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Streaming Voodoo Secrets Online.
Movie Title: Voodoo Secrets Voodoo Secrets is available for streaming or downloading. |
First off, I have to confess a measure of confusion about this particular documentary. I watched a video clearly identified as Voodoo Secrets from the History Channel, but it ran almost ninety minutes (the label shows fifty minutes) and seems to correspond rather closely with the description of an A&E documentary on the history of Voodoo. Still, the box, the VHS label, and the documentary itself identified this as Voodoo Secrets, and my search of bibliographic records of this title indicate the running time is listed incorrectly on the label, so I’ve done all I can to make sure I am reviewing the correct item here.
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As for the video itself, it offers an informative, detailed look at voodoo from its origins in western Africa to its different manifestations in the Western Hemisphere, particularly New Orleans and Haiti, focusing on voodoo as a religion. Acknowledging its negative connotations in western society, it seeks to demystify and explain some of voodoo’s more esoteric features even as it makes the case that this ancient religion has influenced the world around it to a surprising extent. I think it takes this way too far, suggesting that rock ‘n’ roll - and Elvis Presley in particular - were influenced greatly by the rhythms and movements of the music and dancing of voodoo ceremonies.
I learned a lot about voodoo from this documentary, but I don’t know that I feel any differently about it - you’re still talking about a religion with an indeterminate number of gods, each of whom is quite human in tastes, reverence of a serpent god, the use of human remains in voodoo ceremonies, animal sacrifice (and, at least in the past, the drinking of the sacrifice’s blood), possession, divination, communication with dead ancestors, and a belief in zombification. I do, however, have a deeper appreciation of voodoo as a religion and not just some kind of black magic mumbo jumbo, thanks to interviews with voodoo practitioners and initiates as well as several scholars.
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Perhaps the most interesting bit of information this documentary presents is voodoo’s interrelationship with other religions. New Orleans’ most famous voodoo priestess, Marie Laveau, we are told, was a devout Catholic who attended Mass daily, and at least one voodoo group featured here believes that other religions can actually enhance the powers of voodoo. Another interesting bit of information is the Supreme Court’s unanimous 1993 decision that protects animal sacrifice for religious purposes.
What this documentary does best is show you what voodoo is all about, courtesy of those who follow its traditions. Rather than letting talking heads expound upon voodoo practices, you are able to watch examples of divination, spirit possession, and ceremonial dancing for yourself (fortunately, the viewer is spared the sight of any animal sacrifice). The academics contribute much to the discussion, particularly in terms of putting everything into a larger context, but this really is a most unbiased and illuminating look at a belief system few of us in the West can even begin to understand.
This documentary basically says, “Yes, animal sacrifices are involved and yes, it can be used for evil purposes, but voodoo is a long-standing, highly-numerous religion that deserves respect.” I’m cool with that! The documentary implies, “Why is it that Saint Patrick, who rid Ireland of snakes, is respected, but an African god whose symbol is the snake is viewed as dangerous?” Right on! Fight the Eurocentrism!
Too often, continental Africans, black West Indians, and African Americans will fight tooth and nail not to be associated with each other. But for those of us who believe in Black unity, often called pan-Africanists, you will love this work. The documentary’s first segment takes place in Benin, the second in Haiti, and the last in New Orleans. In each place, you see beautiful black skins, colorful clothes, and great music. You also see communities (men, women, and children) united in worshipping African-originated spirits and gods.
My only critique of this film is that Spanish-language Santeria and Portuguese-language Candombl’e is not brought up. Not only Anglophone and Francophone Blacks worship in traditional West African styles. Those in Brazil and Hispanophone Latin American do and can too.
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