Hounfo Racine Deesse Dereyale

After our Kanzo with La Sosyete La Belle Deesse Dereale in March 2010, H'oungan Liam and H'oungan Alistair discussed the matter of starting their own Houfo [or temple] in New Zealand. On consultation with Ogou Feray, the Hounfo was born and was named by the Spirit, Hounfu du Racine Deesse Dereyale, which means "Temple whose roots are with Desse Dereyale". We are proud children of La Sosyete La Belle Deesse Dereyale, and we reflected that in the name of our Hounfo.

A Hounfo is a place and a group of people. The place is our badji, our temple room, while the people who make up the membership are the balance of the Hounfo. We are lucky to have a wonderful family who love each other very much, and who are proud of our association with our family in Haiti.

As a family we share ceremonies and services for the L'wa. We also look out for each other and watch over each other. As a Hounfo we are not an independent Sosyete though, as H'oungan we do not perform the Kanzo ceremony independently of our home Sosyete, all members of Hounfo du Racine Deesse Dereyale undergo their Kanzo with La Sosyete La Belle Deesse Dereale.

The Hounfo really is a family. H'oungan Liam and H'oungan Alistair are the parents of the house, watching over the growth of the children, sharing the teachings of the L'wa and helping the members grow in service to the Spirits. This is something that the H'oungans continue to receive from their own Mama's, Soulage Minfo Bon Mambo and La Reine Edeyo Soulage Minfo Bon Mambo, 'One ak Respe!

We are blessed to be born from Mambos with many years of experience. Our Mama La Reine Edeyo Soulage Minfo Bon Mambo is a 4th generation Vodou Priestess who was raised in the traditions and magic of Vodou. Both of our Mothers are very experienced, and we are blessed to have been taught by such wise and knowledgeable people. We offer our Love, Honour and Respect to them with each breath we take on our journey. Ayibobo!

Hounfo du Racine Deesse Deryale has been blessed by the L'wa. We have members from New Zealand and America and we are growing. We offer many services, but the most important part of our work is what we are able to give back to Haiti. Without Haiti there would be no Haitian Vodou, we would not have the beauty and power of the asson, nor would we have the L'wa. Haiti can never be forgotten as it is the fundamental aspect of what Vodou is.

Avek Bondye

Hounfo du Racine Deesse Dereyale