I expect that I'll occasionally l refer to Voodoo concepts and practices in this blog, so here are some ways of spelling the various forms of such cross-overs.
There are many different spellings and delineations of the word most folks know as Voodoo. I use the following several spellings:
Voodoo - once upon a time, the literary spelling encompassing all forms of Voodoo including African, Haitian and American practices. Within the past few decades, African and Haitian manifestations of this religious science have taken-on their own unique spellings. Most recently, another unique spelling is taking its place in references to the practices introduced by Marie Laveau, the foremost Queen of New Orleans, and her present discipes. These unique spellings are noted below.
I continue to use this spelling as a generic label, encompassing any and all forms and practices of the religion as a whole.
Voudou - the most recently reclaimed nineteenth century spelling now coming back into use denoting the tradition as it first manifested in Creole New Orleans mainly through the efforts of Queen Marie Leveau, and is now being practiced to an increasing degree throughout America.
Vodou - refers to the practices and beliefs indigenous to the Haitian manifestation of the religion - very much tradition-bound, often with an underlying tenor of fear and anger: facets that once contributed positively to the rebellions, revolution and eventual comparative freedoms of enslaved and oppressed Africans populating that beleaguered island.
Vodun / Vodoun - refers to the indigenous religion in Africa, yesterday and today.
*Voodou* - A personal neologism I use when writing about the combined and integrated beliefs and practices of New Orleans Voodoo and Haitian Vodoun that is the Magicko-Religion in which I was trained and now practice as an American Bokor.
Bledsians,
Merlin Emrys
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* Bledsians is Olde English for "Blessings"
Copyright © 2019 Merlin Emrys (aka W.A. Ryan)
Copyright © 2019 Merlin Emrys (aka W.A. Ryan)
