Calling Legba As A Devotee.
We all know we go through legba before another spirits but what if you want to ant don't have any of his offerings.
It's ok.
let's start with two things candle and water.
Water. If you have no clear rum or any other offerings for legba splashing a little water on the floor for Papa Legba is a respectful thing to do.
Why? It's a libation. water is cool and purifying. Splashing a little water on the ground is a way of spiritually cleansing and cooling the path, making it ready for Papa Legba to arrive and open the gate.
Before you light your candle, stand before your altar and speak directly to Papa Legba.
"Papa Legba, I greet you. I come to you with a pure heart.I ask you to open the gates between the worlds, so that my words may be heard.Papa Legba, I ask for your permission to speak to the lwa. Thank you, Papa Legba."
(You can also say the traditional line: "Papa Legba, ouvri bayè pou mwen" which means, "Papa Legba, open the gate for me.").
Light his candle.
Why Like This? Because you have his offerings to give so the candle and water is a offering and you use it as such, so you like it after instead of before..
Then you ask legba to the the lwa you want speak to, take a moment to feel your intention and connection to that spirit.
Light that lwa candle. And place a cup of water on the table/altar.
Once the candle is lit and the water is on the altar, you can speak."I greet you, [lwa name]. I thank you. I come to you today to give thanks for [mention something you are grateful for].
I also come to you for guidance on [mention your concern or question].
Please guide me and help me to [mention your specific request].
I thank you for listening to my prayer.".
When You Are Finished. It's is important to close the gates.
"I thank you, [your spirit name], for listening to me.I thank you, Papa Legba, for opening the gates for me and for closing them now.
I give thanks to all the lwa and to all the spirits.So it is. Ase.".
