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 Simbi is the collective name for a very diverse group of ancient ancestral spirits, who come from the Kikongo area of West Central Africa. Kongo spirituality is particularly sophisticated and creative. The Kongo world view divides into two pieces - heaven being the place of the gods and the earth the domain of the mortals. Between these two worlds lies a vast sea, an ocean of fluid that spirits traverse in their move between the two domains. Here is where the Simbis live. In Kongo spirituality there is recognized a spiritual hierarchy. Immediately above living humans are the ancestors, or Nkuyu. These are the ancestors who are named. Above them, and more removed from humans, are the Simbi. In the Kongo belief system, all Simbi (also called Basimbi for plural and Kisimbi) are associated with water. They are the source of special blessings but are known to be somewhat unpredictable. They are also said to be "twice born" which means that they have not lived recently on earth.(www.inquincesweb.com, accessed 4/5/04) Hence, they are a higher class of ancestors, having been elevated by death to a higher status than humans, yet still available to us for consultation and service.
Simbi is also a lwa of communication. Things regarding communication which move at the speed of light are in Simbi's domain (such as nerve impulses, Internet, electricity.) He is associated with crossroads and his veve encompasses the equal-armed cross (see above). There are many Simbi, so the colors favored for each will vary. In my own peristyle, I was taught by my Papa Kanzo to associate Andezo with Turquoise and Red; Makaya with Red and Black, Dlo with Blue and Green. Our house associates Simbi with the image of the Three Kings. I realize I am being very radical here, and not using the traditional chromolithograph of the Kings. But as an artist, I am exercising my right to bring forth images that work for me. Other houses use St. Andrew, though that image most often refers to Baron Kalfour. Each house in Haiti has it's favorites, but these seem to be the most common.
Unlike the great serpent Dambalah Wedo, Simbi is considered to be a long, slim snake. Sallie Ann Glassman has interpreted Simbi posed as the Rider-Waite Magician card of the Tarot, with his arms raised in the traditional Western Magic salutation. Whatever his image, Simbi is above all the preeminent magician, statesman and wise soul who brings power, wealth and insight to his servitors. Offer him water (if it's Andezo, offer water from two sources, such as ocean and fresh water), rain water, especially rain water from a lightening storm, green ribbons and candles, snake skins and kleren.
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