20 world religions and faith practices 362

The Search for Peace in Times of Chaos—Volume 1

on the face; which came from the Awak and Carib Indians who then
lived on Saint Dominique. The Petro spirits tend to be more menacing,
deadly, and ill-tempered than other spirits; many of their names simply
have the appellation
‡‘—‰‡  (Red Eyes) after a Rada name to signify
the Petro form. Pigs are the animals generally chosen to be sacrificed for
the benefit of the Petro spirits.
Some aspects of the Vodoun worship appear fairly constant, with
local variations for all rites. The temple, which can be anything from a
formal structure to a designated place behind a house  …Within the
temple, also known as the “holy of holies,” is the altar and perhaps
rooms for solitary mediation by initiates. The altar stone is covered with
candles and small jars believed containing spirits of ancestors. Offerings
of food, drink, and money may also grace the altar, as well as ritual
rattles, charms, flags, sacred stones, and other paraphernalia…The walls
and floors are decorated in elaborated colored designs, symbolizing the
gods. These drawings can be permanent or created in cornmeal, flour,
powdered brick, gun powder, or face powder just before a ceremony.
They are quite beautiful and incorporate the symbols and occult signs
of the spirits being worshipped…Usually drawn around the center post,
or the place of sacrifice, the drawings serve as a ritual “magnet” for the
spirit’s entrance, obliging the spirit to descend to the earth.
Outside the main temple is the paristyle, the roofed and sometimes
encircled courtyard adjacent to the holy of holies. Since the structure
probably cannot accommodate all of the Vodoun participants and
onlookers most of the ceremonies are held in the open-air paristyles, as is
the treatment of the sick. A low wall encircles the area, allowing those who
are not dressed properly, or merely curious, to watch less conspicuously.
Holding up the paristyle is the center post. The post symbolizes the

center of Vodoun from the sky to hell and is the cosmic axis…of all
Vodoun magic. Usually made of wood it is set in a masonry base.
The post bears colorful decorations and designs…The post symbolizes
‡‰„ƒ Ž‹Ǧ‘ (“wood of justice” or Legba Tree-of-the-Good), “The
Way” of all Vodoun knowledge and communion with the gods (See
Christ Section). Geometrically the placement of the center post forms
perfect squares, circles, crosses and triangles with the base adding to its
magical powers.
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