VODOU 21 NATIONS UNDER GOD SANCE TRADITION

VODOU 

21 NATIONS UNDER GOD 

SANCE TRADITION

21 DIVISIONES / 21 DIVISION
Copyright © 2013 Sancista Brujo Luis

LAS 21 DIVISIONES
 DEL SANSE PUERTO RIQUEÑA

1. Division Legba "Leguas"
"Levanes' "Lebanes'
2. Division Del Fuego / Del Monte Ogunes
3. Division Ghede / del Cementerio
4. Division del Fuego / Candelos
5. Division Belcanes
6. Division Metresas 
7. Division de Agua Dulce / Indios
8. Division Solieres / Soler
9. Division Prieto / Petro / Negra / Morena
10. Division Simbises 
11. Division Centinelas
12. Division Guineas
13. Division Madamas
14. Division Niños
15. Division Orientales
16. Division Potencias
17. Division Magos / Nagos
18. Division Yanes
19. Division Jemelos
20. Division Cemises
21. Division Arabeses

Las 21 Divisiones Dominicanas

1) Leguas

2) Ogunes,

3) Rodas

4) Locos,

5) Guedes

6) Petros,

7) Simbis

8) Locomis,

9) Zombis

10) Indios

11) Nagos

12) Congos

13) Guines

14) Niñillos

15) Caes

16) Dangueles

17) Shuques

18) Piues

19) Difemayos

20) Petifones

21) Marasas.

Contrary to popular belief the first Africans to set foot on Puerto Rico or the Americas for that matter where free men.  In 1509.a West African free man who was the son of a Yoruba King and latter baptized Juan Garrido was an African Conquistador who worked under Juan Ponce de Leon, "Puerto Rico's first Governor" and was the first free African man to set foot on Puerto Rican soil almost 100 years prior to the first African slaves that came to the Continental United States, "Jamestown 1607".  Another free black man was the historical Pedro Mejías, who married the last Cacica Chief of Puerto Rico, Yuiza who like Pedro Mejias was baptized a Catholic and renamed Luisa in order for both to be legally wed under Spanish law. 

Like the Dominican Anacaona who makes up a part of the Agua Dulce Division, Yuiza was a Puerto Rican Cacica "Chief" who presently makes up a part of the Spirits venerated in Puerto Rican Sance.  The northern town of Luisa Aldea in Puerto Rico is named after this very important historical figure happened to be the last female Cacique Chief in the Caribbean.

Like many Spanish, French, Portuguese and latter English Colonies  the African enslaved people came from different societies and tribes, each having their own dialect, language and culture, but the slaves of Puerto Rico were mainly of the Yoruba, Igbos, Congo and Bantu.

Haitian Vodou or Voudun consists of 21 Nations or Nasyons of Lwa or what Dominicans call los Loases or Misterios de La 21 Divisiones  ( 21 Divisiones is also known as Budű or Vudű Dominicano.) This means that the Lwa come from 21 various tribes or Nations from West Africa, each having their own ancestral or village Orisha or Kimpungulu "Mpungo".  Although some claim its less others claim it is more.  It is historically proven that the African slaves brought to Cuba, Hispañola and Puerto Rico where from those that are numbered and listed below, which consist of what is known as the 21 Naciones, Nasyons or Nationes.

1. The Yoruba "Nago" 2. The Bantu, Bikongo Congo "Kongo"
3. The Foula
4. The Ewe
5. The Fon
6. Dahomey
7. Arara 'Arada, Arda"
8. Ibo Lele
9. Angola
10. Ogou
11. Ketu
12. Sango
13. Togo
14. Danwomen,
15. Mayonbe,
16. Wangol,
17. Makaya,
18. Bambara
19. Igbo
20. Ado
21. Hausa

This list can vary or change as the Mandingue "Mandinga", the Ashanti and other tribes were defenetly brought to the New World, that can also be a part of the Nations, but as I have described, in Puerto Rico alone the majority of the African slaves were from Yoruba, Congo, Bantu and Igbo which was estimated to be around 15,000 African slaves by the year 1555. 

The Vodou " Vodoun" 21 Naciones, " Nasyons or Nanchons  " or 21 Divisiones "Divisions is a formation of a group of Spirits and Divinities that come from a geographical point of origin or blood lineage.  Now in Haitian Vodou these 21 Nationes have been split into four groups, while in Dominican Vudu and Puerto Rican Sance, "also spelled Sanci or Sanse" they have been split into three. 

In Haitian Vodou you have generally Rada, Petwo, Ghede and Congo, and other sub divisiones that the Lwa may fall within, such as Anago. While in Dominican Vudu you have Division Blanca, Division Negra and Division India.  Each of these "3 Potencias" are represented in this form. 
 
1) Misterios deAlta Luz, Rada is ruled by Light 
and represent the Sun. 
 The Loases of this Division can also be broken down into other Sub Divisiones, and can pertain to other Divisions.   The word Rada comes from the Arara word for Light or Sun, which discribes the Lwa of this Division.  All though they are represented as Spirits of Aryan features, such as light skin, light eyes and blond hair.  What this really means is that the Rada Division or Division Blanca are Lwa of pure light, which speaks more of their auric layer than tone of humanly flesh. They are very benevolent, docile, wise, ancient, calm and sweet in nature. 

In our altars these Lwa are represented or synchrenized with images of Catholic Saints, but this is not always the rule of thumb, as Catholic imagery can and is often used in all Diviones.

2) Misterios de la Oscuridad, Petro
Petro is ruled by the Night and represent the light of the Moon.  This is the Division where one finds the Petro and Ghuede.  Again like the Rada, in this Division one will find sub divisiones or Lwa that are of Africa or Root Lwa that were born in the Americas.  Many of the Lwa found in this Division are those that are honored in Cuban Palo Monte, Palo Mayombe and Brazilian Quimbanda.  While the Rada Lwa are more docile, the Petro Lwa are more agresive, outspoken, fierce, and hot tempered in nature.  Many of these Lwa as I have mentioned are the fustrated energy of the Ancestors, who suffered bondage, or ridacule, and some can also be ancient Lwa from Africa, who became furotious with the mistreatment of their people.

3) Misterios de La Raiz, Division Agua Dulce
 This the root and represents the land, thus the earth.   Division Indio or Agua Dulce does not consist of Lwa from Africa, but the Spirits as honored and venerated by the Taino, and Arawak natives of the Caribbean and known as a group as Zemi or Cemi.

This Division for those that do not understand our traditions, would find it a bit confusing, but in all actuality is a simple Division to understand.  These Lwa are the Spirits of the Land, the Root Lwa, Loases de la Raiz or as they are called in Haitian Vodou, the Rasin Lwa.  This means that they are native of the land, native born, spirits of the earth or place in which one is currently in. 

Many of these Lwa are also the Mestizo, Mulatto or Sambo offspring or vuelta of a Rada, Petro and or Rasin Lwa, which spawned a new Spirit, or an ancient Taino Spirit "Zemi" who has adapted an African Lwa name, such as is the case with Erzulie Dantor and Cachita Tumbo which are both Root Lwa, and to make it a little bit more confusing, Erzulie Dantor also falls under the Petro Lwa and the Sance sub division of Lwa known as Metresas. Anaisa Pye is another root Lwa.

"Guabancex and Coatrisquie"

In Haitian Vodou this Division does not egsist as it does in Puerto Rican Sance and Dominican 21 Division; many of the Lwa in this Division, "Like Erzulie Dantor and Cachita Tumbo" are actually mixed into other Divisiones.

Many of the Lwa or Misterios in this Division can be found in Vodou, Sance and 21 Divisiones, while others are more local Lwa from the island and its Sociedades that honor them.    For excample many local Cacique, Caciquas and Bohique have in death reached Lwa statues, and each Island has their own. 

The Petro Lwa can also fall under la Raiz and under Rada, and most are clasified as Meztiso, Mulatto and Zambaggoa "Zambo /Sambo" Spirits.

1. Mestizo - white and native

2. Mulatto - white and black

3. Zambo - white, black and natives

The word Lwa in Spanish "Loase pronounced Loh Ah Seh or Loases" comes from the French word Loi prounounced L Wah, or the Haitian Kreyol word Lalwa or la lwa which mean, the Law.  Thus the Vodou Spirits embody the cosmic laws of creation.  The Lwa are also known as the Misterios or the Mysteries.

THE 21 & 7 DIVISIONS / DIVISIONES

Many people in the Americas who follow an African religions and Spiritual traditions recognize the two most iconic images within our traditions, which are La Siete Potencia Africana ( Seven African Powers ), and the image used for La 21 Divisiones.  But unlike the 7 African Powers that often uses the name of the Orisha under its synchronized Catholic Saint, very rarely will one find this on the picture for the 21 Divisiones, which traditionally uses both the Catholic image and the Catholic name.

I would like to take this time on this article to use the name of the Lwa as it pertains to the traditional Dominican image of the 21 Divisiones with their Santos counterpart.  But before I go further, I need to clarify that there are more than 21 Lwa, just as their are more than 7 Orisha, in the Lukumi Pantheon.  Elders will often say there are 101, 201, 1001, or 2001, the number one at the end symbolizes infinite or that there are Lwa that we do not know of, as it is impossible for any human to know them all.

The iconic 21 Divisiones is the pantheon of Lwa that are highly venerated in the Dominican Republic.  They are the local and most loved and widly known Lwa of the Dominican Republic, and while Puerto Rican Sance recognizes these Lwa, many Lwa are known or venerated in the Dominican Republic that are not known in Puerto Rico and visa versa, the same can be said with Haitian Vodou and Louisiana Voodoo, as each has their own local Spirits.

Also in Sance many of the local Emisarios or Spirits of the Comisiones, that make up the Cuadro Espiritual, which is not worked in Dominican 21 Division are on their way of becoming Lwa, these spirits are known as Corrientes or Sance, and will one day become local Lwa Misterios.  Thus in part why in Sance they have their own sub Division, known more as Comisiones, which are Spirits that make up one's spiritual frame, and one day will be Lwa. Similiar cocepts can be found in American Voodoo.  For instance, Marie Lavou, Black Hawk and Dr John are but a few historical American figures who are on their way of becoming Lwa; at least in the New Orleans Voodoo traditiones.

1.Klemezin Klemey / La Señorita Metresa Clarabel 

= Santa Clara

2.Ogun Balendjo = San Santiago Matamoros

3.Anaisa Pye = Santa Ana con la Niña Maria

4.Belie Belcan = San Miguel

5. Metresili = Nuestra Señora Dolorosa

6. Ghuede Limbo = San Expedito

7. Ogun Badagris = San Jorge

8. Gunguna = Santa Elena

9. Soley =  San Nicolas del Sol

10.  Baron Cementerio / Baron Sabalo 

= San Elias del Monte Caramelo

11.  Papa Legba = San Antonio de Padua

12.  Luis Guede = San Luis Gonzaga

13. La Marasa = San Cosmos y San Damian

14. Gran Torolisa = Jesus de la Buena Esperanza

15. Lubanna Filomena = Santa Marta la Dominadora

16. Papa Candelo = image of himself, traditionally 

or San Carlos Borromeo

17. Agalla Dulce

18. Gran Cacique

19.. Ersili Danto Pye = Santa Barbara Africana /

20. Tindjo Alawe = San Rafael

21. Bondye = Papa Buen Dios el Todopoderoso

21 DIVISIONES / 21 DIVISION / 21 NATIONES

Copyright © 2013 Sancista Brujo Luis

JEFES OF THE 21 DIVISIONES

1)  División Legbá or Division Leguas : 
 The ancient elder, and young Loases  Lords of the pathways, communication, guardians, gatekeepers and messengers of the Misterios.  Although the Legba have their own Division they pertain to every other, for without them, the doors between the Spiritual, Astral and Material plane could not be opened or closed.  Nothing is done without first egknowlowding Legba, may it be by a prayer, the tapping three times on the altar or ritualistic dance and gestures with the ritual rattle and the Jarro Divisional. The Jefe "Chief' is Papa Legba also known in Africa as Legbara.  He is not the eldest, nor the youngest, but surely one of the wisest of his Division.  In this Division one finds Legbá Carfú, Legbá Atibón, Leguasito, Rosita Legba and countless other Legbas.  Their color is often brown with another color to distinquish the Lwa.

Yoruba tradition states that when God "Olodumare" fell ill, all the Orisha tried to find a remedy for that which ailed him, but it was only Elegbara who found the remedy, thus Olodumare blessed him with having the abilities to be in all areas at once.   Another legend states that when Nzambi Bondye created the universe he left Legba in charge of planet earth, so that he "God" may rest.  Papa Legba with the help of Papa Ogun and other Loases helped to create the foundation of what would be life on earth.   

2)  División del Fuego / del Monte or Division Ogunes: 
The Jefe Chief is Ogun Balendjo, eldest son of Papa Ogun.  Unlike Papa Ogun who is often distant from humans, Ogun Balendjo and his brothers have a close relationship with life on earth and its ever growth in tecnology.  The Ogun answer to no other Lwa or humans for that matter but Legba who they have the greatest respect, in which they abandon their weapons, spears and military supplies and become the great leaders.  Where Legba opens the pathways, Ogun leads and clears the path and comes to heal and console.

Many of the Ogun dress in Blue, although Green and Red is also used, and ofren are seen riding their trusted White stallions.  There are many Lwa in this division, such as Ogun Balendjo, Ogún Badagrí, Ogún Batalá, Ogún Fegallo, Ogún Negué, Ogún Panamá and Ogun Ansú. But many who pertain to this Division do not carry the name Ogun such as Osanj and the sub division of Gran Bwa as well as other Lwa that do not carry the Ogun sername.

Ogun's importance is retold in the story of when Bondye gave the keys of the earth to Legba.  Legba quickly went to Ogun. Legba commisioned him to carve the roads through the ruff turain and jungles that had been the earth at the time.   Ogun was the only Lwa with the proper wisdom and knolwedge of human evolution and he taught them "humans" the art of making tools and the implements nesessery for the evolution of the earth.  He quickly won favor in Bondye's eyes who comisioned him as King amongst the other Lwa, but Ogun refused, when he saw the greed and power humans had and how they used and manipulated his implements for war and strife, that Ogun refused the position and went to live in the deepest of jungles.  Although he presides till this day in the deepest of woods it is because of Ogun that humans learned the art of tools, war, healing and tecnology .

( The first cells on earth feed of amino acids and grew on iron, and that Lightning might have helped create the key building blocks of life on Earth ....  Ok this is not a science class, you get the picture...)

3) División Radá, Division Rodas,
División del Aire or Division Blanca: 
 In Dominican Vudu known as La 21 Divisiones, the Jefe to this Division is Pié Pier Basicó or Ferraille Adogan Piel,  Papa Pie Anciano, who is synchenized with San Simon Pedro or San Marcos de Leon who is an ancient Ogun Lwa of Fire. In this Division one finds the highly elevated Lwa of the skies and air element, such as Belié Belcán Toné (who happens to be an Ogun.) Dambala, Papa Legba, Papa Loko, Papa Sobo, La Sirena Yemalla, Gran Ersili, Erzulie Freda, Agwe, Gran Halouba, Klemezin, and Filomez to name a few. Many dress in white with another color to distinguish the Lwa.

The Rada Lwa are the ancient Spirits of Africa, and every culture that came from Africa, "every single one" their Spirits, and Deities are the spawn and children of the Rada, who are as ancient as they are wise and benevolent.

When Buen Dios created the universe he came to an area we now call earth, and through his will he called on Da, and Da with his coils formed the earth.  Da with his coils formed the hills and the valleys, he formed the trees and he formed the jungles.  Then Buen Dios knew it was good, that he lit the earth by day with the sun and the night with the moon and stars "Mawu - Lisa".  Then from Da's golden coils deceanded the first Premordials, who forged metal, created volcanoes, the vast seas, lakes, streams and ponds.  Then lightning deceaned on a sacred place called IFE, and the sacred stones where formed, which would house the Sacred Premordials.   Then Da's reflection on the water created a rainbow, and Papa Buen Dios said, this shall be your wife.  Then Buen Dios looked at Da and said.  'From this day forth you shall be called Dambala and your wife the Rainbow Serpent shall be called Aida Wedo, and through you the Cosmic Sperm and her the Cosmic Egg, will from clay create smaller forms of stone, and I shall breath life into them, and all life that walks, crawls, slithers, flies, runs and swims will reside in Ife, the birthplace place of Life.  Thus life descended in drops of rain and lightning bolts on Ife, and the first stones became life forms and Buen Dios sent Fa to give consciousness to these life forms and they soon filled the earth with beauty and wonder.

4) División India, Division Indios or Division Agua Dulce:

 The Jefe is a Loa de Raiz (Root) Lwa by the name Cacique Samaó or Gamaó.  This Division is the largest Division in Sance, Zancie and 21 Division, and it consists of 1/3 of the Great Spirits of the Native people of the Americas, the Indigenous people, and the Root or Misterios de Raiz.  Within this Division one does not just find the Cemi "Zemi" Spirits of the Taino, Arawak and Caribs, but also historical and elevated Cacique and Cacica chiefs, Nitaino warriors, Naboria common folks, Bohique priests and Bohitu Shamans, who have ascended into Lwa status.  This Division is of the element of fresh sweet water.  There colors are blue, green, red and yellow.

A Puerto Rican Taino folklore tells the tail of how Yucaju "God" had a son named Yayael who rebelled against his father, Yucaju banished his son, but Yayael kept rebelling against his father, for he wanted to be more powerful than he.  In a fit of rage Yucaju killed his son, and when his rage was gone, remorse started to set in.  So he took a Jiguera goard from the Higuera Tree and placed Yayael's bones within it.  Then Yucaju painted Zemi symbols on the gourd and hung it above the entrance of his hut, in case any other Cemi dared rebel against Yucaju they would meet the same fate.  and to demonstrate Yucaju's strength and power.  But Atabeira the great mother of the Sea, wanted to see her son, and begged Yucaju to let her see his remains within the Jiguera.  When Yucaju agreed, he took down the Jiguera and opened it so that Atabeira could see the remains of Yayael.  But instead of Yayael's bones, what was inside the jiguera was fresh sweet water "Agua Dulce" and fresh water fish.  At the time the only waters of the earth were the salty waters of Atabeira, and the only fish where those that lived within the sea.  So they poured the fresh water on the earth and its fresh water fish which created the streams, rivers, ponds and lakes and the life within it, which would sustain animal and plant life on earth.  But they could not resist the urge to feast from some of the fish within the jiguera gourd.  Thus Yayael became as great as his father, for he created sustainable life for humans, and also lived within his father and mother.

Within this Division there are many Lwa and Cemi some of the most popular are Tindjo Alawe, Agueybana, Hacuaí Dantó, Agalla Dulce, Doña Mencia, Doña Ines, Yuiza, Anacaona, Caonabo, Cayacoa, Guaroa, Tamayo,  Carmelina Dansolei, "Carmelina Dan Soley", India Agua Azul. Indio Carinoa, Pluma Blanca, Toro Sentado, Aguila Roja, Aguila Blanca, Indio Enriquillo, India Ciboney, India Jihoanya and Gran Cacique to name a few, in this Division one also finds the Comisiones de Indios which are Emisarios of the Division such as Indio de la Paz, Indio de la Fuerza, Indio Poderoso, Indio de la Guerra, Indio Bravo, Indio Libertador and Indio Valiente.

5)  División Del Cementerio,  Division Guedé: 
 The Jefe of this Division is Barón Samedí also known as Baron del Cementerio or el Varon del Cementerio.  He is the son of Aganman Nibo who is known as Papa Ghede Limbo. The Ghede Division lives within the stomach of el Baron del Cementerio, and come out through the birth canal of La Baronesa which is symbolized by the entrance of a graveyard.  The Ghede are the dead, but definitely not the Ancestors.  Unlike the Ancestors who do not reside in the graveyard, the Ghede do, often under the tombs and grave sites.  For this reason alone one never places the Ghede near the Ancestors or ones departed.  El Baron is always represented by the eldest tomb of a male buried in that particular cemetery while La Baronesa who is also called Madame Brigitte, is represented by the oldest female tomb.  Ghede Limbo is represented by the oldest tomb with a cross.  Of all the Divisions there are more Ghede then there are Lwa, and some of the most recognized besides the ones I mentioned are, Barón Sandí, Lakuá, Ghede Zaina, Luis Ghede, Ghede Zumbí, Gedelía, Gedelina and Guedesito.  There color is often Black or purple with another color to distinguish the Ghede.

In many African cultures especially the Bantu it was believed that the first two human souls, one male and the other female "children of Mawu the Moon and Lisa the Sun and grandchildren of Nana Buluku" traveled to the earth on Da's golden thread which was symbolic of a Spider's web or a Serpent's coil "Lightning" and then took human form. They lived a long and fruitful life in a place called Ife, that was made suitable for them to inhabit by elder Primordials. When they died they became the first Dead, the first Ghede, Ti Ghede, and Ghede Zaina.  Ghede Zaina is known as brother of Gun and Da. "Ogun and Dambala"

While Haitian Vodou and Dominican Vudu de la 21 Divisiones honors the Ghede and they are often the last to be invoked in Fete, the Ghede are not so much invoked or involved in the practices of Puerto Rican Sance, unless the Sociedad has a strong tie with Haitian Voudon.  The Lwa such as El Baron del Cementerio, often come silently to observe and is given his gin, and the Ghede are honored in the cemetery and tombs, but rarely do they participate in Sance Fiestas.

The Ghede love spicy foods, Habaneros, and when mounting a Houngan or Papa Bocor love to drink Gin and eat the ashes from lit cigars, many also use the ashes to paint their faces.  They always boast on how the Rada Lwa make their promises but it is the Ghede who often comply, especially when it comes to the dirty work that the Rada refuse to do.  Many of the Rada Lwa and Metresas find the Ghede to be vulgar, loud and obnoxious and will not be in the same vicinity when they are present. 

6)  División Petrós or Division Negra:
 The Jefe of this Division is Gran Buá Yilet and Ti Jean Petro.

Ti Jean Petro was a Dominican African ."Spanish" slave from Santa Cruz de Barahona " a City in the South of the Dominican Republic" who became a powerful and well respected Papa Bokor by the name of Don Juan Felipe Pedro.  He Incorporated not just only the off springs of Arawak and African Spirits from the Kongo and Dahomey who were as oppressed as its people, but also harnessed the oppressed energies of the Ancestral Lwa.  Although many are Lwa, many are elevated historical figures who fought for independence, justice and freedom at all costs.  These Ancestral Spirits where called Bukulu or Egun by the Africans and Hupia or Opia by the Taino and Arawak people.  The Petro are the of springs of these two cultures.  They are the root lwa of the new world and do not appear in African Vodou, and are more aggressive in nature than their Rada counterpart.  There are many Petros, each country has its own local one, while other share many in common such as Erzulie Dantor, Mambo Fatima,  Mambo Maronet, Ti Jean Petro, Jean Fegó Pié, Legba Kalfou, Pile Fey Simbi Dlo, Gran Torolisa, Juan Danto Piě, Tiyán Petró and many more.  There color is Red with another color to distinguish the Lwa.  When dealing with the Petro, one must be careful what is asked for, they literarly listen to everything you say, and if it is of a vengenceful nature they are quick to repay their depots. They are not as lenient as the Rada Lwa, when it comes to dealing with punishments.  The Petro like all Lwa are no ones watch dog, or no ones genie in a bottle waiting for its master's command, no man has power over any Lwa and they are forces of nature that demand the greatest of respects.

In Haiti and the Dominican Republic the Petwo or Petro are the spirits of African slaves and Indians who fought for freedom and independence.  In Puerto Rican Sance this Division is known as Division Negra or Morena and most are the brave souls of those who practiced their traditions despite adversary.  In Sance the Congo Spirits, las Negras, los Cimarones, and Esclavos of a person's Cuadro Espiritual fall under this Division, these Spirits are often los Emisarios or Los Sance of the Petro Lwa.   This Division in Haiti and the Dominican Republic is associated with Blood and Fire, and enjoy their blood offerings while in Sance these are the Emisarios which do not ask for nor work with blood, but are given guava fruit and red wine.  This Division works at night and preside in the woods and dense forests of the Caribbean Islands where their Servidores labor their energy.

Although many African slaves brought with them from Africa, their views and beliefs on Spirits and the after life.  It is highly likely that their beliefs was influenced by the native Tainos.  The Petro Lwa and Spirits have much Taino and Arawak influence. 

The Taino believed that the rain forests, and dense forests was inhabited by the Op’a or Opias.  Now the Opia often slept during the day, and came alive when the Sun set in the west in the land of Coaybay "realm of the dead", awakening the Opias.  The Opia could take any form they so wished, some could appear as they appeared in human form known as Mabuya "Ghosts", others could take on the form of animals, especially that of the Cacibajagua "the Bat" or Mucaro "the owl" .  These nocternal creatures where viewed as the Spirits of the Dead that arose from Coaybay and came to the realm of Goize "the living spirit" through caverns and caves that where viewed as the gateway to the realm of the dead or the belly of Maquetaurie Guayaba "el Gran Baron del Cementerio".  The Opias would go into the deepest woods have their sacred Arieto "ceremonial and religuous dances" and would feast on the Guayaba "Guava" fruit when they tired.  The Taino never ventured into the deep forest at night because the Opia would seduce them into sexual acts and take their soul into the realm of the dead, or feast on their blood which was to the Opia sweeter then that of the nectar of the Guava fruit. 

The noctornal bat is the Petro's messenger, and yes these Lwa can be arogent, especially when they mount a caballo.  This arrogance also comes from a Taino legend of the Bat. 

In the begining of time the Bat went to heaven to look for God "Yucaju", and begged Yucaju to give him feathers for he was cold.  But Yucaju had no feathers left to give, since he had given them all to the birds in the earth.  Then Yucaju said unto all the birds.  "Each of you will give unto the Bat a feather so that he may fasten them onto his body. 

When the Bat got every feather, he was the most magnificent and luxuriant creature on the earth, and it is said that when he passed over the ocean he created the Rainbow. 

This of course made the Bat very proud and vainful and he would look on all life with a disdainful look and would speak to all the birds rudly and with an insulting remark.

Yucaju quickly took notice of the Bat and made it so that the heat of the Sun  heated the earth so much that in order for Mother Earth to cool down, she let loose a steam of vapor into the heavens that soon came down as torential down pour and strong winds.  This made the Bat's feathers fall, and soon the Sun came and shown on the Bat's eyes, and thus blinding him.   The Bat blinded by the Sun hid in the depths of the earth ashamed of what had become of him, and until this day he and his desendants come out only at night in flocks, blind still by the Ancient Sun, but flying very quickly looking for their feathers before the Sun rises in the East.

(Every tradition has its mythology and folklore, Sance and Espiritismo Folclorica is not an exception to this rule.  Before I continue with this post, I would love to thank my Padrino, 'May his spirit be in the pressence of Buen Dios, Hector Rodriguez who told me many Puerto Rican folklores in el Yunque and the Camuy Caves.  He had a deep love of Puerto Rico" and his Taino heritage. A great love I have passed to my own children and with God's good grace will someday pass to my grandbabies.)

7) División Locós:
 The Jefe of this Division is Papa Loko who is synchrenized with Saint Joachin, in the creation of the earth, these Lwa landed on top of trees, thus they are said to manifest their energy in Palm Trees and Ceibas.  

8) División Simbís or Division Simbises: 
The Jefe of this Division is Gran Simbi Dlo, or Simbi Andeso also spelled Simbi Andeazo.

9) División Congós:  
The Jefe of this Division is Gamodi.

10) División Guinés: 
 The Jefe of this Division is Aguiné Pier.

11) División Ninigó or Division Niñillos: 
The Jefe of this Division is Ramón Ñiñigó Sandó.

12) División Caés: 
 The Jefe of this Division is Caé Samá.

13) División Danguelés:
 The Jefe of this Division is Danguélé Quinamá.

14) División Shuqués:
 The Jefe of this Division is Shuqué Alangué.

15) División Marasá o de los Gemelos: 
The Jefes of this Division are Radisá Lamé and La Marasá.

16) División Piués: 
The Jefe of this Division is Piués Lambá.

17) División Difemayós: 
The Jefe of this Division is Gamó.

18)  División Petifonés:
 The Jefe of this Division is Sigó.

19) División Locamí or Division Locomis: 
 The Jefe of this Division is  León Nicomé, Ňyiucomé.

20)  División Sombí or Division Zombi: 
 The Jefe of thiis Division is Pie Tiyán.

21) División Nagós:
Thw Jefe is Olishá Bayí.

LAS SIETE DIVISIONES PANTEON DEL SANSE, 

LOS SIETE JEFES.

PUERTO RICAN 7 POTENCIAS, 7 AFRICAN POWERS KNOWN AS LA SIETE DIVISIONES OR SIETE JEFES

Copyright © 2013 Sancista Brujo Luis

Although there are 21 Divisions both in Dominican Vudù and the Pantheon of Puerto Rican Sanse, 7 Divisiones are the most venerated and respected amongst Puerto Ricans.  Like Dominican and Haitian Vodou, within each Division their is a Punto Misterio known "in Spanish" as el Jefe or La Jefa, but what is apperant is that each of the "7" Siete Jefes come from one of the Divisiones that follows, and as you will notice, the similarities within Puerto Rican Sanse and Dominican 21 Divisiones.

1) Division de Papa Lebanes, Los Legbas
The Jefe of this División is Papa Legba, they embody the element of earth and fire.  They help in opening pathways, opening doors to other realms, as well as uncrossing and destroying sorcery and black magic. Many of the Legbas are great communicators and help us is relaying messages. 

2) Division del Monte, Los Ogunes
The Jefe of this División is Ogun Balendyó and under him are Ogun Badagrí, Ogun Fegallo, Osanjeh, Gran Bwá, and other Misterios. 

This Division embody the element of earth, fire, metal, wood and plant.  They are hard workers, guardians, blacksmiths, soldiers, doctors, healers and warriors.  Out of all the Naciones they work the hardest, none stop and can be very fierce and temperamental. 

3) Division Del Cementerio, Los Guedeses.
The Jefe of this Divisió is el Barón del Cementerio, within this division Santa Marta la Dominadora and Santa Marta La Bruja, Baron del Sabado, Baron de la Cruz and Papa Guede Limbo.

The Division del Cementerio include los Guedés and they embody the element of earth and fire.  This Division helps in resolving all sorts of problems.  They help in opening and closing the doors to the realm of the dead.  They can be mischievous and often ruthless tricksters, and if offended, can be very dangerous.  They should never be called on by those who do not completely have wisdom over their misteries as they can unleash evil malevolent spirits as easily as benevolent spirits.  

4) Division Del Fuego. 
 The Jefe of this Division is Papa Candelo, they fall under the División de los Prietos and Division del Cementerio, and within this Division one finds countless Misterios, which have their origins both in the Americas as well as Africa. 

The Candelo Division embody the element of fire and air, and although they are Petro and some Guedés they also have their own Familia, "Division".  They open the pathways for progression, change and evolution.  They are great guardians and swift healers and messengers for Papa Buen Dios.  They work hard for finding a solution and solving all forms of dilemmas.  They are great paleros, and have a great wisdom and knowledge over ancient magic and herbalism.  They also work well in all judicial matters.

5) Division De Belcanes
The Jefe of the Division de los Belcanes is Belie Belcan Tome.  Within this Division one finds the Belcan Nacion, which embody the element of Air and Earth,   They fight for justice and peace and are a great defense against demons, evil spirits, occult enemies and black magic.  They are wise, ancient and of a benevolent nature although they are fierce warriors and keep order amongst chaos. 

6). Division de Metresas
The Jefe or Jefa of the División de las Metresas is Metresili, and there are many Metresas.  Although they pertain to their own Division, they can also belong to another.

The Mestresas embody the elements of earth and water.  They work in matters of emotioms, thoughts and feelings.  They govern over love, womanhood, motherhood, maternity, fertility, beauty and femininity.  Their colors are Pink, Yellow, Orange and Gold.

7). Division del Agua Dulce, Los Indios
The Jefe of this Division is Tindjo Alague and consists of all the Spirits as mentioned above in the 21 Divisiones.

This Division of Misterios make up 1/3 of the Misterios, they are highly venerated within Puerto Rican Sanse and are a very important division of Spirits.  They embody the elements of water and air.

Other Divisiones in Sanse include.

Division Soley or Division del Sol.   The Jefe of this Division is Gran Soley or Gran Solier, and this Division consists of the highly elevated Lwa known as the Rada.  These Lwa bring ilumination, clarity, insight, wisdom and knowledge. 

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