The first time I was exposed to voodooism was in 1954. I was in the Navy and I served on the USS Saufley EDDE 465.

Our homeport was Key West, Fla. We would travel to Havana, Cuba, (before Castro), Jamaica, San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Haiti.

It was in Port au Prince, Haiti, which is considered the voodoo capital, that I was introduced to voodoo, a religion of the West Indies based on beliefs and practices of African and Roman Catholic origins.

It is noted for its interest in sorcery, charms and fetishes.

I can still remember the town children swimming to our anchored ship asking for food. At night, you could hear the drums of the witch doctors and the chants of the celebrants practicing their religion.

Haiti was also my introduction to severe poverty.

That was over 60 years ago, but I can still feel the spirits that were released.

I never thought that many years later I would read about a voodoo celebration in New Orleans.

The promoters time it with the celebration of Halloween. Was it a coincidence both celebrate the dark sides of life?

The scary thing about Halloween is that, according to the news media, it is challenging Christmas as one of the most celebrated holidays.

Voodooism and Halloween — a dangerous mix.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-4877 or email hkeller@comcast.net.