What is a Hounsi in Haitian Voodoo

Within Voodoo, an initiation process, which calls the prospective initiates to a higher plane of enlightenment, is performed in the oumfo or temple. Iwa is the supreme divinity, one of a thousand gods that is wooed to take possession of the initiate's body to impart secret knowledge and spiritual nourishment.

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Initiation begins with participation of the initiate in Voodoo services. By their involvement, they become ounsi bosal, helpers to the hougan (priest), and/or mambo (priestess) during oumfo or temple services. The initiate is then chosen and prepared to experience Iwa through a ritual head washing. This rite confers the term ounsi lave tete on them.

Ounsi lave tete now studies and trains for the next step, the kanzo rites, which culminate with possession by Iwa, and the achievement of ounsi status. Ounsi status means the initiate has become the bride or groom of Iwa and therefore Iwa's serviteur or servant. Full possession of the initiate's body is called mait tete, or master of the washed head.

The surrender of the ounsi to Iwa constitutes a spiritual marriage. During the process of possession, Iwa climbs on the initiate to merge their spirits and ride the ounsi like a mount. In the evolving relationship between Iwa and ounsi, esoteric knowledge is shared that is forbidden to the non-initiate. Iwa's possession also satisfies the ounsi's deepest longings and search for spiritual fulfillment.

Because these rites are deeply associated with Haitian Voodoo, potential initiates are urged to have them performed in Haiti.

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