Vodu

The Loas

Voduists believe that the spiritual world is densely populated. In addition to restless and purely malevolent spirits, one finds two major categories of spirits: the living-dead and, above them, the Loas. Although the living-dead play an important role in the lives of Voduists, the Loas are nonetheless the most important spiritual entities in the world of Vodu. Although some of them may be of human origin, the Loas, it is said, were created by the supreme God, Gran-Mèt, in order to manage human affairs. Each Loa is associated with a particular aspect of life, for which it has become a metaphor. As such, Loas are neither good nor bad. However, they can be called upon by human beings for good deeds, such as restoring balance and harmony in one's life; or bad deeds, such as hurting another unprotected human being. Voduists associate the latter not with Vodu but with sorcery, the two being distinct. There is a strong ethical dimension to Vodu that is antithetical to doing evil. Those who engage in reprehensible actions must live with their “konsyans” (i.e., conscience) and face the consequences of their immoral choices. There are literally hundreds of Loas, usually distributed among three major pantheons: the Rada (Fon) pantheon, the Petro (Creole) pantheon, and the Congo pantheon. What distinguishes those pantheons, in addition to their geographical origin, is the nature of the energy they summon, the Rada energy being “cool,” and the Petro and Congo energy being “hot.” Thus, depending on the nature of the call that was placed, the same Loa may come as a Rada Loa (i.e., as a rather cool type of energy) or as a Petro Loa (i.e., as a rather hot type of energy). This is the distinction, for example, between Ezili Freda and her Petro correspondence, EziliZyéwouj (Red Eyes). On the other hand, some Loas are not so versatile and belong exclusively to the hot energy category. These are the Loas usually called upon by those involved in mischief. Loas respond by mounting or possessing particular people, through [Page 469]whom they communicate with the living. While being mounted by a Loa, one may find oneself capable of acts that defy common physical laws, such as climbing a tree feet up or walking on fire or glass without incurring any injury. Generally speaking, the Rada pantheon is the one most closely associated with Vodu. Its main actors are Loas such as Papa Legba, the one who opens the doors to the spiritual world, and without whose permission no ceremony can take place; Papa Loko, the “Father” of the Loas, guardian of the trees; the Marassa, the sacred twins; Papa Dambala, the sacred snake, symbol of life; Metrès Ezili, the Loa of reproduction and sexuality; Papa Ogu, the Loa of fire, thunder, and war; Papa Agwe and La Sirène, masters of the ocean; and others. The words Papa (“Father”) and Metrès (“Mistress”) are terms of respect and endearment.

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