Possession and Voodoo Research Paper

This paper looks at the aspect of possession within Haitian Voodoo.
# 146087 | 2,200 words | 9 sources | MLA | 2009 | US
Published on Dec 15, 2010 in Anthropology (Cultural) , Anthropology (South American) , History (Latin America) , Religion and Theology (General)


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Description:

In this article, the writer discusses that possession is the belief that, through supernatural powers, other entities can take control over a person's body and cause notable changes in behavior or health. The writer notes that possession is a key belief of several religions, but especially of voodoo. The writer maintains that the practices of Haitian voodoo and other religions deal with different mediums of spiritual possession. The writer discusses that since possession is the act of surrendering and giving your voice to another, the ritual can be seen making a voice for the oppressed of the country. The writer concludes that even though there are many negative connotations associated with voodoo, the practice itself is very different than what is generally portrayed.

From the Paper:

"Possession is belief that, through supernatural powers, other entities (humans, angels, demons, gods, animals etc.) can take control over a person's body and cause notable changes in behavior or health. Possession is a key belief of several religions, but especially of voodoo. The act of possession can even be found in Christianity, albeit controversially and under different names. In Haitian vodoo, spirits, or loas, take control of the participants in the rituals and act through them. Cases of spiritual possession can be found in many religions, and the rituals used those acts are often similar. Haitian vodou and Christianity share many possession practices in common. The commercialization and globalization of Haiti has also contributed to the spread of misinformation about the practices.
"When Westerners think of possession, the practices of the Haitian branch of voodoo often come to mind. In fact, the Haitian form called, Vodou (or anglicized as ``voodoo''), is famous for its possession and rituals. The religion is monotheistic (in one sense), as Haitian vodou practitioners believe in one supreme god, called Bondyi, who is distant and uninvolved from creation."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Anderson, Michelle. "Authentic Voodoo Is Synthetic." Authentic Voodoo Is Synthetic 26, no. 2 (Summer 1982): 89-110. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1145433 (accessed May 5, 2009).
  • BONDYE : The deity from Caribbean Mythology." Godchecker.com - Your Guide To The Gods. Mythology with a twist! http://www.godchecker.com/pantheon/caribbean-mythology.php?deity=BONDYE (accessed May 05, 2009).
  • Crowsley, Reginald. The Vodou Quantum Leap; Alternative Realities, Power, and Mysticism. Minneapolis: Llewellyn Publications, 2000.
  • Culbertson, Howard. "Biblical demon possession and Haitian loa possession." http://home.snu.edu/~HCULBERT/voodoo.htm (accessed May 05, 2009).
  • Galembo, Phyllis. Vodou Visions And Voices Of Haiti. New York: Ten Speed P, 2005.

Cite this Research Paper:

APA Format

Possession and Voodoo (2010, December 15) Retrieved December 03, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/research-paper/possession-and-voodoo-146087/

MLA Format

"Possession and Voodoo" 15 December 2010. Web. 03 December. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/research-paper/possession-and-voodoo-146087/>

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