Information on Vodou

Vodou is a fluid, evolving, accumulating religion. Not one for becoming stale and outdated, Vodou moves through time and space, adapting and changing as it's followers do. When Vodou came to Haiti, it absorbed the Taino and Arawak cultures. When it flowed into Cuba, it picked up a Spanish accent and the fleet-footed dances of Spain. The Lwa flow forward, ever moving, always timeless, constantly in motion. The Spirits can not be contained by time, space, cities or men. They are omnipresent and omnipotent. Like a Mobius Strip, turning in and out upon itself, Vodou becomes what ever is needed, where ever it is needed.

My own voyage into the Vodoun religion began years ago, at the Feast of St. Anthony in New York City. Down on Mulberry Street, as the statue of the saint was being paraded by, my family and I stood on the corner, smelling the sausage and bread around us. The air seemed alive and the crowds were a gentle, rolling mass of pilgrims, making their way to the wharves, to toss food and flowers into NY Harbor, as an offering to the great saint. Even now as I remember, it was much like a pilgrimage in Haiti, with the offerings and the people wearing pictures of the saint on their bodies.

As we stepped off the curb to follow the crowd, a small African American man approached me, and offered me a red rose. I accepted, with thanks. He smiled, showing large white teeth and crinkly brown eyes. "My daughter", he said, "Have a safe trip." He turned and vanished into the crowded street. I stood for a moment, looking for him -- then my brother tugged at my sleeve and we continued our way down the street, with smiling little Italian ladies sporting gold teeth and holy cards pinned to their sweater sleeves.
  Mambo Vye Zo in Jacmel, Haiti, 2003

I now know that Papa Legba had marked me for himself. Ayibobo Papa - what a trip it has been. From Connecticut winters to New Orleans summers to a winter in Haiti. Ayibobo.

In these pages, you will find some basic information, a starting place if you will, to begin your own voyage of discovery. Be open to strangers on the road - they are not always a danger and can bring you some of the most startling of surprises and inspiration. Be especially open to older, small men of any color - Legba is a trickster who wears many faces. He's been my constant companion since I was a little girl. I hope he continues to surprise me and to open the way for my spiritual growth. I ask that he do the same for you.

Ayibobo. - Mambo Vye Zo

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