I wasn't sure where to post this, as although it revolves around a Vodou Iwa, it's not completely on topic.
If folks missed my original post, Papa Legba came to me in meditation and I'm at loss for words as to what to do. I've spent a week researching him and his associations, his colors and his Veve. I just don't know how to mix him with my current practice, which is not only very eclectic, but Dragon Heavy. I'm afraid of being accused of cultural appropriation, but he approached me in meditation. I don't want to deny his roots.
Are there any other witches out there who honor Papa Legba in their workings? How do you do it? I would love to hear from you :)
As I mentioned in your previous post, not all spirits are what they seem to be. I reccomend that you take precautionary steps to insure the identity of the spirit, before working with it any further. As far as I know an offering of water would be an odd gift for Papa Legba to accept, as he usually prefers black coffee or dark rum. That being said I'm no expert on any Lwa.
Again, you should make sure to positively identify the spirit before continuing work with it.
Should it turn out to indeed be Papa Legba, offerings he enjoys are as previously mentioned, black coffee and dark rum, coconut, cigars, pennies, toys, pipe tobacco, peanuts, palm oil or candles made of palm oil, chillis, sweets, and breads.
Saturdays or Mondays are the best days to make offerings, his colors are black and red, and his number is 3.
I'm not sure if this applies to Lwa, but with most spirits you should have a reason for making contact. Usually that reason with Papa Legba would be to petition another Lwa, or a spirit of the dead that reside in Guinee.
From my research, Papa Legba doesn't usually accept water, but his Santeria form, Eleggua/Elegua, does sometimes take it. And it was, I believe, his Santeria form that visited me at first.
So far my research has been quite the adventure! Thank you for your help!
I work with Legba quite a bit in my practice. From my experience, he enjoys Tobacco (its associations with spirits is even better) and Bourbon. Traditionally, Legba is invoked in order to allow you to speak/interact with other Lwa. However, in my experience, this is usually more of a formality than a necessity. I would contact Legba directly if I'm looking to commune with a human spirit, however. Though, if I wish to "cleanse" a human spirit or help one crossover -- I'd contact my "patron" of sorts, Samedi, instead. Granted, these human spirits are usually already "here" and don't require Legba's intervention anyways.
Thank you, Siriso! I was having difficulty putting him in my minds eye, as while I do work with my ancestors, I don't normally need someone to 'open the gate'. Unless there's a rogue spirit hanging about. In which case I definitely need someone to watch that gate, you know?
I'll meditate on this further. He came for a reason and hot dang, I hope to find out why :D
Everyone has Attibon Legba he is a gate keeper which is why he is often given keys. He is typically served in yellow and purple in my lineage. Hes a old man so he takes crutches. He is a simple lwa so big services to him are not needed he is happy with simple cup of coffee and a handfull of peanuts. Typically he is given rum,vodka,peanuts,hard candies,roasted corn,chicken,coffee. I give Legba water he does not mind it. He is served with the image of Saint Lazarus. A big misconception about him is that he rules the crossroads which he does not he is at the gates and doors. Do not try to mix Legba with any practice as he is a part of a living tradition and will most likely result in him just plainly ignoring you. Vodou coexists with all religions but should never be mixed. Before serving Legba one should always start with the ancestors.
