Voodoo: Voodoo History, Beliefs, Elements, Strains or Schools, Practices, Myths and Facts. An Introductory Guide

by Riley Star

It has been a long time since the world was introduced to Voodoo - ever since the Atlantic slave trade brought the slaves out of Africa and in closer contact with the Western and European world. But since we first learned of the existence of Voodoo, and up until the present times, our perception of this religion has been clouded by prejudice, fear, and the cloudy lens of sensationalist entertainment. So what, really, is Voodoo? "Voodoo, an Introductory Guide," by Riley Star is a compilation of many of the world's recent information regarding this previously obscure African-rooted religion. We take a look at the central beliefs, rituals, historical development, and evolution of Voodoo through the years. We learn the role it played in the lives of the African slaves, how it integrated within itself foreign religious practices such as Catholicism and native American traditions and spiritual practices. Today, Voodoo is a recognized official religion in its home country of Benin, West Africa, and every year, hundreds and thousands of tourists come to partake and to witness the practice of a religion that has since been clouded by superstition and fear. It is to be hoped that this book will also assist in the further enlightenment of the public regarding this essentially natural and harmonious religion. Voodoo History, Beliefs, Elements, Strains or Schools, Practices, Myths and Facts

Genres: Nonfiction

73 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2016

About the author

Riley Star is a solitary practitioner of the Wiccan religion and employee of a metaphysical bookstore.

Reviews

[Kath · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book hodge podges entirely different but related traditions together and makes a mess. It's blatantly obvious that the author has no experience of any of the traditions they are writing about. Iwa? Seriously? What happened to the other half of Mawu-Lissa? Wikipedia is not a source of research for a book on anything, let alone on secretive initiatory and oral traditions from a language and culture you have no idea of. Try again.
Also "Voodoo" is the racist transliteration of vodou, quit using it for African Vodun and Haitian Vodou.

[Keteriya Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat typical

Somewhat a typical book on voodoo. Touches mostly on how voodoo is a way of life, while denying thst it is truly a religion, it still goes into detail about the same things the average book or internet source does on this topic. Not uninteresting but not profoundly informative.

[Melody Hill-Campanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

So informative

I really enjoyed this book. I was impressed with the historical depth it has. A wonderful reference for anyone, even if they don't practice the craft.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short read with a lot of good information.

[aileen rosario · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Quick Introduction to Voodoo

It's a nice read, and introduction to the practice, origin, and spiritual meaning of voodoo. A good read for beginners.

[Dan Hobson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short

Could have enjoyed more if there was more detail and history as well as mythology on the subject. Nothing one doesn't already know really