In the non-asson lineages of the North of Haiti (La Citadel) there is only one initiation and it is the Sevis-tet or Head Service which is often confused with or called by the name of Lave-tet these days.
In the house in which I was initiated an asson lineage (Main Fort) out of PAP, the knowledge of the Sevis-tet of the North was retained and is practicised here for candidates in the USA, not as a washing of the head or lave tet but as “fuller” or more encompassing ritual.
This ritual is what marks one as “petit fey” (a little leaf) or a member of our societe. In our lineage the Kanzo grade can only be bestowed on Haitian soil . So for those who cannot travel, the Sevis Tet is important as it is the “ground level” that all training emerges from. Sevis Tet is the beginning that identifies and harnesses a bossale spirit who is trying unsuccessfully or incompletely to mount an individual and it is a way to calm a Spirit that is causing other mischief in their life.
The sevis tet candiate after the completion of the ceremony, has along with membership in the societe, the right to have a table installed in their home by their Mambo or Houngan for the service of their Lwa, as they will after that point know at least one of their Spirits.
The Sevis Tet “initiation” was called “lave tet” by the Houngan Milo Rigaud, in his 1953 “La Tradition Voudoo et Le Voudoo Haitien” when he traveled thoughout Haiti compiling the history of Sevis Lwa from the mouth of Houngan and Mambo born in the early 20th century, thus in his book one will find reference to the 4 initiations of Haitian Ancestral Practice:
- Lave Tet ( Baptism)
- Kanzo aka Hounsi
- Houngan/Mambo
- Baille Ge – Having the Eyes (*today we call this initiation ASOGWE)
In the ancient lineages, the Hounsi rank included the dancers and singers capable of possession, that of Mambo or Houngan, the knowledge of how to call and send away various Spirits, and the highest initiatory rank bestowed upon the Mambo or Houngan the power of “sight” or clairvoyance. The Rigaud text is the historic source to the current cross-current about Sevis Tet and Lave Tet or “head washing,” which as I was taught is actually a “treatment” or herbal infusion applied to the hair and head to remove “confusion, and negativity”.
Sevi Lwa varies by geographic region and from Lakou to Peristyle as “Each Houngan/Mambo is the Emperor/Empress of their own kingdom”
Jetstream of Mysanteria.com
Mambo
La Societe Belle Fleur Ginea
PAP; Long Island,New York
You should do a little more research. There is a grade above Asogwe – it is called “kouto et fouchette” – or the knife and fork. It is also referred to as the “last sacrament of Gine”. The obligations, benefits, rights, and responsibilities of this grade are not relevant to the readers of this blog or to the general public. It is an extremely rare ceremony, and has only been conferred upon under (approximately) 10 non-haitians and a limited number of Haitians (under 100).
Thank you for sharing Papa Fey….this was written by jetstream a member of a spiritual community, she shared it with the readers of this blog but I thank you for adding to this article….