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Dominican Vodou - 21 Divisions
Dominican Vodou Ceremony led by Houngan Hector
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Overview Many people are confused these days. They believe Sanse to be Dominican Vodou. It is not. Although the Sancista does work with many of the spirits that are served within Dominican Vodou, it is not the same tradition and it is a different form of working with the spirits. Some will say that Dominican Vodou is Haitian Vodou, just practiced in the Dominican Republic. This is not true. Although there are many similar Lwa in Dominican Vodou, there are many different Lwa. They are worked with in a different manner, and things are done differently. In Dominican Vodou, God and the Virgin Mary are referred to often and many make petitions to them. There are Lwa within the tradition as well. Many times Dominican Vodou is also called The 21 Divisions. In Dominican Vodou, one receives initiations but they serve a different purpose than in Haitian Vodou. In Dominican Vodou, initiation is a ceremony that aligns the individual to their spirits and gives them "fuerza" or power. It empowers them to work with their Lwa but an uninitiated individual can do so as well. These ceremonies serve to give the individual a firmer and more stable foundation to work with their spirits. There are three different initiations that one may receive in this tradition. |
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This tradition is similar to Sanse, in that the Lwa teach their children how to do many different things. But there
are some traditions and rules in Dominican Vodou that are
different from Sanse, and there are some very definite ways
to do certain things. What a Lwa is to be served is taught
to the new initiate, although this information is not hard
to find. Certain other rules are also followed, although
this tradition does not have as many rules as Haitian Vodou.
How one performs spiritual works ("wangas" which means spells) and cleansings is taught by the Misterios (Mysteries) themselves. How one does many other things, the Mysteries teach. There are three main divisions, and each of these divisions has seven parts, thus the 21 divisions as three times seven, which is twenty one. Dominican Vodou is practiced through a Tcha Tcha lineage ("maraca" - which means rattle - lineage). In Haiti, Vodou has come about and become more popular through another lineage known as the Asson. However, before the Asson, the Tcha Tcha lineage was the prominent lineage. Thus the Tcha Tcha lineage is one of the oldest lineages within the Vodou tradition. Dominican Vodou practitioners are often called "Caballos" but they are also known as Papa Bokos and Papa Lwa (both for males) and Mama Mambos and Mama Lwa (both for females). One who has obtained this title has gone through the last and highest level of initiation that can take anywhere between 3 to 9 days and nights. |
Houngan Hector under possession
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Dominican Vodou Ceremony |
To practice Dominican Vodou, one must be brought and called
to the Tradition from an early age. In this manner, the Misterios
start to unravel quickly. All individuals are called, however some
are called at an earlier age than others and thus are able to develop
within the tradition at a faster and more advanced rate.
I was called by the Misterios at an early age and have received the full baptism of a Papa Boko within this beautiful and powerful tradition. This tradition is rich with much knowledge. After receiving my ceremonies, I mostly practiced this form of Vodou for myself, however, during the past few months, the Lwa have told me to reclaim my position as a Papa Boko and start bringing to and allowing others to experience this beautiful religion. I am, therefore, dedicated to bringing the true knowledge of this tradition to you. If you would like to know more about or receive initiation ceremonies within this beautiful tradition, please click here to contact me. |
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