The Voodoo Encyclopedia: Magic Ritual and Religion

This compelling reference work introduces the religions of Voodoo a onetime faith of the Mississippi River Valley and Vodou a Haitian faith with millions of adherents today.Unlike its fictional depiction in zombie films and popular culture Voodoo is a full-fledged religion with a pantheon of deities a priesthood and communities of believers. Drawing from the expertise of contemporary practitioners this encyclopedia presents the history culture and religion of Haitian Vodou and Mississippi Valley Voodoo. Though based primarily in these two regions the reference looks at Voodoo across several cultures and delves into related religions including African Vodu African Diasporic Religions and magical practices like hoodoo.Through roughly 150 alphabetical entries the work describes various aspects of Voodoo in Louisiana and Haiti covering topics such as important places traditions rituals and items used in ceremonies. Contributions from scholars in the field provide a comprehensive overview of the subject from various perspectives and address the deities and ceremonial acts. The book features an extensive collection of primary sources and a selected general bibliography of print and electronic resources.Addresses both Vodou and VoodooSituates the religions both religiously and historicallyExamines the African contributions to the faiths on a regional basisIntroduces important gods and ceremonies