Loas and Possession

Below are examples of several of these forces: their descriptions, their territories, their attributes, and pictures and video clips captured of them in spiritual possession on Gro Mambo.

Erusile Dantour

The Petro Mother of All. The Blessed Mother. A mother to all who need a mother, Erusile Dantour is the highest Petro Loa and represents the force of the ocean; however, her force is evident in water everywhere. Her realms include family, stability, and order. Her color is blue.

At the beach	In Ceremony	Giving the bath at the ocean
Giving the bath at the ocean	Giving the bath at the ocean	Giving the bath at the ocean

Papa Ogu

The Petro Father of All. The name Ogu never changes. Throughout the world and regardless of differences in language or culture, Ogu is Ogu. His color is red. His territory is fires above the earth and metals, and his realms include money, business, strength and fortitude, and most importantly faith. 2007 is his year. Whenever a path needs to be cut for any direction to be taken, Papa Ogu is the one who cuts the way.

At Papa Ogu's Ceremony	At the Palm Grove in Nigeria	At the Palm Grove in Nigeria
At the Palm Grove in Nigeria	At the Palm Grove in Nigeria	At the National African Religion Congress Ceremony of Ceremonies
At a ceremonial sacrifice of a bull in his honor	In Brazil with Oba Mendes at his palace	At the National African Religion Congress Ceremony of Ceremonies
Video Marching in ceremony at a sacrifice in his honor at a farm in New Jersey	Video In ceremony in possession of Gro Mambo and Gro Hungan Yatandé Noványón Idizol	Video At the National African Religion Congress Ceremony of Ceremonies

Erusile Freeda

The Loa of Pure Love. Erusile Freeda represents the force of the river, but can also be found in the force of fresh water everywhere, from lakes and streams to springs and waterfalls. To gain a full understanding the power of Erusile Freeda, a journey to Niagara Falls would be in order. Her color is pink. Whenever one is praying for love or dealing with any other matter of the heart, it is Erusile Freeda who answers that prayer.

Dancing in ceremony	In ceremony	In ceremony
Dancing in ceremony	In ceremony	At a party in her honor
Dancing in ceremony	Dancing in ceremony	Dancing in ceremony

Papa Agwe

Papa Agwe is the Loa of direction. His territory is currents: the winds above land and sea, and the waves deep, deep under the ocean's surface. He provides light and direction whenever an individual needs them in times or turmoil, loss, or indecision. His color is turquoise.

Coming in from the ocean	Dancing with Mambo Rinmin La Via Bel at the beach	Giving the bath at the ocean
Giving the bath at the ocean	Giving the bath at the ocean

Mali Louise

The Grandmother of the Voodoo. Mali Louise is from the Couzin family of Loas, where Couzin Zaka is also found. This Petro Loa is famous for her role in the Haitian revolution, for when the men were decimated or sick and no longer able to fight, the women of the land of Haiti called upon her so that they could fight in the stead of the men. It was Mali Louise who set Haiti free. Her colors are blue denim and red. She is the Loa of destiny, and her realm is the forest.

Preparing a ritual Mud Bath	At Prince William Forest Park	At Prince William Forest Park
At Prince William Forest Park	At Prince William Forest Park	Video In ceremony at LePeristyle Haitian Sanctuary

Baron Criminel

The Loa Baron has a saying: "I'm the last one you see while you're alive, and the first one you see when you die." Baron Criminel is the Loa who governs the cemetery, and it is through this Loa that all matters of ancestors, spirits, and the like are dealt with in the Voodoo religion. His colors are purple and black. He is a master of medicines and healings, particularly in cases where one is close to death. He also deals with matters of fertility and sexuality, particularly with men. While this Loa falls outside of the family of the other Loas, his role in the Voodoo religion is just as important as, if not moreso than, that of any other Loa.

Baron Criminel in possession on Gro Mambo, right, and Gro Hungan Yatandé Noványón Idizol	Baron Samedi in possession on Gro Mambo, right, and Gro Hungan Yatandé Noványón Idizol	Baron Samedi in possession on Gro Mambo, right, and Gro Hungan Yatandé Noványón Idizol
Video Baron Criminel at the National African Religion Congress Ceremony of Ceremonies	Video Baron Criminel at the National African Religion Congress Ceremony of Ceremonies