's similar to looking out a small portal window, like you would find on a boat, and I feel the "awe" of perfection the entity is sharing with me, as me. This is that which many misunderstand as "possession". It is, in reality, an altered, elevated state of consciousness.

The Ba'hai also taught me how to hear "my earth song". This is the "tone" or vibrational sound I emit, and by which I am recognized, by all cosmic beings. It is my "name". I reconnected with my true "God" self through this woman's "voodoo" teachings when I ascended back to the 12th dimension, this past January.

May your path always be illuminated,
Brightest of blessings to you and yours,
Lady

http://www.garifuna.com/

[EyeCanBlackStars]

I just heard about this voodoo trick, where you take dna of an enemy and mix it with another polarity from an animal, anything not of it, and if you mix it with different animals, it has a different affect on the other person. It is said to be able to make people go insane. Pretty interesting.

[Celtaur]

I just heard about this voodoo trick, where you take dna of an enemy and mix it with another polarity from an animal, anything not of it, and if you mix it with different animals, it has a different affect on the other person. It is said to be able to make people go insane. Pretty interesting.

This is an example of Voodoo work? Sounds like bad karma to me. Why would anyone want to do this? Why would anyone wish this on another, even to their worst enemies? Why not send out positive energy to raise other people to a higher level of consciousness, rather than focusing on harming another?

[EyeCanBlackStars]

This is an example of Voodoo work? Sounds like bad karma to me. Why would anyone want to do this? Why would anyone wish this on another, even to their worst enemies? Why not send out positive energy to raise other people to a higher level of consciousness, rather than focusing on harming another?

I think it's nearly impossible to answer directly. But indirectly I think it's important for every good person to focus on manifesting good things and helping people that their inner guidance points them to. While bad people should focus on destroying bad people and themselves. That is a good model for growth. And those that oversee the growth lend their protection to innocent and the good and to direct the bad in the right direction.

Voodoo practice is not all bad. Imagine how much insight someone could get from conducting these experiments on himself? It takes a good deal of fortitude and maturity to be able to take it and transcend and conquer the suffering and transmit the gold to others. Ignorance of our earthly origin is not salvation just like remembrance of our heavenly origin is not complete maturity.

[ShadowFox]

This is an example of Voodoo work? Sounds like bad karma to me. Why would anyone want to do this? Why would anyone wish this on another, even to their worst enemies? Why not send out positive energy to raise other people to a higher level of consciousness, rather than focusing on harming another?

The case is usually that they don't care about the karma or believe can escape it. Some magi who fool around with demonic magick think that they are powerful or wise enough not to get burned with the fire that they dabble with. They think that they can evade the heavy karma that comes with these things. Faust was a classic example of this.

I think its not a question of consciousness, as higher consciousness often isn't the objective of some who dabble into the occult. Very few people who ascend the fields of consciousness actually seek the highest level of it. Once they attain some spiritual power over the material, the power tends to corrupt them. Instead of purifying consciousness they seek pleasure and the destruction of enemies.

I think I have a good question for Lady regarding karma and voodoo though.

She explained to me that voodoo was an earth based way of life with many similarities to all indigenous religions and philosophies. The religion of the Garafuna is referred to as "Gubida", which is the knowledge and wisdoms of dreams and possession of the physical body. She explained that the four races of man all retain specific wisdoms and knowing of the "elements", each to be taught and shared through the religions and philosophies of that particular race. Her people, the black race, were the Keepers of Water and the "Akashic Records" pertaining to the element of water are retained and recovered through "voodoo". For your records: The white race are the Keepers of Fire; the yellow race are the Keepers of Air; and the red race are the Keepers of Earth.

Nice to see that someone here has at least some experience in this field.. Thank you, Lady.

What is the difference between "voodoo" and "santeria"? I just want to be clear on it.

What do you think makes "voodoo" different from any other system? I think that very little is actually known on the practice of voodoo for those not brought up in the religion.

Also, many of us who have heard of Voodoo have heard of the cursing practices and such. Do the Voodoo practitioners consider it bad karma to do such things? Is there a personal price to pay when they do these things?

[LadyofBlackLions]

The case is usually that they don't care about the karma or believe can escape it. Some magi who fool around with demonic magick think that they are powerful or wise enough not to get burned with the fire that they dabble with. They think that they can evade the heavy karma that comes with these things. Faust was a classic example of this.

I think its not a question of consciousness, as higher consciousness often isn't the objective of some who dabble into the occult. Very few people who ascend the fields of consciousness actually seek the highest level of it. Once they attain some spiritual power over the material, the power tends to corrupt them. Instead of purifying consciousness they seek pleasure and the destruction of enemies.

I think I have a good question for Lady regarding karma and voodoo though.



Nice to see that someone here has at least some experience in this field.. Thank you, Lady.

Thank you, Shadow Fox. I am greatly honoured that you would consider
my very limited knowledge of voodoo practices as valuable to your research, but I feel I am not qualified to answer your questions with any amount of accuracy or satisfaction. I can, however, share with you, my interpretations and understanding of my experiences as they pertain to my path and life journey. Perhaps you may find some clarity or a new direction hidden within them. So, to that end, shall we explore together?


What is the difference between "voodoo" and "santeria"? I just want to be clear on it.

Before we begin it may be helpful for you to know that I am often described by others as a "hereditary druid", but I comprehend and interpret life experiences in more of a "cosmic" light.
Having said this, I often equate the concept of voodoo with that of druidry. I envision both as a braid. To connect, I braid my hair as I contemplate and shift into this concept. Within the braid of druidry are three accumulated strands of hair - Druids, Ovates and Bards, each consisting of a multitude of individual strands of hair. I equate the practitioners of Santeria with the druidic Ovates - the diviners, the seers, etc. These gifts and powers originate, are accessed, and flow through energies called forth from a multitude of planes, levels and states of consciousness, within the mental, emotional and spiritual realms. Communication between entities is "separate but not apart" and manifests through "the dreamtime"; i.e. visions, dreams, psychic abilities, etc.
My personal experiences associated with voodoo are similar in origin, accessibility, and energy flows but manifestation occurs in the physical realm of the physical vessel/body, ( and is commonly referred to as "possession" or "being possessed"). Communication is established and shared equally in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual realms as "One" entity. I equate this with the masteries of the "Druid" strand within our braid.
I apologize, Shadow Fox, if this explanation is confusing but hopefully a door will open for you and clarity will come.

What do you think makes "voodoo" different from any other system? I think that very little is actually known on the practice of voodoo for those not brought up in the religion.

Firstly, I understand the "secrecy" of voodoo, as I do that of druidry. My ancestry is Celtic - "keltoi" meaning "hidden people". This term "keltoi" was used by observers of the "Druids", another "label", yuck! meaning "knowers of oak; knowers of infinite knowledge", and the peoples/tribes, who followed druidic teachings. An observer, such as Julius Caesar, attempted to describe things they saw but could not comprehend. In their attempts to express in words that for which there are no words to describe, and heavily influenced and guided by the "intent" of said observers, much "misinterpretation" has occurred throughout history. At this time in the evolution of humankind as a whole, we are now able to comprehend and interpret with more clarity, and knowing. So I ask... Just how secret and unknown has it ever been, and how is it still unknown now? To whom? Has this knowledge and wisdom not always been available to those who were ready, willing and able to see it? When one lets go of fear all is revealed, no? When One expresses life experiences through unconditional love one becomes "One" with all things, no? Food for thought, my friend.

As for differences...
On yet another level, that of elements and elementals, the practices of voodoo correspond with the element/elementals of water. To recognize the difference between voodoo, (and it's association with the sacred gift of movement/mobility), and other paths, such as druidry, (element: fire; associated with the gift of "thought"); far eastern paths - element: air, associated with " inspiration/creativity; and those of the paths of the element earth such as the North American Native peoples, associated with the sacred gift of "free will", I compare and interrelate the corresponding elementals of each individual path. Through this study we can easily see similarities and differences within and between all paths. See?

Also, many of us who have heard of Voodoo have heard of the cursing practices and such. Do the Voodoo practitioners consider it bad karma to do such things? Is there a personal price to pay when they do these things?

I am not able to speak for others, my friend. I abide by universal law. All that one puts out returns three fold, and only through the grace of forgiveness is one able to dissolve karmic debt.
I do not judge others. I judge situations and surrounding circumstances only. Then I either accept or reject, then respond. I was taught universal law by my Elders, as follows:

The Law of Forgiveness.
This law works with the energy of allowingness, and seeing all as love, so one may dispense with the unnatural feeling of getting even. The old energy of an eye for an eye keeps the vibrations of a person very low. To forgive, to release old anger, allows the law of grace to intercede and dispense with amounts of karma an individual has stored in his or her akasha. Non-violence is the natural outgrowth of the law of forgiveness and love. All good comes from forgiveness. It is a truth that the continuation of the human species is due to man's being forgiving. Forgiveness is holiness. By forgiveness the universe is held together. Forgiveness is the might of the mighty; forgiveness is quiet of mind. Forgiveness and gentleness are the qualities of the self-possessed, and represent eternal virtue.

The Law of Grace.
This can waive the Law of Karma. When applied, this law allows a person to receive more than one deserves or works for if it is in the highest good for all. When called upon, this law allows the person to send another a healing, to do soul talk, use divine decree, etc. and not suffer the consequences of karma incurrence, or interfere with the receiver's soul plan. The wording to insert in the request is "Under the Law of Grace." Another aspect of this law is to be of higher vibration to consistently live in grace. i.e. A loving person who works diligently sending world healing to Mother Earth and all on her body, and focusing so much on this activity, while shopping she forgets her car meter has expired. In all probability her car will not receive a ticket for this expiration. This condition can not be abused or it will leave.

The Law of Karma.
This is the natural principle of cause and effect. Every cause has its' effect; every effect has its cause. Everything happens according to law. Chance is but a name for law not recognized. There are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the law. It is ever at work with chains of causations and effects that govern all of life and manifested matter. If a person was to follow each chain link of causation, it will be found that it has its beginning and endings in the non material realm, the realm of spirit. It affects the throwing of dice on a gambling table or a rock slide that is caused by rain and wind. Each can be followed and understood to the observing mind which sees the cycles in all things, and realizes that all things follow the Great Law. The law itself is illusive and cannot be proven other than observed with the mind and is used to determine the causations and effects of any event. When this law is used with conscious effort, desired results can be produced in a person's life by steering him or herself along definite paths of causation. When the law is used in an unconscious and haphazard mind, the effects could become potentially disastrous for the individual or group of individuals. So called "accidents" could occur without warning to individuals who toil through life without awareness. We are responsible for the very thoughts that we produce and the final result of our own mental alchemy. Fear is one of the most dangerous mental causation that prevents a person from thinking and acting as the higher self would prefer. The cause of fear is the result of a lack of knowledge about the unknown God which should be the most important educational journey in a person's life. The causation of fear can only be removed through knowledge, wisdom, and understanding Universal Law, the reality that we live in order to produce the desired effects in our lives. The greatest evil under the sun according to Hermes/Thoth, is Not knowing God. In every minute thought, action, and deed that is performed, a person sets into motion unseen chains of causations and effects which will vibrate from the mental plane throughout the entire cellular structure of body, out into the environment, and finally into the cosmos. Eventually the vibratory energy returns to its originator upon the return swing of the pendulum. All this in less time than the twinkling of an eye. Because there are seven dimensions of reality in which causations can occur, we remain unaware of many reasons for effects. By understanding Universal laws we can learn to operate in grace instead of accumulating karma (restrictive). This law is mechanically or mathematically operative; its workings may be scientifically manipulated by men and women of divine wisdom (fully realized). The karmic law requires that every human wish find ultimate fulfilment. Therefore, desire is the chain that binds man to the reincarnational wheel. Karma is attracted only where the magnet of the personal ego still exists. An understanding of karma as the law of justice underlying life's inequalities serves to free the human mind from resentment against God and man.

Thank you for sharing, Shadow Fox. Safe journeys, my friend. May you enjoy today's adventure as it is revealed,
Peace, love and light
Lady

[brifae]

To be officially initiated in voodoo i have heard you must travel to haiti for various plants and reasons, but many other currents exist such as voudoun and hoodoo which i think is related to american santeria, which is slightly different they have slightly different spirits. There are many houses, like lodges and some have different flavors like san palo from south america which has american churches and mixes catholicism and more saints and other houses i dare not mention. It all initially came from africa and is about survival like celtaur mentioned.

Usually you have a spirit called a met tete, or head, and an initiatory spirit may be different, such as legba is a door opener, baron samedi of death and magick, brigette of death magick and life is ghede loa or acestral spirits, ghede are ancestral, and loa are deity level i think and need energy or offering to feed them or to spirits and ghosts to become loa. there are many legends and there legends are teachings some secret. the sigils are used like in ceremonial magick borrowed from their temporary french masters during colonialization in haiti from the grand book grimoire of albert. alot of them use poision in general from the fish in the sea there and sent napolean running, they are also a bastion of strenght against the nwo, there is a myth about a free haiti and a free world. They do astral hunting. It is a strict rule to deny cursing, and have to be paid as the spirits are paid for their work for nothing may be given which is not taken freely, the law of exchange of energy.