Wanga is the putting together of various spells and workings that require the presence of a Lwa to be placed in or on the wanga before it is tied by the Mambo or Houngan. This is typically the most requested work from clients. Usually the secret to wanga lies in the head of the initiate performing the work. The spirit they have called to work the wanga for a client will generally describe to the Mambo or Houngan what needs to be placed on the wanga. By this; we mean what herbs, powders, oils, etc...

Those who are uninitiated can also perform some wanga. Although the types of wanga is limited. Houngan's and Mambo's are expected to know more of the secrets of magik and wanga as they have a closer relationship to the Lwa.

There are all types of wanga, in Vodou terms it is called working the right hand or working the left hand. The difference is as follows; right hand work is meant for luck, prosperity, love, money, attraction and so on. Left hand work is meant for revenge, throwing work (negative wanga on a person or group), sometimes protection or to destroy your enemy. Different Mambo's and Houngan's have different opinions on working the left hand. Some will and some won't. This all depends if the work is justifiable. It can be very common for the initiate who is performing the wanga to be mounted while working the spell. This ensures that the message of the client is clear and that the spirit being present can add their power to the wanga for a little more of a kick.

There are times when the client is expected to do some of the work for themselves but it is typically the Mambo or Houngan who ties the wanga or the Lwa will be in the head of the Mambo or Houngan who is tying.

Initiates are expected to have huge amounts of knowledge to perform such magik as they are confronted with clients constantly who wish to have all kinds of work done. They usually don't care how it is done, they just want the problem resolved whether it be removing someone or attracting love. The problems initiated face are endless from clients!!

Wanga can be a life changing even for a client, it can clear the head of a client, clear their physical and/or mental health or even put them on the right path to whatever acheivement that person is looking to obtain. Remember Mambo's and Houngan's are not God or miracle workers so nothing should ever be expected to be 100% accurate. Any one who sells this service is offering unreal services and will more then likely rob you blind. It's best to discuss your wants and desires with a number of initiates until you reach one you feel comfortable with.

The question everyone wants to know with wanga and magic is when will it work? The simple answer is when God wills, the lwa are servants of God they are permitted to do the work they are allowed to do in their field/speciality. There are times when wanga simply doesn't work or works in an unexpected manner, the lwa can only do what God allows. Who is to say why God feeds with one hand and strikes with other, it is a mystery! The knowledge of the initiate doing the work has alot to do with the end results as well as following correct ritual procedure.

Wanga price will vary depending on the type of work that is to be done and what ingredients and spirit is to be placed on the wanga.

Manje Lwa (Feeding the spirits)

The majority of people who serve the Lwa are not initiated, but there are certain services that they would like to have done that they can not because they are not initiated. Therefore, the calling of Mambo's and Houngan's is needed. Once the initiates have gathered to assist the serviteurs in the celebration, an altar is constructed in honor of the Lwa of the house along with song and dance. During this celebration, a possession typically occurs thus allowing the servituers to make the offering to the spirits that they wish to give.

Priye Ginea

The Priye Ginea is the ceremonial song that starts off nearly every ceremony with the exception of the Bat Ge, (to beat a war). The Priye is done in many different ways according to the Mambo or Houngan who is leading the ceremony. The leader of the ceremony will sing out a verse of the Priye and the Hounsis will recite back some times the same verse or they'll respond to the verse by reciting another.

The Priye in our house starts with the three Catholic prayers and are recited in French. They would be recited as follows;

Notre Père qui es aux cieux! Que ton nom soit sanctifié;
que ton règne vienne; que ta volonté soit faite sur la terre comme au ciel.
Donne-nous aujourd'hui notre pain quotidien;
pardonne-nous nos offenses, comme nous aussi nous pardonnons à ceux qui nous ont offensés;
ne nous induis pas en tentation, mais délivre-nous du malin.
Car c'est à toi qu'appartiennent, dans tous les siècles, le règne, la puissance et la gloire.
Amen.

Je vous salue, Marie, pleine de grâce.
Le Seigneur est avec vous.
Vous êtes bénie entre toutes les femmes,
et Jésus, le fruit de vos entrailles, est béni.
Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu,
Priez pour nous, pauvres pécheurs,
maintenant et à l'heure de notre mort.
Amen

Je crois en Dieu, le Père tout-puissant, créateur du ciel et de la terre.
Et en Jésus-Christ, son Fils unique, notre Seigneur, qui a été conçu de Saint-Esprit, et qui est né de la Vierge Marie. Il a souffert sous Ponce Pilate, il a été crucifié, il est mort, il a été enseveli, il est descendu aux enfers. Le troisième jour il est ressuscité des morts, il est monté aux cieux, il siège à la droite de Dieu. Il viendra de là pour juger les vivants et les morts.
Je crois en l'Esprit-Saint. Je crois la Sainte Eglise catholique, la communion des saints, la rémission des péchés, la résurrection de la chair, et la vie éternelle.
Amen

The Priye needs to be called out in a certain order for it to be effective, again this depends on the house and the Elders. If we are doing a party for a certain rite, say Nago, we would of course follow the Regleman of the Priye, yet when the time comes to honor Nago, we may call out a few more of the Nago Lwa than the others.

The Priye is led by the Elder rattling his/her Asson. At times the drums come in for a very brief moment at the beginning of various verses. The best way to learn the Priye is by attending many parties and simply listening and trying to follow along as best as you can...

There are shorter versions that are sometimes recited during work or "travay". These are just as effective as the actual Priye.

When approaching the Lwa for what ever reason, it is most commonly used to follow the traditional methods which is reciting the three Catholic prayers; Our Father, Hail Mary and the Apostles Creed. The traditional prayers are typically done in French or Kreyol. Of course, the majority of us do not speak those languages. We have placed them below in English if you're not familiar with the prayers;

Our Father   (x1)

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And, lead us not into temptation. And, deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Hail Mary   (x3)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blest are Thou amongst women and blest be the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus Christ. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Apostle's Creed   (x1)

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and Earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in his son, Jesus Christ, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell.

On the third day, He rose again, in fulfillment of the scriptures. He is seated at the right hand of the Father where His kingdom will have no end.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look to the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting. Amen.

Prayer brings us closer with our spirits and ultimately can have a life changing effect on us. Recite the Our Father and Apostles Creed only once and the Hail Mary three times. Then continue on speaking with your spirits.