Ayizan
Haitian Vodou
Loa of the Marketplace, Prosperity, and Commerce
Queen of the Marketplace
Ayizan is the spirit for the first mambo (vodou priestess) and is one of the oldest and primordial loa. Her name means “sacred earth”, and her origin traces back to the Fon people. She is also the Queen of the Marketplace and matron of the women who work there. Some describe her as an embodiment of the marketplace itself.
Her husband, Papa Loko, is the first houngan (vodou priest). Ayizan guards sacred knowledge and is responsible for overseeing invitations (Kanzo) of new mambo and houngan. Practitioners summon Ayizan to cleanse sacred spaces before the Kanzo initiations begin.
Both Ayizan and Papa Loko play important parts in an initiation ceremony. Ayizan is responsible for cleansing the sacred space and guarding sacred knowledge. Contrarily, Papa Loko ensures the proper order, steps, and procedures are taken throughout the ceremony.
Ayizan does not take trivial requests and should receive the utmost respect when summoned. She plays the role of a judge, ensuring ethical business transactions. Furthermore, these transactions don’t always have to be monetary. She also upholds moral order for spiritual guidance and settles disputes.
Attributes of Ayizan
Ayizan is responsible for ensuring sacred lineage can continue. Not only does she guard the sacred wisdom of houngan and mambo, she passes this knowledge onto new initiates. Ultimately, she holds the authority of all the initiation rites for new mambo and houngan.
This loa is also responsible for protecting those in need. She protects against the Evil Eye, jealousy, and envy while promoting righteousness, honesty, and integrity with her followers. Her regard for righteousness causes her to punish those who prey upon the weak, poor, women, and children.
In addition, Aziyan ensures commerce and deals are conducted with dignity. Her cleansing nature does not only apply to the temples of new initiates. Instead, she often cleanses the marketplace, or anywhere else business is conducted. This ensures business is conducted fairly and with integrity.
Aziyan is a powerful healer who clears negative and blocked energy. Practitioners often ask for her assistance in clearing bad luck, curses, and emotional or physical ailments. They may also summon her to ensure business is conducted honestly.
Erzulie Freda is often seen as a counterpart to Aziyan. Both loa fiercely protect women and the unfortunate who are afflicted by harm from others. These two loas possess a nurturing nature which often coincide with each other. As the first mambo, she is also associated with Papa Legba on occasion.
Ayizan’s Appearance
Ayizan typically wears white, silver, and blue. White and silver symbolize purity, while blue symbolizes knowledge. She exudes dignity, grace, and serenity. Additionally, her demeanor is that of serenity, calmness, and wisdom.
Aziyan is often depicted as a beautiful and regal woman, draped in a flowing dress of white and blue. She wears a headscarf, which symbolizes her connection to the spiritual realm. Her flowing dress often represents the prosperity and abundance she can bestow upon others.
This loa is commonly seen with a palm frond or basket. The palm frond symbolizes growth and abundance, either material or spiritual. She oversees commerce, which provides material wealth. However, she also promotes spiritual wealth through self-discipline, honesty, and integrity. Similarly, the basket represents abundance and distribution of resources.
Offerings to Ayizan
Ayizan is one of the few loas that does not like alcoholic beverages. Instead, she prefers offerings that symbolize purity and integrity. These offerings reinforce the ancient wisdom that she guards. Some of the offerings she prefers include:
- White flowers
- White foods (cornmeal, rice, milk)
- Plantains
- Bananas
- Palm fronds
- Hearts of palm
- Coconuts
- Honey
- Yams
- Water
- Dirt from market crossroads
Offerings to Aziyan generally involve practitioners seeking guidance for business transactions, protection, healing, and cleansing (spiritual or otherwise). Furthermore, she oversees the Kanzo (initiation rites) for new houngan and mambo.
Symbols
Syncretism was common with Vodou loas as it allowed enslaved Haitians to disguise their practices by associating loas with Catholic Saints. Aziyan is no different. She is often portrayed as Saint Claire of Assisi.
Palm fronds symbolize abundance and prosperity, making these one of the most distinct symbols for Aziyan. Additionally, baskets represent material and spiritual wealth associated with this loa.
The asson (sacred rattle) is another important symbol for Aziyan. The asson is a tool commonly used by houngan and mambo during rituals to communicate with spirits. As she oversees the Kanzo, the asson is often left at her altar during offerings and rituals.
Earthen mounds are a spiritual gateway in Vodou. Particularly, an earthen mound at a marketplace crossroad is a significant representation of Aziyan.
Rituals and Worship
When worshipping Aziyan, one must approach with dignity and self-discipline. A calm mind and heart of sincerity are essential when giving offerings to this loa.
An altar to Aziyan should be meticulously clean. A white cloth drapes over the altar. Additionally, burning candles of white or silver honors Ayizan. Leaving offerings of purity appease this loa.
Her altar will generally contain an asson (sacred rattle), and sometimes palm fronds. The asson symbolizes the authority of houngan and mambo. Moreover, this sacred rattle also serves to communicate with spirits.