Vodun by Monique Joiner Siedlak

Author:Monique Joiner Siedlak
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oshun Publications, LLC

Three

Ancestral Spirits

I have spoken of West African religions not having a clear separation between the physical and spiritual world–both being of the same essence and mostly occupying the same space. A clear example of this is their belief in ancestral spirits.

In West African religions and plenty of other African religions, they don’t immediately leave our world when they die. They simply transcend to another level of existence, becoming the living dead. These spirits are usually people who are considered to have lived a good life. This is primarily determined by their relationship with family, wealth, and age at death. These spirits are considered prominent parts of the community and contain vast knowledge about the past and the future. They can guide their family or entire community by urging them to uphold specific standards and imparting wisdom. These spirits must be treated with respect and honored regularly.

The power of ancestral spirits comes from the gods, and they function under their authority. They may be given specific influence in particular areas like arts, business, farming, and more. But they can never work alone or against the gods. It is helpful to think of them as the most influential members of West African communities and direct servants of the gods.

The ancestors can be honored in various ways. They can be honored by pouring libation, which gives them the first taste of a drink. They also accept chicken and goat sacrifices, kola, or nuts. Worshipers can also act in ways that the spirits would find pleasing, which ties in with upholding specific ethical standards for the community and individual.

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