Temple of The Machete Who Wins all Battles.

Candelo Cedifie Candelo Cedife is a powerful but humble loa . During his life, Candelo Cedife (a Congo slave), is said to have participated in the Haitian slave revolt and fought for liberation against the French. He was a priest of Vodou, and a Palero (a magician who knows the magical properties of sticks), in our lineage of Vodou we acknowledge Candelo Cedife as a worker of n'gangas (spirit vessels) also, but that is highly controversial among other lineages. Upon his death, he became a Ghede, and started attending Vodou ceremonies. Due to this Candelo Cedife is often served on the point of the dead, and has a special relationship with the Baron Del Cementerio. Candelo Cedife is known to be kind, but very stern. He loves fire, using it for all metaphysical and purification work. When he comes down in possession during ceremonies, the hosting temple will offer him three lit red candles. He often drips candle wax onto the body of the individual he is possessing and then ...

Papa Legba-Saint Anthony Legba Division or Nation, is lead by the Loa Papa Legba  The Legbas are a division of crossroad spirits, both younger and older, who embody the elemental qualities of earth and fire. The Legba Division opens pathways, and portals to other worlds, and (perhaps sometimes more importantly) closes those gateways. The Legba Division is often called to block evil influences, help someone get back on a good path, and aid in the communication of all sorts.  The spirits of Legba Division like sweetened coffee, un-flavored cigars, coconut (meat, milk, and water), sugar cane, and spiced rum. The “younger” Legbas, who tend to be a little mischievous but quick to act (some might use the term Petro), enjoy toys, sweets, candies, and coins. The “older” Legbas, who tend towards more serious and cautious natures (some might use the term Rada), like walking sticks, or canes, and prefer paper bills over coins.  Offerings to the Legba Division are placed ...

Tinyo Alawe Quite and ever-present, the loa of Indio/Taino origin, Tinyo Alawe, expresses the values of the river the Taino people venerate so much. Tinyo Alwae rarely  speaks, and he never says in some lineages of Vodou. He communicates through intelligent hand gestures with deeply layered meaning. Tinyo Alawe speaks telepathically. Tinyo Alawe is an exceedingly elevated loa, on the same level as Belie Belcan. Like the relationship between Archangel Michael and Belie Belcan, Tinyo Alawe shares a similarly close working relationship with Archangel Raphael. Tinyo Alawe and Archangel Raphael are so intertwined in purpose. Archangel Raphael shares his image with Tinjo Alawe. Tinjo Alawe is from the Taino people. He is a loa who is not of African origin. Within Vodou's Dominican and Puerto Rican traditions, 1/3 of the loa are from the Taino, the Caribbean, and Arawak people. Tinjo Alawe heads that grand Indio Division of spirits and Loa, or Nation. A spiritual healer par-excellenc...

Gran Maitresse Erzulie is the personification of love, beauty, and femininity. Gran Maitresse Erzulie is a highly elevated Loa who rarely touches down for more than a couple of minutes. If she does, consider yourself and the temple very blessed. Her husband, Ogun Balendjo, is never far behind. If Gran Maitresse Erzulie takes possession, you can almost guarantee Ogun Balendjo will. Gran Maitresse Erzulie is the Matron of the Erzulie line, which includes both Erzulie Freda and Erzulie Danthor. Even though she is ephemeral, Gran Maitresse Erzulie's intervention is far-reaching. She is sweet, loving, and compassionate, but do not mistake her kindness for weakness. Gran Maitresse Erzulie protects women and children. She cries for the sufferings of all people and wants to heal humanity. She seeks revenge for the rape and domestic abuse and gladly avenges violence towards women and children. Gran Maitresse Erzulie enjoys cleanliness and luxury. Perfume and powders are dispensed to salu...

Papa Ghede Limbo Kwa! Ghede! Kwa! -Saluting the Ghede.  Papa Ghede Limbo is Chief of Ghede nation. In our lineage of Vodou, Papa Ghede Limbo was granted the rank of 33rd-degree Master Mason. He is nephew to Baron Samedi and son of Baron and Baroness Lakwa. He is very similar in respect to Baron Samedi; however younger and a touch more reserved. Papa Ghede Limbo is an exceptional magician and healer. He can authorize or cease all masonic magic. He is less likely to frequent with the more evil spirits but no less capable of handling them. Papa Ghede Limbo mitigates and holds exceptionally high rank within the often rowdy and near-endless nation of the Ghede or the Dead. The knowledge and ability to do either good or evil in this nation are staggering, and Papa Ghede Limbo has access to it all. Within the Ghede nation is found the best, and consequently, the worst, humanity has to offer.  Papa Ghede Limbo LaKwa walks with Saint Expedite, a Saint with deep ties to folk magic...

Papa Legba — Guardian of the Crossroads and Keeper of the Keys Papa Legba, Open the Gate Papa Legba, ancient Vodou Loa of the crossroads, entrusted with the keys of human destiny and the opening and closing of all paths. First honored in all ceremony at the Temple of the Machete. By Kevin Wikse. A formal song of invocation to commence ceremony. Papa Legba, open the gate—Ago Eh! Open the gate for me to pass, Papa. Papa Legba, open the gate for me, and when I return I shall thank the Loa. This song is not symbolic. It is functional. It is sung to begin all work , to request lawful passage, and to acknowledge the one Loa without whom no communication, ritual, or progression may occur. Who Is Papa Legba? Papa Legba is the guardian of the crossroads , a kindly and deeply beloved Loa whose authority is ancient and absolute. He represents one of the most revered mysteries in Vodou: the point of connection between worlds , between intention and action, between spirit and matter. Pa...

Ogun Balendjo — Nago Loa of Healing, Justice, and Sacred War Awo Nasyon Nago! Ogun Balendjo, Nago Loa of healing, justice, and sacred war—General of God’s Army and protector of the vulnerable—honored at the Temple of the Machete. Artwork and research by Kevin Wikse. A formal greeting to Ogun Balendjo, General of God’s Army. I am Ogun Balendjo, and I come to the Olive Tree. I come to shake the hands of the sick and lift up the fallen. I am Ogun Balendjo. — Traditional song honoring Ogun Balendjo This invocation announces not conquest, but arrival —the arrival of a protector, healer, and commander whose wars are fought for life itself. Who Is Ogun Balendjo? Ogun Balendjo is the head of the Ogun, or Nago, Division and stands among the most loved and respected mysteries in Vodou. He is a General of God’s Army, a seasoned warrior whose strength is tempered by compassion, discipline, and wisdom earned through countless battles. Often described as a “retired general,” Ogun Balendj...

Belie Belcan — Rada Loa of Divine Justice and Storm Authority Who Is Belie Belcan? Belie Belcan, Rada Loa of Divine Justice and Storm Authority, General of God’s Air Force, honored at the Temple of the Machete — Who Wins All Battles. Artwork and research by Kevin Wikse. Belie Belcan is the head of the Belcan Division of the Rada Loa, the Blanca (White) court. He serves as the General of God’s Air Force—an enforcer of divine order whose authority manifests through storm, thunder, and righteous judgment. Belie Belcan expresses the will of God by whipping up hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, reshaping both land and fate in the process. He is justice personified—the embodiment of God’s righteous wrath . He is thunder and lightning made conscious. When Belie Belcan strikes the ocean, the dominion of his brother Met Agwe Tawayo , the earth itself trembles. Belie Belcan and the Rada Loa Within the Rada tradition, Belie Belcan represents order, moral clarity, and lawful force. Unli...