Voodoo ..My religion..

[+HerNibs]

I canno't believe the state of people in this world. They call it a righteous action, to harm innocent living biengs... They defend their cases saying it is good. If killing the innocent is good, then what is bad?

Get over it. I eat meat. Hubby hunts. I used to hunt growing up.

Stop preaching.

So far your posts are what is offensive in this thread.

HN

[Beckys_Mom]

I canno't believe the state of people in this world. They call it a righteous action, to harm innocent living biengs... They defend their cases saying it is good. If killing the innocent is good, then what is bad?

So those of us that eat meat are.....??

[The Silver Thong]

LOL! Yep. Haj0's post sure will put you to sleep.

Wait till you start getting PM's from him. I have received 3 so far and damn they are entertaining. I would post them but I guess that would be betraying the trust of a pm

Haj01 has his convictions and wow they are strong to say the least, but that is his right and I will respect that.

Edited May 3, 2009 by The Silver Thong

[Aanica]

Wait till you start getting PM's from him. I have received 3 so far and damn they are entertaining. I would post them but I guess that would be betraying the trust of a pm

Haj01 has his convictions and wow they are strong to say the least, but that is his right and I will respect that.

You are so nice ST..always ...

[little_dreamer]

It is interesting stuff. Some people who were practicing Santeria in the Miami area were scrutinized by the media because of the sacrifices.

I wonder how common the religion is. I know about it in Haiti, New Orleans but don't know where else.

[Pol_Pot_Lives_Again]

I think Voodoo mostly projects a balance of nature, whereas Santeria and Palo religions derive from more unbalanced and, at times, unfair situations/teachings/ceremonies... which makes me totally understand people not really being too keen on it.

Edited May 3, 2009 by Pol_Pot_Lives_Again

[Plainbob13]

It is interesting stuff. Some people who were practicing Santeria in the Miami area were scrutinized by the media because of the sacrifices.

I wonder how common the religion is. I know about it in Haiti, New Orleans but don't know where else.

New York has a large Voodoo/santeria population. One of the largest if I remember right.

[SilverCougar]

*slips up next to Papa and pats his back with a large paw* It's good to see this. Good to see one willing to speak up on their practices and faith. Even if it makes the poor little satyr with me cringe at the mention of goat sacrifices. *snickers*

The fact that you're not letting the nay sayers get you down is encouraging. Granted.. I cry more at the rum sacrifice then the animal ones. This is by far not the only faith that sac's an animal..

But your teaching is well met, and greatly welcomed. By this I wish you high welcomes, Papa.

[norwood1026]

Granted.. I cry more at the rum sacrifice then the animal ones.

I agree!

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

What's up Papa! I have an irrelevant question, for I love irrelevance...

Is it required to refer to yourself in the third person in order to practice voodoo?

Dr. Pete thinks you sound like Karl Malone!

Also would like to comment on the idea of sacrifice...

Personally I find it selfish to take the life of a creature for "power" period. To not even eat it would be disgusting to me.

The "wave" concept you mentioned, IMHO, seems much more "kind", if you will. Is the sacrifice necesarry at all?

That's just an opinion and where out two faiths differ. You seem like a cool cat man and have handled yourself like a gent!

Nice to have met ya brother!

Edited May 4, 2009 by Dr. Peter Venkman

[Papa Midnight60]

I agree!

Papa never wastes the rum!!!

Papa

[Papa Midnight60]

What's up Papa! I have an irrelevant question, for I love irrelevance...

Is it required to refer to yourself in the third person in order to practice voodoo?

Dr. Pete thinks you sound like Karl Malone!

Also would like to comment on the idea of sacrifice...

Personally I find it selfish to take the life of a creature for "power" period. To not even eat it would be disgusting to me.

The "wave" concept you mentioned, IMHO, seems much more "kind", if you will. Is the sacrifice necesarry at all?

That's just an opinion and where out two faiths differ. You seem like a cool cat man and have handled yourself like a gent!

Nice to have met ya brother!

I thought I sounded more like the Rock

Papa

Edited May 4, 2009 by Papa Midnight60

[Beckys_Mom]

I thought I sounded more like the Rock

Papa

But I don't smell what the rock is cooking LMAO

[Papa Midnight60]

*slips up next to Papa and pats his back with a large paw* It's good to see this. Good to see one willing to speak up on their practices and faith. Even if it makes the poor little satyr with me cringe at the mention of goat sacrifices. *snickers*

The fact that you're not letting the nay sayers get you down is encouraging. Granted.. I cry more at the rum sacrifice then the animal ones. This is by far not the only faith that sac's an animal..

But your teaching is well met, and greatly welcomed. By this I wish you high welcomes, Papa.

Thanks you for the welcome SilverCougar, I hope you will enjoy talking about Voodoo as a religion, as far as the goat sacrifices go you are right this is not the only religion that sacrifices animals for the power released at time of event. Though it’s a great power it does take getting used to for some to watch. I have done this many times I am always in accordance with ritual practice.

Papa

[Papa Midnight60]

Hello Papa,

Welcome to UM!

If I were to ever practice a religion (other than the one I was born into) it would be Voodoo. It's fascinating and quite close to what I grew up in.

I'm always amazed at the way it adapted. Brought into the US, merges with Christianity yet keeping its core purity.

I've also always been impressed on it's role for women. It seems (please anyone correct me) that women were equals in the religion. I find that refreshing.

I hope to learn more.

Thanks for coming.

HN

Well that is very refreshing to hear, I will take that as a very fine compliment, if you ever want to convert to the Voodoo practice you let Papa know and I will personally make sure you are sent to the right people. If you were close I would invite you to some ceremonies and escort you so you could see things no outsider sees.

Papa

Edited May 4, 2009 by Papa Midnight60

[Papa Midnight60]

I wanted to bring to you some information, this is an olders article but I believe it explains simply how I would like to begin my teachings, with some background. I am providing you a link to read the whole article this is from 2004, I have this in my archieves and I feel it to be relivent to Papas work here.

Haiti has 3 reconized religions

link

Voodoo is one of Haiti’s three constitutionally recognized religions, along with Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Under President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the government sanctioned voodoo marriages, baptisms and other rites. Two-thirds of Haiti’s eight million people are said to practise voodoo, which worships one Creator and many spirits, or loas.

Voodoo is all about unity,” said George Fernand, 63, a voodoo houngan, or priest. “We’re hoping the new government will help bring us unity.”

Voodoo rituals date back more than 400 years and have roots among the Yoruba tribe of Togo, Benin and parts of Nigeria.

'Wrapped in white satin scarves, initiates to the sect chant and dance throughout the night to beckon spirits as onlookers gather. Rum, cane liquor and herbs are offered to appease a pantheon of spirits.

On Sunday, the faithful sacrificed goats and held them overhead, the goats’ blood dripping onto their heads and staining their white clothes."

Article in national Geographic for more understanding;

link

Voodoo Blood Rite: Reporter on African Ritual

Voodoo Blood Rite: Reporter on African RitualPeter Standring

National Geographic On Assignment

Updated February 9, 2004

View a Voodoo Photo Gallery: Go >>

Editor's note: Peter Standring, a correspondent/producer for National Geographic on Assignment, spent two weeks criss-crossing the West African nations of Benin and Togo with Wade Davis, an anthropologist and National Geographic Society Explorer-In-Residence, and Chris Rainier, a National Geographic photographer and co-director of the Society's Ethnosphere Project. Their quest: to explore the roots of the voodoo religion in the cradle of its origin.

RELATED

Explorer on Initiative to Document Cultures on the Edge

In Sahara, Salt-Hauling Camel Trains Struggle On

Unique Dogon Culture Survives in West Africa

There's a small village called Zooti in southern Togo known for its fierce warriors, and their big, bold, bloody voodoo rituals. We're told about the fearless tribesmen and decide to travel off the beaten path to see them for ourselves.

We understand that it will be like nothing we have ever witnessed—a bizarre marriage of religious fervor and ancient tradition. I'm not sure exactly what to expect, but I expect I'll be amazed by whatever spectacle unfolds. Despite the sensational and frightening aspects of this ancient religion, we are going to try to make sense out of what we see.

Zooti is about a two-hour drive east of the Togolese capital, Lome. It's fortunate we're travelling in a big four-wheel-drive truck because we soon find ourselves off the highway and on unpaved dirt roads. We bump along past stretches of gorgeous tropical coastline and snake through acres of farmland. Goats and pigs scramble out of our way, seeking safety on the shoulder of the road. There are no signs to direct us to Zooti, but our driver Rafiou knows the way.

When the long, thin ribbon of reddish dirt ends, a cluster of mud homes topped with straw roofs appears. It is Zooti. Like many of the villages we've visited, Zooti has no electricity, no phone lines, no running water. The people here grow their own fruits and vegetables, fetch water from a community well, and raise their own livestock. The children who race out to greet us look healthy and happy and crowd around with a mix of excitement and fear. They scream when they catch sight of our big video camera. It is not often they have such strange looking visitors.

I'm introduced to a local man named Sowada Atto. He's not sure of his exact age, but reckons it's around 45. He has two wives and seven children. Keeping them all fed, he tells me, isn't easy. So Sowada works two jobs, in the fields as a farmer and in the village as a mason. The money he makes from building homes and fixing walls helps him to buy seeds and hire farmhands. While he deals with life's daily struggles, he finds comfort and strength in his religion and its traditions.

"When I have a need," Sowada says, "I express it to the gods and the gods will help me, especially when I have a big problem. I call on the gods, and they answer my prayers."

In this village, the gods are called on and prayers issued during special ceremonies. On this day a half dozen men sit together in the shade of a thick tree enthusiastically pounding their drums, beckoning their voodoo god Koku to arrive. A crowd quickly gathers in a circle around them in anticipation of the approaching divine event. We squeeze past the kids and secure "front row seats."

The incessant beat intensifies, and suddenly, one by one, men leap up, shouting and spinning out of control. I see that Sowada is one of them. Collectively, they have become possessed by the spirit of Koku and, while in trance, will embody his strength and courage.

"When they are taken by the god," Wade Davis explains, "they are no longer human. They are the god. It's not magical, it's very real. It shows you the power of belief!"

With eyes wide, and sweat pouring off them, the warriors dance and shout, stumbling into the crowd, and bowing down in front of the village elders. On their knees they also pay homage to Koku, represented by a gnarled chunk of wood placed in the dirt. The men carry strange metal knives and hold them up for all to see.

Continued on Next Page >>

Voodoo Blood Rite: Reporter on African Ritual<< Back to Page 1 Page 2 of 2

Then, as if heeding some unspoken cue, the warriors begin raking their weapons across their arms. Blood pours from their wounds. It is unbelievable, but I learn that it is designed to show the strength of their faith and the mightiness of their god.

Koku guarantees the men protection in battle and invincibility in combat. When the men of Zooti went to war, they wouldn't be afraid. Even if they were wounded they wouldn't feel any pain. Or so I'm told. Regardless, it is more than a little disturbing to watch these men intentionally cut themselves, and spill their own blood. But like voodoo itself, it is an ancient tradition, performed by these people for hundreds if not thousands of years.

Hours later, I meet up again with Sowada, who is once again calm and gentle and apparently no worse for his self-inflicted mauling. I try not to stare at the rows of deep scars running up and down his arms. He tries to explain.

"The rituals and my beliefs save me from evil spirits and protect me," Sowada says, "and if I am to live a long time it will be because of my voodoo god."

Looking at this easy-going, smiling man I can hardly believe he's the same person I saw taking part in the frenetic ritual. But I guess that shows the depth and appeal of voodoo. Ordinary people do extraordinary things when they harness the strength and power of their convictions. Nowhere is that more apparent to me than in the tiny Togolese village of Zooti.

Papa

Edited May 4, 2009 by Papa Midnight60

[Papa Midnight60]

What's up Papa! I have an irrelevant question, for I love irrelevance...

Is it required to refer to yourself in the third person in order to practice voodoo?

Dr. Pete thinks you sound like Karl Malone!

Also would like to comment on the idea of sacrifice...

Personally I find it selfish to take the life of a creature for "power" period. To not even eat it would be disgusting to me.

The "wave" concept you mentioned, IMHO, seems much more "kind", if you will. Is the sacrifice necesarry at all?

That's just an opinion and where out two faiths differ. You seem like a cool cat man and have handled yourself like a gent!

Nice to have met ya brother!

Papa is bothered enough by this to answer it again. I have explained the rituals propose, it really gets me a little upset when you tell me my religion is disgusting what if I said this to your "holier than thou self?" I am trying to bring something I am as proud of as you are of your beliefs here, you see yours is not a question of why or how you just irreverently look down on me and my chosen religion that includes goat, chicken, cow sacrifice with out knowing ant background. we do these sacrifices with great pride and reverence.

Papa

Edited May 4, 2009 by Papa Midnight60

[Lt_Ripley]

Well that is very refreshing to hear, I will take that as a very fine compliment, if you ever want to convert to the Voodoo practice you let Papa know and I will personally make sure you are sent to the right people. If you were close I would invite you to some ceremonies and escort you so you could see things no outsider sees.

Papa

why would there be things no outsider sees ? embarrassment ? would the public be peeved ? I do myself have to admit IMO that killing animals for ritual and not to consume is at the very least wasteful and seems to lack respect for that life one has taken.

[Lt_Ripley]

Papa is bothered enough by this to answer it again. I have explained the rituals propose, it really gets me a little upset when you tell me my religion is disgusting what if I said this to your "holier than thou self?" I am trying to bring something I am as proud of as you are of your beliefs here, you see yours is not a question of why or how you just irreverently look down on me and my chosen religion that includes goat, chicken, cow sacrifice with out knowing ant background. we do these sacrifices with great pride and reverence.

Papa

it is his right to also voice his opinion and belief if he finds the killing of innocent animals which are not consumed disgusting just as you voice your own. You don't have to like it. But this is a public forum and if a dissenting opinion is not welcome then one shouldn't post.

I as I'm sure the Dr. understand this is part of your religious beliefs .... just as some hold killing an animal not for consumption some believe to be disgusting ( and wasteful myself. plus disrespectful of the life of that animal since it is going as far as I can see to any further use.)

while one can learn about your religion and rituals doesn't mean we have to agree with them.

[Papa Midnight60]

why would there be things no outsider sees ? embarrassment ? would the public be peeved ? I do myself have to admit IMO that killing animals for ritual and not to consume is at the very least wasteful and seems to lack respect for that life one has taken.

There is always a thing that is not for your eyes, that’s the way it is. You don’t see all the things your Pope does do you? There are rite and ceremonies at different levels, so that is why even some lower ranking member’s don’t get to see until later. The animal is consumed by the spirit it is sacrificed to in the flames.

There is nothing embarrassing just not for you to view, plus you do not have the respect to be invited to view, "Her Nibs" was very respectful indeed. She was extended the very special invitation by me. Though I know she will not accept it was an honor extended for her respect to Papa and Voodoo.

Papa

[Papa Midnight60]

it is his right to also voice his opinion and belief if he finds the killing of innocent animals which are not consumed disgusting just as you voice your own. You don't have to like it. But this is a public forum and if a dissenting opinion is not welcome then one shouldn't post.

I as I'm sure the Dr. understand this is part of your religious beliefs .... just as some hold killing an animal not for consumption some believe to be disgusting ( and wasteful myself. plus disrespectful of the life of that animal since it is going as far as I can see to any further use.)

while one can learn about your religion and rituals doesn't mean we have to agree with them.

Thanks for the lesson in humility, It is much appreciated by Papa your kind understanding is noted.

Papa

Edited May 4, 2009 by Papa Midnight60

[Lt_Ripley]

There is always a thing that is not for your eyes, that’s the way it is. You don’t see all the things your Pope does do you? There are rite and ceremonies at different levels, so that is why even some lower ranking member’s don’t get to see until later. The animal is consumed by the spirit it is sacrificed to in the flames.

There is nothing embarrassing just not for you to view, plus you do not have the respect to be invited to view, "Her Nibs" was very respectful indeed. She was extended the very special invitation by me. Though I know she will not accept it was an honor extended for her respect to Papa and Voodoo.

Papa

respect ?? I respect your beliefs as much as anyone elses. your intitled to them but they aren't proof of anything mystical or God like. IMO it's just superstition. But you do have the right to believe as you see fit. and that is my respect. Just because I don't buy it doesn't mean I don't have respect.

no I guess no one sees all.... but about the Pope ? well we get to see his ruby red Gucci shoes !! we are blessed ! lmao.

[Papa Midnight60]

respect ?? I respect your beliefs as much as anyone elses. your intitled to them but they aren't proof of anything mystical or God like. IMO it's just superstition. But you do have the right to believe as you see fit. and that is my respect. Just because I don't buy it doesn't mean I don't have respect.

no I guess no one sees all.... but about the Pope ? well we get to see his ruby red Gucci shoes !! we are blessed ! lmao.

I have not once asked you "buy it" do not care what you do or believe, I do not come here recruiting anyone, I came to post here on my fully recognized religion. I said I was only here to help with the prejudiced surrounding Voodoo, a few pages back you welcomed my point now you get uptight and defensive. I am selling nothing. You even mock your Pope, that is disrespect way worse than my sacrifice ceremonies. I have come here mocking not one person. , The Pope is a well respected religious Icon of America even if you do not believe the way he does I see no reason to disrespect this figure of the Catholics and btw Voodoo is mixed with Catholicism, having your opinion is one thing and I do agree everyone is entitled to it. BUT to have respect shows greater personal growth and great Character. IMO.

Papa

[Lt_Ripley]

I have not once asked you "buy it" do not care what you do or believe, I do not come here recruiting anyone, I came to post here on my fully recognized religion. I said I was only here to help with the prejudiced surrounding Voodoo, a few pages back you welcomed my point now you get uptight and defensive. I am selling nothing. You even mock your Pope, that is disrespect way worse than my sacrifice ceremonies. I have come here mocking not one person. , The Pope is a well respected religious Icon of America even if you do not believe the way he does I see no reason to disrespect this figure of the Catholics and btw Voodoo is mixed with Catholicism, having your opinion is one thing and I do agree everyone is entitled to it. BUT to have respect shows greater personal growth and great Character. IMO.

Papa

1. he's not my pope... I'm not christian .

2. why should the pope have my respect ? respect is earned it isn't given. The pope has not earned my respect.

I haven't mocked you ... I disagree , don't believe ... but haven't mocked. I stated how I felt ... not how you should feel.

yes you posted your religion. not everyone will agree with it. that is the nature of these forums.

[Papa Midnight60]

1. he's not my pope... I'm not christian .

2. why should the pope have my respect ? respect is earned it isn't given. The pope has not earned my respect.

I haven't mocked you ... I disagree , don't believe ... but haven't mocked. I stated how I felt ... not how you should feel.

yes you posted your religion. not everyone will agree with it. that is the nature of these forums.

Papa is very psychic, so I know what your going to say before you say it..

I did not say he was "your "Pope. He is the Catholics Pope, and connected t my religion in a way.

Stating what you said about his shoes is mocking him, you said he had funny shoes, I rather like them and Gucci is very expensive.

Everyone deserves respect, let me ask you this, How do you mean the Pope has not earned your respect?

You are mocking me when you call my religion superstition.

I don’t need you to lecture me on forums, I do not expect many to agree, I will state this for you one more time, I came here to "Talk" about Voodoo as a religion.

Period.

Papa

Edited May 4, 2009 by Papa Midnight60