#priest things

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Definitely spent the most time figuring this one out

i sincerely apologize... i'm going to shake you in the box my child please hang on and pray

Today is the observation of Bwa Kayiman, the ceremony understood to serve a dual purpose; it solidified ties between the lwa and the enslaved Africans who became Haitians in that moment, and it marked the beginning of the Haitian Revolution, which eventually brought about the abolition of those held in slavery on the island and formed the first Black republic in the world.

It is something deeply held in Haitian Vodou. It's not necessarily a happy celebration or something people get excited about, but it's not a negative. It just is. These days, it is a reminder that, for those who have passed through the djevo, that our spiritual ancestors undertook unimaginable sacrifices for our future benefit. The Haitian Revolution lasted for just over TWELVE YEARS. What have you done for twelve years straight?

It is also a reminder--a very poignant one lately--that the work if Bwa Kayiman is not done or even near completion.

For all houngans, manbos, and hounsi kanzo, who have laid in the djevo and had the lwa go to war for them, there needs to the remembrance that, for us, the Revolution continues. A particular song recalls that we are tied to Bwa Kayiman...in some ways, our fates were collectively written during that ceremony.

When we are placed in the djevo, there is an implicit commitment made: we are the tools of a continued Revolution. Haitian Vodou seeks balance in all things, and we must seek that in ourselves, in the community we serve, and in the world at large. If we stagnate, if we allow our hands to go still...we are not living up to the reality of the religion we are ordained in.

The Revolution has not finished. No one is free until we are all free. White supremacy must be unseated and destroyed. Black lives must matter. Capitalism must be rendered impotent. Government must be accountable and global power must be redistributed with the outcome being true equitable oversight. Fascism must be crumbled. Trans people must have a life expectancy over the age of 35.

As priests and hounsi kanzo, we must not be complicit by word or deed. All vodouizan--and particularly non-Haitian vodouizan--must seek out Bwa Kayiman each day and remain accountable...because all our actions (or inactions) are counted and seen. These days, it's not about throwing money at a problem...it is direct action and speech.

I don't wish you a happy Bwa Kayiman because I don't find it happy. Instead, I find it necessary.