Papa Legba, Chief of the Legba Division.

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.

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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.

Papa Legba is intimately linked to the solar traverse across the sky—the daily journey of the sun from horizon to horizon. This movement reflects his role as opener of paths, bearer of light, and mediator of transition. For this reason, Papa Legba is honored before all other Loa, without exception.

Nothing begins without him.
Nothing proceeds without his consent.

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Keeper of the Keys

Papa Legba earned the trust and respect of God to such a degree that he was granted the keys of human destiny by Our Lord Himself. These keys do not merely open doors between the worlds; they open and close the doors of human progress, according to merit and grace.

Papa Legba governs:

• Passage between the living and the spirits

• Communication across realms

• Opportunity, learning, and initiation

• The lawful movement of fate

He controls the benevolent forces of the spirit world and actively works to protect humanity from malevolent influences. He is not naïve, and he is not weak. His kindness is paired with discernment.

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Papa Legba and the Crossroads

The crossroads is not a place of confusion—it is a place of choice.

Papa Legba stands where all paths meet, ensuring that no traveler passes blindly. He teaches that every crossing requires awareness, humility, and respect. Those who approach the crossroads dishonestly find the way closed. Those who approach with sincerity are guided forward.

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Feast Day, Colors, and Offerings

Papa Legba’s feast day is June 13th.

Sacred associations include:

• Colors: White and red

• Offerings: Candies, toasted corn, and sweet foods

• Devotion: Smoking a pipe

These offerings reflect his gentle nature, his accessibility, and his role as the first Loa welcomed into ceremony.

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Papa Legba and Saint Anthony of Padua

Papa Legba works very closely with Saint Anthony of Padua, a relationship that reveals the deeper mystery of his solar function. Saint Anthony is often depicted carrying the Christ Child—an image that hints at guidance, protection, and the transmission of divine wisdom.

The Child represents potential and becoming.
The Saint represents safe passage.

Together, they mirror Papa Legba’s role as opener of the way for humanity’s spiritual development.

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Saint Christopher and the Solar Mystery

Some Vodou houses recognize this same mystery in Saint Christopher, who is famously depicted carrying the Christ Child across dangerous waters. We recognize this correspondence as well—but with a more esoteric interpretation.

Saint Christopher’s crossing is not merely physical. It reflects the burden of carrying divine light across the threshold between worlds—a task Papa Legba performs continually, unseen but indispensable.

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Papa Legba at the Temple of the Machete

Within the Temple of the Machete, Papa Legba stands at the threshold. He is the first honored, the first thanked, and the last remembered. He does not command armies or strike enemies, but without him no blade is raised, no doctrine is spoken, and no work is completed.

He reminds us that power without permission leads nowhere—and that every true warrior must first learn how to ask.

Prayer to Saint Anthony of Padua

Oh, gentle and loving Saint Anthony, you whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whispers our prayer into the ears of the Infant Jesus, who loved to linger in your arms. One word from you and our prayer will be granted. Oh, speak, but that word and the gratitude of our heart will ever be yours! 

Amen.

Do you feel called to know more about, and or work with Papa Legba? If so, consider joining our temple.

Ayibobo

-Kevin Wikse, Papa Machete que gana todas las Batallas, The Dragon Slayer

The Machete leads the way and defends ALL who follow.

Kevin Wikse, known as Papa Machete que gana todas las Batallas, is the Dragon Slayer and spiritual Father of the Temple of the Machete—Who Wins All Battles. His work is devoted to truth, justice, and moral clarity in an age of confusion. Papa Machete welcomes all who come in good faith, regardless of race, gender, orientation, or ability. He asks only this: love God, love humanity, and have the courage to defend what is right when it is no longer fashionable.