Acknowledgments
Preface
PART ONE
Where Are We Going, Where Have We Been?
Introduction to Part One
1 Some Words of Caution . . . The Dangers of Haitian
Vodou
2 The Roots of Haitian Vodou
PART TWO
Vodou Today
Introduction to Part Two
3 The Mysteries: Bondye and the Lwa
4 The Peristyle: Sacred Space in Vodou
5 Implements: The Tools of Vodou
6 Practices: The Techniques of Haitian Vodou
PART THREE
The Lwa
Introduction to Part Three
The Rada Lwa
7 Legba
8 The Marassa
9 Loko and Ayizan
10 Damballah
11 Agwe and La Sirene
12 Ezili Freda
13 Filomez and Klemezin
14 Zaka
15 Ogou
The Petwo Lwa
16 Kalfou
17 Ezili Danto
18 Bossou
19 Simbi
20 Gran Bwa
21 Ibo
22 The Djabs
The Ghede Lwa
23 The Ghede
24 The Bawon and Brigitte
25 The Ancestors
PART FOUR
Ceremonies and Wanga
Introduction to Part Four
26 Illuminations
27 Actions De Grace
28 The Lave Tet
29 The Garde (Gad)
30 The Maryaj Lwa
31 Kanzo
32 Wanga
Conclusion: The Next Step--Seeking a Teacher
Resources
Notes
Glossary
Index
Kenaz Filan (Houngan Coquille du Mer) was initiated in Société la Belle Venus in March 2003 after 10 years of solitary service to the lwa. Filan’s articles on Vodou have appeared in NewWitch, Pangaia, Planet Magazine, and Widdershins.
"Refreshingly original, well-documented, and just plain fun. Kenaz
brings just the right combination of insider insights and skeptical
observations to this must-read for anyone fascinated by the world
of Afro-diasporan religious movements. Highly recommended."
*Anne Newkirk Niven, Editor in Chief, SageWoman, PanGaia,
newWitch*
“Filan's clear and sensible approach shares the rudiments of Vodou,
and gives us a fascinating introduction to the history and culture
of Haiti. This book will be important to all who feel that
religious practice makes a practical difference in our lives."
*Judy Harrow, author of Devoted to You: Honoring Deity*
“This highly readable book will be valuable to every reader
interested in Haitian Vodou, and essential for those who want to
make the transition from intellectual knowledge to personal
experience of a profound and unfairly neglected religion.”
*John Michael Greer, author of The New Encyclopedia of the Occult,
A World Full of Gods, and The Drui*
"Vodou is not what most people think. It's not "devil worship, dark
curses, and drumbeat-driven orgies performed at midnight," poking
needles at dolls, or simple superstition. With over a decade of
service to the lwa (the deities of Vodou) and membership in Société
la Belle Venus #2, a Vodou temple in Brooklyn, Filan sets out to
right these pulpy perspectives of what in reality is a complex
African diaspora spirituality and a form of worship that marries
the secular and the spiritual. Of course, Vodou is not without its
dangers, since "the lwa can wreak a frightening vengeance." It's
not foolproof, either; without proper initiation into addressing
the lwa, they will simply ignore you. But Filan aspires to give
potential initiates the proper tools for communicating with the
deities of Vodou (like Mama Danto who protects, and Papa Damballah
who brings peace). In the process, he shares the rich and at times
disturbing history of its practitioners (especially the oppression
and racism faced during slavery), and offers a litany of everything
necessary to practice Vodou on an individual level, from knowledge
of the tradition's most important symbols, rites, myths and spells,
to an extensive list of further resources and Vodou-related Web
sites, music and even charities."
*Publishers Weekly, 11/13/06*
"There is a sense of excitement which runs through this book, and
the reader is caught up in its facts and material in an enjoyable
manner. This is a good reading experience about what Haitian Vodou
truly is, with nothing left out."
*Lee Prosser, Ghostvillage.com, Feb 2007*
"This book made me think. And because it did, I give it my highest
recommendation. Great for anyone who has an interest in this
subject."
*Sapphoq Reviews, Feb 2007*
"Kenaz Filan has succeeded where many before have failed. The
Haitian Vodou Handbook (emphasis on the “handbook”) is a highly
practical and informative starter’s guide. . . . Filan's book
provides all the necessary information, and then some, to get one
started in serving the Lwa. For those wishing to continue their
exploration of the subject, the author provides extensive
references and pointers to sources of information, internet
resources and suppliers.
*Ashé Journal, Vol 6, Issue 1, Spring 2007*
"I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this book, but I was very
pleased with it, even the parts I disagreed with. It is
informative, well-written, and well worth the price."
*Mike Gleason, Witchgrove, Mar 2007*
"This is an excellent introductory text for folks of any
background. . . . honest and respectful, and has a good balance of
information and respecting of oathbound material. If you've any
interest in this religion whatsoever, even just curiosity, this is
a great place to start."
*Pagan Book Reviews, April 2007*
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