Overview
Haitian Vodou is an African diaspora religion developed from Fon-Ewe roots. The term "Voodoo" as depicted in media is a colonial fabrication; practitioners engagement in sophisticated healing, ancestry, and spirit service.
Bondye (Supreme Being) is petitioned through intermediaries called Lwa.
In Practice
Deep Meaning
Bondye and the Lwa Bondye is distant; the Lwa are personality-driven entities who bridge the gap.
- Rada Lwa: 'Cool' healing spirits (Damballa Wedo).
- Petro Lwa: 'Hot' intense spirits (Ezili Danto).
- Gede Lwa: Spirits of death and sexuality.
Syncretism Vodou associated Lwa with Catholic saints — Damballa with St. Patrick. This syncretism is more visible in Vodou ceremony than in Isese.
Spirit Possession Lwa 'mount' practitioners (horses/cheval), providing direct guidance to the community.
Cultural Safety
General overview of theology and structure. Bizango knowledge or initiatic secrets are not included.
Across Traditions
Vodou is Fon-Ewe in origin, whereas Lucumí and Isese are Yoruba. It is structurally distinct but shares the 'service to spirits' model across the diaspora.