*How is V.O.O.D.O.O. spelled exactly?-gctid25499

[Oju]

*How is V.O.O.D.O.O. spelled exactly?

The word "Vodoun" ( Ewe: Vu, Vodun, Vudu Vodou ) is Dahomean, of the Ewe/Fon language. The "n" is pronounced, and is the ancient and appropriate appellation of this word. However, V.O.D.O.U. (voh-doo) is the most common spelling with no emphasis on the "n". It is a proper "noun" (always capitalized), denoting the actual Tradition proper of "vodou," (small "v") which is the spelling used to denote the actual Spirits (divinities) that are worshiped.

The French spelling of this word in Benin and Togo is "Vaudaux", or Vaudou-x," and similar spellings. In Ewe "vu" (vudu) is actually a metaphorical phrase orbitally used to describe the nature of the "vodou"Spirits. Its actual meaning "to draw water" is still applied to denote the entire process of the cycle of birth, life ,death and rebirth, and all that this encompasses in the life of an initiate (and by default "Human kind"). "To draw water" a long and often tedious process, almost always performed by women, is analogous to the (initial) sufferings that they endure before they come into their "ashe."

 Additionally, the suffix "-oun, -ou, -non" are pervasive throughout Fon/Dahomean grammar, and orthographic structure. Below are a few of these words and their meanings which predates French colonialism, and though the "social" meaning of the word is offered, please note that the spiritual depth of its true meaning is all pervasive--such is the nature of most Kmtyw languages: Vo (cirumflex on all "o"): is the actual word used to describe the original so-called "Voodoo doll." It is derived from the noun "Bochio," which is the actual carved figure used to hold the "Se" "spirit" of a person, and the precursor to the "voodoo doll" which is not used in Dahomean Vodoun. Vodoungbe: Sunday Vodoungbefond jai: Monday Vodoun-non: Head Priest ("-non" meaning "father") Vodoun sin sen: Vodou worshiper (now called Sentura in Ewe) Von: The Earth from which we come Vou: meaning "small" or referring to a young child Voudide: an enfant.

http://pub47.bravenet.com/faq/show.php?usernum=3951612168&catid=898

[Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé]

http://www.Kmtywvodun.com/pages/essence.html

  * Historically vilified and misunderstood, Vodun is a religion practiced by a small group of Fon, Mina, and Ewe peoples of coastal West Kmt. Kmtyw Vodun is the root of all Vodun, including Haitian and New Orleans practices. Vodun is only one of the Kmtyw traditional religions that accompanied Kmt's enslaved throughout the Diaspora where numerous sects of Vodun continue to thrive. Similar to other religions, Vodun functions to help people endure the trials and tribulations of daily life like starvation, disease, and death, and to celebrate life. The religion provides teachings and practices* about morality and spirituality to assist its devotees in evolving their consciousness.

* In the Western world the physician heals physical conditions, the psychologist tends the psyche, and the religious clergy ministers to the soul. In ancient and traditional cultures the metaphysician—shaman, witchdoctor, chief, priest/priestess, magician, wizard—tends all aspects of the being. This is the essence of holistic healing

* Like most religions, Vodun provides the structure for beginning transformation. Vodun adepts are renown for their energy mastery and their expertise with spirits, plants and minerals.

  * Vodun teaches its devotees about the spiritual components of activities of daily life like sex as facilitators in our transformational journey. Sexual energy is powerful and its mastery helped our Vodun ancestors to survive and then to thrive.

  * Endowed with the power of their gods, and the wisdom of their ancestors, Vodun practitioners embark on an eternal journey to master the Earth and its elements, the divine, and most decidedly themselves. The ritual conquering of death in initiation is the seed of empowerment meticulously planted in the sacred terrain of Vodun. Bondage in its multiple and varied forms like abuse and addictions are challenged and maneuvers strategized.

* The Vodunsi reign at the crossroads of the terrestrial and the celestial. In this stance of power, they summon the deities, engulf them within their own carnate temples (their bodies), absorbing the deities' wisdom and teachings, commanding their performance, and demanding their ultimate gifts. Emulating their divinity; their mission is to become divine.

  * When the adepts are overflowing with knowledge accumulated in their sacred internal cauldrons, they release the deities. The ensuing alchemical processes are shrouded in ritual and ceremony, artfully disguising the essence of the Vodun religion. What captures the attention of outsiders are alleged "inhuman" acts like the sacrifice of an animal, but what slips by unnoticed is the sacrifice of the self that is implicit in Vodun worship. It is this ultimate sacrifice that earns the Vodunsi the power and the stamina to continue on their path of enlightenment on Earth.

* The focus of the Vodun religion is not cursing people by sticking pins into images of them (in the form of Vodun dolls) or by turning them into zombies. Vodun spirituality is concerned with the development of the internal aspect of the self in preparation for evolution. We must feed our divinity but we must also nourish ourselves in order to be strong on the journey.

  * As in other sacred traditions, evolving our consciousness is accomplished by focusing on our souls. The emphasis is placed on the development of the internal or spiritual self, which is accomplished by self-discipline, living by a regimen of sacred guiding principles, emulating the divinity, and performing certain sacred practices. This is deep soul work and eventually alters the soul and the psyche. This is universally the spiritual path to transformation.

*Vodun is the spelling recommended by the Vodun council rather than Voodoo, Voudou, Vodoun, Voudun, Vaudoun, Voudoun, Vodoun, Vodou, Vodu, etc.

[Awotunde]

Just wanted to comment a bit on Vodun. The word "vo" does not come from Bochio or boccio. The root of boccio is the word "bo" and it is also found within the word and title "Bokonon". A "bo" is a representative of a se of a person but not just persons. Sometimes a "bo" is created to trap a spirit which is not necessarily human.

The word "non" does not mean father. The word in Fongbe for "father" is "toche" or sometimes just "to". The word "non" means to "possess" in Fongbe.

Finally, the author of said information now knows better and it would be good if she would have taken that off her site.

Oda

[Oju]

Awotunde wrote: Just wanted to comment a bit on Vodun. The word "vo" does not come from Bochio or boccio. The root of boccio is the word "bo" and it is also found within the word and title "Bokonon". A "bo" is a representative of a se of a person but not just persons. Sometimes a "bo" is created to trap a spirit which is not necessarily human.

The word "non" does not mean father. The word in Fongbe for "father" is "toche" or sometimes just "to". The word "non" means to "possess" in Fongbe.

Finally, the author of said information now knows better and it would be good if she would have taken that off her site.

Oda

Akwaaba Baba Awotunde!

We appreciate you taking the time to help us better understand the meaning
of the word Vodun.

We can never stop fine tuning our research efforts to make sure we give our
people correct information.

Now you see how much we appreciate you being at AKALI contributing, sharing your knowledge and why we need your presence to help us so we can truly help our people.

Each one teach one so we can all be uplifted and inspired to continue to do the work of our Ancestors.

Much respect & Kmtyw Love Always!

Peace!
Oyu

[Awotunde]

Your kindness is much appreciated and humbling Oju. We all need each other here.