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 In the classic concept of initiation, each level attained simply brings the seeker to the bottom of the next rung. This idea of levels is at the heart of Western magical training. In Vodou, the idea is far more humanistic, more fluid, more adaptable - in fact, more attainable. For one doesn't climb toward their goal, so much as draw closer to it. A much more comforting idea, than attaining dizzy heights from which one can easily fall. To move to closer to the center, is much like falling in love - the dearer to the heart, the deeper the commitment, the greater the faith, the greater the konesans or knowledge. In Vodou, we like to say that the more you come to know, the closer you want to get to the center. And from there, the love and devotion that radiates outward from the Divine to us is warm and inviting - just like a hearth fire.
Sosyete du Marche, Inc. offers a four year training program called The Four Circles©. Concentric circles of power are at the heart of Vodou and it's work. These circles are seen in the construct of the peristyle, the ranks of it's membership and the ordering of the Spirits. As one works through these circles and draws closer to the center, the power, the knowledge and the grace of the servitor becomes stronger, their faith deeper and the love and devotion of the spirits to their servitors becomes manifest in their lives. Please click here for a PDF on the complete program.
The Four Circles© will place the qualified candidate on the right path for them. We do not sell initiations. We prefer to educate, elucidate and illuminate graceful servitors who follow the Regleman of Vodou, integrate it's lessons into their lives and become who they are meant to be. We do this with our program of classes, rituals, pilgrimages and personal experiences.
Each circle is one year in duration. Each circle is overseen by one of the major Lwa, beginning with Legba. During the time of the circle, you will work with that particular Lwa, to bring his or her gifts into manifestation in your life.
 THE FIRST CIRCLE - BOSSALE / PATRON: LEGBA ATIBON. The Opener of the way, Legba will work to bring into your life, that which will manifest in this reality for you. A foundational education, Legba will encourage you to "place your foot on the path" and allow him to open the way for you. Beginning in this circle are the lessons that will be the foundation for all that is to come in the following years.
SECOND CIRCLE - HOUNSI / PATRON: MARASSA. The creation of duality. Living in two worlds, bringing the gifts and blessings of both into your life. This circle will teach you to be aware, to walk in two worlds. The Second Circle Classes will include the practical (Vodou herbology, ritual meals, song mastery) as well as the spiritual (meditation, pathworking and prayer).
THIRD CIRCLE - SU PWEN / PATRON: LOKO ATTISOU. The great healer, father of the initiates, and the original houngan. Loko brings health, blessings and achievement. The third circle is the toughest - here you will face your greatest challenges, and it is here that many fail. Loko is here also, to support, guide and help you on this particular path of the journey. Third Circle classes encompass a myriad of disciplines - aromatherapy, herbs and perfumes, to name but a few. There will be two retreat weekends involving vision questing, pilgrimages and divinatory readings that will point to absolutes in the candidates life to be achieved, overcome or dismissed.
FOURTH CIRCLE - ASOGWE/PATRON: AYIZAN VELEKETE. Mother of the initiates. Having made it thus far, Ayizan is here to bring you into the world of Spirit and return you safely to the world of men. She births all the candidates of Vodou. Classes are crafted toward kanzo and will cover the many topics, skills and items that Kanzo will encompass.
The Four Circles© are an ongoing program. Students who sign on for the full course receive a significant discount in tuition costs. Four Circles© students (FCs) may begin their studies at any point in the calendar. Although we hold the classes year round, if you begin midyear, you must complete all classes, to fulfill the obligations of each circle. FCs must complete each Circle before advancing to the next one.
People can take a single classes and not be a Four Circles student. But the fee for single supplements is higher than for students. The goal of these classes is for the students to become members of Sosyete du Marche. Those people who wish to simply taste, may do so, but at a premium. Second, Third and Fourth Circle classes are not offered as single classes. The Pilgrimages to Haiti are offered to non-FCs.
For information on The Four Circles© program, tuition, payment plans and other details, contact us here, and we will send out information to you, so you may begin the journey of a lifetime. Our blessings on whichever path you choose to walk in life.
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