@MrsElvis In terms of the the loa, there's nothing bad about them per sea, it's just that I believe they're powerful. I would never ever ask them for something petty that I didn't need, or insult them - I guess it's what Christian people feel about God; and, indeed, the loa are the Gods, or saints, of this religion.
There have been a few occasions... the most notable was about seven years ago, when I was really at the height of my vodou explorations and actually practicing. I was always really careful about what I asked for, because I really believe that you need to be careful what you wish for. So I met this guy out and we had an amazing evening, really connecting in a way I hadn't for years, but when it came time to go I unthinkingly chased after a bus before he could ask for my number or I could give it to him. The next morning I asked my Loa to keep the path open for us to meet again, if it was the right thing for me. Two years later, after I had already met my now-husband, my co-worker who was 20 years older than me, who lived on the opposite side of the global city we worked in and who never went to any of the places I do, or anywhere near where I'd met that man brought him to a work do as a date. It was mental, and I knew then that my Loa was showing me that he wasn't the one for me. Call it coincidence - I still shiver when I think about it!
@MyLawnMowerMan that sounds like my DREAM. I would love to experience the culture, but I'm always aware that I want it to be in a really respectful way, where I can learn without rubbernecking if that makes sense. Was there a program that you used? I would really love to look into it!