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 In Vodou One, we talked about the background of Vodou, the history of Haiti, service as it unfolds within a house and how to begin working with your ancestors. In Vodou Two, we learned the basics of Sevis Lwa - making a service to your Lwa. Vodou Three was a weekend of experimentation, observation and participation as we explored the visionary herbs of Vodou.
In Vodou Four, we are going to talk extensively about the services and rituals of Vodou, and what it means to initiate into the Vodou faith. Unlike Western traditions, a Vodou initiation is a life time commitment of work and service. You can serve your Lwa for life without making the commitment of Kanzo. Certain obligation come with the grade of Kanzo and one shouldn't enter into this lightly or without fore knowledge of what is expected of you.
We'll discuss how a Kanzo can be a life changing event. We'll share our own stories, pictures and songs of the ceremonies we under went, and how they were meant to bring about profound changes. Those changes helped us to see within ourselves all the potential there is, and to bring that potential into manifestation. The object of any initiation is to align your internal components with the influx of new energy, "helping to understand that first level of metaphor or symbolism used by the lineage." (Djenra, VodouSpirit.com)
We'll talk about how an initiate, regardless of the system, must grow beyond what is given by their teacher/initiator, applying the teachings to their own lives. We'll discuss how that initial gift of energy is extended from the Source. And we'll show how the probationary period is seen as the "Grace of God" or where one demonstrates commitment and dedication to the Work at hand.
Initiation is an obligation we take on in life ,in addition to our other responsibilities as men and women. It will create and call for changes which if they are not made, will be illustrated in our lives as problems, walls, blocks and hardships that we would not have encountered had we not started out on this particular path. Initiation can be seen as the inside track of human evolutionary experience. The initiate has held out their hands and asked for more than the average man/woman was given at birth: "to those whom more is given, MORE is required" 
Sosyete du Marche is an American-Haitian Vodou house, meaning we follow the regleman of Haitian Vodou for service, for prayer and for faith, as well as bringing 25 years of occult training to the work as well. We do not believe in selling initiations, so if you have money to burn, better find somewhere else to spend it! In our house, you serve the Vodou - through personal service to your Met Tet; by honoring your ancestors through Sevis Lwa; and through participating in house activities, house services and house charity work. By demonstrating a commitment to both yourself, the Spirits and the house directives (service, teaching and charity work), you will demonstrate to us your motives, ideas and desire for Kanzo.
We'll begin the day with a simple Action de Gras, the basic ritual of service performed all over Haiti by the priesthood. A slide show and lecture will follow, with a long question and answer session. We'll discuss the three levels of Kanzo - Hounsi, Su Pwen and Asogwe. We'll cover the duties, obligations and requirements of all three. And we will close with a Brule Zin service service to the Nago Nation, so that the blessings of the Ancestors may open the way for those who wish to further themselves in the faith of Vodou.
Come for the last class and join us for Fet Gede! The feast of the Ancestors!
Participants will need either purple, black or white (or any combination there of) clothing for service, offerings of tobacco and rum, and notebooks for written exercises. The donation for class is $100.00 and it includes materials, handouts,meals and fet. Directions will be mailed out to registered attendees. If you are under contract for the Four Circles Program, your fee is stipulated in your contract. For any additional information, please contact Mambo Vye Zo.
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