Secrets of Voodoo [Paperback]

Milo Rigaud (Author), Robert Cross (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2001

Secrets of Voodoo traces the development of this complex religion (in Haiti and the Americas) from its sources in the brilliant civilizations of ancient Africa. This book presents a straightforward account of the gods or loas and their function, the symbols and signs, rituals, the ceremonial calendar of Voodoo, and the procedures for performing magical rites are given.

“Voodoo,” derived from words meaning “introspection” and “mystery,” is a system of belief about the formation of the world and human destiny with clear correspondences in other world religions. Rigaud makes these connections and discloses the esoteric meaning underlying Voodoo’s outward manifestations, which are often misinterpreted. Translated from the French by Robert B. Cross. Drawings and photographs by Odette Mennesson-Rigaud.

Milo Rigaud was born in Port au Prince, Haiti, in 1903, where he spent the greater part of his life studying the Voodoo tradition. In Haiti he studied law, and in France ethnology, psychology, and theology. The involvement of Voodoo in the political struggle of Haitian blacks for independence was one of his main concerns.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: City Lights Publishers (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0872861716
• ISBN-13: 978-0872861718
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #217,615 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #93 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Tribal & Ethnic

More About the Author

Milo Rigaud was born in Port au Prince, Haiti, in 1903, where he spent the greater part of his life studying the Voodoo tradition. In Haiti he studied law, and in France ethnology, psychology, and theology. The involvement of Voodoo in the political struggle of Haitian blacks for independence was one of his main concerns.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is probably one of the better overviews of Voodoo, October 1, 2002

By 

El Brujo "Brujo Hechisero" (Lowell, Ma) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secrets of Voodoo (Paperback)

This was probably my first book on Voodoo that I purchased, and it still has to be one of my reference guides to the religious beliefs. While other books dwell on magic, curses, and the curio folk magic of Hoodoo, this book gives you a collection of beautifully drawn Veves, excellent black and white photos, and a whole collection of traditional Voodoo prayers and chants. Their is a section on classifying the various Lwas, or Loas, from the various Voodoo Mysteries, such as the Radas, Congos, Petros, Ibu, Nago, and the Dantor mysteries.

This book is not for the beginners and it does not candy coat Voodoo, it gives you a ruff down of what Voodoo's practices, rites, passages, magic, and sacrifices are all about. This book is an overview of the religion, as it is impossible for a Mystery of such vast Knowledge, beauty and Wisdom to be justly explained in 217 or so pages. It is not meant for all, but for those who truly respects and want to honor the Lwas, this is a good start. Although an ordained Houngan or Mambo would be your best bet.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful & Informative, December 31, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Secrets of Voodoo (Paperback)

While most books on voodoo major on 'curses' 'voodoo dolls' spells and other Hollywood-prescribed stereotypes, this book is a very informative and helpful study of roots practices and one of only a handful I would really recommend on voodoo - the others being Voodoo Visions, Divine Horsemen (Maya Deren), Vodou Shaman (Ross Heaven) and Mama Lola (Karen Brown). In this book we have an intelligent yet very readable overview of a normally secretive tradition and one that the world needs to hear more about. Really worth buying.

33 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling overview of a mysterious subject, February 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Secrets of Voodoo (Paperback)

"Secrets of Voodoo" - despite the sensationalistic title, this is an EXCELLENT book Secrets of Voodoo gives a comprehensive overview of the origins, history, theology, beliefs and practices of Haitian voodoo. Includes many B&W photographs of voodoo ceremonies and drawing of voodoo "veves" (graphic representations of the gods, used in ceremonies). This is one of those books that you will find yourself reading over and over again.