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In Vodou (Voodoo) practice, Veves are intricate symbols of the Loas (gods), and are used in rituals. Each Loa has his or her own complex veve, which is traced on the ground with powdered eggshell or cornmeal prior to a ritual.
The ability to draw a Veve correctly is considered to be the skill of an initiate. A veve is believed to be more powerful if it is drawn with the correct details- the better the detail, the better its power to invoke the Loa.
The picture above is the veve of the love Goddess Erzulie. Similar designs exist in Santeria and Candomble.
Curiously, the Veve is similar in appearance and use to the Hindu Kolams, symbols drawn in rice flour for the Hindu deities. Similar invocational symbols, often drawn from european ritual magick, are also used in palo, Santeria, and Candomble.
You can see a gallery of Veves here.
Pronunciation: Vayv or vay-vay • (noun)
Related Resources:
- Veves
View a collection of Veves, intricate magical symbols used to invoke the Lwas of Vodou. - Sigils
and Veve (offsite)
Frater Alastor compares veves with sigils from old grmoires.
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