Each tradition follows a spiritual path that is different in some ways and worships a slightly different pantheon of spirits, called 'Loa'. The word 'Loa' means 'mystery' in the Yoruba language and is indicative of the secretive nature of Vodou. It is hardly possible for anyone but an initiate to penetrate into the inner workings of this religion, hence the relatively superficial level of information available on the internet. Olorun allowed a lesser god, Obatala, to create the universe and all things. There are hundreds of lesser spirits and these are the real forces with whom the followers of Vodou have to deal.
Followers believe that each person has two spirits, the big and the little.
From even this very brief outline of the vodoun, it may be readily seen that the presence of Christian witness is, and must be by its very nature, a challenge to the position of the vodou authorities and devotees in any community. Christians inevitably run up against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenlies and their personal safety and spiritual progress will be proportional to our covering them and their families with our prayers .