Haitian Vodou: An Introduction to Haiti's Indigenous Spiritual Tradition

by Mambo Chita Tann

Overview

Haitian Vodou is a fascinating spiritual tradition rich with ceremonies and magic, songs and prayers, dances and fellowship. Yet outside of Haiti, next to no one understands this joyous and profound way of life. ln Haitian Vodou, Mambo Chita Tann explores the historical roots and contemporary practices of this unique tradition, including discussions of:

• Customs, beliefs, sacred spaces, and ritual objects
• Characteristics and behaviors of the Lwa, the spirits served by Vodou practitioners
• Common misconceptions such as "voodoo dolls" and the zombie phenomenon
• Questions and answers for attending ceremonies and getting involved in a sosyete (Vodou house)
• Correspondence tables, Kreyol glossary, supplemental prayer texts, and an extensive list of reference books and online resources

Well-researched, comprehensive, and engaging, Haitian Vodou will be a welcome addition for people new to Haitian spirituality as well as for students, practitioners, and academics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738731636
Publisher:	Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
Publication date:	02/08/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	264
Sales rank:	860,484
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Mambo Chita Tann (Chicago, IL) is a mambo asogwe, the highest initiated rank in Haitian Vodou. She has more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, published author, and lecturer on African religions. She is also a professional Egyptologist and the spiritual leader of the Kemetic Orthodox Faith, a modern form of ancient Egyptian religion, and has appeared in a History Channel documentary about Egypt under her given name, Tamara L. Siuda. Visit the author online at Legba.biz.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

About Indigenous Spiritual Traditions and Cultural Appropriation

 

Part 1: What is Haitian Vodou?

Chapter 1: Zo Li Mache: How Haiti, and Haitian Vodou, Came to Be

Chapter 2: Aprè Bondye: Basic Principles and Ethics of Haitian Vodou

Chapter 3: What Haitian Vodou is Not: Confusions and Controversies

 

Part 2: Lezanj: Meet the 21 Nations of the Lwa

Chapter 4: The Rada Lwa

Chapter 5: The Petro (Petwo) Lwa

Chapter 6: The Gede Lwa

Chapter 7: Other Lwa

 

Part 3: Seremoni: Haitian Vodou Ceremonies and Rites of Passage

Chapter 8: Sèvi Lwa: Serving the Lwa

Chapter 9: Wanga: Haitian Vodou Magic

Chapter 10: Sosyete: The Vodou Family, Initiation, and Practice

Chapter 11: First Steps in Haitian Vodou

 

Appendix I: Glossary

Appendix II: Haiti Timeline

Appendix III: Catholic Prayers

Appendix IV: Lwa Table of Correspondences

Further Reading/Online Resources (books, periodicals, Internet)

Index