Voodoo Possession?

[Motion]

Does anyone know what is actually happening to people who become possessed by luas or spirits in Voodoo cermonies and in other African derived religions(Cuban Santeria,Brazilian Candomle etc)? Spirit possession is a well known part of African religions. Is this real or do drum rhythms alter the brain in some way causing these "possessions"?

[Akhenaten]

Those Voodoo thingies remind me of people like the whirling dervishes in Turkey that spin around on the spot for hours.

They seem to be entranced in some way, and I can't help thinking that the rhythm of the drums could enhance their state of mind.

[Bikewer]

One can speculate...a state of altered consciousness enhanced by setting, music, culture, etc...
As well, "fulfilling expectations"; much like folks speaking in tongues or being "slain by the spirit"....They are performing for the crowd on some level.