living vodou

I created Ashade Bon Manbo on Instagram to share my personal experiences with Haiti, while in Haiti, and most importantly, my relationship with
Haitian Vodou.

My travels, select journal entries, videos, and photos are used as an additional on-line resource to complement my larger body of work: Reflections: AYITI CHERIE - A Black Women's Journey (2003-2015) a dance research/dance ethnography project, a personal journey of SELF love, discovery, sacrifice, commitment, ancestral connections and spiritual growth. My experiences have shaped me into the person I am today. The person I am evolving into and becoming.

Imagine my surprise when I get inboxed foolishness regarding MY Instagram page:

"Why don't you post more altars of Lwa?"
"Can you post spells?"
"What about spiritual baths?"
Can you post a recipe?"
Are you really a Manbo? Just curious, because you never post about your services."

It goes on... Vodou isn't just about pretty altars. IG is flooded with them. Objects on a table with candles mean absolutely NOTHING if you don't have a working relationship with Lwa and know what they need and want. I have posted some photos of altars, but Vodou is so much more than that. My words in the photo above ring true for ME and my journey. If they resonate with you, all good! If you are expecting to receive "spells" which we don't partake in anyway... or bath recipes, or spiritual solicits, please feel free to unfollow or don't follow at all. I don't post for "likes."

I am LIVING Vodou.

Past. Present. Future.
My hope is that Ashade Bon Manbo on Instagram will inspire, educate, and visually stimulate. Ayibobo. 


#vodou #realtalk #fortherecord #haitianvodou #DontComeForMe #NowYouKnow #IDontDoSpells #VodouAintWicca #raratoulimen