How do I practice Haitian Vodou?

This is not an easy question to answer as Vodou is a cultural phenomenon, intricately tied to the land and people of Haiti. Unlike the world's evangelical traditions, Vodou is not looking for converts nor does it readily or willingly adapt itself to non-Haitian cultures. It is also not an eclectic practice (where you can do whatever you want) or a solitary practice (something you do on your own). As a spiritual practice of the Haitian people, Vodou is a community practice and in many ways is more of a way of life than a religion.

That being said, it is possible for those not born or raised in Vodou to become Vodouisants, as well as to be initiated as hounsi or even mambos and houngans in Vodou. The Lwa call who they will, and sometimes non-Haitians find themselves compelled to seek out a mambo or houngan to learn more about serving the Lwa and how to get involved. Mambo Chita Tann does accept students, either for personal knowledge or potential initiation, but she does not invite anyone to join her sosyete without getting to know them personally first, nor does she advertise beyond a listing of the services she provides through the sosyete. To see a list of Mambo's services offered through Sosyete Fos Fe Yo We, click here.

Most reputable mambos and houngans insist on getting to know a potential student before any invitation is given, and very few grant membership in their sosyetes or initiation into Vodou to just anyone who shows up on the doorstep, even if they show up with money. Joining a Vodou sosyete is like a marriage or adoption -- it's becoming a member of a new family, and not only do you want to be sure you're happy with your potential new family and want to work with them, they probably want to get to know you and decide if they'd like to have you around, too.

Above all, if you feel called to serve the Lwa, be patient. It is said that when a student is ready, the teacher will appear, and anything worth doing is worth doing well and taking your time to do. This is especially true in spiritual matters. Ask questions of potential teachers and/or initiators. Check their credentials. Talk to their students -- and their former students. If you can, observe their work, either personally or what they say in communications. Ask other reputable Vodouisants what they think of the person. What kind of person is (s)he? A mambo or houngan should have more than knowledge and a solid, verifiable initiatory and training history; (s)he should be a person of maturity, experience and what we often call in African religions "good character." Such people are not always easy to find and this is particularly true on the Internet. Ask your spirits and ancestors for guidance, trust your heart, and good luck!

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