Possesion

Possesion to the new world mind is the most fearsome aspect of Voodoo. However, it is good to remember that possesion is not a all or nothing phenomenon. It can make itself known through localized body movements, such as the sudden stiffening of an arm or jerking of a foot during ritual, strong and persistent shaking, unusual head movements, or the overpowering desire to perform a meaningless (in a conscious sense) action. All of these motions can be related to a partial possession by the loa, called for in the context of a rite. While not as intense as total possesion, partial possession can serve as a valuable avenue through which the spirits can communicate their wishes and wisdom. It is generally unwise to court total possession with out the assistance of a experienced practioner.