Vodou Visions: An Encounter with Divine Mystery

Like many native religions, Vodou (often referred to as "Voodoo") has been scorned and ridiculed in mainstream Judeo-Christian communities. "The word 'Vodou' sends chills down the spines of most people, and conjures up age-old terrors of sorcery, black magic, and bogeymen lurking under the bed," writes author Sallie Ann Glassman (New Orleans Voodoo Tarot/Book and Card Set). This enticing compendium of the origins and practice of Vodou makes for a fascinating read, explaining how music, dance, and artistic expression are the heart and soul of this complicated religion. "What I discovered was a vibrant, beautiful, and ecstatic religion that was free from dogma, guilt or coercion," says Glassman, a thoughtful and articulate Jewish woman who first began studying New Orleans Vodou in 1975.

Its sophisticated spiritual philosophy has absorbed rituals from every place it's entered. The dances and customs of French Colonial New Orleans mix with the Native American Indian use of rattles and cornmeal. Yet many of its numerous magical deities come from the west coast of Africa, where Vodou originated. It is now reported to have 50 million followers worldwide, but with compelling invitations such as this one, it is bound to attract many more converts. --Gail Hudson