I am solitary and actively study the art !

Love

Nobu +

Pa' to Lo PaPa Gede Nganga'

Nganga Nobuoni +

>...should you be an initiate to practice?

There are many paths in Vodou. Here is what one Society (the Gade Nou Leve Society) recommends:

___But am I on the right path?___

Many individuals jump into a tradition that they do not fully understand, only to later find out that there is another that would have been better suited for them. It is easy to get confused, or to leap before really researching because there are so many traditions within the Caribbean. To top it all off, most of these traditions do not feature English as their native language, making research by English speakers that much more difficult.

There are a variety of paths within the Caribbean traditions, and for each and every person in the world there exists the right path just for him or her. I am going to describe a couple of different traditions, which are closely related to Vodou. I have been initiated in them since a young age, and thus know about them quite extensively. Now these traditions, if you understand them, may be better suited for you. I will also be outlining some things you can ask yourself so that maybe you can better decide which path to walk, and live happily as a successful, joyful, and content human being.

Let me name and describe the traditions, about which so little information is actually available, so that you may be able to find the path that is best for you:

Espiritismo de La Mesa Blanca: This is Spiritism. At its most basic level, it invokes God and the Positive Spirits to divinate for and assist the person. There is the use of a table covered with a white cloth, a large bowl full of water, and a crucifix. There are no initiations into this tradition and people work together at gatherings called Misas.

Sanse: Sanse is a cross between Spiritism and the 21 Divisions (see below). In this tradition, the dead and the Lwa (or Misterios) are worked with spiritually. There is an initiation called a Bautizo (Baptism) and people work with all sorts of different spiritual tableaus, or frameworks. If you would like to know more about this tradition click here

Dominican Vodou: Also known as the 21 Divisions. This is working with the Lwa/Misterios in the form that they are known and served within the Dominican Republic. This tradition has three levels of initiation, but these initiations do not serve the same purpose they do in other traditions. If you would like to know more about this tradition click here

Haitian Vodou: This is working with and serving the Lwa as traditionally known in Haiti. In this tradition, people are initiated and have set rules and regulations. If you would like to know more about this tradition click here

___Where do I belong?___

Here I will give you general guidelines that will help you decide which tradition is the right path for you to take.

__You should consider Mesa Blanca if:___

You are a medium.

You work independently.

You don't feel a need to identify your spirits.


___You should consider Sanse if:___

You desire to elevate yourself spiritually.

You have a connection with your spirits.

You have spirits that come from an array of different locations (for example Gypsies, Orichas, Lwa, Arabs, Chinese Spirits, etc)

You want to elevate and work with all your
spiritual tableaus or frameworks.

You don't want to depend on an initiator to teach you.

You don't mind working alone, or prefer it.

You don't like strict rules and regulations.

You are self reliant.


___You should consider 21 Divisions if:___

You desire to work with the Dominican Mysteries or feel that you are being called to them.

You don't want to totally depend on an initiator to teach you, but you do want someone who you can go to if you need help.

You want some example as to how it's done, but still desire flexibility.

You want the Spirits to teach you.

You do not want to travel to Haiti.


___You should consider Haitian Vodou if:___

You feel as though you are being called by the Lwa of Haiti.

You like a set form on how to do things. (i.e. tradition)

You are good at following rules and regulations.

You are good at working in groups.

You are willing to study hard.

You understand the need for structure.

www.ezilikonnen.com/vodou/ri...path.html

Keep in mind that one doesn't have to be a part of any group in order to honor and serve the Loas.

Wedosi, peace and respect to you. I certainly can see your way of understanding Vodou. You were initiated in Africab and you stand at the root of this great tradition. But surely you must understand that this tradition has changed as it has spread around the world through the diaspora. The Vodou that you were intiated into in Africa is not the same Vodou that is practiced in Haiti were the traditions of all these different tribes merged with the practices of the Awarak Indians and Catholicism. Haitian Vodoun has also absorbs parts of Western occultism through the influence of Masonry and other Western secret societies. It has white Loas like Maman Brigette. This is surely not a case of African ancestry. Vodou spread to the continent and New Orleans Voodoo has it's own flavor, Loas unknown anywhere it's been before and a further mixing of black and white cultures. It is an ever changing system.
Now i do agree with you. Vodou can never be fully understood by the uninitiated. Of course any branch of Vodou that one is initiated into is going to have it's own separate secrets. I still believe that the actual "current" has some consistency, but the difference will be there and agruing over who has the "true" Vodou is pure nonsense. But even though initiation is necessary to fully understand the complete system of Vodou that you are studying i must disagree with you that the uninitiated cannot serve the spirits or have connections with them, especially the more "archetypical" Loas such as Papa Legba, Damballah, the Ezilis, Ogou or the Baron. These spirits know me because i have reach out to them when i heard their call. I have played for them with my drum and helped bring them into physical manifestation. And just as all Africans are not called by the Loas to Vodou, not all white people are called to Christianity. It's not a matter of "joining the religion". It's a matter of listening and following ones Will.

>Maggie, if you we can't get "intense" here, then what is the point. ;->

I thank you for that, Nechesh.

;-)

I don't know what to say, Wedosi! I would love to get to West Africa and to visit, for sure! You are so gracious to offer me such hospitality! I especially love your mention of "the little children" and your family! (My heart feels like it is expanding so much!!!) :-)

Yes Yes YES!!! Please post some photos....that would be great! (I have tears of joy in my eyes!!!)

I am not sure if you guys are aware; but, the Mami Wata fete 2009 is being held at this time in West Africa. It generally runs from mid August to mid September in Togo and all over of the West Coast of Africa. Normally one may find photos of the event on the internet. I will see if anything has been posted on Youtube or somewhere and update you if I can. My temple is, of course, in attendance because my husband is the Supreme Chef du Vodun Mami Wata; but, the video equipment used is in something called PAL. I am not sure what he can post or those folks doing the taping will do. I am sure; however, with the many tourist from world over that someone will post something.

Wedosi