Justice Howard and Bloody Mary, Justice Howard's Voodoo: Conjure and Sacrifice. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 2018. ISBN: 9780764355189.
Genre: arts and photography
Subgenre: Voodoo, New Orleans, religion
Format: e-book galley
Source: NetGalley
I knew little of Justice Howard and her photography work, but I was intrigued by this book, so I picked it up. The book showcases her photography with writing on various Voodoo topics by Ms. Bloody Mary.
The book is arranged as follows:
- Foreword by John Gilmore.
- Preface.
- Introduction by Bloody Mary.
- 18 short chapters or sections on Voodoo. Topics include Papa Legba, Snakes, Marie Laveau, Voodoo dolls, and Ogoun.
- Bibliography.
The strength and highlight of the book is the photographs. The photos are very well, colorful, evocative. These images invite you to come closer and take a deeper look. I do wish some of the photos had a small label or subtitle as I can't always tell what concept or topic they may represent. Still, the photos are great and a good reason to get this book.
Overall I really liked this one, and I think it's worth a look.
4 out of 5 stars.
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Additional reading notes:
Do what you want:
"You do what you want and if you do it with all you are in the time you've got to do it in, as a Zuni shaman told me, you're doing the thing that's next to God and you couldn't ask for one iota more" (7).
On the photos, yes, the artifacts are real:
"This photo series houses real bones and Voodoo relics. The skulls featured are also real human skulls originally used in Santeria rituals. All of the animal remains, like the pig's heads, are real. The models are also real and I handpicked and styled them for the photos you see before you" (8).
Reason for the introduction and book:
"I write this introduction to invite you to meditate on Justice Howard's art without preconception or judgment. Let it flow through you. I also dare you to delve deeper into the true studies on ancient religions that need to be experienced to be understood and have never depended on the written word. I challenge you to look through the shock and chaos to find the beauty and, dare I say, purity of the art before you; and I invite you to question your own beliefs and motives when you approach Voodoo, to open the way for justice" (12).
Voodoo as oldest religion, at least to some:
"Many scholars believe Voodoo to be the world's oldest religion. Its ancient African lineage goes way back, as far as man itself. Voodoo traveled to the new worlds with the slave trade, Voodoo is a survivor religion. Voodoo is a danced religion. It learned much upon its journey. I hope you that you learn much on yours" (13).
More on Voodoo the religion:
"The truth is that Voodoo is a religion, a philosophy, and a way of life for millions around the world. There are as many varieties of Voodoo as there are of Christianity, and they are all valid in their theory. New Orleans Voodoo is her own tradition, as are Haitian Voodoo, Dominican Vudu (Las 21 Divisions), Brazilian Candomble, Palo, Trinidad Orisha, Santeria, Obeah, and of course the Mother-- African Voodoo" (14).
An observation:
"Too long have been told what is good and what is evil so people now prefer to search for their own truth" (14).
Bones in Voodoo:
"Bones are not in Voodoo altars to instill fear or to represent darkness. Bones represent the commonality of death to all man and also solidify life remembered. They tell a story" (68).
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Book qualifies for these 2020 Reading Challenges:
ArcApocalypse
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