Growing voodoo presence in U.S. catches attention

By Jim Jones ("The Charlotte Observer," June 22, 2001)

Extracted from http://wwrn.org/articles/9394/?&section=occult

"I think the interest in voodoo is growing," said Robert Stewart, a New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary faculty member who has researched the religion for his denomination and for a BBC special on New Orleans voodoo.

As evidence he cites the many voodoo sites on the Internet, the growing numbers of voodoo studies by scholars, the popularity of spirituality with many Americans and the trend among African Americans of learning more about their religious roots.

Via the Internet, the curious can have a virtual voodoo experience complete with drum music. Click the mouse and fashion a voodoo doll, or order a potion or powder to bring back a lost love, save a business or put a hex on an enemy.

Outlawed at times in Haiti and other places, voodoo is derived from an intricate West African faith brought by slaves to Haiti, where it was scrambled with Catholicism and the religious practices of Haitian Arawak Indians.

In America it has also been influenced by spiritualism, the belief the dead communicate with the living.

Proponents estimate there are 1.5 million adherents of voodoo in the United States, where its main centers are New Orleans, Chicago, Philadelphia and Brooklyn. It is a major religion of Haiti, where people often practice it along with their own brand of Catholicism.

Voodoo priestess Miriam Chamani of New Orleans says although voodoo offers an extreme contrast to mainstream religion, it is just another way of reaching out to a higher power to solve problems, especially for African-born people.

"We are dealing with the souls of people," said Chamani, who is founder and Queen Mother of the Voodoo Spiritual Temple. "I see myself as a true believer of the universe. I believe in going through many mishaps and experiences and receiving what is necessary for the soul at that moment, when problems come upon us."

Voodoo emerged in the United States in the 1800s, mainly through the work of famous priestess Marie Laveau, a hairdresser who became known as the pope of voodoo. She died June 15, 1881.

Chamani moved from Chicago to open the temple in 1989. Chamani is one of the best-known voodoo mambos, or priestesses.

"At a time when many Africans are emerging from racist situations, many of my people are looking for something from Africa to fulfill themselves," Chamani said. "But voodoo is not just for Africans."

Chamani sees herself as a healer of both body and mind. Like Laveau before her, she charges for her services. The voodoo tour companies also contribute money to support her work.

"Many people today are running away from mainstream religious houses," Chamani said. "Not everyone can feel refreshed from their despondency by going to church."