The Haitian Vodou Handbook: Protocols for Riding with the Lwa

This book is about Voudou as it is practiced in Haiti and Haitian temples around the world. Haitian Voudou is not antagonistic to New Orleans Voodoo but is markedly different in some cases. This book is not meant for people to initiate themselves. One needs to earn the right to call themselves 'priest/ess', requiring years of dedication and sacrifice. Filan does not mix Voudou with other religions. Due to an increasing number of Pagans incorporating Lwa into rituals, most of whom are unfamiliar with African and Afro-Caribbean cultures/ spirituality, Filan addresses differences between Voudou and other popular Pagan traditions (e.g. Wicca). He explains why parts of those traditions are incompatible with Voudou, like ritual nudity and Veganism. People may invoke the Lwa skyclad or denounce animal sacrifice in rituals honoring them out of ignorance. The author states that such attempts are incorrect, risking offense to the Lwa and practitioners, and explains why. It is the best (and most interesting) introduction I've read to date, dispelling fears and apprehensions most people have about Voudou.

I echo many of the sentiments expressed in previous reviews of this work. To add to those, my first reading left me with the impression that Filan not only has deep love and appreciation for her spirituality, but of the culture of Haiti as well. Practices and the lwa themselves are related back to Haitian culture, giving the reader a wider context of appreciation for this spiritual path, and yet, not alienating them from it. I also found it refreshing that Filan went beyond the "how-to" format that so many texts seem to fall into these days; "I"-centric compilations that center around ways the reader can craft their way to more money, fame, relationships etc. Filan does offer suggestions for working with the lwa for help with such matters, but emphasizes throughout the importance of establishing a friendly relationship with the lwa, and thus with the community, within and beyond the spirituality, globally and locally. This is done in such a way that you don't feel as if you're being preached to. The book is very user-friendly. Filan's conversational writing style will take you through the vast amount of information presented with ease--and I think the organization of the book helps as well. I found that I was able to open to any particular section for quick reference. For example, one section that I reread, was on "Sacrifice" in the "Practices" section. I raise my own chickens, and am familiar with the slaughter and prep that goes into bringing an animal for the dinner table, and subsequently, ethical use and treatment of animals for food has been a subject that I've been exploring (further recommended reading: River Cottage Meat Book). I thought that Filan's treatment of this aspect of Vodou was both respectful and informative; I don't think that most folks are aware that animals sacrificed to the lwa are also consumed as food. Put into the context of culture, and thoroughly explored, the basic practices of Vodou are revealed as the building of familial and communal spiritual bonds. Filan dispels many myths. A great read for beginners from a long-time practitioner, this book has heart and substance. I highly recommend this!

(I prefer to spell Vodou as Voudoun, but I will use the Vodou spelling since that is what the author uses.) If you are being called to serve the Lwa (also spelled Loa), or if you just have an interest in Vodou but don't know any practitioners in your area, this is the perfect book for you. K (Kenaz Filan, the author) brings us a wonderful, well written, "Handbook" for meeting and serving the Lwa. Although I must admit that my research in Vodou is limited at this time, from what I have seen this book is the Vodou version of Scott Cunningham's "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner." This book is written for those interested in Vodou, who are either solitary eclectics wanting to meet the Lwa, or who do not have a means of finding a Vodou teacher. He begins with walking you through Haitian history, which brings you a good understanding of how Vodou developed. Than he goes on to talk about the tools, followed by individual chapters dedicated to various Lwa (this section takes up most of the book, and for good reason!). He finishes the book with the ceremonies that are essential to any Vodouisant (practitioner of Vodou) and some magickal techniques that you can use. There is much about Vodou that is only revealed to initiates, and K has no trouble in telling you, "I cannot tell you this because of my oaths." But do not be discouraged, whether you have all the secrets or not, you can still meet and serve the Lwa, and this book offers you the beginning steps to do it. However, as the author himself points out, this book is not the "One and only way" of Vodou.

Vodou is a religion that I've been interested in for several years, but never quite sure how to approach. I always wanted to give it more respect than the paradigmal piracy of Hyatt and Black's "Urban Voodoo", which is well-written, but as is the downside of paradigmal piracy, not always as respectful of the paradigm being borrowed from. While that works for some people, it's something that personally I'm not comfortable with. On the other hand, not being in contact with any practitioners of Vodou, I wasn't really sure where to begin as far as solitary practice went. This book has some answers for my dilemma. It's basically an introduction (and a very thorough one at that!) to Vodou that will make sense to neopagans (such as your dear and beloved reviewer). However, it is NOT "Vodou Wicca" or some crap like that. The traditions themselves are not mixed with neopaganism (e.g., drawing down Ezili Freda under the full moon), though Filan does make mention of recent neopagan integration of the service of certain lwa into personal practices. Rather, it's the religion of Vodou explained in a way that it answers some of the misconceptions that are common in neopaganism. Of course, the audience isn't restricted to neopagans. This is an excellent introductory text for folsk of any background. Filan covers a lot of ground in not quite 300 pages--the history of the culture that gave birth to Vodou, as well as origins of various elements of it; detailed chapters on individual lwa; and an explanation of some of the more common rituals and magics practiced. The back of the book has pages of useful resources, whether you're content being solitary or would like to get in touch with a reputable house. I definitely have to commend the citational endnotes. Too many authors don't give credit where it's due, but Filan shows his work nicely. His writing style is easy to read with a light dash of humor (especially when describing the antic of the Ghede!). However, he's not afraid to tackle controversial subjects, such as racism, and problems that non-Haitians may face when exploring Vodou (and how those problems got to be there). This isn't a candy-coated (or, for that matter, ooga-booga scary) look at Vodou. It's honest and respectful, and has a good balance of information and respecting oathbound material. If you've any interest in this religion whatsoever, even just curiosity, this is a great place to start.