Voodoo is a religion with its roots in West Africa, specifically in the region that is now known as Benin. It has since spread to various parts of the Americas, particularly in Haiti and Louisiana. Central to the practice of Voodoo are its rituals, ceremonies, and beliefs, which often incorporate the use of symbols. The use of symbols is an essential aspect of Voodoo occult practices. These symbols hold deep and significant meanings within the religion, representing various aspects of spiritual and supernatural power. They are believed to serve as a means of communication between humans and the spirits or deities that are worshipped in Voodoo.
Lwa Family: Petro
Other names There are a wide variety of Ogoun aspects, including Ogoun Feray, Ogoun Badagris, Ogoun Balingo, Ogoun Batala, Ogoun Fer, and Ogoun Sen Jacque or St. Legba is also strongly associated with the sun and is seen as a life-giver, transferring the power of Bondye to the material world and all that lives within it.
They are believed to serve as a means of communication between humans and the spirits or deities that are worshipped in Voodoo. One prominent symbol in Voodoo is the veve. Veves are intricate, ritual drawings that are typically made on the ground using flour, cornmeal, or other powdery substances.
Vodoun Symbols for Their Gods
Catherine Beyer is a practicing Wiccan who has taught religion in at Lakeland College in Wisconsin as well as humanities and Western culture at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay.
Updated on July 03, 2019Vodoun religious practices commonly include appealing to the loa (lwa), or spirits, and inviting them to temporarily take possession of (or "ride") human bodies so that they may communicate directly with believers. The ceremonies commonly include drumming, chanting, dancing and the drawing of symbols known as veves (vevers).
Just as specific colors, objects, chants and drum beats appeal to specific loa, so to do the veves. The veve used in a ceremony is dependent upon the lwa whose presence is desired. Veves are drawn on the ground with cornmeal, sand, or other powdery substances, and they are obliterated during the ritual.
Veve designs vary according to local customs, as do the names of the loa. Multiple veves generally have shared elements, however. For example, Damballah-Wedo is a serpent deity, so his veves commonly incorporate two snakes.
of 05Each veve is unique and specific to a particular spirit or deity. These symbols are meticulously crafted and often consist of geometric patterns, lines, and curves. They are believed to serve as portals or gateways for the specific spirit or deity, allowing them to more easily interact with humans during rituals and ceremonies. Another important symbol in Voodoo is the voodoo doll. Voodoo dolls are often associated with harmful or negative connotations in popular culture. However, in Voodoo, they are used as a means of connection or representation rather than for causing harm. Voodoo practitioners believe that by creating and manipulating a doll in the likeness of a person, they can exert influence over that person. The doll is seen as a physical representation of the individual's spirit, and actions performed on the doll are believed to affect the person in real life. Voodoo dolls are typically made using natural materials, such as clay, cloth, or branches, and are personalized with items or personal belongings of the intended person. Candles are also commonly used in Voodoo rituals and ceremonies as significant symbols. Different colors of candles hold specific meanings and are associated with different purposes. For example, red candles are used to represent love, passion, and courage, while white candles symbolize purity, peace, and spiritual enlightenment. The burning of candles during rituals is believed to attract the spirits or deities being summoned and to enhance the power of the spells or requests being made. While Voodoo occult symbols are an integral part of the religion, it is important to note that their interpretations and meanings can vary among different practitioners and communities. Symbols in Voodoo often carry cultural, historical, and personal significance, and their understanding and usage may differ depending on individual beliefs and experiences. Nevertheless, these symbols continue to play a central role in Voodoo practices, serving as channels for spiritual communication, representation, and connection..
Reviews for "Voodoo Occult Symbols: A Bridge between the Known and the Unknown"
1. Sarah - 1/5 - I found the book "Voodoo occult symbols" to be extremely offensive and disrespectful. It perpetuated harmful stereotypes about the Voodoo religion and treated it as something dark and dangerous. The author completely disregarded the rich history and cultural significance behind these symbols and instead portrayed them as tools of evil. I would not recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about Voodoo in a respectful and accurate manner.
2. John - 2/5 - "Voodoo occult symbols" failed to provide any depth or nuance when it comes to understanding the significance of these symbols within the Voodoo religion. The book seemed more interested in capitalizing on sensationalism and the Westernized notion of Voodoo, rather than offering an authentic exploration of the topic. The lack of research and surface-level explanations left me unsatisfied and feeling like I wasted my time reading it.
3. Emily - 1/5 - After reading "Voodoo occult symbols," I was deeply disappointed by the stereotypes and misinformation presented. The book seemed more focused on promoting a sense of fear and intrigue rather than providing accurate and respectful information about the Voodoo religion. The author's lack of understanding and respect for the culture was evident throughout the entire book, and I would caution anyone who wants to learn about Voodoo to look for more reliable and respectful sources of information.