Customer Reviews

The Haitian Vodou Handbook: Protocols for Riding with the Lwa

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a practitioner and initiated mambo of Haitian Vodou, I was delighted to find that Kenaz Filan's book was respectful, insightful and filled with excellent sources, information and recommendations. Without revealing the oath bound secrets of the religion, Kenaz has given interested seekers a good road map to begin their journey into Vodou. Well defined chapters lead you through the history of Haiti, as well as an overview of what the politics of Haiti that have given to Vodou (an often overlooked point, with all the anthropological material that is on the market today). There are chapters on the main rituals of Vodou - Lave Tet, Maraj Lwa, Kanzo - and basic instructions for creating a simple sevis for your own Ancestral spirits.

This is not a handbook for self-initiation. In fact, as an initiate, Kenaz states unequivocally, that there is no such thing as "self-initiation" in Vodou and indeed, the majority of Haitians today are not initiates in the faith, though they are 'servitors' - they serve their family spirits and keep their lives in balance as as result. But this is an excellent introductory book to the faith of Vodou, the precepts of the religion and the methods used to bind the faithful to their Lwa, their Ancestors and to God almighty.

Kenaz covers the major spirits of the two most popular groupings, Rada and Petro with excellent historical background and discussion of their major offerings and colors. She also adds a few personal anecdotes and observations that helped explain the concept of the Lwa being discussed. I even learned about a few I was not familiar with as yet.

Kenaz devotes a lengthy chapter to the Ancestors, such a central part of all Vodou work. With simple, clear language, the ideas and practices that surround Ancestral service are demonstrated in current world view. I found this information the most detailed and worthy. Too often, we are concerned with ourselves, our hurts and our fallacies. The work of Ancestral service, is to help us overcome these things in our current life, not compound the hurts with additional remorse and review. Kenaz did a fine job outlining what Ancestral work can do, to bring about personal peace and resolution within yourself. There's information on the White Table of the Ancestors, an excellent service you can make for your Ancestors and methods for exploring painful memories as well as how to deal with them. With clarity, kindness and an exceptional voice of rationality, Kenaz provides the tools for anyone to work in their Ancestral garden.

There's a large glossary of terms, as well as a chapter dedicated to charities that work in Haiti and a listing of botannicas and stores where one might begin the search for a Vodou teacher. Kenaz ends this great book by advocating to give back to the community from which you receive something. I heartily agree with this injunction. Vodou is community at it's best, and one doesn't just sit back and admire the view in service. If you want to dance like a god, then you must be prepared to serve the congregation as well. One hand gives as the other receives. Vodou is all about family, community and service. Kenaz Filan has done just that - by giving back to the community of servitors that have given some much to all of us over the ages. Ayibobo - Mambo Vye Zo Komande La Menfo Daginen, Sosyete du Marche.

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.

Maybe it's the fact that I am still Roman Catholic as well as pagan, or that I have become enamored with hoodoo and Southern magic, but Kenaz Filan's "The Haitian Vodou Handbook: Protocols for Riding with the Lwa" set off a fire in my head the first time I heard about it.
Let me be blunt: this work speaks to me, and I couldn't put it down.

Filan's introduction to Haitian Vodoun is open and honest, as far as oathbound tradition allows, and treats the reader as a respectful seeker along their spiritual path while making clear that this is not a guidebook for self initiation. Indeed, in this living tradition, the author takes pains to explain simply why this is impossible. Meanwhile, he presents you with a broad introduction to the culture and history of Haiti and vodoun that is necessary for understanding how the religion has been shaped in Haiti and the diaspora, and how non-Haitians and those of other spiritual paths may come to integrate elements of vodoun in their practice in a respectful manner. The historical references leave the reader with a good starting point for doing further research and the writing stands fon its own to show that Filan has done his homework to place these practices in context as an evolving faith. The emphasis of of service to the lwa and the community is foremost.

The book gives an introduction to some of the lwa that one will encounter in vodoun, their organization, history, associations and taboos, as well as ways for the non-initiate to integrate them into their practice. Basic rituals and practices are covered, as far as he can reveal them, as well as a guide for seeking further instruction. One of the sections that really stood out for me was the author's discussion of the importance of honoring the ancestors and ancestor altars. Filan is very understanding that not all who approach vodoun come with a healthy family experience, and he gives compassionate guidance on how one can reconcile what may have been an abusive family life without being preachy or prescribing the "one true way" of incorporating them or not into your practice.

Dispelling many of the myths perpetuated by western culture, Kenaz Filan makes vodoun accessible to the curious seeker and those called to begin their journey with the lwa. I highly recommend it.

(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.

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!

As a student, albeit a crone one with many years of spiritual reading behind me, I am enjoying this book and the conversational style of the author. The relationship between Lwa and practitioner is easily explained which is something that caused confusion prior to reading the book. A thumbs up! The book is inclusive of all who have an interest in vodou without being too elementary.

If you are working with Vodou and want to understand how to respect and work with Loas and don't have a "teacher" near you this is a great hand book. Get it.

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.

A well written factual book which gives an accurate account of this belief system, without any of the 'shock horror probe' stories often associated with Vodouism.
Well worth every penny.

Say the word vodou and the average persons mind conjures up all sorts of dark images. It could be anything from human sacrifice, hexing dolls and even drinking blood. Such a picture is far from the truth. Vodou works with the Loa or what is called the spirits. They are by and large benevolent and caring. Of course there are bad spirits out there but the ones listed in this book are for the most part good. The lowa will grant you your request but they will ask for some favor in return. Keep your word with the lowa or they will get back at you. Cool thing about the Loa is that y9u can serve them anyway you see fit or know how. The Loa do not care so much how correct your devotion is but they do care about the sincerety of your servic. Heck even Wiccans serve them in their circles. Oh by the way you do not have to be initiated into a peristyle or vodou temple in order to serve the Loa or work with them.

Kenaz Filan has written a master piece on Haitian vodou. His book meticulously lists and describes the various Lowa and he shows how to serve them. He covers both Ptetwo Loa and the Rada Loa. One house is quicker and hotter and they may answer you request a lot qicker but do not get them ticked off and definitely keep you vows to them. THe other house it cooler Loa they may be slow to take but they also have a cooler temper.Legba the old man with a limp and cane is always the one who opens the dorr for other Loa to come threw. Damballah the big snake who coild=s hims self around the world is real cool and likes everything to be clean. He also dislikes alcohol. Cousin Zaka is the farmer in jeans, Agwe is the sea king married to La Sirene or Frieda. THe Ghedes are the spiirits of the dead visiting with one eyes sunglasses and loving a good drink and dirty joke.

THe Haitians have a had a rough life. Starting out as a slave colony for the French and then after a bloody overhtrow things were left i to the hand of mulaatos. Power and privelige are the key in Haiti. THeir attitude towards money and love is very realistic. Much diferent then Wiccan attitudes. Life is stil harsh over there and poverty is no virtue.

It is a great book that gives one a good ground work to start serving the Loa. He gives away no secrets of his peristyle and he takes oaths rather seriously. He believes you need to be intiated to learn more although you can get results independently.He also warn against instant initiations, bullying and peristyle leaders who abuse their authority. When choosing a house make sure you are comfortable as they will be a quasi family. This book deserves a five out five rating.