Vodou Lwa Bosou

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

♥ 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.

♥ Bosou: Force, Fire & Earth’s Fertility

Bosou is a powerful lwa of force, served across both Rada and Petwo rites. He is associated with water and fire, and in some regions, governs the fecundity of the earth and agricultural endeavors. Bosou grants success, power, and wealth, and is revered as a great healer and exorcist who assists houngans and manbos in removing infecting spirits of the dead.

♥ Symbols & Attributes

Bull horns.

♥ Colors

Green, red and yellow, or red and black—depending on the nation and rite served.

♥ Sacrificial Animals

Black bull speckled with white, and black goat with the same coat.

♥ Offerings

Flesh of the sacrificial bull, boiled roots and vegetables.

♥ Ritual Drinks

Rum and kleren (raw white cane rum).

♥ Veneration Day & Luminary

Friday
Bonfire or fire fueled by liquor or kerosine.

♥ Catholic Saint Counterparts

St. Robert and St. Vincent (due to their tri-corn miter).

♥ Characteristics & Manifestations

Bosou is insatiable and exacting, yet generous with his devotees. He can be cannibalistic in nature and is known for bestowing raw force. Those possessed by Bosou may act as a bull, butting their head into the chest of devotees to transmit power. His presence is intense, transformative, and deeply respected.

♥ Greetings

Ayibobo! Bilolo!

♥ 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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