Kanzo - The Journey begins with You
The saying goes “The Lwa choose who they will.” For those who have stepped upon the path of Vodou, it’s very true. We may think we have come here of our own accord, but in fact, the Lwa have had a big hand in guiding us to this door. Congratulations! You’ve made a choice for your future and for yourself.
In Haitian Vodou, there are three initiatory ranks. They are as follows:
 Hounsi Kanzo is the first rank, and the most important one of the three. It is upon this rank, that all your other work is built. We like to say being a Hounsi is learning to take care of yourself. This is the rank most people hold in Haiti. The work of the Hounsi is very important. They are the backbone of the Sosyete, literally, the bride of the spirits (from the Fon language “houn” and “si”,meaning spirit bride.) Men or women can become Hounsi, it makes no difference. In fact, the majority of Haitians who hold a rank in Vodou, hold a Hounsi. Industrious,  hard working and beloved of the Lwa, they are the vessels of spirit in a sosyete and are the favorite horses of the Lwa.
Su Pwen (on the point) is the second rank of kanzo in Vodou. “On the Point” means you are working and serving the mysteries, on the point of your Met Tet. You have “borrowed” the asson from your Mambo or Houngan and are learning what is needed to go forward with your own community. A Su Pwen can do all the things an Asogwe does, except make initiates. But in our house, the Su Pwens hold very important roles - Mama hunyo to the kanzo candidates; the LaPlas, in charge of drawing veves and leading the ritual; the ougenikon who is the choir master or mistress, and knows all the songs of the Sosyete.
 Asogwe is the highest rank held in Vodou. Having received the asson from the hand of Papa Loko, they “own” it and therefore, may confer it to others through kanzo. They know all the Lwa and can serve them properly, following reglemen. And they run their own houses, make their own initiates, serve the community through public offerings, classes and charity and are the backbone of any Vodou community.
There is much debate regarding whether kanzo can be performed authentically in the US or only in Haiti. We have spoken at length with many houngans in Haiti regarding Kanzo. Our own Papa Edgard leads kanzos both here in the US and in Haiti. We are not Haitian by birth but by association. We follow reglemen to the letter. But we are Americans. Our soil is here. Our ancestors are here. And our power is here. Therefore, we perform our kanzos here in the US. This will be a point of argument with some, but we feel that as Americans, it is our birthright to follow our own heroes and ancestors where they are buried and where their power is formed. If you wish to have a Haitian kanzo, then you are free to go to Haiti. But Sosyete du Marche performs their kanzos on American soil.
Our house has specific things you will need to assemble prior to Kanzo. After we receive your deposit, we will send you a paket of information and materials to help you get organized.
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