Agua Cedito

As we close out another season of the podcast, we wanted to dedicate this final episode to honoring the Vodou community members who help connect people to the divine through spiritual service, healing, teaching, cultural preservation, and community care. From elders and initiates to scholars, priests, priestesses, and everyday practitioners, this episode is a celebration of the people whose dedica...

In part 3 of a 4 part season finale of Agua Cedito, we close out Season 2: Loving on the Lwas. After more than 40 episodes, this finale is not an episode-by-episode recap. Instead, it is a reflection on the heart of the season: what it means to build a respectful, loving, and responsible relationship with the Lwas. Throughout this season, we explored Haitian Vodou through devotion, history, ancest...

In this part 2 of 4 season finale episode, we continue the theme of loving your lwa, which means remembering them, serving them, listening to them, and building a respectful relationship with them over time. We begin with our Pawòl Pouvwa (Word of Power) by exploring the meaning of dlo, along with the importance of limyè and the practice of jete dlo in Haitian Vodou. We explain how water, light, a...

In Part 1 Season 2 finale episode, we explore what it truly means to build and maintain a relationship with the Lwas in Haitian Vodou, and why loving on your Lwas is about much more than ritual, it is about reciprocity, respect, spiritual growth, and ancestral connection.  We begin by discussing what Lwas can do, how they support, guide, protect, teach, and intervene in the lives of practitioners,...

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we begin with our Pawol Pouvwa (Words of Power) segment by unpacking the words lakwa (cross) and mo abandone (the abandoned dead).  We then focus on decolonizing life and death in Haitian Vodou, challenging many of the myths, fears, and misunderstandings that have been projected onto Vodou traditions over time. We explore how Haitian Vodou understand...

In this episode, we open with a special Pawòl Pouvwa (words of power) and explore the theology of zanset (ancestors) in Haitian Vodou. We focus on grounding the conversation in understanding the different types of ancestors and how we could better align with them, as ancestral connection is central to Vodou cosmology. From there, we discuss the importance of the cemetery in Haitian Vodou as a sacr...

In this special episode, we start with Pawòl Pouvwa (Word of Power) by breaking down how spirits are organized in Haitian Vodou. We explain key terms like rites, escorts, nanchons, and fanmi, and how these groupings help people understand relationships between the lwa. From there, we explore the importance of the “plus 1” concept in Vodou numerology, looking at how it reflects balance, connection,...

In this episode, we start with Pawòl Pouvwa (Word of Power) by decolonizing the terms Gads, Pwens, and Djabs in Haitian Vodou. We explain what these terms mean, how they are used, and how they are often misunderstood outside of the tradition. From there, we introduce the lwa of justice and vengeance, exploring their role during the Haitian Revolution and how they are connected to protection, accou...

In this episode, we start with Pawòl Pouvwa (Word of Power) by exploring the theology of colors in Haitian Vodou as ontologically interpreted by the late Mambo Itesse Jean-Baptiste. We discuss how color carries spiritual meaning, reflects energy, and helps communicate relationships with the lwa. From there, we talk about the importance of ancestral memory and spiritual remembrance, and how honorin...

In this episode, we start with a Pawol Pouvwa (Words of Power) discussing the word moushwa (head scarf) and its importance in Vodou. We then introduce the Kongo nanchon, giving a historical overview and explaining the important role Kongo lwa played during the Haitian Revolution. We explore how Kongo spiritual traditions became rooted in Ayiti and how they continue to shape Haitian Vodou today. Fr...

In this episode, we explore the meaning of the word ponya in Haitian Vodou and how it relates to many of the female spirits within the Petwo nanchon. We begin by explaining what this term represents in Vodou theology and how it reflects intensity, urgency, and the protective force often associated with certain Petwo lwa. From there, we move into a deeper conversation about sacred rage, looking at...

In this episode, we continue our conversation about the Ezili escort, picking up with the meaning of Black Madonna iconography within the Haitian Vodou cosmovision. We begin by explaining how these images function inside Vodou as layered symbols shaped by history, survival, and spiritual adaptation. From there, we decolonize and demystify who Ezili Dantor is, addressing common misunderstandings th...

In this episode, we explore the theological meaning of physical impairments within the Haitian Vodou cosmovision and why spirits are sometimes described as carrying visible marks, wounds, or limitations.  From there, we turn to Ti Jean, discussing his energetic signature and his role within the Petwo nanchon. We look at how Ti Jean’s presence reflects themes of resilience, complexity, and transfor...

In this episode, we explore the spiritual importance of plants, sacred trees, and the forest within Haitian Vodou cosmology. We begin by explaining why nature—especially fey (sacred leaves)—is central to ceremony, healing, and spiritual balance in Vodou, and how the forest is understood as a place of power, knowledge, and connection to the unseen world. From there, we introduce Gran Bwa, the lwa o...

In this episode, we introduce listeners to the Petwo nation (nanchon in Kreyol), one of the major spiritual lineages within Haitian Vodou, and explore how it emerged during the Haitian Revolution. We begin by explaining how Petwo developed in response to enslavement, violence, and the struggle for survival and freedom in Haiti. From there, we address common misunderstandings about Petwo that often...

In this episode, we take a closer look at how ideas of darkness and light are understood within African and Haitian Vodou cosmology, moving away from the good-versus-evil framework often imposed by colonial thinking. We begin by unpacking what these forces actually represent in Vodou and how they relate to balance, power, and spiritual responsibility. From there, we explore the spiritual importanc...

In this episode, we explore the sacred spaces that ground Haitian Vodou and shape how spiritual life is practiced, protected, and passed down. We begin with an overview of the physical and spiritual environments where Vodou ceremonies take place, introducing listeners to key sacred spaces such as the peristyle, bitasyon, demanbre, ounfo, ogatwa, and djevo, and explaining what each space represents...

In this episode, we honor the Arawak Taíno and explore their deep Indigenous roots and lasting connection to Haitian Vodou. We begin by providing an overview of Taíno life on the island of Quisqueya before enslavement and colonization, grounding the conversation in who the Taíno were as a people, how they lived, and how they related to the land. We also discuss how the Arawak Taíno supported ensla...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Northern Haiti and explore why this region is so spiritually significant within Haitian Vodou. Northern Haiti holds unique ancestral lineages, ritual practices, and spiritual expressions that continue to shape Vodou as it is practiced today. We begin by grounding the conversation in the history, land, and spiritual memory of the North, and why its Vodou tr...

In this episode, we turn our attention to the female Lwas of the Rada nanchon and explore the calm, steady, and deeply nurturing energy they bring to Haitian Vodou. We begin the conversation with an overview of the Rada female spirits as a whole, discussing their shared energetic signature, often associated with balance, refinement, patience, emotional regulation, healing, and ancestral continuity...

First anniversary reflections for the Agua Cedito Podcast by host Pwofese Konnen Ki Fe Bon Manbo.

In this grounding and heart-centered episode, we explore the importance of the grandmother archetype in Haitian Vodou cosmology and why elder spiritual energy holds such a powerful role in healing, protection, and ancestral memory. The grandmother spirits, often called the Grann Lwas, represent wisdom earned through experience, care rooted in discipline, and love that protects while teaching hard...

In this powerful episode, we honor Papa Ogou, the Lwa of war, fire, iron, power, and protection in Haitian Vodou. Papa Ogou represents strength with purpose, disciplined force, and the spiritual power needed to defend, build, and liberate.  Papa Ogou’s energy is all about power, responsibility, boundaries, and readiness. We begin the conversation by exploring the spiritual importance of metal and...

In the last episode of the calendar year, we honor Papa Simbi, the Lwa of magi, sacred knowledge, communications, and spiritual power in Haitian Vodou, with special attention to Simbi Makaya and the spiritual importance of Makaya season. We begin the conversation by unpacking the importance of the word “magi” in Vodou. From there, we explore the spiritual significance of rivers, lakes, wetlands, a...

In this illuminating episode, we honor Manbo Klemezin Klermey, the powerful Lwa of purification, spiritual light, and clarity in Haitian Vodou. Known for clearing confusion, lifting spiritual heaviness, and restoring balance, Manbo Klemezin Klermey teaches that true healing begins with honesty, cleansing, and seeing things as they really are. We discuss who Manbo Klemezin Klermey is, where she com...