Vodou Lwa Agwe

♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES at Erzulie’s Voodoo – Vodou Lwa: Agwe

♥ Practitioner-Led Insights into the Spirits of Haitian Vodou!

Welcome to our Meet the Lwa series.  Each page offers a brief overview of the Lwa’s origins, attributes, and ceremonial roles—designed for spiritual students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity and context.

These teachings were passed down to me by my elder Mambos, spiritual godparents, and our beloved Hougan Aboudja, in collaboration with Hougan Jour Mwen Lonje, whose lifelong service and deep initiatory knowledge continue to guide our work.

As the founder and Vodou practitioner of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, I created this archive to share the foundational aspects of each spirit with respect, accuracy (from our Vodou house’s perspective), and spiritual devotion. Every detail—from Veve symbols to ritual offerings—has been curated to reflect the integrity of our tradition and the legacy of those who came before us.

♥ AGWE – SOVEREIGN OF THE SEVEN SEAS

Commander of the cosmic navy and guardian of Zile Menfò.

Agwe is the Sovereign of the Seven Seas. Husband of Lasiren and lover of Ezili Freda. His kingdom is called Zile Menfò, located beneath the waves on the mythical Three Islands (Twa Ile).

♥ SYMBOLS & ATTRIBUTES

  • Sail boat or row boat
  • Hand paddle (“batwe”) with small mirror affixed
  • Conch shell

♥ COLORS

  • Green and white
  • Blue and white

♥ CLOTHING

  • Often seen dressed in the white uniform of a navy admiral

♥ ALTAR & ALTAR TREE

  • Altar Tree: Bwa Pale (Mangrove – Pterocarpus Officinalis)

♥ ANIMAL

  • Fish

♥ SACRIFICIAL ANIMALS

  • White rooster
  • Chicken and/or hen
  • White sheep

♥ OFFERINGS

On a ceremonial table: a white and green or white and blue cake, rice pudding, roasted corn and peanuts; yellow flowers. Agwe’s ceremonial table is a barque, on which all of his offerings are placed before being floated out to sea.

♥ DRINKS

  • White wine
  • Champagne
  • White soda / cola champagne

♥ VENERATION

  • Day: Thursday
  • Luminary: White candle

♥ CATHOLIC SAINT(S)

  • St. Ulrich in the West
  • Moses in the Artibonite

♥ CHARACTERISTICS

Agwe’s boat, called Imamou, carries both the Lwa and the dead to and from Ginea. At times, he can be irascible and even violent; at others, benevolent and generous. Seen as a very handsome, green-eyed mulatto. Lover of Ezili Freda—his rival is Ogou, her other husband.

Agwe walks with Ogou Balendjo, Osanj, and Gede Nibo, all of whom serve important positions in his navy. The servitor possessed by Agwe sits astride a small chair facing backward, and with rowing motions, simulates his sea travels.

♥ EXPLORE MORE FROM OUR ARCHIVE

This archive is dedicated to preserving the spiritual, historical, and academic foundations of Haitian Vodou. We invite you to explore:

We welcome all knowledge shared in good faith. If you are a scholar, practitioner, or elder with insights to contribute, please email your notes or reflections to webmistress@erzulies.com. All credited contributions will be cited with respect and care.

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