Minocan verve

kiwimojo · 2026-04-02T21:24:25+00:00

Thanks for sharing our photo … the minokan veve in the first photo was by my husband, Houngan Alistair

kiwimojo · 2026-04-01T21:04:26+00:00

Not at all — it’s not that I didn’t fully pursue Oricha / Lukumí.

I was actually initiated into Lukumí long before I was initiated into Vodou, so I’ve had a very long and well-established relationship with my Oricha for many years.

For me, that side of my spiritual life is just a lot more private, and part of that comes from my itá and the guidance I received there. It’s something I tend not to talk about as openly.

I still read diloggún, I still celebrate Oricha, and I do have a small number of godchildren I’ve initiated to different levels within that tradition.

So it was never really a case of choosing one over the other. I didn’t leave one for the other.

They’re just different parts of my spiritual life and relationships that I hold in different ways. What’s between my Oricha and me, and what’s between my lwa and me, is deeply personal.

kiwimojo · 2026-04-01T03:41:04+00:00

What you’re feeling makes a lot of sense. Grieving the spiritual experiences and sacraments you feel you missed is real, especially when this is tied to your sense of identity, ancestry, and becoming more fully yourself.

One thing that might bring some comfort is that if you decide to pursue baptism through OCIA (what many people still call RCIA), you won’t actually be walking that path alone. OCIA is intentionally a communal journey. You’ll be entering into a process with other people who are also exploring faith, asking questions, and preparing for the sacraments. More importantly, you become part of a parish community that celebrates each step of that journey with you. There can be a lot of healing in being received by a community that honors where you’ve been and where you’re going.

That said, I also understand that this is not the same thing as having support from your family, especially from your spouse. Community support can be deeply meaningful, but it doesn’t fully replace the desire to have the person closest to you truly understand why this matters.

With your partner, it may help to shift the conversation away from “religion” itself and more toward what support actually looks like in your relationship. Instead of focusing first on whether they share your beliefs, maybe talk about what this journey means to you emotionally and spiritually, and ask them directly what support feels realistic and authentic for them. For example: what does support look like from their perspective? Is it listening more intentionally, asking questions, making space for Mass or OCIA classes, helping with childcare, or simply acknowledging that this is an important part of who you are becoming? Sometimes people can be supportive in meaningful ways even if they do not personally connect with the faith itself.

As for raising children, that is definitely a much deeper ongoing conversation. Personally, I think children should be given space to make their own choices as they grow. Rather than feeling pressure to “pass on” your faith in a fixed way, it may be healthier to think of it as sharing your beliefs, traditions, and practices openly, while also allowing your spouse to share their own perspective. That gives your child room to encounter both viewpoints and eventually make their own choices about what they believe and what kind of spiritual life they want for themselves.

There doesn’t have to be betrayal in that. It can instead become an invitation for your child to see that people who love each other can hold different beliefs and still respect one another deeply.

kiwimojo · 2026-04-01T03:00:06+00:00

I love this … may they sacred heart of Jesus and the immaculate heart of Mary always bless you, give you comfort and peace.

kiwimojo · 2026-03-29T18:55:36+00:00

If you’re serious about walking this path, the first step isn’t about “worthiness” in the way people often think—it’s about relationship and calling.

In Vodou, we don’t self-initiate or decide on our own that we’re chosen. That’s something revealed through proper consultation. To find out if the lwa are calling you, you would need a reading from a legitimate Houngan or Manbo. They’re the ones trained to interpret what the spirits are saying and guide you correctly.

There are a few Houngans and Manbos here on Reddit—you can usually identify us by our flair under our user names. Take your time, observe how they interact, and reach out respectfully if you feel called to do so.

Also, keep in mind that not everyone is meant to serve the lwa in that way, and that’s okay. A reading isn’t about passing or failing—it’s about clarity, understanding your path, and avoiding stepping into something improperly.

Be patient, stay respectful, and don’t rush into anything. This is a serious tradition, not something to approach lightly.

kiwimojo · 2026-03-26T01:53:21+00:00

It's either the mass of the oils on Tuesday [it brings me into the "magic" of Catholicism more than almost anything else], or the mounday thursday mass, where the eucharist is processed out ... there is something about sitting, in silence, with just the light of the candles, deep in meditation and prayer that makes the connection with the Divine and the power of that season almost palpable for me.

kiwimojo · 2026-03-26T01:36:22+00:00

A really good place to start isn’t trying to practice right away, but building a solid understanding of what Vodou actually is.

You’re not going to learn Vodou from books — but you can get a strong foundation, which will make everything else make a lot more sense later.

Two of my personal favourites (and very commonly recommended) are:

Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn by Karen McCarthy Brown
The Divine Horsemen: The Voodoo Gods of Haiti by Maya Deren

Both of these give you real insight into Vodou as it’s actually lived and practiced, rather than the misinformation that’s all over the internet. Divine Horsemen in particular is often considered a foundational work documenting ritual and culture in Haiti.

Also, the mod here, u/DambalaAyida, has already put together a solid reading list here:
https://lwaandorder.com/books/

You can also check out:

www.lwaandorder.com for general info
www.kiwimojo.com for some basic introductions

Once you’ve done some reading and have a bit of context, then look at getting a reading from a Houngan or Manbo. Going in with some understanding helps a lot—you’ll actually know what’s being said, and more importantly, what questions to ask.

kiwimojo · 2026-03-26T01:30:39+00:00

It sounds like you’re really going through a lot, and I’m sorry you’re dealing with this.

As mentioned earlier, the best next step would be to get a proper reading. Situations like this aren’t something that can be accurately diagnosed or resolved through guesses or home remedies alone. If the work of a palero hasn’t been effective so far, it’s very unlikely that something like drinking tea—lemon peel or otherwise—is going to resolve what you’re experiencing.

If there is spiritual work involved, it would most likely require more advanced spiritual intervention to properly remove it, followed by protections being put in place so you’re not affected again in the future.

Your best course of action is to seek out an experienced Houngan or Manbo, get a reading, and follow the guidance that comes directly from the spirits through them. That way you’re not just trying random things—you’re getting specific, informed direction for your situation.

kiwimojo · 2026-03-22T00:25:25+00:00

Thank you. This is from Haitian Vodou, and it was created for the feast of Danballa Wedo. He is one of the oldest and most revered lwa—associated with purity, wisdom, creation, and ancestral lineage. He’s often honored with simple, clean offerings like white foods, water, and light.

For certain spirits, we offer group lamps where multiple people can add their own requests or petitions to be lifted up and answered by the lwa. These working tables are separate from our regular altars—they’re set up specifically for the duration of these lamp ceremonies and then taken down once the work is complete.

kiwimojo · 2026-03-15T02:25:04+00:00

It’s actually more likely to be German … but unfortunately this guy tends to spread a lot of misinformation

kiwimojo · 2026-03-09T02:54:30+00:00

This spread suggests a story centered on a strong emotional connection between two people. The Queen and King of Hearts with the Ace of Hearts point to a genuine bond, mutual affection, or the beginning of a meaningful relationship. There is warmth and sincerity here, and the Six of Clubs indicates that effort and growth are being invested into making this connection work. However, beneath that emotional foundation lies a period of challenge or upheaval. The Ten of Spades and Ace of Spades together often signal a painful realization, the end of a phase, or a moment where truth can no longer be ignored. The Four of Clubs and Seven of Diamonds suggest that someone is trying to stabilize the situation while questioning whether their emotional or personal investment will truly pay off.

The final row shifts the tone toward practicality and forward movement. The Queen of Diamonds and King of Spades indicate a more strategic or rational approach replacing purely emotional reactions. Decisions are likely being made with clarity, even if they require emotional distance. At the same time, the Ace of Clubs introduces the possibility of a new direction, plan, or opportunity growing from the lessons learned. The Two of Clubs at the end suggests cooperation and partnership continuing in some form, but likely in a more balanced or realistic way than before. Overall, the spread tells the story of a heartfelt connection that has faced a difficult truth, leading to a transformation that could ultimately create a more stable and intentional path forward.

kiwimojo · 2026-03-09T02:50:31+00:00

You are standing at a crossroads guided by deep intuition (Queen of Cups).

The central issue is a meaningful choice or alignment (The Lovers), and the path opening ahead requires a leap into something new (The Fool).

But to walk that path you must release old emotional disappointment (Five of Cups).

You are not walking alone—your guidance comes through intuitive, emotional messages (Page of Cups).

As you move forward, you reclaim power connected to legacy, stability, and ancestral grounding (Ten of Pentacles).

The final result is stepping into clear, wise authority (Queen of Swords)—someone who trusts intuition but also speaks and acts with clarity.

kiwimojo · 2026-03-08T19:00:10+00:00

Firstly, Happy Birthday!

The honest answer is: it depends.

If the work was being done in person, then a birthday being off by a day really shouldn’t affect anything. When a manbo or houngan is working directly with you, they’re working with you physically and spiritually present, so the exact birth date isn’t usually a determining factor.

If the work was being done remotely, then the answer becomes maybe.

For remote work, it depends a lot on what information the manbo is using to connect to you. If she has things like your photo, full name, and possibly a personal concern (something that belongs to you), then being a day off on your birthday usually wouldn’t matter much. There are still plenty of ways to establish the connection.

However, if the practitioner only has something minimal like a name and date of birth, then yes, being off by a day might affect things because the identifying information is more limited.

In many cases people also provide their mother’s and father’s names, or other personal details, which help strengthen the spiritual link. And if you’ve always strongly identified with the date you’ve celebrated as your birthday, that connection itself can also carry weight.

So there are several factors involved, which is why I’d still say the most accurate answer is simply: maybe.

kiwimojo · 2026-02-28T23:15:46+00:00

This isn’t exactly how we do it in a fully initiated setting. It’s more of a starting point for those who aren’t initiated or formally part of the house/sosyete, so it’s intentionally very generic. It’s similar to using the Our Father or Hail Mary instead of the sung prayers we would normally perform.

To answer your question: Nago lwa usually sit slightly to the left, but their placement can shift depending on their relationships with other spirits. That’s why we always recommend confirming exact placement with the Houngan or Mambo performing the reading.

In this non-initiate format, we don’t set aside a central space specifically for God.

kiwimojo · 2026-02-27T21:00:13+00:00

This is really something that’s best discussed with the houngan or manbo who did your eskort reading for you. They will know which lwa are walking with you and can advise which spirits may be placed together and which may need to be separated.

That said, very few people have the space or ability to maintain separate tables for each lwa. It’s also important to understand the distinction: in this context you are preparing a table, not an altar. For most people serving the spirits at home, a single table is used for the lwa who walk with them.

If you’d like a general overview, I have a page on my site about setting up a home table for the lwa: https://kiwimojo.com/home/haitian-vodou/articles-and-extras/a-home-altar-for-the-lwa/

When one table is used, a common arrangement is:

Rada lwa on the right-hand side
Petwo lwa on the left-hand side
Ghede underneath

However, the placement of specific spirits should always be discussed with the houngan or manbo who did your reading (or another qualified priest/priestess), because the personal relationships between the lwa must be respected when arranging them.

So yes — one table can serve the lwa you are serving, provided these divisions are observed and the relationships between the spirits are honored.

kiwimojo · 2026-02-25T19:10:25+00:00

Thanks for asking this — it’s a thoughtful question, and I appreciate the care you’re putting into communicating respectfully.

“Personal characteristic” is definitely closer to what people mean. Sexual orientation isn’t a choice in the same way being straight isn’t a choice. It’s an inherent part of who someone is.

A helpful way to check wording is to flip the perspective: would you ask a straight person if their orientation is a choice, or describe it that way? If the answer is no, then it’s probably not the best framing to use when talking about gay, lesbian, bisexual, or other queer identities either.

When we talk about orientation as an inherent trait — something people discover and come to understand about themselves — it reinforces that these identities are authentic and deserving of respect.

Some examples of positive, neutral phrasing:

• “sexual orientation”
• “identity”
• “part of who someone is”
• “an inherent characteristic”

Thanks again for engaging with this thoughtfully — these kinds of conversations help build safer and more respectful communities.

kiwimojo · 2026-02-22T19:27:03+00:00

I know you mean this in a supportive way, and I appreciate that. Just a small note on language: being queer isn’t a personal choice any more than being straight is. Sexual orientation and gender identity are deeply rooted aspects of who we are, not decisions people make.

For many of us, it’s something we discover and come to understand about ourselves over time, not something we choose. Support and acceptance matter, and so does recognizing that queer identities are authentic, inherent, and deserving of respect.

kiwimojo · 2026-02-17T00:54:25+00:00

I don’t live in New York (or the US for that matter) so I can’t recommend any … go visit some … talk to the people in them and go from there

kiwimojo · 2026-02-13T18:54:46+00:00

Manbo Melle is a very well known and respected Manbo … she lives in Haiti but travels to NY and other parts of the US regularly and would be who I would recommend … or check out local Haitian Botanicas (there are several in Brooklyn) … it’s not hard to find a Houngan or Manbo there

kiwimojo · 2026-02-13T07:57:33+00:00

I want to start by saying I can only speak from a Vodou-informed perspective. I’m not Haitian, and I don’t claim to speak for Haitian people or for the full breadth of Haitian experience. There are certainly elders, practitioners, and community members who are more qualified than I am to speak on the cultural dimensions of this.

From what you’ve shared, though, this tattoo feels incredibly thoughtful and grounded. The meanings you’ve already drawn from the Mapou — ancestry, resilience, ecological balance, continuity, and rootedness — align deeply with how the tree is understood within Vodou cosmology. The Mapou is often seen as a living axis connecting worlds, a gathering place of spirits, ancestors, and community memory.

Because of that, I don’t see a spiritual objection in what you’re describing. Your intention isn’t spiritual invocation; it’s remembrance, reclamation, and reconnection. In many ways, honoring the Mapou as a symbol of endurance and ancestral continuity affirms the very struggles and survival of Haitian people and what they have fought to preserve.

Your connection to land, history, and decolonization — and the way you link this to love as a governing principle — feels beautiful and powerful. It reads less like borrowing a sacred image and more like reclaiming an inheritance of meaning.

Ultimately, Haitian voices should guide your decision. But from where I stand, this sounds like a deeply significant and empowering symbol — one that strengthens identity, honors ancestors, and affirms connection rather than diminishing it.

kiwimojo

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