The Nation

There are a number of Voodoo traditions, or nations, that are related according to a common origin or theme. Two of the major nations are the Rada and Petro. The Rada loa spirits like Damballa, Erzulie Freda and Papa Legba -- are said to come from Africa, from the former Dahomean empire. Some mistakenly refer to the Rada loa as "good" and the Petro loa as "evil." This is misleading; the Rada loa can be used to make malevolent magic, while the Petro loa can heal and do beneficial workings. They are more accurately referred to as "cool" and "hot," respectively.

You will find that the hoodoo spells have little if anything to do with the Voodoo nations. It is for the sake of being thorough with regards to the religious aspects of Voodoo that I have provided this information.

Rada Loa

The Rada Loa are a major family of loa in Haitian vodou. They include older, beneficent spirits who can be directly traced to Dahomean Vodou. They are generally the older, more beneficent spirits. Rada loas are guardians of morals and principles and related to Africa, whereas Petro loas are connected to the New World. Rada loas include Legba, Loko, Ayizan, Damballa Wedo and Ayida Wedo, Erzulie Freda, La Sirène, and Agwé. Some loas (such as Erzulie) have both Rada and Petro manifestations. Their traditional color is white (as opposed to the specific colors of individual Loa) and they are associated with the element air.

Petro Loa

The Petro Loa are generally the more fiery, occasionally aggressive, and warlike loa. The story is that they originated in Haiti, under the harsh conditions of slavery. Their rites feature whip cracking, whistles and ignited gunpowder. In addition, Petro drumbeats are swifter and more syncopated than the Rada rhythms. The Petro rites are an integral part of the initiation ceremony (Kanzo), the rite by which serviteurs are initiated as priests and priestesses (houngans and mambos) of Haitian Vodou. Erzulie Dantor is considered the "mother" of the Petro nation and is one of the most important Petro loa. Petro loas include Erzulie Dantor, Marinette, Ogun, and Kalfu (Carrefour). Their traditional color is red and they are associated with the element fire.

Congo Loa

Originating from the Congo region of Africa, these spirits include the many Simbi loa, as well as the much dreaded Marinette, a fierce and much feared female loa. They are associated with the element water. The entire Northern area of Haiti is especially influenced by Congo practice. The Congo loa are thought to descend from the Lemba, an ethnic group in southern Africa who claim a common descent belonging to the Jewish people.

Nago Loa

Originating from Nigeria (specifically the Yoruba speaking tribes), this nation includes many of the Ogun spirits.

Guede Loa

The Ghede are the spirits of the dead. They are traditionally led by the Barons (La Croix, Samedi, Cimitière, Kriminel), and Manman Brigit. The Guede are loud, rude, crass, sexual, and a lot of fun. Their traditional colors are black and purple.