West Africa

Vodun

Also known as: Voodoo, Vodoun

Fon, Ewe, Aja — Benin

Supreme Creator

Mawu

Also: Mawu-Lisa

Core Beliefs
  • • Dual-gendered supreme creator (Mawu-Lisa)
  • • Vast pantheon of Vodun spirits governing nature and life
  • • Spirit possession of initiated devotees (Vodúnsì)
  • • Acɛ (Ashe) — fundamental life force
  • • Divination through Fá system
  • • Protection against destructive spiritual power (Azě)
Key Figures

Legba — Gatekeeper spirit

Sakpata — Earth and disease spirit

Mami Wata — Water and wealth spirit

Divination System

Fá/Afá (derived from Yoruba Ifá)

Priesthood

Vodúnsì (initiated devotees)

Diaspora Connections

Haitian VodouLouisiana VoodooDominican Vudú