Uses of Candles in Haitian Vodun

I love candles! I stock them in my home by the cases. My particular candle addiction is the 7 day candles. I load them with all sorts of goodies, pray over them, then light them. But enough about me. We will be discussing candles and how they are used in Haitian Vodun. I have seen and read all kinds of foolishness on the web about this and this is the main reason I decided to create this blog to debunk some of the silliness I see day to day with some Hougans and Mambos.

First of all, these lovely looking altars here in the Western world is not how the altars are in Haiti. Before you roll your eyes, let me explain. Only priest or priestess in Haiti with a Peristyle have a "Pe" or altar that is somewhat decorated. I say somewhat because it's the spirits that do all the work when they mount and they need their space to do their work. You will see the beautiful altars set up only at a ceremony. The priest's altar holds powders, books, spirit dolls, cigarettes, alchol, cards, candles and many other things that that spirit needs to get the job done. Serviteurs on the other hand, will always have a small chest that is locked and made to look to blend in with the other furnishings of the house.

Okay, I went off topic for a bit. Back to candles. In Haitian Vodun, the majority of the time only the "emergency" white candles are used or a yellow or black beeswax cord like candle is used to call the lwa. the plain small candle does everything under the sun when it comes to workings. Money, health, to see what's going on, for a number to play "borlet," or even that small candle is cut in half to give to the client to light at home to get a certain result. I've only seen 7 day candles at ceremonies to decorate the table. These small candles are not dressed with any oils. They can sometimes be powdered with baby powder or perfume if the candle is for the Metress. The main reason for this simplicity is because any work that is done, is done by the lwa, not the Hougan or mambo. They are just the middle person. I use different kinds of candles and colors because I practice other systems. One time I lost my marbles and tried to call on one of my lwas with a colored candle. Let's just say that didn't go to well and I paid the price for my arrogance. See these spirits are very old. They have been here since I don't know when. So they teach their ways and how to walk with them, not the other way around. So I laugh when I see some people offering Dantor beer or menthol cigarettes or even calling her with a 7 day glass candle. I just laugh. Because If they are trying to call the Erzulie Dantor I know, the Queen of Haiti, then honey you in for a surprise.

Anyway, I just wanted to touch base on this subject because I have seen some Vodou abominations going on around the internet. If I'm wrong about this, just prove it. Until next time beloveds.

Picture source:http://www.wehaitians.com/a%20grand%20voodoo%20celebration%20in%20haiti.html

Ayibobo!