What Do The Seven Pins Mean In Voodoo Symbology

Symbolism is an inherent characteristic of all magickal systems, mystical practices, and religions. As such, knowledge is power. In addition, there is positive and negative in all magickal systems - good and evil, black and white, light and dark, love and revenge, right and left. While Hollywood and the mass media have inaccurately amplified the negative aspects of Hoodoo and Voodoo and thus perpetuating its traumatic origins in this country, Voodoo priests and priestesses work primarily with the right hand (for good). Hoodoo root doctors, as they are called, will often work with both hands.However, all healers must have an intimate knowledge of both sides of the coin for without this knowledge, it would be impossible to define the light.

Numbers and colors are at the core of Hoodoo and Voodoo symbology. It is hard to definitively say where the importance of the number seven came from. The number seven is integral to many Native American belief systems, representing the seven sacred directions, and it is commonly known that much of Hoodoo and Voodoo came from the indigenous knowledge of the healing plants and herbs in ritual and healing practices. In addition, it is believed that the availability of the Jewish menorah candle holders were widely available and purchased by practitioners and ultimately the use of seven candles, seven colors, and the number seven in general were incorporated into the practice.

If you research the topic at all, you will find discrepencies into the meanings of the seven colors. I am offering one interpretation of the meanings of the seven colored pins found in new Orleans Voodoo. Note that this interpretation is based on right hand Voodoo practice.

Symbolism of the 7 pin colors:

yellow - success
white - positive
red - power
purple - spirituality
green - money
blue - love
black - repelling negative energy

Books You Might Enjoy:

Arthur Edward Waite - The Secret Doctrine In Israel.pdf
Sekhet Sophia - The Alexandrian Book Of Shadows
John Dee - The Hieroglyphic Monad Latin Version Second
Christopher Siren - Sumerian Mythology Faq

Voodoo Magic Spells

The word Voodoo, which has many different names and spellings (like Vodun, Vodou, Voudou, Vudu, Vodoun) is the name of a West African religion. Voodoo is animist and spiritist, and a lot of Voodoo beliefs have to do with ancestor spirits. Some of it is based on Catholic beliefs, but most of Voodoo is from the Fon, Ewe, and Yoruba peoples. The word vodun is the Fon-Ewe word for spirit.

In Voodoo many gods and spirits are prayed to or called on. Both spirits of nature and of dead people are important. The spirits of family member who have died are especially important. Voodoo often has rituals with music and dancing. Drums are used to make most of this music. In Voodoo people often believe that a spirit is in their body and controlling the body. Having a spirit come into is wanted, and important. This spirit can speak for the gods or dead people you love, and can also help to heal or do magic.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Leo Ruickbie - Halloween Spells
Simon - The Necronomicon Spellbook
Anonymous - Hypnotism Spells
Anonymous - White Magic Spells

Voodoo Beliefs And Practices

Louisiana Voodoo is a conglomeration of beliefs that has evolved over time and continues to adapt to its surroundings. As it has been a religion conserved by oral tradition, has no sacred book or canon and is followed by many, the beliefs of Louisiana Voodoo vary somewhat from person to person. Louisiana Voodoo combines elements of African and European beliefs - the latter of which primarily involves Roman Catholicism. It is a dynamic religion that has both adapted to and shaped New Orleans culture.

The word voodoo comes from the word vudu, the Dahomean “spirit”, an invisible mysterious force that can intervene in human affairs.” The worship of spirits remains a vital part of the practices of voodoo in Louisiana. Followers of Louisiana voodoo believe in one God and multiple lesser but powerful spirits which preside over daily matters of life, such as the family, the sky, and judgment.

The core beliefs of Louisiana Voodoo include the recognition of one God who does not interfere in people's daily lives and spirits that preside over daily life. Spiritual forces, which can be kind or mischievous, shape daily life through and intercede in the lives of their followers. Connection with these spirits can be achieved through dance, music, singing, and the use of snakes, which represent Legba, Voodoo's "main spirit conduit to all others." Unlike the Judeo-Christian image, the Voodoo serpent represents "healing knowledge and the connection between Heaven and Earth." Deceased ancestors can also intercede in the lives of Voodoo followers.

The main focus of Louisiana Voodoo today is to serve others and influence the outcome of life events through the connection with nature, spirits, and ancestors. True rituals are held "behind closed doors" as a showy ritual would be considered disrespectful to the spirits. Voodoo methods include readings, spiritual baths, specially devised diets, prayer, and personal ceremony. Voodoo is often used to cure anxiety, addictions, depression, loneliness, and other ailments. It seeks to help the hungry, the poor, and the sick as Marie Laveau once did.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Rodolfo Amadeo Lanciani - Pagan And Christian Rome
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Anonymous - Healing Gemstones And Crystals
Anonymous - Wicca Beliefs And Practices

Use A Voodoo Doll With An Evil Eye Bead To Repel Evil And Negativity

Have you suffered from unexplained distress and misfortune? Having a streak of bad luck? Have you suddenly fallen ill? These are all signs that you may be the victim of an attack by the Evil Eye (Mal de Ojo).

To repel negativity and evil influences from your home and to avoid and remove the Evil Eye, you can use a Voodoo doll that has an Evil Eye bead talisman on it. Get a Voodoo guardian or protector doll with an evil eye bead and place it at the doorway of your home. This Voodoo amulet will also ward off other malevolent dangers, including spiritual attacks.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Samuel Sharpe - Egyptian Mythology And Egyptian Christianity
Gerina Dunwich - Herbal Magick A Witchs Guide To Herbal Enchantments Folklore And Divinations
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Louis Claude De Saint Martin - Man His True Nature And Ministry

The Use Of Voodoo Dolls In New Orleans Voodoo

The use of Voodoo dolls, gris-gris, and mojo in hexes and curses in New Orleans reportedly peaked during the reign of the infamous Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. The origin of the practice of sticking pins into dolls as a curse can be found in European poppets and West and Central African nkisi or bocios. It has been suggested that making Voodoo dolls and sticking them with pins was one way in which slaves exercised some form of control over their masters. The malevolent use of Voodoo dolls is considered a form of Bokor (Black) Voodoo that perpetuates the damaging stereotypes associated with Voodoo. Today, many practitioners of the Voodoo religion make a concerted effort to disassociate from the malevolent use of Voodoo dolls, and instead create and use them for positive purposes. Approximately 90% of the use of Voodoo dolls is centered on healing, finding true love, spiritual guidance, and as focusing tools in meditation. In New Orleans, Voodoo dolls are largely sold as souvenirs, curios, and novelty items.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Phil Hine - Techniques Of Modern Shamanism Vol Iii Touched By Fire
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New Orleans Voodoo Power Not Focused

This toll I alluded to before on the spirit in the preceding paragraph for using black magic to inflict only hurt and pain too much is seen in the bastardized expression of the Voodoo Magic throughout Haiti and now occuring in New Orleans.Do not get me wrong New Orleans is one of the most powerful centers of obeah magic in the western hemisphere,right behind the West Indies,but the mystical force is not focused and lacks the important protocals and traditions that go along with some of the mystical voodoo spells and enchantments to give the sorcerer more control of the outcome.Case in point the current murder rate and the murder rate preceding the great mystical event of Hurricane Katrina 2006 (thats another story) in New Orleans which has put New Orleans as the "murder capital" of the world for three years in a row ,and was the murder capital before the hurricane, this correlation between the full power of the voodoo magic being allowed to go unchecked for so long and the rise in the murder rate should be ample evidence for anybody of the power of voodoo.Also by laying out this never before written history of modern mystical magical tradition originating from Africa you will know that I am the one and only Gangunguru Maragh .In conclusion the avalanche of blood thirstiness going on in New Orleans right now has a direct connection to everything before mentioned.

Books You Might Enjoy:

John White - Toward Homo Noeticus
John Moore - A Modern Master Extract
Austin Osman Spare - The Focus Of Life

How To Make And Use A Voodoo Doll

It is a common misconception that Voodoo Dolls are used primarily to place a hex on someone or to exact revenge on enemies. In truth, Voodoo dolls are used to represent the spirit of a particular person, and the pins are used primarily to target positive energy of aid in healing. Voodoo dolls work by summoning an ancient force known as Loa, commonly worshipped in Western Africa during the 16th century. This guide will provide a simple process to the proper construction and use of Voodoo Dolls.

The Construction and Use of Voodoo Dolls

1. Step 1

Make a cross with the two sticks.

2. Step 2

Tie the sticks together with the Spanish moss by wrapping it around the intersection of the sticks. If possible, use moss that is connected together in a piece long enough to cover the sticks without breaking the moss apart.

3. Step 3

Wrap the moss up and down the length of the vertical stick to form the "body" of the doll.

4. Step 4

Cover the moss with the fabric strips. Leave moss exposed at edges of all points on the cross. Secure the fabric using the needle and yarn/ hemp cord/ wax thread.

5. Step 5

Secure the beads or buttons near the top of the cross to create eyes with the needle and yarn/ hemp cord/ wax thread.

6. Step 6

Light a candle in front of the Voodoo doll. The color of the candle should match the color of the pin you will insert into the doll.

7. Step 7

Meditate using deep breathing techniques to focus on your desire (see link in Resources).

8. Step 8

Insert the pin whose color corresponds with your desire into the heart or head of the Voodoo Doll.

9. Step 9

Keep the doll in a sacred and safe place and wait for the effects to take place.

Tips & Warnings

* The seven colors each have different meanings: yellow represents success; white, positive; red, power; purple, spirituality; green, money; blue, love; and black, repelling negative energy. Oak is a good wood to use because it is strong and resists breaking. You can dress your Voodoo Doll in particular outfits, depending on the person you wish the doll to represent.
* It is not recommended to use a Voodoo doll to inflict harm on another. Karmic backlash can often result on the person wishing to spread negative energy to another.





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Swetha Lodha - Your Love Life And The Tarot Cards
Anonymous - Book Of Spells
Franceska De Grandis - Be A Goddess
Rw Rogers - Adapa And The Food Of Life

How To Do White Magic To Remove Voodoo Harm

First and foremost, it's important to remember that voodoo is a religion first. Most voodoo practitioners frown upon the use of spells of any kind. White magic is most often associated with wicca or witchcraft, another religion. The closest thing voodoo offers to "white magic" as popularly perceived are protective charms. Everything in voodoo is related to spiritual forces and the guardian energy of the lwa. To effect positive change, the spell caster must engage in the goodwill of the lwa through symbol and ritual.

Instructions:

1. Step 1

Create a protective charm. A protective charm is created under the guidance of an ougan or mambo. The charm is imbued with the power of the lwa and may be placed on an altar in the home to protect the inhabitants from negative energy and harm.

2. Step 2

Create a "paket kongo." The packet combines herbs special to a specific lwa along with soil and leaves. The packet is wrapped in silk and tied in ribbons. The packets are then decorated with sequins, beads and gems to become elaborate works of art. These packets are pure white magic to counter any voodoo harm and should be prominently displayed in the home or on the altar. A paket kongo is a powerful charm for 7 years.

3. Step 3

Light a lamp for the lwa. A magical lamp is a charm. The lamp can be blessed by the ougan or mambo. The lamps usually have a specific goal to protect, to bless, to treat or to ensure health. The lamp can be made from a number of different sources, such as a bowl, jug, coconut shell or bottle. The container is filled with oil, and a wick is threaded through it. The ougan adds special herbs and prayers. You light the lamp to invoke the magic and the blessings of the lwa.

4. Step 4

Pray to the Catholic saints. Much of voodoo is associated with the Catholic saints. If you fear the harm done by negative energy, extend positive energy to the world through the intermediaries such as the saints. Performing specific prayers to the saints can promote White Magic and positive energy to undo the harm of black magic.

5. Step 5

Pray to the lwa. These white slips of paper are called oraison. They can be purchased in street markets in New Orleans and Port au Prince. The oraison can be sewn into pillows or clothes to carry good wishes and positive magic into every part of life following a pay-it-forward theory.

Tips & Warnings

* Do not engage in harmful voodoo. Voodoo is about balance and the forces of nature. Honor the spirits and balance in nature to avoid doing harm. Voodoo dolls are not actually related to the voodoo religion.

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Melita Denning - Mysteria Magica Book V
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Donald Tyson - Portable Magic Tarot Tarot In The Only Tool You Need
Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love

How To Cast A Evil Voodoo Spell

While magic seems trivial or even silly to most people, it isn't. Magic pervades in our everyday lives. If you have ever witnessed a strange event or experienced a strange sensation for which you have no explanation or wanted something so badly that you willed it to happen, these are magic experiences.The exciting part is that it can be controlled and used to your advantage.

While there is white and black magic, it is the black magic---sometimes termed as evil magic or voodoo---that allows us to cast spells that have almost immediate results. white magic is fine and likely more healthy for you, but there is no doubt that there is a certain allure to being able to cast an evil voodoo spell. Not only is the involvement in black magic fun, but it can help you acquire some of the things in life that you need right now.

With the economy in shambles and so many people down on their luck, it's a wonder that more people aren't exploring the use of magic to help affect their lives. While it is a challenge, casting an evil spell can be done and you can learn exactly how to do it.

Instructions:

1. Step 1

Choose your evil voodoo spell. There are several resources on the Web to choose the exact spell you want to use. The website Arcane-archive (see Resources below) is a great place to get a list of evil voodoo spells and the exact instructions on how to cast them. You'll need candles, a doll or even some blood. For the sake of this article we will use the "Death" spell.

2. Step 2

Gather a possession of the victim. Most evil voodoo spells also require something of the person on whom you are casting the spell. This can be in the form of a hair clipping, an article of clothing or something that will not be missed by the victim.

3. Step 3

Find a quiet place to do the ritual, preferably on a moonlit night. You will need a black candle, some needles, chalk, some flammable liquid such as lighter fluid and a sharp knife.

4. Step 4

Cast from your magic circle. Almost all spells should be cast from the protection of a magic circle. A protective Magic Circle can be drawn on the ground, in the sand, or even painted onto an article of fabric. Most protective magic circles are done in black and white, although colors can be used. In casting your evil spell, you will be calling forth many evil forces that could potentially harm you.

5. Step 5

Fashion a doll effigy of the victim using something flammable. Tissue paper works great.

6. Step 6

Light your black candle.

7. Step 7

Draw an image of the Satanic baphomet (an idol) on the ground in front of you. You can actually use any image you desire, such as a skull and crossbones. The more evil, the better!

8. Step 8

Place the doll effigy in the center of the image you just drew and invoke Abaddon the Destroyer. You should use something that you've written yourself for this invocation. The more personal the better. You should take a firm, strong tone. Be confident and state your reasons why Abaddon should help you. It is almost like a job interview where you want to succeed badly, and you will convince your potential employer in any way you can to help you.

9. Step 9

Direct all the rage and hatred you can muster into the doll effigy. You can even give it the finger, make gestures and speak to the effigy. After all, this is the person that has caused you so much pain in your life and it is time you told them what it's all about.

10. Step 10

Plunge your needles into the doll--first in the abdomen, then the head and finally the heart.

11. Step 11

Using the knife, cut the doll from head to groin, connecting the needles like dots.

12. Step 12

Place the doll effigy back into the image and set it ablaze, calling on the spirit of Abaddon to help you.

13. Step 13

Go have a beer. After all, you deserve it. You just set in motion the demise of your most hated enemy. While the curse might not take effect right away, the seed you have placed will take root and grow. And you probably feel much better after casting the spell.

Tips & Warnings

* You must always remember to be careful in casting an evil voodoo spell. When drawing upon the dark powers from beyond this world, you will be putting yourself at risk. These come in the form of evil spirits that you are trying to control to do your bidding. If you cast your spell incorrectly, you are opening yourself up to potential dangers and ill luck. Whatever your reasons for wanting to cast an evil voodoo spell, always be careful and follow directions to the letter. Don't be lazy when it comes to the details. Casting an evil voodoo spell can be fun, but don't let your ego get the best of you. While you can certainly be a force in this world, you are nothing compared to the forces of the netherworld.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Phil Hine - Aspects Of Evocation
Pamela Ball - The Ultimate Book Of Spells.pdf
Miyamoto Musashi - A Book Of Five Rings
Anonymous - Book Of Spells
Rw Rogers - Adapa And The Food Of Life

How To Build Voodoo Dolls

Voodoo is a religion that originated in the Caribbean. It was brought to the United States via the slave trade and took root in New Orleans. One of the best-known--and most feared--symbols of voodoo is the voodoo doll. Popular culture tells us that these dolls are to be used against enemies, to bring them bad luck, physical injury or even death. But this is only one use of a voodoo doll. They are more commonly used by the faithful to focus energy and bring about positive results with money, luck, health and love. Made from whatever material their creators have on hand, they may seem simple or crude, but voodoo dolls are not toys. Whether you believe or not, be careful with how you use them. Learn how to build a voodoo doll of your own.

1. Step 1

Decide what sort of doll you'd like to make. What purpose will it serve? This decision will influence your choice of materials. Dolls have been made of corn husks, paper, tree branches, clay and cloth, to name just a few materials. Try to select material that has some relevance to the doll's intended function. You cannot mess this up. Whatever you choose will be the right thing.

2. Step 2

Make the skeleton. Generally made from wood such as branches, pencils or dowel rods, two pieces of material are bound together with twine, string or thread to form a cross. Natural material is preferable, but use what you have. This will be the body of the doll. Decide which stick represents the head and feet, and which represents the arms.

3. Step 3

Cover the skeleton with some type of stuffing, be it cotton batting, feathers, shredded cloth, paper, moss or raffia.

4. Step 4

Cut a piece of fabric large enough to cover the doll completely, and drape it across the stuffing. The color of the cloth should reflect the purpose of the doll. If you're making a love doll, dress it in red, as red attracts love and passion. Yellow brings about success. Green is used for money and good luck. Black makes your enemies go away. Brown will bring you good luck in court. White stands for protection and peace. Natural fibers (such as hemp or muslin) bring about general good fortune. If you're trying to hex someone, try to use a piece of their clothing.

5. Step 5

Wrap the material around the doll. Use twine or ribbons to create a torso, head, arms and feet. Draw on the face.

6. Step 6

Embellish the doll with ornaments and decorations that directly relate to its purpose. Popular decorations include feathers, glitter, jewelry and buttons. For example, a good-luck money doll, dressed in green (of course), could have a coin for a head or money attached to the body. Or you could draw dollar signs on the fabric. A love doll should have a heart sewn or drawn on the chest. If the doll represents a specific person, you can use beads and yarn to create a face. Be sure to call it by the name of the person it is supposed to represent.

7. Step 7

Baptize your doll. If the doll is to be used to hex someone, it is common practice to baptize it prior to use. Say the following while dunking your doll under water, "I baptize you, (name of the doll), in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Remove the doll from the water and complete the ritual by saying, "In life, you are now that who I wish you to be. All that is done to you will happen to (name of the doll) in the world as I command it. I now control the desires, dreams and ultimate fate of (name). Their life belongs to me. May (name) see no pleasure or profit from their life or endeavors unless I deem it so."

Tips & Warnings

* If you can sew, a simple voodoo doll can be made by simply stitching two pieces of fabric together and drawing on the face. Voodoo dolls can bring things to you, but they can also take things away. To make a person go away, attach something from them (hair, clothing, nail clippings) and pin it to the doll.
* Be careful what you wish for.


Books You Might Enjoy:

Anonymous - The Ripley Scroll
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Haunted New Orleans Voodoo Wish Spell

One of the most famous bits of New Orleans folklore is that of the haunted New Orleans Voodoo wish spell. Performed by tourists and natives alike, this spell takes place at the site of Marie Laveaus final resting place. Myths abound regarding the actual location of the grave site of New Orleans' most famous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. Some say she is buried in the St. Louis No. 2 cemetary (Hauck, 1996) in a tomb marked "Marie Laveau Tomb". Others speculate she is buried in any number of other cemetaries in New Orleans (Tallant, 1946). Complicating the issue is the fact that she had a daughter who was also named Marie Laveau, and it is anybody's guess in which tomb she rests.

New Orleans Voodoo is a hybrid voodoo, reflective of the eclectic culture that is uniquely New Orleans. Marie Laveau is somewhat of a poster child for the mixed races that emerge from New Orleans as she is said to have been a free person of color and part Choctaw. Mam'zelle Laveau was born to a wealthy French planter Charles Laveau, and a mother who may have been a mulatto slave, a Caribbean Voodoo practitioner, or a quadroon mistress.

Controversy persists over where Marie Laveau and her namesake daughter are buried. Some say the latter reposes in the cemetery called St. Louis No. 2 (Hauck 1996) in a "Marie Laveau Tomb" there. However, that crypt most likely contains the remains of another voodoo queen named Marie, Marie Comtesse. Numerous sites in as many cemeteries are said to be the final resting place of one or the other Marie Laveau (Tallant 1946, 129), but the prima facie evidence favors the Laveau-Glapion tomb in St. Louis No. 1. It comprises three stacked crypts with a "receiving vault" below (that is, a repository of the remains of those displaced by a new burial).

A contemporary of Marie II told Tallant (1946, 126) that he had been present when she died of a heart attack at a ball in 1897, and insisted: "All them other stories ain't true. She was buried in the Basin Street graveyard they call St. Louis No. I, and she was put in the same tomb with her mother and the rest of her family."

That tomb's carved inscription records the name, date of death, and age (62) of Marie II: "Marie Philome Glapion, decede le 11 Juin 1897, agee de Soixante-deux ans." A bronze tablet affixed to the tomb announces, under the heading "Marie Laveau," that "This Greek Revival Tomb Is Reputed Burial Place of This Notorious 'Voodoo Queen' . . . ," presumably a reference to the original Marie. Corroborative evidence that she was interred here is found in her obituary ("Death" 1881) which notes that "Marie Laveau was buried in her family tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1." Guiley (2000) asserts that, while Marie Laveau I is reportedly buried here, "The vault does not bear her name." However, I was struck by the fact that the initial two lines of the inscription on the Laveau-Glapion tomb read, "Famille Vve. Paris / nee Laveau." Obviously, "Vve." is an abbreviation for Veuve, "Widow"; therefore the phrase translates, "Family of the Widow Paris, born Laveau"-namely Marie Laveau I. I take this as evidence that here is indeed the "family tomb." Robert Tallant (1946, 127) suggests: "Probably there was once an inscription marking the vault in which the first Marie was buried, but it has been changed for one marking a later burial. The bones of the Widow Paris must lie in the receiving vault below."

The Laveau-Glapion tomb is a focal point for commercial voodoo tours. Some visitors leave small gifts at the site-coins, Mardi Gras beads, candles, etc.-in the tradition of voodoo offerings. Many follow a custom of making a wish at the tomb. The necessary ritual for this has been variously described. The earliest version I have found (Tallant 1946, 127) says that people would "knock three times on the slab and ask a favor," noting: "There are always penciled crosses on the slab. The sexton washes the crosses away, but they always reappear." A more recent source advises combining the ritual with an offering placed in the attached cup: "Draw the X, place your hand over it, rub your foot three times against the bottom, throw some silver coins into the cup, and make your wish" (Haskins 1990). Yet again we are told that petitioners are to "leave offerings of food, money and flowers, then ask for Marie's help after turning around three times and marking a cross with red brick on the stone" (Guiley 2000, 216).

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Simon - The Necronomicon Spellbook
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Haiti Voodoo

PLAINE DU NORD, July 26 (AP)—Carrying candles and a heavy spiritual debt, Josephine Derulien walked for 17 hours to reach this small farming town, swollen by thousands of people during an annual four-day pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage, one of the most important in the Voodoo religion, began Wednesday with rituals to Ogou, the god of war, and ended Saturday with rites to the goddess of love, Erzuli. This year’s crowd of more than 10,000 was half the turnout of last year.

"I swore I would make this pilgrimage," said Derulien, 30, wearing a blue dress with a red kerchief, the traditional colors of Ogou. "I had a problem and it was solved. Now I’m here to pay my debt."

Although millions still practice Voodoo—now a state-sanctioned religion in Haiti—some are turning their backs on the religion brought from Africa, testing other faiths as their Caribbean nation grapples with growing instability and poverty.

An estimated 70 percent of Haiti’s 8.8 million people practice Voodoo to some extent, including many who claim to be Catholic or another religion.

But a growing number, estimated at 30 percent, identify themselves as Protestant, said Andre Corten, a Canadian sociologist. This smaller group adamantly oppose Voodoo, which is spelled Vodou in the French and Creole spoken in Haiti.’

Voodoo requires sometimes pricey offerings to a pantheon of gods. In a country where most people survive on less than $1 a day and where the government hasn’t managed to improve conditions, the draw of a cheaper religion is powerful.

Thousands of missionaries—many American—can be seen everyday in Haiti proselytizing and trying to draw people away from Voodoo. Many flock to evangelical Christian churches instead of Voodoo temples.

"The economic stagnation has cast a shadow over Voodoo," said musician and Voodoo priest Ronald "Aboudja" Derenencourt, 48.

One young girl selling bananas along the pilgrimage route, about 6 miles south Cap-Haitien on the north coast, pleaded with pilgrims to reject Voodoo.

"Voodoo is no good," said Rose Jean, 12, whose family of six are evangelical Christians. "They don’t recognize Jesus."

The Catholic Church in the 1940’s waged a campaign to eradicate Voodoo. Although unsuccessful, the religion was driven underground for years and disparaged by foreigners as a hodge-podge of beliefs.

In April, however, the Haitian government officially sanctioned it, allowing priests for the first time to legally perform marriages.

Many Voodoo practitioners have been wary of the step, fearful it was taken to woo them to the government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, whose popularity is waning with hard times.

"Here we pray to everybody. Some pray to St. James, others to Ogou," said Jean Joseph, 45, a farmer who made the pilgrimage but prayed at the town’s Catholic church. "You serve God or the Devil as you like."

Not far from the church where Joseph and other others prayed, men and women stripped down to their shorts, and plunged into a shallow mud basin. They emerged in a trance and said they were transformed.

"When I come out of the basin, I tremble. I feel the might of Ogou, who empowers me all year long," said Voodoo priest Harvey Dorvil, 31.

Around the basin, Voodoo priests, priestesses, and witchdoctors congregate, on the lookout for patients, whose ills they claim they can cure with spells and herbal remedies.

Merchants sold everything from radios and clothing to straw hats and religious items like candles, perfumes, amulets, and images of the saints.

Most seek help for money or love troubles. Derulien, like many, wouldn’t say what she had asked Ogou for.

"Voodoo is our family faith," said Roseline Pierre, a 25-year-old student nurse from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who was born in Haiti. "Its spirituality is powerful. You just have to dig deep enough."

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California Man Convicted After Voodoo Curse Inexplicably Fails In Fraud Case

Ruben Hernandez, 34, was convicted this week of fraud in a house buying scheme but not before he tried some extra-judicial remedies of his own. Hernandez was found to have performed a voodoo ritual to place a hex on the prosecutors. They survived and Hernandez was convicted.

A search of his home revealed a shrine with voodoo dolls dunked headfirst in cups of water with pins in their eyes. The case number and names of the prosecutor and investigators were reportedly written on the dolls. It is a ritual performed by followers of Palo Mayombe, a religion that is popular among drug dealers and is known for its animal sacrifices.

Hernandez was convicted of four counts of filing a false application and three counts of grand theft. Judge Lance Ito (yes of OJ Simpson fame) sentenced Hernandez to 12 years in prison but he still faces an additional 28 counts, including charges of grand theft and filing a false application, for allegedly engaging in fraud at his used-car dealership.

That is a lot of wax for the next round and prosecutors may want to brush up on their Cole Porter:

Why, when you appear,
something happens to me
and the strangest feeling
goes through me?
You do something to me,
something that simply mystifies me.
Tell me, why should it be
you have the power to hypnotize me?
Let me live ‘neath your spell,
Do do that voodoo
that you do so well.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Pino Longchild - Wicca Revealed An Introductory Course In Wicca
Gerald Elmore - Mantle Of Initiation Or Al Khirqah
Jose Luis Ramos - Course Of Alchemy Vol I Via Humid Classic
Jacqueline Stone - Death And The Afterlife In Japanese Buddhism
Franz Cumont - After Life In Roman Paganism

A Brief History Of Voodoo

Vodun is sometimes called Voodoo, Vodoun, or Vodou. Religions related to Vodun are: Candomble, Lucumi, Macumba, and Yoruba). New Orleans Voodoo is a conglomeration of cultural and spiritual belief systems strongly influenced by the ancient Voodoo religion of Africa, the Vodou religion of Haiti, the healing arts of Native American people, the folk magic of Europe, and Catholicism. Voodoo is culture, heritage, philosophy, art, dance, language, medicine, music, justice, power, storytelling & ritual. Voodoo is a way of looking at and dealing with life. It heals and destroys, is both good and bad, and is simple in concept and complex in practice. Voodoo reflects the duality of the nature of the rattlesnake; its poison is toxic but its poison is needed to heal the same toxin. Voodoo is open to all yet holds many secrets & mysteries to those who are uninitiated.

Voodoo has its roots in the trauma of many people. It originated from the African ancestors who were brought to the Caribbean in bondage. Christopher Columbus set the stage in 1492 for the development of Voodoo when countless Tainos were murdered in an attempt to enslave them during the colonization of Hispaniola. With a lack of indigenous people to function as slaves, and the cost of European servants prohibitive, the slave trade between West and Central Africa began (Long, 2000).

In 1697 the French acquired one third of Hispaniola and worked the slaves literally to death. The average survival rate of slaves at that time was only about 10 years. This made the slave population ripe for continual replenishment, and the slave population grew from several thousand to half a million. The slave population was extremely diverse with many different tribes representing many religions, languages, and belief systems. It is during this time of the French occupation that the basic structure of Voodoo as we know it today developed.

The colonizers believed that by separating families and individual nations, the slave population would not unite as one people. On the contrary, the Africans found commonalities in their belief systems and religions and began invoking their own spirits and practicing each other’s religious rites. In addition, the surviving Taino Indians exerted some influence over the practice of Voodoo, especially in the area of the healing arts. As well, the indentured servants of Europe brought their folk magic, which was incorporated into the Voodoo religion. The Roman Catholic Church, ever finding ways to convert people to the church, and the entity to which the French answered, insisted on treating the slaves better and had them baptized and instructed in the practice of Catholicism (Hanger, 1997). The slave population soon began to mask their rituals and beliefs in Catholicism. It is the conglomeration and syncretism of these diverse cultural belief systems that comprised the first Creole religion and makes Voodoo what it is today.

To make a very long story short, the slaves eventually rebelled and drove out the French and the Catholic Church. Years of oppression and persecution followed, with the Voodoo considered Satanism by the Catholic church and evangelical Protestants. This caused Voodoo to go underground and flourish. The Catholic church eventually made peace with the Voodoo and it is now accepted as an established religion.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Samuel Croxall - The Secret History Of Pythagoras
Julia Phillips - History Of Wicca In England
Anonymous - History Of Witchcraft Vol 7 Of 7

The Book Of Shadows The Unofficial Charmed Companion

Book: The Book Of Shadows The Unofficial Charmed Companion by Ngaire Genge

The ultimate guide to the hit program Charmed, this is both a book of spells and a key to the mysteries of the show. The book of shadows celebrates the best of Charmed, from its roots in the ancient tradition of Wicca to insider information on the show's stars. N.E. Genge not only provides fascinating background details for the show's Wiccan elements, but also guides readers in performing their own magic. Fans with a witchy bent will learn about the tools of magic and divination and the casting of spells. Recipes and rituals -- from those that beckon love or bless a new business venture to those that bequeath strength or bestow fortune -- are all included. The book of shadows is a sassy celebration of witches, sisterhood, and magic.

This book has not been prepared, approved, licensed, endorsed, or in any way authorized by any entity that created or produced Charmed. Charmed is a fun show and remarkably unobjectionable to wiccans and other followers of alternative spiritual paths. The secret seems to be that no matter how much nonsense there is in it, it is true to the spirit and never harms. This book does a great job of distinguishing authentic traditions from the TV made-up stuff, and can introduce a novice (who might think "witchcraft" and "magic" look pretty cool, from watching the show, and wants an easy how-to guide) to the true traditions underlying the show - without giving too much away, either. After all, if you want real magic, you have to do it yourself, every step of the way, and you can't get that from a book; but the book is surprisingly good at conveying that concept. At the same time, for those who just want to know more about the show, this isn't an authorized book, but it has enough details from the show in it to satisfy most fans. Good job! If you just watch the show for the heck of it. this will enlighten you to the reality of wicca, which is something i wish i could do more, either way, wiccan or not, there is stuff about charmed all the way through, and you'll learn a lot about the most controversial part of the fastest growing religion in america also, magick. Definetly reccomended.

Buy Ngaire Genge's book: The Book Of Shadows The Unofficial Charmed Companion

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Michal Jerabek - The Book Of Enoch Vol I The Watchers
Sasha Fierce - The Book Of Shadows
Michal Jerabek - The Book Of Enoch Vol Iii The Asatronomical Book
Michael Ford - The Book Of The Witch Moon

A Pagan Witches Touchstone Witchcraft And Witch Hunts In South Africa

Book: A Pagan Witches Touchstone Witchcraft And Witch Hunts In South Africa by Damon Leff

A Pagan Witches Touchstone is an important publication for a number of reasons. Certainly one of the most important is that for the first time, self-defining Pagan Witches bring into open debate their own perspectives and experiences that result from the negative consequences brought about by the dominant construction of the ‘witch’ as a practitioner of evil. These constructions mostly emerge in African religious traditions wherein witchcraft is understood as an explanatory cause behind personal and community misfortune, illness, and untimely death; and within many Christian traditions that have historically associated the practice of magic, occult traditions, and alternative conceptions of the divine, with a form of diabolic heresy. In this worldview, a person who engages in some, or all, of these practices, can be labeled 'a witch.'

The authors of TouchStone raise these issues in an undoubtedly subjective and impassioned fashion. As Pagan Witches they, and others in their community, have been negatively stereotyped and are also subject to the criminalization of their beliefs and practices under any form of witchcraft legislation. They are vehemently committed to participating in dialogue and finding a role in attempts to seek a solution to the injustices incurred through witchcraft accusations and violence.

Download Damon Leff's eBook: A Pagan Witches Touchstone Witchcraft And Witch Hunts In South Africa

Downloadable books (free):

Rosemary Ellen Guiley - The Encyclopedia Of Witches Witchcraft And Wicca
Raisa Maria Toivo - Women At Stake Interpretations Of Women Role In Witchcraft And Witch Hunts
Damon Leff - A Pagan Witches Touchstone Witchcraft And Witch Hunts In South Africa

Magic And Mystery A Popular History

Book: Magic And Mystery A Popular History by Alfred Thompson

Superstition in a nation depends very much upon climate, temperament, religion, and occupation. Notions entertained of Supernatural beings or things, though generally based upon one broad feature common to all countries, differ so essentially respecting the form, character, habits, and powers of these beings that they appear to have been drawn from sources widely removed. The advance of Knowledge and the truths of Evolution have almost convinced us that belief in the supernatural (unrevealed) is nothing but the creation of the human brain, impressed upon the imagination of our ancestors at periods when such impressions were likely to be strong and permanent, and transmitted within the ironbound certainty of the laws of heredity. Legends have forever been beheld through different prejudices and impressions. They have constantly changed with the media and vistas through which they have been viewed. Hence their different shape, character, and attributes in different countries, and the frequent absence of rational analogy with respect to them even in the same.

Download Alfred Thompson's eBook: Magic And Mystery A Popular History

Downloadable books (free):

Anonymous - Magic And Wyrd
George Moir - Magic And Witchcraft
Carroll Runyon - Magick And Hypnosis
Alfred Thompson - Magic And Mystery A Popular History

Is Wicca The Right Spiritual Path For Me

Book: Is Wicca The Right Spiritual Path For Me by Frances Billinghurst

Australian High Priestess Frances Billinghurst is a regular contributor to The Magickal Light ezine.

She has been Exploring the occult since early adulthood and came to the realisation that the more she discovers, the less she knows and that this will be a life long learning journey. She describes herself as a Wytch, a Wiccan and an occultist, although not necessarily in that order. Upon moving to Australia in 1990, she undertook a course on Celtic mythology that led to her moving to England a few years later where she found herself in the fortunate position to undertake some training with English occult author David Rankine. After she returned to Australia, she developed as passion for writing and went on to establish the Temple of the Dark Moon in 1999.

After holding the position of secretary of Pagan Alliance Inc (SA) for six years, Frances resigned in 2006 to concentrate on her writing. Her articles have been published both in Australia and internationally, including "Insight" magazine and the 2008 Llewellyn Witches' Calendar, and she is endeavouring to have at least one of the books rattling around inside her head published in the not too distant future. Frances openly acknowledges her book addiction, and confesses she is rather partial to the 'odd' bottle of red wine.

Her coven may be contacted at:

Temple of the Dark Moon

Download Frances Billinghurst's eBook: Is Wicca The Right Spiritual Path For Me

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Anonymous - Thelema A New Spiritual Tradition For A New Age
Aj Drew - Wicca Spellcraft For Men
Frances Billinghurst - Is Wicca The Right Spiritual Path For Me

Free Voodoo Love Spells For You

You might have heard about the voodoo spells. Voodoo love spells are quite popular among people. These love spells are one of the Most Powerful Spells that exist these days. The other characteristic of this spell is that they are very much complex and quite difficult to cast.

But very few people actually know the real story of voodoo. They usually get a wrong impression of these spells because of the horror movies and the stories. So it if you are interested in this kind of magic then you must find out the actual description of this art.

People relate voodoo with black magic and they think it is all about creating the zombies and summoning the Evil Spirits. You need to be a voodoo priest or priestess if you want to practice this form of magic. The powerful spirits that are present in this form of magic is known as loa.

There are certain websites where you will get free voodoo love spells. Before you start using the spells you must know how to use it. The love spells are usually performed by the priests or the priestess.

They utilize the power of the loa to remove any kind of obstacles from the path of love. There are spells which are used to gain love while there are others which can help you to rekindle the flame of love.

You must remember that this form of magic requires some kind of physical transmission and this is the reason why you need to get certain items which belong to the subject on whom you want to cast the love spell.

If you are interested in the free voodoo love spells then you must make sure that you follow the principles of the spells. The first principle is that you cannot harm anybody with the spells. Other than this, you are not allowed to cast any spell which will have a long term negative effect.

One of the free voodoo love spells is to gain love. For this you need a Friday and a full moon. You need a sheet of paper where you have to write about the qualities you want in your partner.

Then spray your favorite perfume on it and take some flowers on your right hand and imagine yourself to be in love. After this you need to sprinkle the flowers on the envelope and seal it with a kiss.

Make sure you place your envelop in a secret and secure place. If you open envelop then the spell will be broken. This is one of the free voodoo love spells that can be used for love. Try the free voodoo love spells to gain the love of your life.

Downloadable books (free):

Richard Weiss - Recipes For Immortality
Talismagick - Love Spells And Rituals For Love And Relationships
Richard Johnson - The Zodiac Stellar Stories
Benjamin Rowe - The Book Of The Seniors
Simon - The Necronomicon Spellbook

Spirit Works Real But Not Miraculous

Book: Spirit Works Real But Not Miraculous by Allen Putnam

A Lecture Read At The City Hall In Roxbury, Massachusetts (1853) Also Contains: Mesmerism, Spiritualism, Witchcraft And Miracle.

Download Allen Putnam's eBook: Spirit Works Real But Not Miraculous

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Emilie Kip Baker - Stories From Northern Myths
Yves Kodratoff - Seidr Seid Sol Iss Burs And Nordic Shamanism
Right - Travel In Spiritual Worlds A Complete Guide On Astral Travels
Allen Putnam - Mesmerism Spiritualism Witchcraft And Miracle
Allen Putnam - Spirit Works Real But Not Miraculous