Question on Voodoo

[Meisopomenos]

I was wondering...

I hear about Initiates and Non-Initiates within Voodoo...

What is the difference?

Also, how is the service of a Non-Initiate to the Lwas/Loas different than that of an Initiate?

[Darkest Eve]

Hi. I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I can answer the first part of your question, at least.

An initiate of vodou is one that has been through the necessary rituals and initiation rites as provided by a Mambo and/or Houngan. Typically this involves travel to Haiti or another area where initiation and ritual participation are offered, though I think that there may be some that are beginning to offer them in other places.

A non-initiated practitioner would be someone who has not gone through the formal ritual initiation by a formally trained Mambo/Houngan.

Most believe that non-initiated vodou practice is less effective than an initiate's practice will be, as there are large portions of tradition and ritual that are unpublished and only passed down upon initiation into the tradition.

I hope that helps answer your questions (and that I didn't butcher the response too badly!)

[Artiste-LiLi]

Those non-initiates are called "servitors" (sp) I believe...they "serve" the Lwa/Loa. Some may serve all their lives without receiving "the call" to initiation.

[Meisopomenos]

If one just serves the Lwas/Loas, are they any less potent than those initiated?

[Teresa]

If one just serves the Lwas/Loas, are they any less potent than those initiated?


This is a popular debate, the answer will depend on who is replying. You learn things after being initiated that help you grow and gain more knowledge, in my experience, so my answer would be initiated is more potent but not always necessary.

Many people serve their whole lifetime and never feel the call to be initiated. If you went to Haiti for example, there almost everyone partakes in Voudou ceremonies, but only a handful are initiated into Voudou compared to all who attend the ceremonies or serve the Lwas.

There is a debate about which is stronger between Haitian Voudou and New Orleans Voudou and they also have differences.

[Teresa]

Also, how is the service of a Non-Initiate to the Lwas/Loas different than that of an Initiate?


The Initiate will have some knowledge that the Non-Initiate is not privy to and their service can be made more detailed to that Lwa.

It is likened to an established relationship with a person verses meeting a stranger for the first time so to speak. I am not very good with explanations but this is the best way I could try to explain this to you.

When you become an Initiate you are taught things that are only passed on orally. Your education comes from the Papa "Houngan" and Mama "Mambo" of your house. They are your spiritual parents and hold a great responsibility to make sure you continue learning and mature in the religion. The house you attend becomes your spiritual family.

There are differences between houses as well within Voudou. Each house has its own "flavor". Small details of spirits and service vary from one house to another.