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Learn the true history of Voodoo (and whether it's evil)
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Voodoo takes many forms, including traditional practices and those influenced by Western media. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to do Voodoo, including making voodoo dolls, casting love spells, and performing other rituals. Plus, learn what Voodoo is and whether it’s actually evil or not.
Keep in mind that Voodoo and Vodou practices are considered sacred in many places and they’re often misrepresented in pop culture. Do your research to avoid any cultural appropriation or insensitivity when practicing Voodoo.
How to Do Voodoo on Someone
To perform Voodoo on someone else, make a voodoo doll or find a reputable spell or ritual. Visualize the person you’re trying to influence and your desired outcome. It may help to call on the loa, voodoo deities, for guidance and assistance. Keep in mind that you should always have good intentions when doing Voodoo.
Steps
Section 1 of 7:
How to Start Doing Voodoo
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Find a priest or priestess to initiate you. While this is up for debate among some believers, many Voodoo followers believe you must be initiated into the religion before you can practice. Ask around or look online to see if there are any Houngans (priests) or Mambos (priestesses) in your area who are willing to teach you. This is often the best way to learn which Voodoo practices are authentic and which were misconstrued by Western media. [1] X Research source
- Some believe that you do not have to be initiated and can practice as long as you are respectful and understand Voodoo beliefs. If you’re unsure whether you should get initiated, try reaching out to current practitioners to get their opinions. There are many ways to practice Voodoo, so it may depend on the beliefs of each path.
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Read and study as much as possible about the religion. If you don’t have a priest or priestess in your area, it’s still possible to learn about Voodoo. Study the history of Voodoo, including the origins of the Haitian Vodou practice and how Voodoo evolved in America to avoid misconceptions about Voodoo. [2] X Research source Look for books from authoritative sources like scholars or practitioners to make sure you find the best information possible.Advertisement
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Join online Voodoo communities. In America, most Voodoo practitioners seem to be clustered in areas like Louisiana and New York, which can make it difficult to find community if you aren’t in those areas. [3] X Research source Because of this, many believers have created online communities where they share their beliefs and practices. Look on sites like Reddit and Facebook to find groups, and engage with others to find support and guidance as you learn about Voodoo.
- Be aware that not everyone you encounter will be extremely knowledgeable about the practice. Research any advice you receive to ensure it’s supported by evidence.
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Incorporate elements of Voodoo into your life. Despite what you may see on TV, Voodoo isn’t about cursing people and black magic. Instead, it’s about connecting with ancestors and spirits to help guide you on your journey. Learn about spirits like the loa and begin finding ways to connect with them through rituals, offerings, and meditation . [4] X Research source
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Be respectful at all times. Voodoo is a deeply spiritual practice that can be very personal for believers, especially given its history with enslaved Africans. Be sensitive when approaching the religion, and be open-minded if a practitioner approaches you about cultural appropriation. Many practitioners believe anyone can practice Voodoo regardless of their background, while others feel it should be reserved for Africans and those of African descent. [5] X Research source
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Section 2 of 7:
How to Make a Voodoo Doll
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Focus your mind on a specific person. Your voodoo doll needs to represent an individual person, so while you’re making yours, picture them in your mind. Voodoo depends on a connection between the visible world that we live in and the invisible world where spirits reside. Concentrate on the person you want your doll to represent to channel their spirit from the invisible realm. [6] X Research source
- It’s important to note that voodoo dolls as depicted in Western media are not typically used in the traditional Haitian practice of Vodou, from which the Western idea of Voodoo originates. It’s likely that voodoo dolls actually originated from European practices, like poppets. [7] X Research source
- Before trying to do Voodoo, research the practices and belief system to make sure it’s right for you. Most practitioners believe anyone can practice voodoo if they respect, love, and understand the belief and its culture. Otherwise, it may be considered cultural appropriation.
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Find a photograph of your chosen person and cut it out. A voodoo doll needs to represent a specific person, and an easy way to do that is to attach a picture of that person to a doll in the shape of the human figure. [8] X Research source Collect or print out a picture of the person that you want your voodoo doll to represent and cut out their figure.
- If you don’t have a picture of the person, use a personal item that you collected from them, like a lock of hair or a piece of their clothing.
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Sew the photograph onto some fabric and fill it with stuffing. Cut enough fabric to fit the size and shape of the cut-out photograph. Then, sew the picture onto the fabric, leaving an opening at the bottom. Fill the doll with stuffing, then sew the opening closed. [9] X Research source
- Use any fabric you like. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, or hemp give the doll a more authentic feeling.
- Any material will work for stuffing, as well, but for a more authentic voodoo doll, use natural materials like moss or leaves.
Tip: If you don’t have a picture of the person, sew together 2 pieces of fabric cut in the shape of a doll, stuff the doll, and sew a personal item like hair, clothing, or a button that belonged to the person to the front of the doll.
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Visualize the purpose for your voodoo doll. After you’ve added the personal effects of the person to the doll, their energy pattern is imprinted and fused with the doll. Close your eyes and set an intention with the doll, like to heal the person it represents, for example. It’s generally best to use the doll for good, as many traditional Vodou practitioners do not believe in using the craft to cause harm. It is ultimately up to you, however. [10] X Research source
- Hold the doll and channel all of your energy into your intention. Picture exactly what you want to happen. For example, if you intend to use the doll to heal someone of an illness, imagine the doll absorbing the illness and the living person being happy and healthy. It may also help to mentally or verbally say what you want to happen.
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Call upon one of the loa to help ensure that the spell works. Focus on one of the loa, or Voodoo deities, and ask them to help make sure that the doll embodies the person you intend it to, like praying to any other deity. It may also help to leave offerings of food, flowers, or items that represent the loa you’re calling upon. Ask the loa to help you accomplish your goal with the doll, be it good or evil. [11] X Research source
- You can also make a voodoo doll that contains the spirit of a loa to serve you. For example, concentrate on Ogun (the warrior loa) while you make your doll to channel his courage and bravery into your doll.
- Go to your local library or look online to research the loa so you can choose one that corresponds with your voodoo doll. This research is also a great way to learn what offerings to leave for each loa.
- For example, Agwe is a loa associated with the sea, so you may offer him shells or depictions of boats. [12] X Research source
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Baptize the voodoo doll and give it a name. The final step of infusing a person’s energy into your voodoo doll is to baptize it with water, repeat the baptizing prayer, and state the person’s name in the prayer. Drizzle water over the doll and repeat the prayer 2 times, making the sign of the cross before you begin the prayer. [13] X Research source
- State the prayer as follows: “I baptize you, (Person’s Name), all that I do to this doll, I do to you. Amen.”
- Use holy water or bless a vial of water. Get holy water by visiting a Catholic church, or bless the water yourself by saying a prayer over it.
- Cleanse the doll or release the spirit by baptizing it in salt water.
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Section 6 of 7:
Voodoo History & Origins
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Vodou originated in Haiti in the 17th century. Haitian Vodou comprises aspects of various religions from Africa, though it primarily originated with the Vodun religion of Dahomey (modern-day Benin). Vodou was brought to Haiti by an enslaved person who was captured from Dahomey, where many different tribes shared similar religious beliefs about worshiping family ancestors and being possessed by spirits. When these peoples were enslaved, they created the Vodou religion from their shared beliefs. [21] X Research source
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Vodou was evolved into Voodoo by followers in the state of Louisiana. As enslaved people were brought to America, specifically Louisiana, they continued to practice Vodou, which enslavers prohibited. In an attempt to put a stop to the practice, the enslavers threatened the enslaved people and baptized them as Catholics. Rather than converting them, Catholic traditions were instead adopted into the practice. Over time, Vodou became known as Voodoo or Voodoo-Catholicism. [22] X Research source
- After the 1791 slave revolt in Haiti, many formerly enslaved people migrated to Louisiana, as well, which helped the practice spread even further. Voodoo kings and queens became important spiritual and political figures in 1800s New Orleans.
- The most famous Voodoo queen was Marie Laveau, a free woman of color who helped enslaved servants and escapees. It is said that she was feared and respected by white men even during the time of slavery.
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Voodoo is still an important part of New Orleans’s culture today. While Voodoo has become commercialized and appropriated to attract tourists, many modern-day practitioners still incorporate their beliefs into their everyday lives. Rituals are typically held privately, but there is a formally established temple called the Voodoo Spiritual Temple in New Orleans. The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is also a great place to learn about the practice. [23] X Research source
- A Voodoo celebration, St. John’s Eve, is still celebrated on June 23rd each year for the summer solstice. This celebration began in the 1830s with Marie Laveau on Bayou St. John as a head-washing ritual and public party.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat does it mean to put roots on someone?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerPutting a root on someone means to put a curse or other spell on them. This practice often involves using materials such as candles, herbs, and special substances like graveyard dirt or powdered lizard or snake skin. Depending on the spell, you may also need to obtain a personal item from the target person.
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QuestionWhat is the real meaning of voodoo?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerThe word “voodoo” comes from voudon, the name of a traditional Afro-Caribbean belief system that originated in Haiti. Voudon is a combination of traditional African religious beliefs and Catholicism. It involves not only magical practice, but also medicinal practice, worship of a variety of spirits or deities, and its own system of morals and ethics.
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QuestionWhat is a voodoo practitioner called?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerVoodoo priests are called houngans, and priestesses are called mambo. Black magic practitioners are called bokor.
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Tips
- The word “Voodoo” comes from the Fon language of the kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin) and roughly translates to “god” or “spirit.” [26] X Research sourceThanks
- While it’s okay to use voodoo dolls in your rituals, it’s important to remember that they are not a part of traditional Vodou and are not an accurate representation of the belief. In general, it may be better to think of voodoo dolls more like poppets or as a general pagan ritual tool.Thanks
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Warnings
- Always do your research before performing any spells or rituals associated with Western Voodoo or traditional Vodou. Make sure to fully understand the practice to avoid cultural appropriation.Thanks
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Video
Things You'll Need
How to Make a Voodoo Doll
- Photograph
- Scissors
- Natural fabric
- Stuffing
- Needle and thread
- Holy water or salt water
- Pins
- Paper
- Assorted candles
References
- ↑ https://mds.marshall.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1008&context=socanthro_faculty
- ↑ https://countryroadsmagazine.com/art-and-culture/people-places/the-truth-about-louisiana-voodoo-vodou/
- ↑ https://www.lakeforest.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/environmental-studies/voodoo-in-new-orleans
- ↑ https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.1966.0028
- ↑ https://mcquad.org/2022/01/27/to-whom-it-may-concern-a-discussion-about-race-closed-practices/
- ↑ https://www.brown.edu/Departments/Joukowsky_Institute/courses/13things/7392.html
- ↑ https://www.livescience.com/40803-voodoo-facts.html
- ↑ https://www.brown.edu/Departments/Joukowsky_Institute/courses/13things/7392.html
- ↑ https://www.brown.edu/Departments/Joukowsky_Institute/courses/13things/7470.html
- ↑ https://www.louisiana-voodoo-rituals.com/voodoo-doll-to-control-someone/
- ↑ https://www.brown.edu/Departments/Joukowsky_Institute/courses/13things/7403.html
- ↑ http://faculty.webster.edu/corbetre/haiti/voodoo/biglist.htm
- ↑ https://youtu.be/cO3wZCzlkd4?t=266
- ↑ https://www.louisiana-voodoo-rituals.com/voodoo-doll-to-control-someone/#penci-Be-Clear-About-Your-Desires
- ↑ https://spells8.com/love-oil-to-attract-love/
- ↑ https://www.pagangate.com/voodoo/color-symbolism-in-voodoo-dolls/
- ↑ https://www.numerology.com/articles/about-numerology/what-is-numerology/
- ↑ https://www.pagangate.com/voodoo/healing-voodoo-spell/
- ↑ https://sites.udel.edu/movingfictions/the-books/american-street/vodou-2/
- ↑ https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.1966.0028
- ↑ https://sites.udel.edu/movingfictions/the-books/american-street/vodou-2/
- ↑ https://sites.udel.edu/movingfictions/the-books/american-street/vodou-2/
- ↑ https://sites.udel.edu/movingfictions/the-books/american-street/vodou-2/
- ↑ https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1072917.pdf
- ↑ https://www.historymuseum.ca/vodou/possession%20
- ↑ https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/pluralism/files/vodou-serving_the_spirits_0.pdf
About This Article
Article Summary
X
Voodoo is a religion that borrows elements of traditional African religions and Catholicism. One of the best-known voodoo practices is making a voodoo doll, which is thought to help practitioners magically manipulate specific people. To make a simple voodoo doll, focus on the specific person you want your doll to represent. Cut out a picture of the person or collect a personal item, like a lock of their hair or a scrap of their clothing. You can then attach the picture or item to a small cloth figurine to make your doll. You’ll need to visualize your intention for the doll, such as cursing the person or making them fall in love with you, and call on the appropriate voodoo Loa or deity to help you accomplish your goal. Finish up by sprinkling some water on the doll and saying a prayer to baptize it with the person’s name. For more tips, including how to cast a voodoo love spell, keep reading!
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