I am wondering if anyone on DU practices Vodoun...

[BlueStorm]

or any other Afro-centric paths?

I am curious about it and I would like more information, websites, books, etc.

I do have the Hollywoodized vision of it but being a person that likes facts more than fiction, I like to get material on it, besides I am trying to figure out a spiritual path for my own.

I tried to post in the DU group that is more pointed towards discussions like this but can't since I am not a donor :(

I would appreciate any help at all.

Thanks,

Blue

[BayCityProgressive]

1. Well

I can't help much with African spirituality but I will say I recently began studying Judaism and attending a synagogue. Religion used to be anethema to me but I find when I am able to choose my spiritual path I am much happier. I mainly study modern Jewish thought and Kabbalah. Try looking on Wikipedia...they sometimes have useful information and links to websites dedicated to what you are looking for. Good luck!!

[beam me up scottie]

2. You should really consider donating.

Not just because it helps DU, but because I'm sure there are many DUers who would be more than happy to help you out.

For a few bucks you get to participate in dozens of interesting groups.

It's well worth it.

[laststeamtrain]

3. A few book titles & authors:

Divine Horsemen: the Living Gods of Haiti by Maya Deren (Poetic & informed)

Secrets of Voodoo by Milo Regaud (from the inside)

Voodoo by Alfred Metraux (French anthropologist, scholarly)

Voodoo in New Orleans by Robert Tallant (I think this was written for the WPA. Entertaining)

I'm not a practitioner but it's always fascinated me.

[ecstatic]

4. Go on a Haitian message board?

A friend of mine told me a little about it but frankly the whole thing creeps me out. http://www.religioustolerance.org/voodoo.htm

[manic expression]

5. It's extremely interesting

but I've never met anyone who's practiced it. Your chances of finding a concentrated number of practitioners are pretty slim. I'd recommend any books you can find, but make sure you use a number of sources.

This is a pretty good article about the subject, and it has a bunch of links to websites at the end:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voodoo

You might want to try checking out other strains of African religion or spirituality. There are still native African religions in Africa today (although who knows how long it'll take before more missionary parasites try to do away with them), so they might be what you're looking for as well.

As an overview of West African culture, religion and history in general, you might want to read "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. It's a very good book.

In all, I would recommend that you keep looking, because you'll definitely find it. Good luck.