There seems to be a big misconception in the Vodou world outside of
Haiti as how the tradition typically runs in Haiti. The Vodou tradition teaches a number of things that may not be understood
if you don't understand Haiti and how things are done down there. Lets get some popular misconceptions out of the way.
There are the more popular misconceptions which people know about such as nude dancing,
drinking blood, sacrificing humans, etc. I am talking about things that are a little deeper than that. Things
that an aspiring Vodouisant would like to know.
Initiation into the Vodou Religon should not be undertaken in this house if your
reasoning is to look for simply a magical system. That is not the only thing the Vodou Religion is about. Some
think or are unable to see Vodou as something more than a magical practice.
Believe it or not, there is a difference between magic and Religion. Religion will
put us in the hands of God and the Lwa. We serve God and the Mysteries and know they will help us in life. Do
not get me wrong, in Vodou there is Religion and magic. But getting initiated is to be looking for the Religious side
of it also, not simply "what can I get out of it" attitude.
If this truly is your Religion, you love the Lwa whether you get exactly what you asked
for or not. Unfortunately, what people want isn't always good for them. Fortunately, if you love the Lwa and serve
the Lwa simply because you love them, they will guide you along your path and lead you in the right direction.
Not only that, they will bless you immensely more. I am not saying that one should
forget the maji (magical work) all together. There are times when you will have to work for what you want. But
if you have the Lwa with you and you love them, you will know what they are telling you to do your work for and what not to.
There is a saying in Haiti "Moun yo remen wanga, yo pa remen Lwa yo" (People love wanga,
they don't love the Lwa) This means that people love what they can get out of the Religion, they don't love the Lwa
because they love them. The Religious side of this tradition allows us to put our lives in God and Ginen's hands.
Following their will, knowing that they will guide us correctly, and knowing when we face trials and tribulations (which we
all do) that they will assist us in getting through it. It means that when things start going wrong, you don't just
give up and throw away the altar. When you don't get what you want, you don't just cuss out your Lwa and throw them
in a box.
Trials and tribulations happen to everyone. "Tout moun fet pou soufri, tout moun
fet pou mouri" (Everyone is born to suffer, everyone is born to die)-Haitian Proverb. Meaning that life is not
without suffering, whether you are a non initiated Vodouisant or a Houngan or Mambo or the Pope. It happens to everyone.
But what is important is what we do when it happens. Do we keep our faith and tread on, trusting that God and Ginen
will see us through this OR do we give up on everything we claim to believe in. Anyone walking this path knows that
it is not the easiest path to tread. But when the going gets tough, the tough get going as is said.
Another thing to consider, not everyone is meant to become an initiate. Nor
is everyone able to, finds it desirable, or is willing to take on the responsibility of initiation. Nor do I believe
that initiation is good for everyone, or can resolve everything for an individual. I do believe that Vodou can help
everyone, but not that initiation is for everyone.
Initiation brings on it's own set of rewards and responsibilities. Anyone telling
you otherwise is lying. The higher ranking an initiate you are, the more the responsibilities you will take on.
Not everyone is meant to be a priest, and if that was the case, there would be no need for priests.
Many times people seek initiation into the highest level of Vodou without considering
all it will entail. There is much that is expected of a Hounsi Kanzo, so you can imagine what an Asogwe's responsibilities
would entail. Don't get me wrong, there are many rewards of being an initiate but those rewards don't come strictly
for free either.
There are some who will hand out initiations to the highest bidder, or anyone with the
necessary funds in their hands. Funnily enough, I often find that the individuals that are called to be initiates of
high rank often do not have the funds available to do so as much as they may desire it.
These are just a few things to consider when thinking about initiation into the Vodou
tradition.
