One of the topics came up in the film on whether or not it was inhumane to conduct animal sacrifices. When followers of Voodoo conduct animal sacrifice no part of the animal goes unused. The meat is eaten and the skins are used. I'm wondering what others think of this as a religious practice.

One of the topics came up in the film on whether or not it was inhumane to conduct animal sacrifices. When followers of Voodoo conduct animal sacrifice no part of the animal goes unused. The meat is eaten and the skins are used. I'm wondering what others think of this as a religious practice.

I have often wondered, until recently, what the general purpose of animal sacrifice would be in doing magick or voodoo but I am beginning to understand the ritual as it relates to religion and sacrifice.

When an animal is sacrificed, its life energy is released and this energy is like food to non-physical entities that may be part of the ritual, such as spirits of the dead, or disembodied spirits or other dimensional beings (gods etc.)

A psychic person who channels spirits gives of her own energy in the exchange for information, and often after a session she is drained of energy. (Some psychic people don't know why they are so drained after channeling, but the spirit has to get energy from somewhere to come through to her to this universe.)

The universe is a constant exchange of energy and information. If you are requesting information (or help) from an other dimensional or 4th dimensional non-physical entity and you don't give them anything for it they may not be so willing to do any more exchanges with you. They need energy to operate in this world.

The sacrificed animal's body is then used for food and other things for the physical world, and its life energy is used as food for the spirit world, so it is not a complete waste.

We need energy to survive. We acquire it by consuming things. We eat meat, and vegetables etc. We also can get energy from the sun.

A sacrifice of a goat along, with a prayer to other dimensional energy beings is part of the energy exchange and it is done with respect and without waste. Both the gods and the people are fed.

That's just one way I look at it.

If you eat meat or fish or lobster, or anything, give thanks for your food, especially if it gave its life to nourish yours.

I always thank my lobster. Its so delicious.

And I thank the cow who provided the butter that goes with it. Yum.

Whether it really is necessary or not I see nothing wrong with it. Its actually seems more humane than the way we get our meat for dinner.

Jb that is exactly why they do it and I didn't really understand it until watching the video last night. It was very interesting. The exchange of energy makes a lot of sense to me.

I did know that, but I still wonder if something that has a personal value doesn't give more life energy?

I did know that, but I still wonder if something that has a personal value doesn't give more life energy?

I do know some witches who use their own blood which is of great personal value of course. But I think it has more to do with life force and energy, at least for the followers of voodoo.

I remember when I was a cook apprentice, and I was supposed to kill an eel. I nearly fainted by thinking of it.

I would like to be able to live on the energy of the sun and pure water and a few nuts and berries.

I guess I should repent and change my evil ways.

While I don't trust the History Channel to give entirely accurate portrayals and information, I do find their videos to be good starting points for learning general information about a subject.

Last night I watched Voodoo Secrets. I knew Voodoo was a religion, but I really had no idea what they actually believed and what the purpose of their rituals was. Here is the copy and paste from the History Channel website:

IN SEARCH OF HISTORYTM reveals that Voodoo is one of the greatest achievements of people of African descent. Travel to Africa to uncover the origins of this vibrant, enigmatic practice. Voodoo roots are in the ancient religions of Yorubaland, Dahomey and Kongo. Infused with a major dose of Roman Catholicism, and tempered by the arduous experiences of the slaves, it is widely practiced in Haiti, Cuba, the West Indies, Brazil, and the United States. Get an intimate look at its colorful celebrations, deep-rooted beliefs and modern practice at the Le Peristyle Haitian Sanctuary, one of the world centers of Voodoo. And explore the misconceptions and reality of Voodoo with Wade Davis, author of The Serpent and The Rainbow.

My own personal warning: they do show animal sacrifice so, if you are squeamish, beware.

I don't know that I have ever heard 'VooDoo' drummers specifically. But, I have heard ritual drumming and trance rhythms. It's really amazing. I wish I could do it.