Voodoo vs Hoodoo (The Difference Between Hoodoo & Voodoo) 

I"m sooooo glad you mentioned that Hoodoo DOES NOT work with Lwa or Orishas! It's so true, that most of us do Hoodoo right in front of people and they don't even know it! Nice video!

So much culture resulted from the slave trade and it’s such a complex topic. I’m Brazilian and there, the confusion is between Umbanda, Candomblé, and Kimbanda. And then there’s the term macumba, which is not even a religion, it’s just a derogatory term used to describe a practitioner, but over time the word has morphed into its own thing. There is so much we owe to the African race, all the culture, and the world as we know it wouldn’t be without be without the first ancestors. We (non African Americans) should honor and show some respect to this beautiful race because without them, we would not be standing here today! Just my two cents. Much love to you!

A few years ago I had explain this to my Anthropology professor. He insisted they were the same and it made me so mad because he should've known better.

So the skinny is the Hoodoo is the physical (ancestors be them living or dead, plants or animals, and other peoples you share space with), Voodoo is the metaphysical (Spirits, shadows, Orisha/Loa). Interesting. Many thanks!

Hoodoo is folks magic. Voodoo is the primeval religion of the ancient empires of Benin, and Dahomey.

My family talks nothing of either. We are so lost and dysfunctional, I have no family history. No stories, No recipes, Nothing to hold on to from my family history. So I’ve decided to do my own research. I want something to leave behind to my daughter and her family. Thank you for this

Informative video and it has sealed the deal for me in terms of being open about practicing. My grandmother was also secretive about her practices although we knew she was doing something. I feel because of the secrecy, the generations down the line don’t have a clue about healing, building generational success, or just plain ole abundance in all we do. Look at the Asian population.... those are successful people and we know what they worship and we see there money alters at their place of business. They teach their family how to bless the homes and businesses and not be ashamed of it! I’m teaching my daughter all that I learn and practice so it will be well in her and her family lives well after I’m gone.

He is absolutely right in how he explained Hoodoo especially here in the south

Thank you for everything that you do. So many of us never got the chance to receive this education because our parents just wanted us to only practice Christianity

I’m Haitian and I think this approach to the African spirituality wherever it may be, is a bit disoriented. The underlying-tone of this video is to separate the two practices, have people focus on the differences instead or the similarities and the foundations that binds them together. I’m glad that he admitted that he didn’t know much about VOODOO. With that say, how can you say that they aren’t the same? to me they are... it’s like two branches of the same tree.... they can’t produce different fruits . Haitian Voodoo is a result of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade also ...it is more rooted in its origins but also suffered the same stigma as hoodoo. It deals with ancestors, “lwa”, rituals and concepts that predates slavery and so does Hoodoo. It isn’t a coincidence that there is a creole population in Louisiana, that many Haitian settled there after 1779 having fought alongside French and U.S. against the Brits. I’d love to say that Haitians are the cause of hoodoo in Louisiana, but that would be egotistical as there’s no way of proving that... but I’ll be danm if I let anyone separate the two (voodoo and hoodoo). It’s like saying U.S. citizens of African decent and Haitians are totally different races. We may be different culturally... but we have the same roots, went through the same he’ll, lost our identity, names , tongues and Beliefs to the same common “enemy “. we don’t need to know or find out yet another difference between us... we need to focus on similarities, on what binds us and make us one and strong.

I’m from New Orleans and I’m having a really hard time finding someone to help me. I really want to learn but it’s so underground now especially post Katrina. No one wants to admit that their working 🙄

If yall want to know about the Religion Voodoo or Hoodoo come to Africa or ask your ancestors on the shrine. They will explain it to you on the shrine. The best answer is to ask your honorable ancestors. They are of the truth, nothing but devine truth.

Great video!! - but you forgot to mention that Vodou truly originated from Benin and Togo West Africa, Haiti also got influences from Cameroon/Congo African spirituality.

I cant believe you forgot to mention the root of them all vodun from west Africa that is still practiced in Benin and parts of Nigeria and other West African countries. Maybe it slipped your mind? Haitian vodou is also a product of transatlantic slave trade because it corporates Catholicism within it. That's not something that was native to the original vodun from Benin and surrounding areas.

Glad I saw this video I always wondered what was the difference between hoodoo and voodoo, I believe my aunt and grandmother may have been into hoodoo, due to your explanation of what Hoodoo is, thank you. They were spiritual people, that believed in herbs and roots. They also believed in Jehovah and Jesus. My uncles criticize them for being involved with a woman who they called a root worker. But today you see the best medicine is roots and herbs! It's all spiritual, just depends on what you believe

This is why African ancestry is so important for America. Such an integral part.

The "keeping the trade" thing also happens in Venezuela with "espiritismo" and "santería".

I'm Italian and my grandmother was a "root" magician. Strange how the 2 culture across the globe from one another are so similar... She always prayed to saints and had an prayer place in her home....

When he was talking about Hoodoo I really felt that.

you did a great job explaining the differences between voodoo and hoodoo and i know next to nothing bout any of this and want to learn more for story purposes but i knew voodoo and hoodoo were two different things but didn't know how and the way you explained it cleared up a lot of questions i had regarding the differences between the two so thank you for this video (even though im late watching it)

I'm trying to learn and understand about Voodoo & Hoodoo. My father is half Black & Cherokee and my mom's Japanese. Father never passed anything heritage wise down to siblings or me. I grew up with mom & my immigrant grandparents culture though. I was exposed to Shinto(grandparents & mom practiced) growing up and it's a polytheistic spiritual practice w/ rituals, shrines, ancestor honoring, festivals, etc. I knew Hollywood plays up a caricature of Voodoo, but I want to learn the truth now.

Thank you for your time, energy, explaination and sharing your knowledge in general, so people like me can better themselves by learning, and for other people reconnecting with things lost. Love to you.

Thankyou for sharing this, I’m Australian, and we learnt a bit about the slave trade and small parts of different cultures but nothing in what I would call “in-depth”, I recently watched a doco about vondun, and I find it fascinating to learn how different cultures view things. I’m Christian (although don’t agree with big chunks that are associated with Christianity as I believe there has been manipulation in translation). I think knowledge is power so I try hard to learn as much as I can about as many cultures and religions as I can. So thankyou for sharing and sharing in such a straight forward and easy to understand way. I wish more people would educate like this on their cultures

thank you for this video. i am trying to do research on witchcraft and no one has mentioned hoodoo/voodoo and this was really informative and now i know which terms to use properly.

My family came from the Appalachians and my granny was a root worker. She was Cherokee/Pawnee mixed with English. I grew up like you did hearing how to do this. My granny was called a Holler born in 1906 and went the other other world within this world in 2003. TY for your video

This was awesome! Lots of nudging from the universe to heed and honor my ancestors right now. This struck a serious cord with me as to what direction my spiritual life should take! Great information. Mad respect to you.

This is fascinating to me. I'm 52. The first time I heard Hoodoo it was in tbe Penatacostal church. I thought it was a joke to emphasize voodoo was bad... No voodoo no hoodoo...this video has sent me on an intellectual quest ❤️ I'm about to See ( the capital S is intentional)

Guided by the ancestors you speak truth and have taught me something that not even 4 years of college could have taught.

Crescent City Conjure I moved to NOLA in 2018. SOmething drew me here. Everytime I hear about Vodou or Hoodoo, something in me wakes up, comes alive. I grew up Christian but have denounced the religion as of a few yew years ago. I have a power but I don't know how to access it, articulate it, or embrace it. It runs through my veins like fire....with no painful burn. More like anxiety. When I first moved to New Orleans, immediately, I felt connected. It's almost like any time I hear people talking about Jesus and Christianity, it rages my spirit and makes me angry. I want to visit you.

You forget to mention that voodoo came from Benin west Africa Togo and Cameroon when they were displace to a different world that is the origin of that tradition practices today in most country

Now I understand... why i always feel inclined to store my magic in blindspots... and the unseeable Thank you for the video.... i am trying to discover my heritage

Thank you so much for the useful info! I love your videos. I would really enjoy seeing you do a video on removing all the negative vibes and "ick", for lack of a better word, that we pick up through the day. It's a topic I'm struggling to find any info on and it's something that I really need to learn how to do. I get extremely tired and drained if I've been around a hectic situation or ppl, even though I shield. Hope to see a video one day!

Great explanation. Some people use Hoodoo with saints and psalms, maybe this is Santeria, popular in Cuba?

Thank you so much for this informational video. I wanted to educate myself as to the difference between these two paths and you have spelled it out wonderfully. Thank you!

Being from Louisiana and having strong Cajun heritage I can feel and see the the effects and the energy of these powers I’ve never really understood what that feeling was but now with a basic understanding of what the two are I know what I feel is true and with your explanation I can understand what’s established if that makes sense. Thank you and god bless 🙏🏼

Yes my grandmother practiced hoodoo here in Biloxi,MS

Articulate, sensible and anthropologically fascinating. Rarely say this on here but thankyou very much for this insight.

This was really interesting I didn’t realize there was a difference! Thank you for posting this!

You are very blessed to have a grandma like that. xo

Love your videos! So helpful and informative. Please keep posting 🙏

This is really a great explanation of the difference between the two!

I'm so amazed at how you broke this subject down. Because alot of people don't know the difference. I also come from a Christian back ground as well. Most people are not open-minded because they are 1 afraid 2 half of the christians don't even read the Bible or they play dumb and numb to the fact that this exists. If that makes sense. It's boarder line really unfair/unfortunate the the world makes you have to do your own research yourself or have mentors like yourself or other spiritualist to help others that are lost. 3. Please don't think I'm upset because I'm passionate about this. Trust me I've been called out but not to my face because, The lord knows when people have to heal themselves for a healthy and happy family. Luckily I was intuitive with my ancestors at the age of 10 & I was also introduced to other ritual and practices. But this brightens up my Day well morning at work 🥰🥰 SO THANK YOU AND GOODMORNING EVERYONE!!!

11.1k subscribers... thank you for the breakdown. I feel uncomfortable saying that I practice voodoo, I can’t put a finger on what it is that I’m doing but my ancestors have led me thus far. I just went to NO for Halloween with my BF, that city never ceases to amaze me Spiritually ✨✨✨

I'm very aware of the African tradition in Hoodoo, my grandmother from the sound of it was very similar in teaching us the power of native tradition. As I got older, she taught me more about the power of native medicine. I am wanting to learn more about hoodoo and your videos have been extremely insightful. I come from two close ties of native ancestery, I am only curious to know if even being of a tribal blood- line if incorperating my indigenous traditions into african diaspora and christianity is the wrong direction to go?

Great video!! I’m actually new to Hoodoo, and been leaning towards it for quite a while now! Are there any books, tips are tricks that you recommend to get me started ?

How do I know if this is apart of me if know one in my family does it Or have forgotten about it For both

Many thanks for an articulate and informed historical view of African American religion. I will subscribe to your utube channel happily. There are many books on the market...confusing, clinical, commercial..although some are relatively informative. It's really enlightening to have someone with personal experience fill in the particulars!

Thanks for taking the time to explain the differences. You made it very simple and plain.

I am researching Hoodoo and NOT Voodoo or Vodou. What books would you recommend. I would like to make sure I am doing it righ as well as honoring my ancestors. BTW I love your videos!

Pushed the like button, suscribed to your channel. Keep going with the good content, mate.

Thank you for the clarity. This definitely helps me on my journey

I have a question and I hope you answer it. I have been drawn to Hoodoo and I am a believer. My Aunts and Parents mentioned great Aunts having skills but no one talks about it. My mother and grandmother were plant growers. The earth always spoke to them. Now that they are no longer here how do I tap into this? It’s like I cannot settle my soul. That is the best way I can describe it.

Thank you!!! I needed to hear this, I had no idea what the difference is.

I don't know much about these religious beliefs but i respect it though i find it quite interesting coming from a wiccan.

Love your energy! Excellent video, you have a new subscriber.

Hmm, interesting. The idea of ancestral passing of folk magick through shared secrets reminds me of some of the folk magic from Eastern Europe. There was a video I watched on Angela's Symposium RU-vid channel where she was talking about Eastern European folk magicians and it seemed to have some similarities.

This is a fairly basic explanation intended for clarity Thank you brother..

Hey, you seem pretty knowledgeable I have a question. In roots, are there regent names for the 4 entities/energies and each of the 4 corners. I can only ever find names created by pagans.

I agree totally here in the South it is reference to work,help. are root workers. sadly dieing out and being spun around to and intertwined with hoodoo. Thanks you for clearing it up

Thank you, this is such a helpful breakdown! (from someone who knows very little about either of these practices)

Very powerful speaker and straight shooter.

How can enchanting and divination be removed from a person? It's so strong that I can not get assistance regarding the matter, please help me.

Nice discussion, thanks for posting this. I learned a thing or five.

Nice vid sir. I never knew there was a difference until I was reading about old blues guys... thanks for explaining it!

Excellent! This is what I'm wondering, and I'm not arguing this one way or another because I just don't know - was our tradition without a pantheon out of necessity as compared to the Haitian tradition? In other words, was the American slavery system so restricted and sustained over so many generations that it was not possible for ancestor veneration to be systematized that way? (I say this because a pantheon such as you find in Haitian systems is still a form of ancestral veneration.) In Haitian systems you have a Catholic veneer with the saints acting as representations of specific spirits, instead of that down home Baptist religion in which Africanness had to embued into spirituality in such a way that it met Master's approval. When I was a little boy at a country Baptist church every once in a while there would be that one sister would get too excited, and would have to be calmed down. It would start with an usher fanning her, but then it would be a situation where she would start getting real emotional and expressive, and she would have to be removed by the ushers. They called that the Holy Ghost, and to those Black country ass people it was some scary ass AFRICAN shit! You had to be careful or you might get the Holy Ghost! What I'm saying is that when you strip the African of his cultural framework, force him into labor with a religion intended to repress his tendency to manifest magic and power, he is still an African whether on the continent or not. American rootwork is an admixture of whatever we could focus our magical mind on given what was available to us. What we had was our ancestral memory, the plants around us, folklore, and the Bible. But if we had knowledge of the lwa, we could have used that too. I think its important to make the distiction for cultural reasons, but for practical reasons, I don't work within strict systems and I don't have a name for what I do.

How can I contact you, very interested in the message you display. I'm from here ,the back ground mosaic tells me that you are in the by water area!!! I could be wrong... But any whoo get back to me thanks 🙄👹

Did you say that Haitian Vodoun has nothing to do with the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade..?... Uh... No.

This was really useful as I've been trying to learn about different cultural practices and traditions, and the terminology had been confusing me for a while. Just out of curiosity though, is it considered disrespectful of me as someone of fully British descent to learn about it? I imagine the practice is of great importance to people of African descent and I'm worried it will seem like cultural appropriation

Great video and very important message, their are so many misconceptions

Very informative . Looking forward to learning more

For Nigeria is it voodoo or vodun. I keep hearing that voodoo is the european term and vodun is the true practice done in West Africa but i can barely find anything on vodun but i can find a ton on voodoo. If i brought a book on voodoo is the only difference the name of the practice. Is vodun the same as voodoo?

Thank you for the knowledge

Thank you for the guidance and knowledge✨

Just Subbed!! Love your spirit!! Thank you and Hello 😌

Great video! Thank you! You have a very relaxing vibe about yourself.

Thank you for the Breakdown & differences...

Excellent excellent excellent lecture very much learn from you and is few minutes thank you

I want to learn . I will be visiting your business in a few months . Thank you !

Thank you. Very interesting i should take a book out ya got any sudgestions. Well spoken glad i found your page. New orleans. I wonder how it is. Im wondering if i can help someone with bipolar and a drug problem.

I don't think I fully understand the difference... 😧

Would love explaination/comparison btwn African and Appalachian Hoodoo Folk Magick. ❤💙💚🖤💛🧡💜 Thank you.

This is a fantastic video! Thank you for explaining the differences.

Thank you so much for clearing this up for me! I love your facebook page by the way. Panther SilverMoon

Is Hoodoo a closed practice for people of African descent only?

It's with extremely educational cuz I got them a little mixed up myself and I'm a hoodoo practitioner I know a little bit like you do Voodoo Haitian voodoo but primarily I'm a hoot practitioner and I did get those two very confused but hearing what you said it really gave me Clarity over the entire situation

I love your videos bro..i mainly practice Norse/Viking Magick but I do have a interest for hoo doo

I'm a Earth ANGEL aka intuitive Empath psychic tarot reader and I believe my spirit guides led me to know this

I feel cheated to be a black woman without any knowledge of either hoodoo or voodoo. Who do I blame. I went to school, no education. I went to church, no spirituality. Was born with a family, no family. Who are you people

Wow very educational love your politeness 🖤🕊

the first time i was introduced to magic was probably through the princess n the frog and ever since i was 8, ive been interested (im turning 18 this year)

Do you know if the Louisiana creoles traditionally practiced hoodoo or voodoo alongside Catholicism?

Hi I gotta feeling I'm using too much powder and I'm trying to lay a trick. Can you show me a example please.

Thank you. I learn a lot from these!

You were so informative Thank you New subscriber...

Always love your videos

True hoodoo and voodoo are two different things😍

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I really appreciate it.

I see and feel the hoodoo in ur home before u even said it💚❤️ bless u

Thank you for sharing and explaining the difference!

I don't understand what is the difference between ancestors and lwa? And can we work with ancestors and the lwa simultaneously?