Reviews

Book Review-Voudon Gnosticism: An Introduction to the Rites & Practices by Frater Vameri

Book Review

Voudon Gnosticism: An Introduction to the Rites & Practices

By Frater Vameri

Publisher: Destiny Books

152 Page E-Book

Release Date: July 9th, 2024

While taking a break for the Solstice and dealing with illness, I’ve had time to request & read numerous books, and this is one of the requests I was given to review! How I wish I had this book about 7 years ago when I first purchased The Voudon Gnostic Workbook of which I’ve owned several copies as I would attempt to work it, get frustrated due to lack of understanding (usually with cosmology and methodology) as I’m not exactly privy to all of the OTO material, only what’s available publicly. Frater Vameri discusses the various backgrounds that Voudon Gnosticism can trace it roots to. From Chaos Magick and Lovecraftian Lore, to Haitian Vodou, American HooDoo, and even Norse spirituality, this tradition, and the aforementioned workbook that I’ve frustratingly gotten rid of since, draw from an extremely diverse array of practices. This is what makes the VGW as it’s referred to one of the least user friendly occult books on the market in my opinion.

Frater Vameri sought to fix that, and I believe he did. He explains the history of the magickal system itself, the influences on it, and then even gives instructive tidbits towards the end. To clarify, this book won’t teach you what the VGW will, as the VGW is a massive tome, over 1000 pages I believe; however, Voudon Gnosticism would be the best companion and introduction to this much misunderstood magico-religious system. After reading Voudon Gnosticism, my drive to re-acquire the VGW is renewed, and I’ve got (yet another) rabbit hole to pursue!

I would recommend this book for anyone looking into a gnostic path, and especially anyone looking to (finally) understand that massive tome known as the VGW (Voudon Gnostic Workbook). Because of the clarity that Frater Vameri lends to this system and the warmth of his writing, showcasing his knowledge without coming off condescending, I give Voudon Gnosticism: An Introduction to the Rites & Practices a 5/5. It’s an excellent book and anyone looking to work through the VGW should definitely pair it with this book!

Frater Vameri is an initiate of the OTOA-LCN and the Golden Dawn, a houngan of Haitian Vodou, and a practitioner of Umbanda and Quimbanda, among other traditions. He is the author of numerous books, including some in Portuguese on Haitian Vodou. He lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for over 15 years, venerating and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone, among others. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism and Ceremonial Magick, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and he has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!