Book of Shadows

The subject of gatekeeping in Voodoo and Hoodoo is one that often sparks strong opinions. Anyone who has spent time exploring African diasporic spiritual traditions online will quickly notice that discussions about who can practise, who can teach, and...

Within the rich spiritual tradition of Haitian Vodou, few spirits are as recognisable or as fascinating as Baron Samedi and Maman Brigitte. These two powerful lwa stand at the gateway between the living and the dead. They are the guardians of the cemetery,...

Within Haitian Vodou, very little spiritual work begins without first acknowledging Papa Legba. He is the guardian of the crossroads and the one who opens the spiritual gates between the human world and the realm of the Lwa. If the gates remain closed,...

There is something about the sea that humbles you instantly. You can stand at the shoreline feeling strong and certain, only to watch a storm roll in and realise how small you really are. The ocean gives life, carries trade, feeds nations and swallows...

There are some spirits who whisper, and there are others who walk straight up to you, look you in the eye, and make it very clear that they are not to be ignored. Maman Brigitte belongs firmly in the second category.