For me, the most interesting thing about voodoo is now the misconceptions of the craft. There were so many different aspects of voodoo that were completely different than what I had originally thought before starting my research, but at the same time, certain ideas stayed the same. However, to an even further extent, I was somewhat surprised to read that many did not know the full extent of differences between voodoo and witchcraft. So, in order to clear up some confusion, I did some research into both.
Voodoo, as we’ve learned throughout the course so far, comes from slaves that were being brought from Africa’s western coast. It had a huge significance in the New Orleans area once it came to the colonies. Slave owners were concerned about slave revolutions and wanted to prevent that as much as possible, so they allowed their slaves to gather, trade, sing and dance in Kongo Square, which was originally on the outskirts of New Orleans before the city grew. They used this time to dance and be with each other, but also to practice voodoo in hopes of good health and protection from their gods and ancestors.
Witchcraft originates more from Europe and surrounding areas, though they often fell under different names depending on the country and locality. Modern day witches tend to follow the Wicca (which is considered an official religion by the United States and Canada) and avoid evil and anything that could be perceived as evil at all costs, following their motto to “harm none.” Both old and modern witchcraft practices focused around spell-work and potions, though modern-day are more likely to make a flu remedy than hex someone.
The main differences between these two practices is partly due to how members are brought in. Voodoo is a very closed, secretive practice where new members have to be invited in – you can’t join on your own. With witchcraft, you can learn the craft without being invited into a group or coven, mainly through books and, more recently, online sources. In addition, the ways in which members practice their craft is very different. Voodoo tends to focus on the physical aspects, using charms, alters, and occasionally temples to focus the energy they need, while witchcraft focuses on spell work, verbal magic, and potions.
However, these practices do have some similarities. Both tend to have physical aspects of their worship, though the specifics vary. For instance, both voodoo and witchcraft can use alters as a form of foci of magic, though it’s more so the case with voodoo. In addition, each “religion” focuses on different groups. Voodoo mainly talks to gods, deities, and ancestors, and while witchcraft does the same to some extent, witchcraft tends to focus a few sole gods (or goddesses) that determine what spells or rituals they use and when. Both practices are typically done at night to prevent being caught by the wrong people, often forming groups with others in their practice.