The sorcerers of these northern Haitian tales can turn themselves into dogs, horses, trees or other objects, and unlike an ordinary peasant seeking harm to an enemy they need no houngan's help to do it. Simpson observes that suspicion of being a loup garou, never voiced openly, tends to settle on the more prosperous people of a district, and suggests the stories bind the extended family around shared grievances.

The loas are treated as the central figures of the peasant religion. Some came from Africa, others seem to have arisen in Haiti; they differ in appearance, temperament and moral character, and congregations disagree from temple to temple about how each corresponds to a Catholic saint. Every believer has protecting loas owed periodic offerings.

Simpson doubts reports that the cult is collapsing, arguing that the beliefs steady people against real uncertainty and will hold until education, medicine and incomes improve.