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Crossroads in Vodou: A Necessary Dialogue

1/31/2019

2 Comments

 

"I heard of old folk tales of jazz players in New Orleans, going to the crossroads at midnight to get their instruments tuned by an old man that hobbles over. Once tuned, the player would sound incomparable to any other player in the city and would be great."

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musician at the crossroads | google image
I’d like to have a dialogue. An on-line discussion, if you will. An opportunity to inquire and learn, cause one never stops learning when serving the spirits. It is a lifetime of study and dedication. Aside from my service as a Manbo Asogwe in Haitian Vodou, I am a full time Educator, Professor in Dance + Healing Arts Practitioner, focusing on Movement Therapy. I research. Things, people, places. Stuff. I require my students to do so, as well. So this burning question, among others, is the Researcher/Manbo coming forth.
I’m using this social media platform as an educational tool to gain insight.
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legba veve
Legba. Papa Legba. Atibon Legba. Legba nan Petwo, among many others whom we may or may not know... is revered as the Lwa who opens doors & gates. Keeper of the Spirit Gate. Protector of the home. Divine Messenger. The Lwa of Communication. Opportunities.
Most often he is asked to: “ouvre baye” - open the GATE in his songs and in prayer.
Many Vodouyzan serve Legba on Monday, but as the Lwa of communication, he is always available when you need to speak with him.

My first question: When did going to the crossroads every Monday with offerings for Legba begin?
Is this Regleman, or is this Millennial/New Age Vodou?
- Made up nonsense/ish, in the name of Lwa.
There is a distinct difference.


"My suspicion is that it may come from African American conjure and lore, conflating "the man at the crossroads" with Yoruba practices, and mixing traditions. I see this a lot coming out of New Orleans Voodoo as well." - Koki Doré Bon Manbo

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Papa Legba Voodo/ Hoodoo Doll Source: Google
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Voodoo/Hoodoo Veve | source: Google
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Papa Legba Veve Pendulum Board - Hoodoo/Voodoo | source: Google

"I have not seen this done in Haiti. What I'm thinking is people are mixing Vodou with Hoodoo. I have no idea when this started, but it's popular. I can't say if it's right or wrong, but I will say it's not the way of my elders or my ancestors." - Houngan Michael

In all of my years traveling to Haiti, I've yet to see a Vodouyizan make their way to a crossroad every Monday with Veves drawn on paper, candy, toys, drink and money. The beauty of Vodou is that it varies, and it is REGIONAL. I gave up using the words "right and "wrong" many moons ago, when speaking on Haitian Vodou. What is practiced in the Northern part of the country does not apply to the South or Central Haiti. What rings true is that there is specific information on how to serve Legba appropriately. This information will vary from lineage to lineage. I'm fortunate to have traveled throughout the country to document AND experience the differences. It’s beautiful, fascinating, confusing, frustrating and contradictory, all at once. Welcome to VODOU!



"I guess the crossroads have always been a pivotal place, but as a Houngan I have never been instructed to perform offerings to Legba at the crossroads, nor have I seen it in Haiti."
- Pa Pou Suiv Bon Oungan

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Pictured: Houngan Mihenle mounted by Legba | Photo Credit: Phyllis Galembo - Vodou Visions and Voices of Haiti
Since Vodou is Regional, how did THIS PARTICULAR ritual
of going to the crossroads make its way to the US?

Who brought it here?


Which Vodou lineage does it belong too?

Or... did someone just make this shit up, and now folks are following blindly, without researching, because “everyone is doing it” or my favorite:
"My Manbo/My Houngan told me to do it."


News flash: Everyone is NOT!
I personally do not follow this service, and don't need to.
Legba is with me. ALWAYS. In my house, right at my door. In my body when I dance, In my heart when I pray. In my soul when I sing.


"There is also the idea that unless your hands and head have the heat to knock in those metaphorical doors, you don't know what you're actually taking to the crossroads. Folks forget that a lot of stuff lives there, not all of it is nice, and a whole lot of it will happily be called by whatever name you put out there." - Bonkira Bon Oungan

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Alabama Street intersection in Redlands

It's real out here in these Spiritual Streets!


I’m told folks are going to busy crossroads in severe weather conditions - rain, sleet and snow!

Risking potential accidents with oncoming, passing cars and of course
on-lookers questioning "what the hell you doing in a busy intersection?"
The Lwa need us ALIVE and healthy in order to serve them,  to be present for our family, community, and most importantly, to fulfill our destiny. I was genuinely curious about this Crossroad Phenomenon, and sought out Haitian Vodou practitioners for insight.

My Observation:

Folks on FB and Insta are bypassing sitting at the feet of elders to learn. Sure, you can post images, memes, talk about Lwa, and regurgitate the SAME information in these on-line Voodoo/Hoodoo groups, but are you LIVING this tradition? What internal work are you doing?  What steps are you taking to further your knowledge and growth within the tradition?  In this information age, the focus is on obtaining info quickly, without any desire to formally train for a period of time.
Thankfully, there ARE reputable elders who DO teach and train, but that also comes with a level of trust and commitment from interested individuals who more than likely want a "quick fix".

another thing... for those of us who are serious about this spiritual journey, who sacrificed time, energy and money, went to Haiti, been in the Djevo, received our tool from Papa Loko, and EARNED the RIGHT to call ourselves Manbo and Houngan, KNOW who embodies the Crossroads... It ain't Legba.

"I think people get sucked in by all the Insta Manbo's and think they can reap the benefits with zero training. Without planting a seed how can a crop be harvested?
- Se Li Ya We Bon Manbo

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Don't let Sosyete Facebook become your Learning and Resource center! 

There are self-initiated, social media priests who are claiming African Traditional Religions.

Use those critical thinking skills when you are told or asked to do something out of the ordinary.
Dig deep to learn their INITIATED lineage.
Stay present. Alert. Ask Questions.



I use Social Media as a tool. It is my platform to share, inform, and inspire. Honor and Respect to the Vodou Priests who came forth and engaged in this necessary conversation, and who also gave encouragement to share the dialogue. AYIBOBO! - Zetwal Ashade Bon Manbo

"There is no short cut or quick fix when gaining knowledge. It takes time, direction, and patience. Unfortunately, some people will learn the hard way. This is not a game or an opportunity, there is honor in serving spirit, some people will never understand that."
- Manbo Machete

2 Comments

• MARE | PAKET • ((tie/bind))

1/25/2019

0 Comments

 

Zetwal Ashade | Haiti Chronicles

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• MARE | PAKET • ((tie/bind))

The Petwo nation of Spirits are Hot, Aggressive, and get things DONE! 

Mare Paket is a beautiful, colorful, fiery Petwo Ceremony that takes place during Kanzo (Initiation). Paket Kongo are ritual items made by skilled Manbo and Houngan Asogwe, which are given to new initiates to take home after Kanzo is completed. Saluting the Lwa who embodies the crossroads, is essential in opening the way, so all that juicy Petwo magic can come forth and flow. Kalfou is the Kreyol version of the French word "Carrerfour" which means crossroads, In true Petwo fashion, Met Kalfou is called upon with fire, the drums are blazing, rum is sprayed, energy is high and intense with a purpose: to heat up the Pakets, to strengthen the initiates relationship with the spirits in their spiritual esko.

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'"Strength grows in the moments when you think you can't go on
but you keep going anyway"

During my Mare Paket ceremony, my stomach was turning flips, knees were shaky & body extremely hot. It wasn't meant to be easy, with Haiti’s blasting July heat, blazing Petwo drums, AND overtaxed arms, while carrying a large basket of powerful, ritually charged medicine on my head.
Admittedly, I didn’t think I was going to make it. But the thing is: if you know anything about Bwa Kayiman,  you know that the rituals, salutations, oaths, dances, songs and drums, were the catalyst of a major defeat - The Haitian Revolution. Born from the Petwo nation. A mighty nation. A nation of spirits that gave enslaved Africans, revolutionaries, and freedom fighters, the strength, determination and mental capacity to execute a revolt that would change the course of history.
Endurance.
Stamina.
Determination.
I needed it ALL.
I called on my ancestors and mustered strength from deep within
and eventually made it through.

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Inside the temple, initiates dance around the Poto Mitan with their Paket Kongo in a Laye, placed on their head, spinning, continuously to activate possession, which confirms the spirits presence and energy within the Pakets.
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Initiation IS uncomfortable.
It’s hard.
It’s stepping into the unknown.


There are also reasons why initiates are tight lipped and reluctant in revealing too much information.
African Spiritual Traditions ARE Secret Society’s.
We take OATHS, heard by God, our ancestors, spirits, and an entire community! Initiation is a sacred act of complete sacrifice and devotion to Spirit.
Unfortunately, you will not have this experience reading through pages of a book.
This experience was/is an actual RITUAL & PRACTICE that requires faith and courage.
The Mare Paket ceremony liberated my soul.
Empowered my entire being and reinforced the reason we salute these mighty Petwo spirits. 



Sosyete Nago | Kay Maude 

Jacmel, Haiti

Photo Credit: Bonkira Bon Oungan

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SACRED Adornments: appropriating BEADS

12/13/2018

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Elekes | Kolye
Ritual Adornments.

 Typically, in African Traditional Religions initiates are adorned with beads that have been consecrated and ritually fed.

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ELEKES - worn in the Orisha/Lukumi Tradition | Photo Courtesy: Shango Lade

In the Orisha/Lukumi Tradition, Elekes are beaded necklaces in patterns and colors of the Orisha.
Once an individual’s head is crowned to an Orisha, other adornments such as bracelets for Oshun, Yemaya and Oya, in addition to an Ide - an intricate beaded bracelet indicating the initiates head Orisha, is also worn.

In Haitian Vodou, none of the aforementioned accessories exists within our spiritual/initiation system - with the exception of a sacred beaded necklace, known as Kolye. Kolye’s are long in length and stylized for a particular individual, which includes the representation of all Lwa. Ritually fed and presented, this is a badge of initiation into Vodou.


Ritual Appropriation

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We do not have a single strand beaded necklace for Legba, in whatever color(s) folks are debating belong to him, charged at the crossroads.


 No cutesy, pink & gold beads for Freda, ritually dipped in champagne.
Blue & crystal beads cleansed in the ocean for La Sirene & Agwe don’t exist.
Red and blue for Danto or Ogou?
Black and Purple beads for Gede & Manman Brijit charged in a cemetery?!
No.
Traditionally, we do not have handmade bracelets, waist beads, anklets, or amulets that are “ritually charged” under a full moon, to “open doors”, aid in protection, love or prosperity in the name of Lwa.
This is Millennial Internet Vodou for monetary gain.
This is an individual who is clearly arrogant to think “Vodou Lwa Necklaces” exists, and it’s acceptable to create this nonsense. If someone is making and selling these Etsy/FB/Insta trinkets to you, please know you are simply wearing jewelry - void of any energy from Lwa.
If this person is a Manbo or Houngan: THEY KNOW BETTER!!
Use Discernment.
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KOYLE - worn by Hatian Vodou initiates | Photo Courtesy: Loraj Gwonde Bon Manbo | Soysete Nago
Just as Elekes are received in a beautiful ceremonial fashion, Kolye is ritually washed, prayed and sung upon, by an entire community, with an animal sacrifice included - it is empowered!
It is ACTIVATED by initiated hands, with license to do ritual work.
It is then placed upon the neck and crossed across the body of the initiate, which indicates priesthood into Vodou - KANZO, which seals the commitment to be a servant of Lwa until death.

Lukumi and Vodou have many similarities, but they are two vastly different spiritual systems. They should be respected and treated as such, when ritual implements/tools & regalia is concerned.

Respect Spirit.
Respect Ritual.
Respect TRADITION!

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Haiti to NOLA: vodou to voodoo

8/23/2018

1 Comment

 

"Vodou is more than a religion, it's a philosophy of life.
Vodou means SPIRIT...
Nothing can erase or replace the spirit"

~Mimerose Beaubrun

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CEREMONY READY!

Vodou Voyage: Destination NOLA.
New Orleans and Haiti have historical and cultural ties that are connected by
geography, architecture, traditions and spirit.

Spirit lead our group to a Manje Yanm ceremony - a two day service to Lwa, that honors the harvest of the yams. Ayibobo to Houngan Damas 'Fanfan' Louis for the personal invitation.
We were grateful to attend, sing, dance and worship with the Haitian Vodou community in NOLA. 


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In the French Quarter there are a number of quaint shops.
In particular, tons of VOODOO shops catering to the wide-eyed, uninformed, information seeking tourists.
I saw TONS of Lwa + Orisha mixtures in the name of “Voodoo.” Dusty, commercialized altars, with Voodoo dolls, Mardi Gras beads, crosses, skulls and bones, void of energy and authenticity. It felt plastic and sterile.
I saw a basic white bottle with a Red Veve drawn on front (with a marker) talkin ‘bout it’s a libation bottle for Ezili Freda. This was priced at $50! I was beside myself with laughter, cause it was comical.
This critique is necessary due to the tragic way Haitian Vodou is being distorted and exploited by folks with questionable/lack of credentials, who's aim is solely for profit.


 I’m sure these shops serve a purpose for some folks, but I can’t get past the lack of respect for
SACRED AFRICAN TRADITIONS
intertwined with cultural appropriation for a quick buck. 


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I’m sensitive.
Protective.
I’m in NOLA fresh from Haiti.
I’m fresh with the energy, spirit and smell of the country.



Still fresh from witnessing Lwa present at Fets: saluting + receiving messages directly from Spirit.
Drum rhythms, chants and prayers STILL pulsating throughout my body.
Eyes wide from witnessing and creating ritual objects + constructing beautiful tables for Lwa, made with love and care by initiated hands.
Loved up, prayed up, and cared for by my Sosyete - Ogou's house. Community building.
A Lakou rooted in RITUAL.
 
Living.
Breathing.
Cooking.
Dancing.
Singing.
Praying.

Haitian's  honoring Spirits - DAILY, cause it’s a WAY OF LIFE!

This is the VODOU that I know.
The Vodou I was called to serve.

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Antre Kanzo
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La Plas
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Ayizan
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Trase Veve
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Mare Paket
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Soti Kanzo
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Danbala Salute
Spiritual Devotees, Seekers, and Inquisitive Folks:

Haitian Vodou is NOT Hoodoo, New Orleans Voodoo, Voodoo/Orisha Combination, nor is it Marie Laveau worship.

It is a complex system of rules, rites, rituals, prayers, gestures, langaj, obligations and SECRETS that will never be readily accessible in a book, Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. It is my hope that folks use discernment when entering and purchasing from these toy stores.
They do not have our best interests and certainly do not represent what we need to serve our African Spirits. 

Sosyete Nago | Photo Credit:
Alex Batagi/Bonkira Bon Ougan
Jacmel, Haiti (2018)

1 Comment

June 30th, 2018

6/30/2018

0 Comments

 
🌿 Meditation: You always have the opportunity to let go of something
and let newness in in order to rebirth Yourself" 🌿

I’m surrounded, covered, protected and guided by Male Spirits and Male Warrior Guides. They are strong, courageous, heated, hot tempered, machete swinging, loud and yelling, all shades of RED, Fire, cigar smokin, high kickin, raffia wearing folks.

One of the things Vodou has taught me,
and still continues to teach is BALANCE.

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Scales | Hotel Cyvadier, Jacmel, Haiti
Balancing energy, life, ritual, family, relationships, time & self. Those Male Warrior Spirits were so prevalent, the Female Spirits took a back seat and guided from afar. I needed softness. I needed to balance spiritually and feel the energies of the Divine Feminine. Divine Forces. Mothers. Healers. I create my own reality. I create and choose how I live my life.

I chose to create Dancing Spirits: Female Lwa Embodied through Movement, Song, Writing & Ritual out of the necessity to tap in and CONNECT with the female spirits in Haitian Vodou, the tradition I am called to serve. I NEEDED this medicine. This Wellness + Healing series wasn’t only intended for my benefit, but for my community as well. We need safe, supportive, non-judgmental spaces to heal. As I reflect on the 3 previous workshops (La Sirene, Ezili Freda & Ezili Danto), I am moved to tears with the level of trust, transparency, vulnerability, compassion, commitment, love, respect and GROWTH from each participant. Internal work is necessary within these African Spiritual Traditions that have called us.

WE ARE DOING THE WORK!
Healing daily.
Connecting.
HONORING the Spirit within.

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veve | ayizan ak danbala | sosyete nago - jacmel, haiti


"Racine" - ROOTS: reNEWal & reBIRTH!
What a fantastic healing session with these beautiful beings.
Out with the OLD.
Let it go.
RELEASE!
Make way for the NEW...because we all deserve that goodness.

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We went IN.
Ritual.
Prayers.
Salutes.
Tears.
Testimonies.
Our journeys are deep... thick.

We are shedding old fears, doubts, habits, relationships, people, and things that no longer serve us. What better way to renew and refresh spirit?! A cleaning bath. Participants created their own cleansing bath, complete with moving prayers and intentions. We danced and cleansed with the royal palms, sacred to Ayizan, healer, protector and
First Manbo in Haitian Vodou. Divine Feminine.
Keeper of Ancestral Knowledge and Keeper of Secrets.
Healer. Nurturer. Priestess.
We all came together to do this internal work. Collectively. What a joy to witness.
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The timing was Divine as I enter this next phase of my spiritual journey.
My Rebirth.
My ReNEWal.
This is my offering.
Humbly given with a pure heart.
Ayibobo, Manbo Ayizan!
Ready, Set, Goooo!
The journey continues...
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ayizan | sosyete nago
ayizan | sosyete nago
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salye Manman

5/19/2018

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Supreme Gratitude to our MOTHERS!

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• meditation:
“you were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose,
and do it courageously.” •

Facilitated by Portsha T. Jefferson, Artistic Director, Dancer, Choreographer and Vodou Practitioner, Dancing Spirits: Female Lwa Embodied Through Movement, Song, Writing & Ritual: “Salye Manman”, participants honored Ezili Danto while celebrating:

Womanhood.
Motherhood.
Self empowerment.
Strength.

VICTORY!


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We all have a story to tell... and stories were told!
Hailing up our mama’s, grandmama’s, aunties, and all of the strong, courageous women who raised us, shaped us, nurtured us...fought for US!

We called their names.
Cried in remembrance.
Hugged one another tight.



We discussed how we honor and empower ourselves within the daily demands and how can one develop strength in oneself and courage. Participants learned a Petwo classic, “Twa Fey”, cleansed with fey, learned about Ezili Danto’s pivotal role at Ceremony Bwa Kayiman, and finally moved and grooved to the hot and fiery Petwo rhythms - all in the name of our Mothers.
Give thanks to everyone in attendance, especially my Rara Tou Limen family.
It was a beautiful evening. Thank you for trusting this process as I continue to grow, learn and develop.
BILOLO!
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“Portsha’s work is healing and restorative. Through ritual, teaching, song, meditation and dance Portsha’s work opens the road to an aligning of our emotional, mental and physical bodies with spirit and breath to heal and revitalize, to welcome Ancestors home.

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Portsha’s deep, true connection with Lwa and her willingness to share her wisdom nurtures our deeper understanding and opens the road to a greater one-ness with community. Love is at the center of this work; it transforms the work from teaching to ritual to healing root magic. Listening to the rise and fall of Portsha’s beautiful voice, I knew the protection of Ezili Danto’s exquisite embrace. Salye, Manman!”

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loving YOU ((lanmou))

4/30/2018

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meditation | loving YOU ((lanmou))

I am empowered to express myself, to appreciate myself and to accept myself unconditionally.
Self-love secures me and heals any discord or limited thinking.
What has gone before now is dissolved and not a part of today.
Now is my time and my turn to successfully demonstrate a greater abundance of love, health, happiness and wealth.

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I facilitated the second session of Dancing Spirits: Female Lwa in Haitian Vodou, Saturday evening, in honor of Metres Ezili Freda Dahomey. You know when a workshop is scheduled 7-9pm and participants are so engrossed in sharing, affirming, honoring the love within and simply BEING until 11pm, it's something special!
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We honored the Divine Feminine within.

We revealed our hurt, pain, our sacrifices, our desire to love, be loved and give love.
In abundance.
Self-love is FIRST.
No candles, magic, a petition to Freda for her to bring a man/woman into your life, perfume, offerings, Veves, etc. will simply grant a request.
What work are YOU doing as an individual to receive this love?
What are your self-care rituals?
How do you liberate your Mind. Body. Spirit?
We must shower ourselves with love, daily, unapologetically, to attract what we are reflecting from within.
It was a powerful evening that affirmed our devotion to SELF, our needs, wants and desires.
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Self LOVE + Care | sweet bath preparation
Spiritual baths are important in Haitian Vodou

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Together, we created a bath to bring in sweet, juicy goodness!
Each bath was personal as each participant brought pink/white flowers of choice, perfume, and a self love affirmation to meditate on while preparing the bath.
A special milky concoction that smelled divine, prepared my myself was added to the mixture.

This is Vodou!


Individual work
Collective building
Healing
Loving
Honoring
Growing!

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anba dlo continued...manifesting

3/26/2018

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"Do not lose hold of your dreams or aspirations.
For if you do, you may still exist but you have ceased to live."

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When Spirit calls for us to go Anba Dlo - Beneath the Waters, to reflect, tap into our creative self, manifest thoughts, dreams and desires, heal, transform, cleanse + refresh with sweet waters: LISTEN!
I surrendered.
Went under.
2 Days.
Solitude can be a lonely space, but it is necessary for reflection and growth.
I listened.
I looked in the mirror.
Cried... the ugly cry.
Wrote a list.
Personal Development.
Creative endeavors.
Travel.
It became LONG...an entire page!
What a blessing.
As the list grew, so did my strength and motivation.

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As a result...
Dancing Spirits: Female Lwa Embodied through Movement, Song, Writing & Ritual Series was birthed.
This is an intimate workshop where participants will have the opportunity to retreat inward, channel, heal, learn, write, affirm, inquire about Lwa + Vodou, sing and of course DANCE!


At that time in my life, my treasures were at the bottom of the sea, but La Sirene taught me to:

Go Under.
Get Those Spiritual Secrets.
Come Back Up.
Manifest Those Projects & Receive The Riches!
NOW!
I give thanks for the lessons.
I have work to do.
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I give thanks for the beautiful group of women who showed up to the first session honoring La Sirene.
They didn't know what to expect. Truthfully, I too didn't know: I went with the flow. We flowed. Together. In the spirit of La Sirene. What is true is that Haitian Vodou is rich, healing and serves a purpose. It is a privilege to move from the dance studio to create sacred space for individuals to learn, honor the traditions and most importantly honor SELF. Thank you for trusting this process as my spiritual journey continues. Ayibobo.
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Testimonies!

"Giving thanks to the Creator for sending divine beings in my life who exude so much love, light, strength and courage. It felt so good being in a safe sacred space to just BE and Feel. This spiritual workshop was so necessary on so many levels!! I love what you’re doing. Your authenticity, love and creativity really shows!! I had a blissful experience learning new moves, song, altar etiquette and cleansing!! Ayibobo!"
"Thank you Portsha for being committed to the work and your path and for sharing your journey; holding space for us as women to tap in, to reflect, to explore, to heal, to manifest, to transform, to empower, to honor our ancestors and SPIRIT. To uplift Haiti through song and dance. There are many things I could say but my heart and spirit is still full."
"Thank you for listening and loving spirit as you continue to share and inspire others through your destiny/passion. Your workshop tonight was transformative. Bless you!"
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Last month I attended Rara Tou Limen's first workshop dedicated to honoring the Female Lwa in Haitian Vodoun. We danced, sang, and gathered with the energy of La Sirene, explored her watery realms, and the abundance of riches that comes from diving deep and doing the hard work that is only yours to do.

The workshop setting allowed the time for lecture and discussion, as well as sharing of experiences, and discovering what brought each of us to the space that evening. It was revealed that we all had in common a deep respect for the culture, our ancestors both blood and given, and the spirits, and a sincere desire to learn more and become more connected to our roots.
We moved with wisdom and humility, and the knowledge that through the dance and the drum come healing. The space offered the opportunity to ask questions and receive the answers.


I thank Portsha, a powerful and beautiful dancer, a community leader, dance company director, choreographer, creator, artist, educator, sister, and friend, a priestess, and a devoted student of the Vodoun tradition that has called to her so strongly, for opening this space and for her generous offering to share her experience in ways that uplift and empower us all to do our work and our own healing. This is serious work! ...and again and again, she finds ways to multiply the blessings, and does it with grace, ease, authenticity, and the seriousness that we need from our leaders.
I know that every workshop will be different, because that's how it is working with nature and spirit!

0 Comments

love FULLY

2/21/2018

0 Comments

 
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• midnight meditation: heart mending ((STILL)) •

I love hard.
I love deep.
I love fully.
Always have.
Is there such a thing as loving someone too much?
Too fast?
My shortest relationship ever was the closest spiritual/love connection I've ever felt with another human being. It was amazing.
It was electric.
Wide open, wanting and READY to build and create with a life partner, my heart was vibrating higher than ever, and it felt so right!
Safe.
Comfortable.
Home.
That special connection when you laugh together (which was often), you gotta clutch your stomach, that type of love where you gotta repeatedly thank the Universe & the Spirits for listening and answering your prayers.
I questioned myself and even asked him "Are we moving too fast?"

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I was taught to love unconditionally -  in every interaction, come from a place of love.
My mother exudes love. As a child, teen, young adult and even into my adulthood, I've ALWAYS heard " I love you", always felt the tightest hugs, gentle strokes and received the sweetest kisses from her.
My dance students know they cannot come into my class without giving me a hug.
Spreading love & showing love is how I choose to move through life and in my relationships.

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The short lived spiritual love connection ended abruptly.
My love was disposed of in a three minute phone call.
Heart vibration ceased.
Heart center bruised.
Thoughts clouded in confusion.
Pain FULL.
I questioned myself and my love for this person.
"Why did I fall so hard?"
Then I got mad.
Hella mad at myself.
I told myself I shouldn't have allowed myself to love this person after three months, because it wouldn't be so hard to let go and move on.
Not realistic.
I love the way I know how to love: FULLY.
This message + meditation is so timely and necessary for my healing.
My healing (growth) requires transparency:
Honoring, Feeling and Releasing, through thoughts, words, writing and actions.
Despite the heartbreak and hard lesson, I still continue to choose love.
Today.
Tomorrow.
And the day after that.
I won't wallow in regret. 


#honestadulthood #open #transparency #ichooselove #healing #love #lovefully #lovecompletely #wordtherapy

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anba dlo

12/3/2017

1 Comment

 

A N B A • D L O

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Lots of new projects on the horizon for 2018!
RTL White Party.
Cuba + Haitian Vodou Photo Exhibit.
RTL Documentary Premier.
Dance Workshops.
Performances.
Travel.
T-Shirt Creations.
RTL Vodou Calendar.
Artistic Collaborations.
and... as ALWAYS: Professional Development + Personal Growth.
Ready for 2017 to come to a close, to make way for the NEW! 


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There are times when we need to go "Anba Dlo" - beneath the water.

To go under and sit with our dreams, thoughts, goals and aspirations. To visualize, taste and smell what we want, need and desire. For the betterment of my life (and my sanity) and all the unexpected things that life continues to throw at me, I recently made a choice to go under.
I went deep.
Solitude can be a lonely space, but it is necessary for reflection and growth.
Beautiful things take place when you are faced with YOU... Mirrored reflections...

I made a list of the aforementioned, and MAAAAN! My list became an entire page!
What a blessing.
I have things to do.
People to meet and places to see.
Writing and actually SEEING my list gave me so much strength and motivation.

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My treasures are currently at the bottom of the sea, but La Sirene is teaching me to:

Go Under.
Get Those Spiritual Secrets.
Come Back Up.
Manifest Those Projects & Receive The Riches!


FOCUS! Its all YOURS! It's about to be ON!
I'm ready for it + Deserving of it.
Dream It.
Create It.
LIVE IT!
Is my coined manta that I speak into the Universe everyday.
Giving thanks to my Lwa Travay, La Sirene for the lessons and for recently showing up for me in a big way.
I SEE You. Feel you and Honor you today.
Ayibobo, Manbo!

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Photo Credit: Bethanie Hines

"Do not lose hold of your dreams or aspirations.
For if you do, you may still exist but you have ceased to live."

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Picture
Photo Credit: Bethanie Hines
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    Author

    Ashade

    Dancer. Choreographer. Artistic Director. Singer, Healer. Messenger. Educator. Vodouyizan. Community Servant.

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