Voodoo

It has been a long time since the world was introduced to Voodoo - ever since the Atlantic slave trade brought the slaves out of Africa and in closer contact with the Western and European world. But since we first learned of the existence of Voodoo, and up until the present times, our perception of this religion has been clouded by prejudice, fear, and the cloudy lens of sensationalist entertainment. So what, really, is Voodoo? "Voodoo, an Introductory Guide," by Riley Star is a compilation of many of the world's recent information regarding this previously obscure African-rooted religion. We take a look at the central beliefs, rituals, historical development, and evolution of Voodoo through the years. We learn the role it played in the lives of the African slaves, how it integrated within itself foreign religious practices such as Catholicism and native American traditions and spiritual practices. Today, Voodoo is a recognized official religion in its home country of Benin, West Africa, and every year, hundreds and thousands of tourists come to partake and to witness the practice of a religion that has since been clouded by superstition and fear. It is to be hoped that this book will also assist in the further enlightenment of the public regarding this essentially natural and harmonious religion. Voodoo History, Beliefs, Elements, Strains or Schools, Practices, Myths and Facts