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 In this first class we aim to set a base line for learning. The lecture portion is based on recent scholarship relating to Haitian history, Vodou’s role in Haiti, Vodou’s history and the Ancestral lineage that is the hallmark of all Vodou practice.
Vodou is the Creole religion of the island nation of Haiti. Through music, art, song and dance, the practitioners, the priests and the servitors of Vodou dance in close communion with the Spirits of the faith. It is a joyful, graceful mix of Ancestral belief, historical fact and syncretic religious faith. Although Vodou is a life long commitment of service and worship, this series is designed for the practitioner who may not be able to join a house just yet. In four classes, we will cover the basics of Vodou, from Ancestral worship, to setting up an altar, to serving your Met Tet.
In this first workshop, we'll just touch on some of the basics of Vodou. Vodou is the Fon word for Spirit and in this class, we will begin by talking about how all of life is infused with Spirit. My own Gran Papa, Luc Gedeon used to say, "There is nothing that is not Vodou - because all is spirit". Ayibobo to that Papa!
We'll first cover some of the history - where is Haiti and how did the Vodou faith move across the Atlantic and into modern consciousness as a practice for anchoring oneself in both the world of men and the world of spirits. We'll talk about three of the major nations of Lwa - Rada, Petro and the Gede. Through song and dance demonstration, we'll get to know the major players of the Vodou pantheon - Legba the gate keeper. Damballah and Aida Wedo, the creation serpents. Ezili, the lwa of love and abundance. Ogoun, Lwa of war and iron. The Gedes, clowns of death and healing.
Each attendee will receive a Met Tet reading, to determine who their Met Tet is (literally, the Lwa who rules your head). Knowing who your Met Tet is is one step toward bringing balance and harmony into your daily life. Then, in the evening, we'll assemble for an Action de Gras - a service to the Lwa. The service for Vodou One is dedicated to Papa Legba (all praise to his name!), the Patron of our Sosyete and the favorite of the Mambo.
First Circle: Vodou 1A - Ancestors will be taught by Mambo Vye Zo and Houngan Travay de Bo Miwa, asogwe priests of Sosyete du Marche. You will receive your Met Tet reading during the workshop. You will need to bring a set of white clothing for ritual, a white candle and an offering for Papa Legba.
The single class fee for Introduction to Vodou is $150.00. We accept Paypal, Mastercard, Visa and money orders. If you are contracted for the Four Circles Program, your contract stipulates your payment. Once you are registered, you will receive information on lodging, food and directions to the Sosyete's peristyle. For additional information, please contact Mambo Vye Zo.
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