♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES AT ERZULIE’S VOODOO – VODOU LWA: AYIZAN

♥ 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.

♥ Ayizan: First Priestess, Cleanser & Market Protector

Ayizan is the first priestess (manbo) and mother of priests in Haitian Vodou. She presides over initiation rites and the boule zen ceremony (the ritual of burying pots). A prophetess, exorciser, and spiritual cleanser, Ayizan is an androgynous mystery and wife to both Legba and Loko.

♥ Symbols & Attributes

Royal palm tree, palm frond, and the small grass snake (madelin).

Ayizan, Haitian Vodou Lwa of initiation, marketplace, and sacred knowledge, Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, educational Vodou archive, Vodou spirits and traditions — Ayizan, the Haitian Vodou Lwa of initiation, marketplaces, and spiritual wisdom—honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions.

Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Ayizan, the Priestess and the Catholic Saint Counterpart St. Lucy by Erzulie's Voodoo in New Orleans. — Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Ayizan, the Priestess and the Catholic Saint Counterpart St. Lucy by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.

Voodoo Veves and Sacred Vodou Veve for Lwa Ayizan, Mother of the Priesthood in the Vodou Religion by Erzulie's Voodoo in New Orleans. — Voodoo Veves and Sacred Vodou Veve for Lwa Ayizan, Mother of the Priesthood in the Vodou Religion by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.

♥ Colors

White and canary yellow.

♥ Clothing

White skirt with very deep pockets.

♥ Sacred Spaces

Altar Tree: Royal Palm (Roystonea Regia)

♥ Sacred Animal

Small grass snake (madelin)

♥ Offerings

Rice pudding, akason siwo (corn starch porridge with cane syrup), bread, roasted corn, and peanuts. Ayizan eats very little.

♥ Ritual Drinks

White wine and cola champagne.

♥ Veneration Days & Luminary

Wednesday and Thursday
White candle or lamp fueled with olive oil

♥ Catholic Saint Counterparts

St. Lucy and St. Anne

♥ Characteristics & Manifestations

Ayizan is a very ancient and discrete mystery, rarely seen. Her presence in the temple is marked by a hot, dry breeze. She protects initiates and women in difficult relationships, and is also revered as a market woman and guardian of the marketplace.

♥ 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:

♥ Vodou History and Origins
♥ Vodou History and FAQ
♥ The Lwa and Their Catholic Counterparts
♥ Academic Vodou Resources
♥ History of New Orleans Voodoo
♥ How to Build Vodou Altars & Shrines
♥ Sacred Vodou Words & Glossary

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.

Practitioner Notice: All spiritual content is protected under practitioner licensing. No reproduction or AI parsing permitted without written consent.

Vodou Lwa Ayizan