EYE OF THE ABYSS

What we call Vodou (Vodun, Vudú, Voudon, etc.) originates in West African cosmologies (Fon, Ewe, Yoruba, Kongo, and more).

Through the transatlantic slave trade, these traditions were forced into the Caribbean, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Louisiana, Brazil, etc. Each region adapted it to its own soil, history, and survival strategy.

Haiti gave it the name (Vodou) and codified it in a specific form after the revolution.

In the (DR), (21 Divisiones) (Las 21 Divisiones) and similar currents absorbed the same roots with their own flavor.

In (Louisiana), it evolved differently — becoming "Voodoo" with its own houses, lineages, syncretisms, and gatekeepers, developing a closed mindset in regards to sharing and initiating others that are not part of the same  lineage.

 Exclusivity vs Universality

(Houses/Lineages): Some are (closed) by design. They believe only those born into a certain bloodline, culture, or community should enter. This comes from trauma, history of cultural theft, and survival — protecting what was once outlawed and demonized.

(Universalists): Others believe the spirits themselves are not bound by race or skin but by (serious devotion and respect.) They hold that the Lwa, Orisha, etc. call who they want, and anyone may serve — but must respect protocols.

Neither stance is “wrong.” They’re responses to different historical wounds.

Recently I had someone who, even threatened me for standing firm in believing that (vodou ) is indeed a universal practice, unbound by limiting beliefs, as well as any other, the lack of information and spiritual wisdom will often lead to overinflated egos, that root themselves in wounds and traumas that certainly they haven’t integrated yet.  We must not approach Magick in general with close mindsets, or unwillingness to become fluid in the way. By not doing so, we become stagnant and simply self consume in our own lies and barriers imposed by another. it is indeed a very dangerous thing to be willing to harm another because you simply don’t believe or follow the same things. 

Where I Stand

I do not claim a Haitian house. I  do not mislabel myself as "initiated Vodou priest" or "houngan" if I’m not.

I  acknowledge roots (West Africa → Haiti → DR → Louisiana).

I study broadly, explore, and form my own system (My rites, my synthesis).

That is not the same as pretending to be in someone’s else’s lineage or profiting houses exclusivity.

The Deeper Truth

Here’s the paradox:

Trauma says: 

Keep it closed, protect it, don’t let others repeat history.”

Spirit says: 

“We move where we will. Rivers don’t flow only in one land. Blood and color are not the final measure of devotion.” ~Sufurus 

Both truths can exist at once. But when one clings too tightly to the trauma side, the spiritual current can become cult-like, as i noticed — exclusivity becomes an idol.

“I do not claim your tradition, i do not vow to dogma, I walk my own synthesis.”

My take: 

This person’s point of view was certainly about beliefs, not “culture” itself. Culture is fluid, alive, cross-pollinated. What I’m practicing is *not Haitian Vodou* in the sense of a house, I am working directly with the spirits, that is much more powerful than getting initiated from the priestess themselves, I go directly to the source.  Please don’t let titles fool you! 

“ One does not evolve by becoming rigid in one single aspect of reality, but by exploring all, and then forming your own ways and paths.” 

~ Sufurus