I Work With: Legba

What can I say about Legba? He approached me before I knew his name. The bulk of the story is too personal for the Internet. It was a teacher of mine, a mentor skilled in Goetia, Vodou and folk magic who confirmed the drifter's identity when I related the encounter, that of a black man wearing white who looked like a "twisted preacher," making the sign of the cross with a bottle of rum. My mentor laughed. "You just ran into one of the most popular spirits in Vodou, Papa Legba."

I'd never read a book on Vodou. I'd never known a Haitian person. But here was this spirit visiting me when I slept and when I tried to meditate on external issues. He stood behind a fence in one vision, his face hidden by a white bandana. I told my teacher. "A revelation is coming," was his answer, before my world utterly changed. Yes, Papa Legba, the ancient spirit of the crossroads, who jokes and smokes and opens the ways, synonymous with Elegua and St. Peter of the Christian faith.

What have I learned from four years of praying to him? I've learned that the spirits, the lwa, animism--all of it--is real. I learned that they do not need for us to believe in them to exist. I've learned that these are not allegories we are working with, but personalities! This is one of the ways Legba has opened the door to the spirit world for me. I've also learned that spirits have none of the borders we set for ourselves. I did not have to be initiated into Vodou for Legba to approach me. I could also believe in Jesus and Hera and St. Michael. It makes no difference, really. Spirit, as I've often said, is spirit. 

If Legba has visited you or you feel a connection to this seasoned spirit, I recommend dedicating a permanent altar to him in your home. Like Hecate, I always feel more comfortable addressing him near a door. Keep the altar minimal at first. Keep a statue, a cross, a lock and key or a white candle in his name. Because it is such a worthwhile experience, I would let Legba tell you about Legba. If you know folk magicians, rootworkers or individuals involved in any kind of Diaspora, ask them about, what he likes, how he works, et cetera. Avoid Wikipedia or over analytic, mundane sources. Forge an organic path to Legba by simply encouraging him, when you're ready.