Appropriating cultures? So black people should stick to hoodoo and white people should stick to goetia? Only ethnic Jews can study Kabbalah? Not to be disrespectful but I don’t think cultural appropriation has anything to do with it. Be reverent of the culture involved no matter the color of your skin or your bloodline. Magick isn’t about what you look like or where you come from, we’re all just trying to forge our own individual way in this world.

I don’t think you shouldn’t study those things. In fact, I absolutely think you should. But I don’t think you should be saying that you practice Vodoun or Lukumi or Palo without being initiated. I also think that those who are seeking initiation in those traditions when they are not of that culture really need to ask themselves why. Because many of the same practices and beliefs can be found in your own culture. You may even find that it resonates even better for you. Would you entertain the notion that spirits are local? Do you not think there is something “in the blood” as so many magical traditions profess?