ABSTRACT
In 1998 I participated at a Vodou ceremony for the first time. I have investigated Caribbean religions since 1990 but mainly in Puerto Rico. But, though I observed possession of mediums in Puerto Rican Spiritism (Santería) several times I was never allowed to join the members of an Afro-Caribbean temple at a spirit possession ritual. I was told that it would be too dangerous for me to participate at such a ceremony. Because I was not trained in handling an orisha (the name for the divine entities in Santería) it would be difficult for me to get rid of one if he/she would possess me. I had to limit my research therefore to conducting interviews and observing other ritual activities (such as oracle readings) during my time in the Caribbean. Though I noticed an ambivalent attitude towards possession among different priests, I lacked any personal experience. 1
