What Is Vodou

Let’s talk about What is Vodou. Some people have asked me to write on the subject of what Vodou is. I am honored to receive this request.

What is Vodou: My Vodou Background

My insights into what we call a traditional Vodou path, and this wonderful and unique tradition, come from over thirteen years of personal dedication to its teachings. I have traveled to learn, been welcomed into people’s homes as a student, and immersed myself in the wisdom passed down through generations. In Vodou, being a student never ends; we are always learning, growing, and deepening our connection with the spirits.

My perspective is also shaped by my background in Native shamanic teachings and my personal love and affinity for Gypsy folkloric beliefs, which originate from my ancestry. I believe deeply that we are all interconnected, and I approach my spiritual work from a perspective of unity rather than division. I ask for understanding in this, as my focus is on what unites us in spirituality rather than what sets us apart.

What is Vodou: At its core

At its core, Vodou begins with the belief that we are all born with anima, the divine essence that creates the light of our soul. This sacred light is not static; it can be nurtured, strengthened, and expanded throughout a lifetime. Vodou teaches that the light within us mirrors the light of God. Each person, through sacred and complex ceremonies, is given a guardian angel—an elevated spiritual being who has transcended their own karma and is assigned to guide, protect, and assist in overcoming the challenges of pride, selfishness, and greed.

This guardian angel is an ancient entity we call the Mystery or Lwa. They are the gatekeepers to divinity, and our relationship with them is at the heart of Vodou practice. By serving them, by honoring their wisdom, and by working to assist others who struggle with the same difficulties we have faced, we continue to build our spiritual light. Service is central to this tradition—it is through helping others that we elevate ourselves and deepen our connection to the divine.

What is Vodou: Cultivate Light

Every person has the potential to cultivate so much light that they may become a leader, a healer, a spiritual guide—someone who aids in mending the souls of those who suffer. This is particularly vital in a world that carries so many burdens and struggles. Vodou has always been a tradition rooted in overcoming enslavement—both physical and spiritual. It has been a force of resilience, empowerment, and liberation. Many outside the tradition do not fully grasp the depth of this within the collective psyche of Vodou practitioners. Despite being torn from their homelands and forced into new, unfamiliar territories, our ancestors remained spiritually empowered. They merged their traditions, found unity in diversity, and forged a path of survival, strength, and sacred connection.

My personal experience within this rich tradition can be encapsulated in a simple yet profound truth: Vodou is not learned from books—it is lived. It is experienced, felt, and understood through direct connection with the Mysteries. I have been honored to serve as a Mambo, a teacher within this path, though my initiation follows a variation of Vodou that developed through the spiritual traditions of what is now the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. This distinction is important because Haitian Vodou is traditionally reserved for Haitian people and is rarely shared outside of its cultural lineage.

What is Vodou: Sanse Espiritismo

My foundation is in Sanse Espiritismo and 21 Divisions, but I also spent six years participating in Haitian Vodou ceremonies, where I learned the sacred salutes, songs, dances, and rituals. I was privileged to perform services in honor of their initiatory processes, and through this, I gained a deep respect for the wisdom and beauty of their tradition.

I have led thousands of hours of ceremonial work within my own lineage and can say with certainty that the power of the Lwa and their people is immense. As a practitioner and healer, I work within the strict regulations of this tradition. These regulations ensure that Vodou remains sacred, structured, and protected. For most people, Vodou is experienced through receiving healing or guidance from the Mysteries when they manifest in possession. The teachings and messages given in these moments are meant to be taken home, reflected upon, and unraveled over time.

What is Vodou: Lwa

Being mounted by a Lwa is a unique experience—it is not simply reciting doctrine or repeating knowledge; it is an intimate, transformative communion with an ancient spirit. In that moment, time stops. Vodou teaches that each soul carries its own light, and the Mysteries assist in cultivating and strengthening that light through personal guidance. Because every soul is unique, the teachings are deeply individualized. The relationship between a Mambo and those who seek guidance is sacred, as is the interpretation of what the Mystery reveals during possession.

This relationship and these teachings cannot be fully captured in written form because their essence is alive, dynamic, and deeply personal. Vodou is not just a set of beliefs—it is a way of life. It is a practice of goodness, a path of devotion, and a journey of spiritual discovery that unfolds in direct communion with the divine.

I love the reality of these teachings. I love that Vodou is a living, breathing spiritual tradition that recognizes divinity in the flesh, in our actions, in our service to others. It is a path of empowerment, wisdom, and unwavering connection to the spirits that guide us. It is not about blind faith but about direct experience, tangible transformation, and the unbreakable bond between humanity and the divine.

Vodou is light, and through it, we build our own.

Vodou follows a structured format that remains largely hidden from those who are not initiated. This secrecy is not meant to exclude, but rather to protect the powerful teachings from being misused. When placed in the wrong hands, these teachings could be distorted or wielded destructively, harming individuals and communities. The spirits themselves guide who is ready to receive deeper knowledge, and only those who have demonstrated dedication, respect, and the right intentions are permitted to learn.

Each person who is allowed to advance in their understanding must first undergo a cleansing process, both physically and spiritually. This purification prepares them to receive sacred knowledge with a clear heart and mind. Vodou requires integrity, humility, and moral strength—contrary to popular beliefs that paint it as an uncontrolled or chaotic practice. Those who walk this path must commit to its ethical principles, ensuring that the wisdom passed down is used for healing, protection, and empowerment rather than personal gain or harm.