Anyone Know Voodou Mythology?

[tenshikitsune]

The setting isn't really relevant, but I need some info on the Baron Kriminel from Haitian Voudan legend because my chacracter is trying to explain voodoo to a friend. 2007 setting, London England- My character is very open-minded and into everything and her friend is trying to 'soul search' and find herself, so she asked about Voudan practise and

Comments

[1mercystreet]

Kriminel is indeed one of the aspects of the Baron - he's the one who collects the debts before Fet Gede - November 2nd. This is the Vodou day of the dead and new year, by which time all debts to the loa must be paid. If you've performed magic under the auspices of the Baron and his family during the year it's a good idea to make service on or before Fet Gede, because being a debtor to these loa is a bad idea ;-)

The Gede also spelled Ghede or Guede, as has been explained above, are the spirits of death and sexuality. They're protectors of children, too. As ancestral spirits who hear both the living and the dead, they know things; as a result they can be counted upon for accurate if sometimes brutally honest advice. They're gregarious, talkative, paternal, have a filthy sense of humour, can swear like Marine Corps drill sergeants, and have HUGE appetites. I work with Baron Samedi a lot, and it's always an unforgettable experience :-)

Your character may call on Baron for any number of reasons. These might include general advice, healing, family troubles or problems with conceiving children. As a death deity, he undoubtedly has a darker side, especially for magical purposes that have to do with bringing justice on those who have wronged you. Baron is, amongst other things, a judge. Baron Samedi's wife Maman Brigitte is often thought of as a lawyer... no wonder some people are scared of Vodou! ;-)

On Baron Kriminel's altars you might find objects such as pictures of St Gerard or St Martin de Porres, lengths of fabric in black, white or purple along with candles in these colours, a top hat, a pack of cards, money, cigarettes, skeletal images, and food offerings such as rum, coffee, bread and corn.

Let me know if I can be of any more help!

[tenshikitsune]

My Gods, I think I love you... ^.^ Honestly, I spent so much time trying to find info on Voodou and I've stumbled across a specialist AND practicioner! Awesomesauce ^.^

Now you mention it, I do have another question... I know the Ghede have their own minds and can 'choose' a person (more or less) of their own freewill; what if Baron decided to choose you? What might it mean, why might he choose you and how would you know (short of becoming possessed, I mean)?
Also, If Mama Brigitte came to you with the Baron and she blessed you, first off, would she even do that? And how/why? What kind of payment do they ask if you should say you couldn't pay now, but they could ask for whatever they wanted later? Is there 'interest' of some sort, or is whatever you can give enough? I know Baron and Brigitte are really sweet (likely wrong word choice) to those who deserve it, but just how far does that go? And why have I seen Baron Kriminel described as the kind of Ghede beginners/the inexperienced should refrain from dealing with? Is he that horrible and what could he potentially do to a debtor or someone who insulted him?
Last one, I promise! How does one tell which loa 'walks' with them, as in watches over you and your ancestors without knowing which one you might have inherited from your family?
If you're not allowed/can't answer any of those, that's all right too.
Thank you so much for your help! Seriously...You're amazing! And I'm sorry I ask so many questions... I like to be accurate in writing and I'm naturally curious ^^'