Hi, this is Hougan Brad. I would love to share with you today some of the myths of Vodou you may hear as a non-Haitian and Haitian.
•Myth #1:
Vodou is black magic. It’s the devil.
Answer:
Vodou is not a religion but a lifestyle one that connects us back to our earth based practices, nature and the laws. Hollywood really did a number on people when skewing another cultures practice out of fear, ignorance and control. From my experience, it’s not black magic. It’s balance. It’s life. It’s healing and peace.
Vodou has not connection at all to a “devil” or follow the narrative of such. It’s Spirit-breathed.
•Myth #2:
Voudisants worship multiple Gods.
Answer:
Vodouisants honor one God, Bondye. Whom in this cosmology, is distant and busy. So we then come into contact with these ancestral energies to assist us as the living force or fos of Bondye. We are all Gods children.
*Altar Setup Fig. 1
•Myth #3:
Only the priests/priestess can help or assist others.
Answer:
Being guided and assisted on your journey is a wonderful thing especially if you’re sent to great leadership. But regardless if one is a priest/priestess you can still use your gifts- no matter what they may be or how it looks. Everyone is of value.
•Myth #4
A Non-Haitian can’t be a vodouisant etc.
Answer:
False. The Spirit/Lwa calls whomever they choose and for whatever purpose they choose. As long as one comes respectfully, seeks to genuinely learn of the culture, lifestyle and spirituality—often times you will be given access to these spaces via the lwa and people- not to appropriate nor make a profit. In these spaces you will be called “blan.” It’s not to offend but it just lets you know they mean those of us born outside of Haiti.
These are a few myths that I hear about often. If you have heard of anymore, please comment below!