"The Big Book of Soul" -- A Book Review

Being passionate of all things spiritual, I became really intrigued when I read the editorial reviews of The Big Book of Soul. Finally I had the opportunity to read a book dealing with the spiritual practice of Hoodoo which focused on healing rather than hexing.

I went to a local bookstore to pick up a copy already expecting to like the book, but nothing prepared me for the treat I was about to receive. The cover itself, with its abundance of color and festive energy was striking enough to get my attention the moment I laid eyes on it. I gingerly took the book home and began to read. Little did I know that I wouldn’t be able to put it down for the next day and a half.

I’m not sure if it was the exquisite style of writing that drew me in most, or the amazing descriptions of a culture I wasn’t so familiar with. I became so enthralled with the lives of the people described in the book that I could almost picture them in front of me, and their suffering and joys became my own.

I was thrilled to find such detailed explanations not only on the use of healing herbs and foods, but also on how each of them became such an important part of the African-American culture. I learned about soul food and how it came to be, and I felt I was given the opportunity to enrich my own life and perception through the many tidbits of ancient wisdom so skillfully delivered and beautifully threaded throughout the book.

The Big Book of Soul is definitely a title I would recommend hands down; not to those who view Hoodoo as a Band-Aid maybe, but certainly to everyone seriously wishing to learn more about true healing and spiritual practices.

Stephanie Rose Bird became the mouthpiece of her ancestors, and was able to convey many tidbits of their wisdom with ease; when she allowed them to merge with her own superb knowledge of herbs and healing foods, a magickal book was born. The Big Book of Soul is a spellbinding read that will undoubtedly open new doors of perception.

The Unknown Face of Voodoo

In the aftermath of Pat Robertson’s self-righteous accusation that Haiti is victim of a powerful quake as a result of a pact its inhabitants made with the devil, there is only one thing I would like to say: “Pat Robertson, you know not of which you speak.”

Many have already had the opportunity to assess Pat Robertson’s failing mental state after New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina, and the good ole faith healer, who claims to be able to stop hurricanes with his prayers, had the nerve to say that New Orleans was destroyed because of widespread sin in America. Where was Pat Robertson on August 29, 2005, I ask, and why didn’t he give us all an example of his power against the elements instead than passing judgment?

And now he is at it again. If his opinion about the destruction of the twin towers being caused by homosexuality and promiscuity wasn’t enough, he has now topped his act with the assumption that Haiti was destroyed because of its historical ties to the Voodoo religion. Although Voodoo – or Vodou, as the religion is known in Haiti – is still practiced behind closed doors, the country is almost entirely Catholic, thanks to the French influence in the area.

At this point I would like to throw in my two cents – not about Pat Robertson’s obvious faux pas and lack of sensitivity, but about the fact that he associated Voodoo with devil worship. Although Hollywood has done an amazing job demonizing the religion, most of what is routinely shown in films is just screen fiction selling to thrillseekers.

First of all, there is a difference between Voodoo and what is commonly referred to as Hoodoo. While Hoodoo is the practical wealth of “recipes” used to fix different problems humans are afflicted by, Voodoo is a monotheistic religion not too different from Catholicism. Not too far from Pentecostal faith either, if one cares to compare the two.

Voodoo was born when Yoruba and Catholic beliefs merged together after African slaves were transported to the Americas. Voodooists – or Vodouisants – believe in one Creator, God, also known in some traditions as Olodumare. The Orishas personify the Catholic Saints and they are considered God’s helpers. The highest of all Orishas is Obatala, also known as Oxala or Ochala in some traditions, and he embodies the figure of the Christ.

Even if the image of a doll being jabbed by pins is what jumps to the mind the moment the word Voodoo is uttered, many Voodoo practitioners focus their work on doing good and wouldn’t harm a hair on anyone. Most petitions (prayers) are made to request healing and peace, abundance and love, balance and justice - earthly and divine.

I grew up in a family circle strongly influenced by the Voodoo religion, yet I have never harmed a soul. My upbringing taught me to respect all religions, especially those I don’t understand or know much about, and to appreciate the beauty found in all systems of belief. If anything, Voodoo taught me about the duality of humans and the existence of a side of good even in those who come through as completely rotten.

Pat Robertson, I hope you are taking notes.

A Taste of the Spiritual Unknown

A few weeks ago, someone asked me the difference between what I had learned in Catholic school and what was taught to me by my mother and grandmothers – all involved in spiritual paths of their own.

My answer was a simple one – none. All the paths I have had the chance to personally practice have taught me that love is the gateway to a higher consciousness. Names and interpretations change, but the core teachings are fundamentally the same.

Sadly, Hollywood film makers and overzealous writers with no direct knowledge have made sure that what wasn’t already a misconception has become one. The differences among belief systems have been exploited to the point that the similarities have been overshadowed and forgotten.

Drawing from the well I’m most familiar with, I would like to explain some of the principals of Voodoo (also known as Voudoun, depending on the region), to make my point. Voodoo practitioners believe in one Creator (God). The closest essence of Spirit to God is Obatala, known for his preference of all things pure and associated to the vibrations of Jesus. Below them are the Orishas (saints), God’s helpers who lived on Earth prior to their celestial appointment.

The practice of the religion is not to be confused with Hoodoo, the “magical” practice which is sister to Voodoo. Orishas are revered on specific days of the week, usually corresponding to their elemental strength, and are petitioned to bring one’s wishes to the creator.

Although some practitioners do exploit the religion and its practice by performing ludicrous “tricks”, true practitioners work very closely with Universal laws. Deeper knowledge rarely comes without the wisdom to use it, and those who act selfishly are most often charlatans without scruples who achieve few, if any, results. Associating those low practitioners with the lot is no different than associating Jim and Tammy Baker to Christianity. A greedy low-life is going to be just that, regardless of the creed.

Compared to Christianity, Voodoo is a “hands-on” system of belief, but it still manifests itself through prayer. A candle lit for someone’s healing has the same purpose of reciting a prayer. The only difference is that the practitioner is using more senses to pray. Even the infamous voodoo dolls – the public face of Voodoo – are widely used for healing, and merely represent the person the healing energy is sent to.

The difference between Catholicism and Voodoo is the same as one child telling a story and one drawing a picture about it. Once the wish is released to God, it is understood that there may be different plans at work for that person that go beyond human will, and that knowledge is accepted and respected.

As a lady once told me, there is only one vision, and many paths to get there. What counts is the final destination.