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 In Vodou One, we talked about the background of Vodou, the history of Haiti, service as
it unfolds within a house and how to begin working with your ancestors. In Vodou Two, we learned the basics of Sevis Lwa - making a service to your Lwa. Vodou Three was a community affair, as we took part in the annual Pile Fey ("breaking leaves").
 In Vodou Four, we are going to talk extensively about the services and rituals of Vodou, and what it means to initiate
into the Vodou faith. Unlike Western traditions, a Vodou initiation is a life time commitment of work and service. You can serve your Lwa for life without making the commitment of Kanzo. Certain obligation come with the grade of Kanzo and one shouldn't enter into this lightly or without fore knowledge of what is expected of you.
We'll discuss how a Kanzo can be a life changing event. We'll share our own stories, pictures and
songs of the ceremonies we under went, and how they were meant to bring about profound changes. Those changes helped us to see within ourselves all the potential there is, and to bring
that potential into manifestation. The object of any initiation is to align your internal components with the influx of new energy, "helping to understand that first level of metaphor or symbolism
used by the lineage." (Djenra, VodouSpirit.com)
We'll talk about how an initiate, regardless of the system, must grow beyond what is given by their teacher/initiator,
applying the teachings to their own lives. We'll discuss how that initial gift of energy is extended from the Source. And we'll
show how the probationary period is seen as the "Grace of God" or where one demonstrates commitment and dedication to the Work at hand.
Initiation is an obligation we take on in life ,in addition to our other responsibilities as men and women. It will create and
call for changes which if they are not made, will be illustrated in our lives as problems, walls, blocks and hardships that we
would not have encountered had we not started out on this particular path. Initiation can be seen as the inside track of
human evolutionary experience. The initiate has held out their hands and asked for more than the average man/woman was given at birth: "to those whom much is given, MORE is required" 
Sosyete du Marche is an American-Haitian Vodou house, meaning we follow the regleman of
Haitian Vodou for service, for prayer and for faith, as well as bringing 25 years of occult training to the work as well. We do not believe in selling initiations, so if you have money to
burn, better find somewhere else to spend it! In our house, you serve the Vodou - through personal service to your Met Tet; by honoring your ancestors through Sevis Lwa; and in
participating in house activities, house services and house charity work. By demonstrating a commitment to both yourself, the Spirits and the house directives (service, teaching and
charity work), you will demonstrate to us your motives, ideas and desire for Kanzo.
We'll begin the day with a simple Action de Gras, the basic ritual of service performed all over Haiti by the priesthood. A slide and lecture will follow, with a long question and answer
session. We'll discuss the three levels of Kanzo - Hounsi, Su Pwen and Asogwe. We'll cover the duties, obligations and requirements of all three. And we will close with a Brule Zin
service service to the Nago Nation, so that the blessings of the Ancestors may open the way for those who wish to further themselves in the faith of Vodou.
Vodou Four will be held in Lansdale, Pennsylvania at Sosyete du Marche's houmfort. Participants will need Petro style
clothing for service, offerings of tobbacco and alcohol (email the Mambo for specifics) and notebooks for written exercises.
The cost is $250.00 and it includes materials, handouts, lunch and dinner. Directions will be mailed out to registered attendees. For any additional information, please contact Mambo Vye Zo . Mesi Anpil for your time!
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