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 Where Loko Atissou is the father of all kanzo initiates, Ayizan is the Mother of all Initiates. Ayizan Velekete is her full name, and she is often seen as a very old woman, with an apron that has deep pockets. Ayizan is a root Lwa, bringing the mysteries of the Kanzo and of life and death to us here in the Marketplace. The Yoruba tradition refers to the earthy plane as the Marketplace, so it is fitting that Ayizan is the one who brings them down to us. She is the Lwa that tears into the djevo during the Chire Ayizan, purifying it for the hunyos (the spirit children), who will birth into Mambos and Houngans.
Her veve is comprise of her initials, the A and the V intersecting across each other. The veve is sometimes further decorated with stars and whirls to imitate the royal palm frond, shredded and worn by every initiate of Vodou.
Chromolithographs of Christ, usually Christ being baptized by St. John are used in association with Ayizan. Her symbol is the royal palm branch, frayed and covering her face. Offer her palm fronds, yams, dirt from a market cross road and water.
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