TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Introduction 1
  • Chapter One: What is Voodoo 5
  • What is Voodoo 5
  • History of Voodoo 6
  • Chapter Two: Elements of Voodoo 11
  • Belief in a Divine Creator 12
  • Vodoo Spirits, Animism, and Ancestor Worship 13
  • Belief in a Soul 16
  • Rituals, Priests and Priestesses 16
  • Talismans and Fetishes 17
  • Chapter Three: The Different Strains of Voodoo 19
  • West African Voodoo 20
  • Demographics of Voodoo Faithful in West Africa 20
  • The Spiritual Life of West Africa 21
  • Chapter Four: Vodou in the Caribbean 23
  • Caribbean Vodou 23
  • Haitian Revolution and the Bois Caiman Ceremony 26
  • The Bois Caiman Ceremony of August 1791 27
  • Demographics of the Voodoo Faithful in the Caribbean 28
  • The Spiritual Life of Vodou in the Caribbean 29
  • Chapter Five: Louisiana Voodoo 33
  • Louisiana Voodoo 34
  • Demographics of Voodoo Faithful in Louisiana 37
  • The Spiritual Life of Louisiana Voodoo 38
  • Chapter Six: The Dark Side of Voodoo 41
  • Curses, Poisons and Hexes 43
  • Voodoo Dolls 44
  • Zombies 45
  • Juju and Hoodoo 49
  • Chapter Seven: Voodoo and Racism 53
  • Catholic and Christian Prejudices 54
  • Ignorance, Fear, and Racism 55
  • Chapter Eight: Voodoo Myths and Facts 59
  • Voodoo Myths 59
  • Voodoo Facts 61
  • Index 65
  • Photo Credits 69
  • References 71

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