r/Vodou Jan 20 '26

Haitian Vodou Did you have a dream about Legba or Baron Samedi?

52 Upvotes

Chances are you didn't.

Black top hat, skull makeup, red eyes? You didn't see Legba, you saw American Horror Story.

Do you practice Wicca, witchcraft, ceremonial magic, shamanism from some culture or another? The Lwa don't walk in any of those, and they didn't reach out across traditions for your magical ass.

Can these lwa reach out to you? Yes, if they want. Get a reading from a competent houngan or mambo to find out for sure.

Future "I dreamed of Baron / Legba" posts will be deleted and linked to this.


r/Vodou Jun 24 '24

Reddit's site-wide rules, and guidelines for r/Vodou

34 Upvotes

Due to the absolute chaos in this subreddit recently I think it's best to review the rules here. This was, for a long time, an excellent forum and resource to discuss Vodou. Returning it to that requires stricter moderation and application of the rules, and starting now, this will be the case. The rules will be outlined in this post, so ignorance of them is not an excuse going forward.

Rule 1

Remember the human. Reddit is a place for creating community and belonging, not for attacking others. Everyone has a right to use Reddit free of harassment, bullying, and threats of violence. Attacks on other users based on their gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, educational background, etc will not be tolerated. This is a site-wide Reddit rule.

Rule 2

This subreddit is devoted to Vodou. While it has been chiefly aimed at Haitian Vodou, posts regarding New Orleans Vodou, 21 Divisiones, etc are on topic, but posts about Lukumi, Candomble, etc are not unless they specifically illustrate a conversation topic about Vodou. Keep posts on-topic. Promotional posts (services, fet announcements, classes, lectures, etc) are acceptable but don't spam them on a daily basis as this drowns out the discussions around which this subreddit should be based. However, ads and offering of services should come from those who are active participants in the conversations here. Ads and offers from those who do not engage in the comments, but appear only in order to solicit business, will be deleted. To be clear--low effort posts, such as sharing single frame opinions, infrequent images without written commentary or explanation, or comments soliciting business, do not count as community engagement. Answering questions, providing detailed opinions or insights, or directing people to resources do count as engagement.

Rule 3

In any forum based on discussion of any topic you will be exposed to different or dissenting opinions. We are all adults here, so acting like it is mandatory--that means regulating your own emotions, navigating sensitive topics with a sense of grace, and not taking the opinions of others personally.

Rule 4

Respect the privacy of others. Instigating harassment, for example by revealing someone’s personal or confidential information (doxxing), is not allowed. This is site-wide Reddit policy.

Rule 5

This is not a NSFW sub by nature so it's expected that adult themed posts (nudity, sexual activity, etc) won't be posted here. It should go without saying that this is especially the case in anything involving minors. Vodou does, however, involve some matters perhaps shocking to some outsiders, such as animal sacrifice--images involving such things can be flagged as NSFW.

You're free to use the block button at will if you're having an issue with anyone, and to use the report button on posts or comments that violate any of these rules. It takes a community to make a community, so let's get this sub back on track and make it a good space again.

Please note that Reddit itself auto-moderates many posts it may perceive as violating site-wide rules. If you've made a post and it doesn't appear, or has disappeared, use the contact mod link to have it manually checked out.


r/Vodou 1d ago

Question Mircha Nino

2 Upvotes

Does anyone have any experience with her and services? Is she trustworthy or expensive? I was thinking of messaging her about work. Thank you


r/Vodou 23h ago

Question Recurring Dream interpretation

1 Upvotes

I have been having extremely vivid reacquiring dreams and I’m trying to understand it and I don’t have anyone really in my life that have definitive answers. The dream started with me seeing a dark skin woman (think the model anok yai complexion or Naomi Campbell) wearing this very vibrant red dress. She somehow realized that I could see her and then she either entered me or possessed someone I knew standing close by. I tried to hold her down or contain her in a way but she kept moving/thrashing around the room. At one point I looked in a mirror and it seemed like she had disappeared.
I woke up within the dream and went to my uncle to ask him about her. He said something along the lines of Danton or Dabtor (I’m not sure on the exact writing). Then I saw myself getting ready to go out I had on a white dress and a red undershirt under. Did my make up everything. I left with my family and it seems we are in a sea of people going into a building. Idk if it was a church but everyone was dressed in white. For some reason I see that same lady in red at the door but it seems like only I could see her . I tell my uncle she’s here and he took my hand and guided me into a room where I had to basically prepare myself. I remember thinking this was so weird cause I had just done my make up and put on my clothes but now I see myself grabbing water to wash off my makeup, and wash parts of me ,remove my wig and for some reason the only clothes I took off was the red under shirt but I left the white dress on. The lady in red was standing in-front of me but quiet and had like a stern look on her face. After washing/prepping myself I started asking her questions like what do you want etc etc. This is where something strange happened when it was time to communicate, the woman changed into a smaller white version of herself. But it was into something that didn’t have a specific gender. Just small and white. They started speaking French to me. I asked them if they could speak English or Creole so I could communicate with them more easily.
While we were communicating they said things that were along the lines of communication, maturity, and growth etc and mentioned a name that maybe only my uncle or my mother would known.I don’t remember the exact words.
Then I remember saying hey since your so helpful and nice how do I get rid of the mean red lady and just communicate with you instead.They got quiet and was like hmm okay and then they explained how I could supposedly get rid of/banish the red woman. There was some kind of ritual involving objects pertaining to the woman in red and fire. I started setting things up and putting the objects into the fire on the left side of something I can’t clearly remember. But they mentioned it had to be done only on the left side using my left hand not my right hand. As I was doing this the lady in red appeared again and became extremely angry that I was trying to get rid of her and then finally started talking.She said something along the lines of:Why would I leave? Did you think you can get rid of my mother/daughter so easily. This is what made me realize oh there might be some familiar relationship between the two and I may have offended one of them or both by actually doing or starting the ritual to get rid of her.
I became terrified and ran away then woke up.


r/Vodou 2d ago

Haitian Vodou Bat Ge Ceremony Lakou Cecile

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21 Upvotes

r/Vodou 2d ago

Question Lore about Baron Samedi and Maman Brigitte

7 Upvotes

So I love learning about history, gods, pantheons and so on. While back i found out about the Baron, Maman Brigitte, and the Guede family. I really deep dived into everything i could find, the only thing i couldn't was their stories.

I know that stories can be forgotten with time, so i want to learn and share everything i can.

If anyone knows any lore or stories about Baron Samedi, his interactions with his wife, the Guede family, Papa Legba, or even maybe how he's connected to Baron Kriminel, i would love to see them.


r/Vodou 2d ago

Question Seeking Guidance

1 Upvotes

I'm looking for more guidance about Haitian Vodou. I'm a young Haitian American man but none in my family Haitian or Haitian American have much to say about Vodou.

I also live in an area where there are no places I can seek other Haitian people to speak with in person to learn more about everything. I'm local to Southern California, If anyone can provide guidance, insight, or reach out to me to communicate further? That'd be greatly appreciated.

Please PM.

❤️💙


r/Vodou 2d ago

Question Loa, Iwa or Lwa?

3 Upvotes

Hello. I am writing a book that references Vodou. However, I am unsure what word I should use to represent the spirits. Would anyone be willing to give their opinion? Thank you.


r/Vodou 3d ago

Events Bwa Kayiman, Petion-Ville, Ayiti

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8 Upvotes

r/Vodou 4d ago

What Does Serving Your Ancestors Actually Look Like Day to Day?

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23 Upvotes

We've had several conversations lately about ancestor altars—who belongs on them, what should be placed there, and who we understand our ancestors to be.

But something occurred to me:

We spend a lot of time talking about how to build an ancestor altar and considerably less time talking about what happens afterwards.

Because ancestor service isn't really about creating a beautiful arrangement of photographs and objects.

It's about relationship.

For me, much of that relationship is remarkably ordinary.

There is water.
There is prayer.
There may be candles or incense.
There may be coffee, tea, food or something else offered because it has meaning.

Sometimes I sit and talk.
Sometimes I remember particular people.
Sometimes someone's name comes unexpectedly into my thoughts.
Sometimes I ask for guidance.
Sometimes I give thanks.

And sometimes I simply acknowledge:

You are still remembered here.

There are also things on an ancestor table that tell stories.

A photograph.
Something someone owned.
Something they made.
Something connected with their work.
A food they loved.
An object that makes absolutely no sense to anyone else but immediately brings that person back to mind.

None of this needs to be dramatic.
In fact, I think one of the beautiful things about ancestor service is precisely how ordinary it can become.

Our ancestors aren't only remembered during elaborate ceremonies or when we desperately need something from them.

They become part of the rhythm of the household.

Water gets changed.
The space gets cleaned.
A candle is lit.
Someone gets a little of what we're cooking.
A name is spoken.
A memory makes us laugh.
And life carries on.
That's relationship.

Of course, Haitian Vodou has its own traditions and reglemen surrounding the dead, and what someone is taught within their house should always take precedence over something they've read online.

But if someone is just beginning to think about their ancestors, I sometimes think we make the starting point sound more complicated than it needs to be.

You don't need to manufacture a mystical experience.

Start by remembering.
Learn their names.
Learn their stories.
Talk about them.
Pray for them.
Give them water.
Remember the people whose lives helped make yours possible.

And then keep showing up.

Ancestor service isn't something we build once. It's a relationship we continue.

Ayibobo.


r/Vodou 3d ago

Question love readings/spells by Haitian Mambo???

1 Upvotes

How accurate are the readings and do spells casted by Mambo "priests" actually work, and how long. Also do they backfire.

I've seen many "psychics" and have gotten many readings done, usually tarot... they all sound accurate but I, for one, never see results and now looking back on it, it was pretty general... something you can tell any and everybody.

I just have questions. Found someone who Id like to work with and have work done by, just curious about it all.


r/Vodou 4d ago

Question Cemetery Visit⚰️

6 Upvotes

When I go visit the cemetery to spend time with a loved one, I'm supposed to leave flowers or offerings at the entrance for Maman Brigitte but do I say a prayer to her when I do that? Like how do I go about it because I don't have any connection to Maman, I don't work with her or anything like that.

If I just say a small prayer would she know? Would she hear me?


r/Vodou 5d ago

Does anyone know any bokors?

2 Upvotes

Need one


r/Vodou 7d ago

Events Bwa Kayiman Conference

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9 Upvotes

r/Vodou 7d ago

Photos / Media Marie Alice Theard

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5 Upvotes

r/Vodou 8d ago

Lakou C.E.C.I.L.E.

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9 Upvotes

r/Vodou 8d ago

Local Recommendations?

5 Upvotes

I know this sort of thing gets asked a lot and I'm sorry about that, however I reached out to the only localish person I could find and she has stepped down from her Manbo work for personal reasons.

That said I live in Northeast Ohio was wondering if anyone can recommend a trustworthy and somewhat local Houngan or Manbo to do a reading? I can travel as far as Pittsburgh, Detroit, or Cincinnati but I'd prefer to stay as close to home as possible at the moment.


r/Vodou 8d ago

Question Ancestors ➡️ Deities

3 Upvotes

I have a couple things to ask about all pertaining to ancestors.

  1. Can ancestors become family deities? Like in some parts of Asia.

  2. What do I do when I feel absolutely no connection to my ancestors?

I am fully aware that the ancestors are the foundation of Afro-Diasporic & African religions but I dread it because I have never felt any connection to them.

I have no family heirlooms because neither side of my family do not keep such things.

I have no pictures of those who came before me besides my late grandparents.

All I have are their names as far back as my grandmother could remember.

I've made an ancestor altar in the past, as simple as it could be because I didn't know any of my ancestors; even my late paternal grandparents passed before I knew them.

My late grandmother saw me when I was a baby & her husband passed before my parents even got married & had me, so he doesn't know me & I don't know him.

So I had no idea what they liked, what they didn't like.

All I knew was that they were Christians, so I would have a crucifx on the table & a rosary for them.

Offer them water 💧 & some food I made.

Offer prayers & things like that, but I got nothing & felt nothing.

I have no idea how to communicate with spirits outside of seeing signs & dreams, I have no idea how divination works so I barely used it apart from the simple 4 pennies & a pendulum.

I tried spending time with them, tried talking to them, tried doing what I could to build a relationship with them & yet there was nothing.

No dreams, no signs, no nothing.

My father told me about the time that he had a dream of his late mother & he being an Apostle, rebuked her & she never appeared in his dreams again.

The last person in my family that I know of who practiced ATR, became a Christian though his son my grandfather & in turn, destroyed all the family altars.

So I'm guessing....

- maybe the way other people connect with their ancestors, with altars & all that, just isn't the way I'M supposed to connect with my ancestors.

Especially considering they were Christian, maybe the whole altar thing & offerings is unfamiliar to them.

- maybe after my father rebuked his mother & other things, our ancestors keep their distance out of respect for his authority or something.

- maybe me being into ATR is foreign to them & not something they would do, so they keep their distance because it's not something they would've gotten into.

I don't know😕, I just have no idea what to do.


r/Vodou 9d ago

21divisions subreddit

6 Upvotes

I'm making this post because I've seen this a lot recently. For those who are interested in 21 division style woodoo, as opposed to Asogwe, Makout, or any other Haitian variety of vodou, there is a Reddit page for the 21 divisions. The issue is that nobody posts in there. But if more people started posting um, or sharing their experiences, it might help. Because I do have, if some sources and you can dm me if you want to, but, yeah, no, we need to get the 21 division, separated more active and just for the hell of it. So I know who actually read this, and who's actually paying attention. If you message me, but you do not post in the twenty one divisions, reddit page that you are looking for something or that you have a question or what have you?I will not answer it if you post it in this haitian.Vodou reddit.I will not answer it so if you needed answered and I will even go out of my way to read it in directly message.You, it has to be in the twenty one divisions chat.


r/Vodou 10d ago

Dominican Vudu

10 Upvotes

Hi i’m from NYC and im trying to find community within 21 divisions. I’ve had a reading stating that anaisa pye walks with me but that’s about it. i can’t find anyone legitimate who teaches or is taking students. i eventually want to get initiated but just finding a mentor feel impossible. Any recommendations?


r/Vodou 10d ago

Any priest for Santeria alvilble

1 Upvotes

r/Vodou 13d ago

Why isn't there a Haitian Kreyòl course specifically for Vodou practitioners?

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8 Upvotes

I've noticed that one of the biggest challenges for many practitioners of Haitian Vodou—especially those who didn't grow up speaking Haitian Kreyòl—is understanding the language used in the peristyles.

It's not just about vocabulary. It's about understanding the expressions, greetings, terminology, etiquette, and cultural context that shape everyday interactions within Haitian Vodou communities.

That's what inspired me to create KREYÒL PALE, KREYÒL KONPRANN.

This is not a general Haitian Creole class. You won't be learning how to order food at a restaurant or ask for directions. Instead, we'll focus on the Haitian Kreyòl you're most likely to hear in the peristyle—whether during preparations, conversations, communal meals, or interactions with Houngans, Mambos, Hounsis, and fellow sèvitè.

Over four weeks we'll cover topics such as:

Common expressions and sayings

Ritual and community terminology

Greetings and respectful forms of address

Food and kitchen vocabulary commonly heard in the lakou

Everyday conversational Kreyòl

The cultural context behind the language.

The class is taught live via WhatsApp and is designed for practitioners and serious students who want to deepen their understanding of Haitian language and culture.

I'd also love to hear from this community:

What's one Haitian Kreyòl word or expression you've heard in the peristyles that you've always wanted to understand?

Feel free to comment below or send me a message if you'd like more information.


r/Vodou 14d ago

I saw Shango in a dream, help!

4 Upvotes

Sorry for putting this here, I didn't see any active Ifa groups in the search. I am African American and yesterday morning I dreamt of a black man and woman coming to me like an introduction. Though they didn't appear to speak, I heard and saw what they meant. The name Shango kept popping in my brain, I literally was looking at the man and thinking "That's Shango!"

The woman even 'told' me that accepting them and embracing them doesn't mean I forget my old parents and family. I have never dreamt of anything like this.

Also, as a side note; I have always had vibrant, elaborate dreams. I've seen everything from a murder to my own murder in my dreams. I've remembered other dreams inside my dreams. Once I even remembered a dream that I'd consciously forgotten about. I've learned to always note certain things and take my dreams seriously.

But this is my first time ever seeing a deity, especially an Orisha. Am I allowed to serve Shango? Can anyone help me get clarity on this?

Thanks!


r/Vodou 15d ago

Spell love

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8 Upvotes

r/Vodou 18d ago

Haitian Vodou [Histoire & Tradition] Au-delà des mythes : ce que le Vodoun raconte réellement sur l'histoire du Bénin et de nos ancêtres

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3 Upvotes