Secrets of Voodoo traces the development of this complex religion (in Haiti and the Americas) from its sources in the brilliant civilizations of ancient Africa. This book presents a straightforward account of the gods or loas and their function, the symbols and signs, rituals, the ceremonial calendar of Voodoo, and the procedures for performing magical rites are given. "Voodoo," derived from words meaning "introspection" and "mystery," is a system of belief about the formation of the world and human destiny with clear correspondences in other world religions. Rigaud makes these connections and discloses the esoteric meaning underlying Voodoo's outward manifestations, which are often misinterpreted. Translated from the French by Robert B. Cross. Drawings and photographs by Odette Mennesson-Rigaud. Milo Rigaud was born in Port au Prince, Haiti, in 1903, where he spent the greater part of his life studying the Voodoo tradition. In Haiti he studied law, and in France ethnology, psychology, and theology. The involvement of Voodoo in the political struggle of Haitian blacks for independence was one of his main concerns.

The secrets of Santeria, Voodoo and Obeah are among the oldest enigmas in the world. Their roots go back to pre-historic Africa - perhaps even beyond that. From the 16th century onwards, the slave trade brought these ancient mysteries to the West, where they blended strangely with traditional Christianity: the ancient African gods became identified with legendary saints. This integration of the two faiths slowly evolved to form the many varieties of Santeria, Obeah and Voudoun that are widely practiced throughout the world today. Their characteristic dancing and drumming seem able to invoke strange states of mind in which almost anything is possible. Even stories of zombies - the walking dead - still persist. Is there a rational explanation for them? Contemporary Voudoun priests, priestesses, magicians and enchanters use rare herbs and spices as well as charms, dolls and talismans to control the natural world in ways that science cannot always explain. Accounts of their inexplicable successes are examined in depth. Most intriguing of all are the claims that are made for their love philtres and aphrodisiacs. What powers do these old religions still possess?

Magic with no holds barred! Here is the definitive work on the history, ritual, and powers of the ancient art of voodoo from the earliest times to the present, offering complete details on the closely kept secrets of man's most exotic and powerful form of magic.

NEW Second Edition, Published September 14, 2016Most people have heard of Voodoo before, but if you think it only has to do with sticking pins into cursed dolls for the purpose of inflicting pain onto your enemies, you couldn't be further from the truth. Voodoo, or 'Vodou' as it is traditionally referred to, is a modern-day take on an ancient Haitian religion developed by African-Caribbean slave workers on island plantations during the period of French Slavery. Apart from simply being just a religion, Voodoo is actually an entire way of life which is centered around an immense respect for one's elders. This respect is further expanded towards life philosophies and spirituality, and even extends into the realm of a great respect for nature. This book is designed to introduce you to the very essence of Voodoo, and then after you have prepared yourself both mentally and physically to perform Voodoo spells and rituals, you will learn how to put into practice a very basic Voodoo spell and protection charm. While you're going through this book, it's important to keep in mind that, within the practice of Voodoo, everyone is part of the same order, so with a little bit of hard work and dedication, you too can master the art of voodoo and reap the countless benefits that come with it. Grab this book now, and let's get started!

Two manuscripts in one book: Hoodoo: Unlocking the Secret Power of Rootwork, Folk Magic, Conjuration, Witchcraft, and Mojo Voodoo: Unlocking the Hidden Power of Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo Hoodoo is a powerful form of folk magic used for generations to improve the lives of those who practice it. So, is it relevant today? The quick answer is, yes, it most certainly is. The powers of roots and herbs are just the tip of the iceberg once you master the craft of Hoodoo. In part one of this book, you will: Discover the power of mojo and how to use it to bring positivity into your life. Learn how to build a magical Hoodoo tool kit. Find out how to form powerful bonds with the cosmos. Learn how to cleanse your body, mind, and home with intense spiritual means. Discover how to invoke the spiritual world and use deities to bring power to your magic. Find the hidden meanings attached to candles and the role they play in rituals. Investigate what rootwork is and how to perform it. Explore the five amazing arts of divination, cleromancy, cartomancy, augury, and oneiromancy. Make the object of your love fall for you. Attract love and wealth into your life. Learn the most effective natural ways to protect your home. And so much more! In part two of this book, you will discover the rich history of Voodoo, including its rituals, spells, practices, and beliefs. In part one of this book, you will: Learn the common misconceptions about Voodoo and debunk them Discover voodoo religion's synchronization with Catholicism Understand its two vital branches - the Haitian Vodou and the New Orleans Voodoo Uncover the shared beliefs, traditions, and rituals practiced by Voodoo practitioners and devotees Learn about Bondye, the Supreme God, and how Voodooists believe in and worship Him Explore Lwas and the three major families classifying these spirits Learn commonly used veves and their symbols Discover how to use and draw the veves Discover the roles played by gris-gris bags and Voodoo dolls and the basics of making and using them Explore casting cleansing, protection, and love spells Learn how to summon or invoke the Lwas Investigate common ceremonies and festivals celebrated by Voodoo practitioners and devotees And so much more! Both Hoodoo and Voodoo can be used for many purposes to help improve your life. So, what are you waiting for? Click on the "add to cart" button to get your copy of this book today!

The life and work of the legendary “Pope of Voodoo,” Marie Laveau—a free woman of color who practically ruled New Orleans in the mid-1800s Marie Laveau may be the most influential American practitioner of the magical arts; certainly, she is among the most famous. She is the subject of songs, films, and legends and the star of New Orleans ghost tours. Her grave in New Orleans ranks among the most popular spiritual pilgrimages in the US. Devotees venerate votive images of Laveau, who proclaimed herself the “Pope of Voodoo.” She is the subject of respected historical biographies and the inspiration for novels by Francine Prose and Jewell Parker Rhodes. She even appears in Marvel Comics and on the television show American Horror Story: Coven, where she was portrayed by Angela Bassett. Author Denise Alvarado explores Marie Laveau’s life and work—the fascinating history and mystery. This book gives an overview of New Orleans Voodoo, its origins, history, and practices. It contains spells, prayers, rituals, recipes, and instructions for constructing New Orleans voodoo-style altars and crafting a voodoo amulet known as a gris-gris.

A guide to the practices, tools, and rituals of New Orleans Voodoo as well as the many cultural influences at its origins • Includes recipes for magical oils, instructions for candle workings, and directions to create gris-gris bags and Voodoo dolls to attract love, money, justice, and healing and for retribution • Explores the major figures of New Orleans Voodoo, including Marie Laveau and Dr. John • Exposes the diverse ethnic influences at the core of Voodoo, from the African Congo to Catholic immigrants from Italy, France, and Ireland One of America’s great native-born spiritual traditions, New Orleans Voodoo is a religion as complex, free-form, and beautiful as the jazz that permeates this steamy city of sin and salvation. From the French Quarter to the Algiers neighborhood, its famed vaulted cemeteries to its infamous Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans cannot escape its rich Voodoo tradition, which draws from a multitude of ethnic sources, including Africa, Latin America, Sicily, Ireland, France, and Native America. In The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook, initiated Vodou priest Kenaz Filan covers the practices, tools, and rituals of this system of worship as well as the many facets of its origins. Exploring the major figures of New Orleans Voodoo, such as Marie Laveau and Dr. John, as well as Creole cuisine and the wealth of musical inspiration surrounding the Mississippi Delta, Filan examines firsthand documents and historical records to uncover the truth behind many of the city’s legends and to explore the oft-discussed but little-understood practices of the root doctors, Voodoo queens, and spiritual figures of the Crescent City. Including recipes for magical oils, instructions for candle workings, methods of divination, and even directions to create gris-gris bags, mojo hands, and Voodoo dolls, Filan reveals how to call on the saints and spirits of Voodoo for love, money, retribution, justice, and healing.

Witch? Sorceress? Daughter of Satan? Thief? Saint? Born in 1794, Marie Laveau reigned as the undisputed Queen of the Voodoos for nearly a century. Her beauty and powers were legendary, and caused her to be the subject of wild gossip throughout her life. She passed on her secrets to a favorite daughter, who helped her dominate the underworld of voodoo in New Orleans. "It is an absorbing tale, and the emotional undertones, the conflicts in her human relations, the overwhelming loneliness of her position, all come through the story of a strange life." Kirkus Reviews "The author creates a vivid, haunting atmosphere, which (like Marie's arts) holds the reader in spell. . . . an intriguing novel that is competently mounted and exceedingly well executed." New York Times

Offers an insider's account of Vodou's private, mystical, interior practice, discussing the author's own initiation and education in the religion.