It's like Live And Let Die, but without the coolness!
Vodou isn't just about fighting the stereotypes of voodoo dolls and Kananga! It's also about flamewars!

It starts when Ross Heaven, a UK-based writer and shaman, breaks off all ties with Mambo Racine, a woman originally from the US and now living in Haiti.

Racine sends him a message privately, which Ross sends to the list. Racine then writes a nice long "never mentioning names" post about "What is Public, What is Secret, in Haitian Vodou", including:

"An initiate who talks is ostracized, and I can not exaggerate the scorn that is heaped on such a person. They will not be received in any other Houngan or Mambo's house, and although their initiator can not kick them out of their home peristyle, they are going to be punished and probably disinvited from the peristyle for a period of time. Some Houngans and Mambos will beat blabbermouth initiates severely, with the enthusiastic assistance of other initiates of the same house."

What could she be talking about? Could it be Mr. Heavens' new book?

Be astounded as Racine lets slip that Heavens was drunken, abusive, and just plain mean! Watch other people get involved! (Including, which makes it even more appropriate for this community, a discussion on verbal wanking!)

Be amazed at the anti-Mambo Racine website! And the previous incarnations!

And, above all else, be astounded at how long the wank goes on!

Now with added news articles!