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The religious folk culture of the West Indies, especially in Haiti and the Creoles of the Southern USA. The term comes from the vodun, or snake-god worhip of Benin in West Africa. It focuses heavily on the worship of the Loa, Spirits of local gods and ancestors, who often demand ritual Sacrifice. During a cult service a Loa may posess an individual; this process is known as Riding. This may extend to the dead. Zombies are an outward manifestation of voodoo, though in fact a minor element.

There are several rites and practices in Vodounism. These come from tribal rites and display or honor different manifestations of the loas. The two main rite of Vodounism are Rada and Petro.

Magic, used for both good and evil purposes, is an integral part of Vodoun. Vodoun recognizes no dichotomy between good and evil, as expressed within the Judeo-Christian philosophy, but sees evil as the mirror image of good. Devotees feel that the magic of the spirits is there to be used, if that magic is evil, so be it. A Houngan who practices more black magic sorcery than healing is referred to as a Bokor or boko or "one who serves the loa with both hands."