Voodoo and Santeria

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Any practitioners here?
To me these are extremely fascinating religions.
Anyone else interested in these religions.
New Orleans and Haitian Rada Voodoo I am currently investing my time in from not only an anthropological, but also spiritual approach. Trying to find more info on daily practices within the religion.

<-- Not a practitioner or even a believer.

However, there are a lot of stores called "Botanicas" here in the Los Angeles area that sell scented candles, oils, herbs, and all sorts of paraphernalia for practitioners of Santeria and other folk religions. They're where I get my eucalyptus and sandalwood oils.

I have a Ball Python named Juju.

Great ... now I have "I don't practice Santaria; I ain't got no crystal ball" rolling through my head ...

San·te·ri·a (n): A pantheistic Afro-Cuban religious cult developed from the beliefs and customs of the Yoruba people and incorporating some elements of the Catholic religion.

Link to: Wikipedia Article on Santeria.

Bunch of rubbish.

Happy St.John's eve.

. way cool

What would you like to know? I've dabbled. However a certain person from Central America who I know really well is into it. I mainly do Hoodoo though. Sometimes they can overlap.

The main difference is hoodoo's a magic and not reliigious and structural like Voodoo, but I like how they overlap and have noticed a lot of that. It was actually an interest in hoodoo that first sparked my interest in Voodoo. I added Santeria to the list because I felt it belongs here, the 2 religions are similar in histories and beliefs. I read a book on Santeria last year that was really interesting. So that was one reason for this thread, just to open up discussion about these kinds of religions. And the other is wanting to know some things and lack of information.

Well, first of all if you or your friend know of any websites that offer good information or even forums that would be of much help. Another thing Im interested in is (being a practice thats practical over philisophical in essence) how is daily life shaped by it? What traditions are a part of everyday life? Which resources are most reliable for ppl who are wanting to practice it? (I understand there are some differences but I dont have a preference between the Haitian and "New Orleans" Voodoo.) Im relocating quite soon to an area where there will be a lot more resources. But for the moment Im doing this solo, so in a way it is more like hoodoo right now. If you want to talk about hoodoo too id be interested in that as well.
Thanks for asking.

The main everyday practice with me is the Eluga. You keep it by your front door and feed it every day. Give it the first plate at suppertime. Also, you need to find out whose on your head. Chango is on mine. You can also choose to marry someone but I don't want to do that, although to do have an alter to Freda and I feed her every day as well.

Okay. So after you feed it, is there a certain time you must allow before you remove the plate so that you dont offend?

I like the red brick dust too. Right now Ive been learning about Marie Laveau. She lived a very interesting life.

I've experimented with conjure work. This is something that you have to be careful with. Mostly because it is shrouded in so much misunderstanding and downright misinformation. With great respect you should approach it. Really know what you're getting yourself into, the devotion, the knowledge. It isn't something that can be learned overnight from a book it takes patience and determination. Be very careful of negative energies, learn to accept and forgive, honor who you ask to help you (as in spirits), believe in it 100% and if you live in an area where tolerance for these beliefs are poor, keep it low key.

Ingredients, and the mindset come into play when practicing. This is just what I've learned and I also want to add that if you choose to use certain beliefs for malicious intent (who am I to argue with your personal choice even if I disagree with it?) realize how certain things workout in the long run.

When I went to New Orleans a few years back, we were curious so we went to see a voodoo priestess. She was either a really good actor or she was completely insane. She was beyond out there.

Is voodoo like magic?

It is a religious practice,no different than being Christian.

Yes, exactly. Its a religion. Hoodoo is a folk magic Hoodoo is believed to have roots in India and Africa. Voodoo originated in Africa, most particularly in the Congo. There are elements within Voodoo that could be classified as magic, but the real difference is that in traditional Voodoo one always prays to God / Bondye for permission to communicate with the spirit world at the crossroads. Many Voodouins acknowledge Christian beliefs such as Jesus being the Son of God and belief in the Holy Spirit. But not all. It is its own faith. From a western JudeoChristian perspective, traditional Voodoo is a benevolent religion, just different. There are renegade groupsthat are dark, but these could be compared to a black magician who leaves christianity. Id avoid these like the plague. Its all up to the person if the want to live ethically or not. It is always important to take great care in any endeavors with the spirit world. I walk the Red Road always.