Vodun (spirit)

An African religion. A belief in the spirits and the existence of dieties. The belief in the power of the otherworldly to manipulate our very existence. A tradition having existed over 6000 years ago."Vodun".

The belief in spirits called "Loa". Spirits of people whom have left the physical world. Exceptional souls who have been given dominion over certain aspects of our lives. Spirits such as:
   - Agwe: spirit of the sea    - Ayza: the protector    - Ezili: the female spirit of love    - Sango: spirit of storms

The art of voodoo, is as real as ghosts and the devil. As real as angels and djinns. It is as real as the dark arts of the bomoh and the spiritual prowess of the taoist priest. And just like those very examples, it is something that can be practiced for good or ill. It is a belief.

Similiar to most other unseen arts that are practiced the world over, voodoo has been interpreted by the mass media and made to look evil and ugly. It has been linked to the worship of dark beings. Satan and other mystical faerie whose love for the gross and unholy corrupts the practitioner. But how much of this is true?

A voodoo practitioner channels his will through voodoo dolls, invoking the spirits to do his bidding unto others. Wishes are granted. Wants are given. Needs are satisfied. And all of these done by spirits?

Stories of people harmed by voodoo and dark rituals plague the Hollywood scenes. And yet, there are more traditional views that border upon white magic surrounding voodoo. Its potent healing powers aid Africans in their time of need. When ailments haunt them and spiritual well-being is threatened. When their diety comes down, possessing the bodies of priests in order to help those who seek it. How much of this is real?

Are these things naught more than placebo effects? Tricking and toying the mind to achieve results. Conning the blind and rooting down believers in its mystic arts. Could any of this hold even a ring of truth?

Yet, truth only exists in our eyes. And the truth of voodoo lies in those who believe. Perhaps, it is belief that drives and gives it power. A harnessing of the power of the mind, channeled through a doll, calling the powers of beyond to take heed. Or perhaps, there really is a hidden power that comes to the aid of a voodoo practitioner. Just like there is a djinn that is said to accompany the bomoh in his escapades.

What is the truth of the voodoo doll? You be the judge.