Vodou Shaman

February 1, 2004
A British-born shamanic teacher, Heaven (The Journey to You) presents a historical treatise and instructional guide to the healing art of Haitian Vodou (its correct name). After becoming interested in the healing techniques of Haitian and other shamanic traditions, Heaven became the first white Vodou priest (houngan) in Europe. Here he outlines the tradition's core beliefs and highlights the striking similarities between Vodou and other traditional healing arts. The historical background adds to the overall quality of the work. Chapters end with a Vodou lesson, each progressively more difficult, showing readers how to incorporate the beliefs and techniques of Vodou into their own spiritual lives. Explanations are designed to reassure any skeptics and encourage more in-depth instruction and exploration. Unfamiliar words are defined in a glossary at the end of the text, and notes to each chapter allow for more research. This well-written and enlightening book is recommended for larger public libraries, especially those that do not already own Sharon Caulder's Mark of Voodoo, which covers similar ground.-Jennifer Kuncken, Williamsburg Regional Lib., VA

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 10, 2003
When Heaven began studying native spiritual traditions in the 1980s, he quickly figured out that Vodou was the "black sheep" in the family—permanently tainted with a bad reputation. Being a self-proclaimed punk, the "renegade reputation" of Vodou instantly appealed to him. In his early days of Vodou research, Heaven "felt sure that I would encounter zombies and animal (and perhaps even human) sacrifice and have to deal with black magic rituals and pacts with the devil," he writes. "Let me reassure—or maybe disappoint—you that none of that appears in this book, for the very good reason that most of those subjects are the stuff of mythology rather than fact." What Heaven discovered instead was an Afro-Caribbean, healing-based tradition that's been unfairly marred by misunderstandings and Hollywood stereotypes. Heaven was so impressed with Vodou that he was initiated as a "white priest" and became a renowned shamanic teacher. This book is his attempt to demystify a mystical religion while also teaching Westerners how to integrate its healing rituals into modern life. Each chapter opens with a vivid description of a transcendental Vodou ritual that Heaven has witnessed—such as a crippled man suddenly becoming cured. He uses these scenes to offer a well-paced and concise lesson on Vodou ideology and possibilities. Every chapter also includes "Vodou Lessons"—for instance, how to move into a trance or create an altar. This stands out as one of the most articulate and well-intentioned Vodou guidebooks available.