Voodoo
Origins:
It originated in Africa In 1492, when the colonization of Hispaniola began, the slave trade from Africa started as well. The Taino population that lived on the island was brutally murdered in an attempt of colonization, and the conquistadores needed slaves.
Beliefs: Voodooists believe that there is a visible and an invisible world, and they are connected and intertwined: death is the transition from one another.
They recognize one Supreme Being who created the universe, but who is too far away for a personal relationship with its worshippers. Therefore, the cult followers serve the loa to gain guidance for their lives. The loa are the spirits of ancestors, animals, natural forces, and the spirits of good and evil.
Fatalism. The view is that to an astonishing degree the lwa determine out lives. Whatever has happened it is the lwa who have caused it. If one would like to change anything in one's life, from a current illness to the fundaments of the social system, one must ask the lwa.
Priesthood and Rituals: The priesthood is held by both men and women. Their functions are primarily: healing, rituals, religious ceremonies to call or pacify the spirits, holding initiations, telling fortunes, reading dreams, casting spells, invoking protections, and creating potions for various purposes. The use of Voodoo dolls is mostly centered on healing, spiritual guidance, meditation and positive and beneficial purposes. Their malevolent use is considered “Black Voodoo”. It’s not a common practice, but a damaging stereotype.
Altars are very important to celebrate the dead and the lwa
Their hostile use was probably born when slaves wanted to exercise control over their masters.
Structural-functional paradigm:
Healing people
Guide them spiritually
Bring them together (african slaves against catholic masters)
Give them hope
Help in the community (especially now in New Orleans) acceptance of what you have and who you are (fatalism)
