Serving the Spirits: The Religion of Haitian Vodou

by Mambo Vye Zo Komande La Menfo

A healing and balanced faith, Haitian Vodou is a member of the African Traditional Religions that came into the Western Hemisphere via the Transatlantic slave trade. Despite a much misunderstood image, Vodou gives its practitioners the tools to understand the world around them. By participating in an annual calendar of observances, rituals and services, servitors can engage with the Vodou "Mysteries" , thereby enlisting their aid in helping lead a balanced life. Manbo Vye Zo uses her own story of becoming manbo or mother of the spirits as a stepping stone for her students and godchildren so they can learn by her example. An educational text as well as story, Manbo helps the reader gain a greater understanding of the faith as she leads us ever deeper into unexplored territory. Come experience the world of Haitian Vodou from an insider's perspective, and leave forever changed in your outlook on the world of Vodou.

Genres: Religion

306 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2011

Reviews

[Kurt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know little about the religion of Vodou and was curious to learn from an insider. The author is initiated in Vodou as a Mambo and has a congregation (or "sosyete" in Pennsylvania. She is very enthusiastic about her beliefs and religion. There are some things she explains quite well and others that she doesn't.

The book starts off with some basic history of Haiti and it's important to understand the basics to understand Vodou. She does a good job with this. Then the book's organization was somewhat difficult for me as an outsider to understand. At times the book was difficult and frustrating to read.

I feel I got a little taste of Vodou and what it is, but I didn't get a lot of "This is what we believe" which is what I was hoping for. It gave a bit of sweeping theology and a small discussion of the Loa (or Lwa as she spells it in this book), but I don't know what Vodou morality is or how Vodouisants feel about homosexuality or other issues. Is there a concept of sin? What role does magic play in Vodou? Etc.

One thing this book would have really benefited from is a Glossary. The special terms often aren't italicized or defined the first time they are introduced. Sometimes, they don't seem to ever be defined. The index is not thorough enough and sometimes it was inaccurate.

There were a several minor, yet distracting typos in the book. I feel the book could've used another proofread.

Overall, a worthwhile read, but I'm still searching for a better introduction. There is a bibliography that may prove useful.

[Ron Me]

Slightly interesting. Badly needs an editor.

[Susan Whigham · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is intended as a primer but I found it helpful to have read other primers already. Not all expressions are explained or defined. Nonetheless it is by far the most thorough and compelling exploration of Vodou for the uninitiated that I have read so far. Could not put it down.