PAPA LEGBA
Article by Mambo Samantha Corfield
Our dear Papa Legba (Papa Alegba in New Orleans Voodoo) is probably one of the most popular lwa (Vodou spirits) ever. His ability to open doors, smooth roads, and in general help us get things done is legendary! He can create possibilities, help you choose the right path in your life, and bring order to chaos! Personally, I call on him whenever I am lost (which is often, I have no sense of direction) and even when I need a parking space. :-)
While he has many aspects or "personalities", his major function in both Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo, is to be the intermediary between the other lwa and humanity. His presence at the spiritual crossroads will give or deny permission to speak and interact the lwa. (Although I have to say, I don't really recall him ever denying permission, though I suppose he would if he felt it was necessary!) He is invoked in spell work and ritual using many analogies: To open the gate, to open the door, to lift the veil, etc., between our human world and the spiritual world. He is always the first and last spirit invoked in any ceremony, because his permission is needed for communication between us and the lwa. He opens and closes the doorway.
One of his most remarkable traits is that he is known to speak, understand, and translate all languages. Through him you may speak to the lwa in any language. If the lwa you are speaking to doesn't understand your language, Papa Legba will translate for you! Just ask him!
Papa Legba can also facilitate communication between yourself and someone with whom you are having difficulties being understood. Let's say that you are using, for instance, our Red Male Image Candle kit to communicate some loving ideas to "Johnny". Now you know Johnny pretty darned well and know that he doesn't always accept new ideas readily. Simply call on Papa Legba to "translate" your petition words into words that Johnny will understand. Calling on Papa Legba for a task like this is extremely easy. Just talk to him: "Papa Alegba, please translate for me. Help Johnny understand what I want him to understand." It is just that simple. You don't have to even be extremely clear in what you need from Papa Alegba. After all he is the "universal translator" - he KNOWS what you are talking about even if you aren't quite sure.
He is such a fun character: Often portrayed as a kindly old man, he is funny, loving, silly, and known to be a trickster. Some people believe that he purposely plays tricks on people malvolently. I have never found this to be true of those who serve him and those who call on him for help! Perhaps some of his "tricks" are misinterpreted. I believe, however, that many times people think something is attributed to Legba that wasn't him at all, but just happenstance. At any rate, he is extremely helpful and powerful in Vodou magick and in all my years of working with him, he has never played any kind of trick on me that was mean or hateful.
Papa loves certain items that you should have if you desire to serve him: A crutch or baton or walking cane; three pennies; a silver whistle (like coaches use); small toys; keys of any kind (don't throw your old keys away - give them to Papa); a straw knapsack or some kind of straw bag; a straw hat and, of course, a pipe with tobacco and a bottle of rum! If you are setting up an altar for Papa, you want to have as many of these items as possible. His altar cloth should be red and white or red and black or red/white/black. He is traditionally served on Mondays. Offerings can include rum, cigars, red beans and rice, plantains, smoked fish, chicken, and candy. Haitian tradition includes goats and black roosters, but we aren't too likely to have those kinds of offerings here and he understands that - stick to the basics and he will be happy! Dogs are sacred to him. If you have a dog, s/he will usually show interest when you are calling upon Papa! Many clients have told me that their dogs went a little bit crazy when Papa was called upon; a sure sign that he is around.
In Africa, his counterpart, Eshu, is a god of prophecy and taught people how to interpret oracles and readings (corresponding with the "translator" aspect of Papa). Often he will appear as an old man on a crutch or with a cane, wearing a broad brimmed straw hat and smoking a pipe, or sprinkling water. Because of his position as 'gate-keeper' between the worlds of the living and Les Mysteres he is often identified with Saint Peter who holds a comparable position in Catholic tradition and, of course, is depicted holding keys. . But he is also depicted in Haiti and New Orleans as St. Lazarus, or St Anthony of Padua. Using Catholic Saint candles to honor Papa Alegba is perfectly acceptable.
So, however you serve Papa, doing so is always a rewarding and fun experience. Try it!
