It is oppressively hot, nearly completely dark, the air thick, smelling of earth and fire entwined. Sudden, fierce movement, and a sea of tiny orange stars bursts forth, scattered in brief life as a high, resonant note sings out into the shadows, echoing, born of metal on metal. Again, that note rings, and again, each … Continue reading Ogou Feray – A Deep Dive
History
Vodou and Catholicism Part Two
In my previous article I took a look at the historical context of Catholicism in Haiti. This is, of course, necessary in understanding its presence and influence in the contemporary practice of Vodou. That being said, Vodou is, of course, vast and varied and it is difficult to make any sort of sweeping statement that … Continue reading Vodou and Catholicism Part Two
Vodou and Catholicism Part One – Historical Context
Preparations have been made. People have assembled. Houngans, mambos, and hounsi, dressed in white, have gathered, and there is a pregnant moment of expectation, a soft and subtle stirring of something, and a knowing that we are about to begin. The fet opens--the words, in French, of the Our Father are chanted, beginning, "Notre Père, … Continue reading Vodou and Catholicism Part One – Historical Context
Lwa and Order 