Syncretism

While setting up the alter, they are sure to include only the things Azaka likes such as his favorite colours, (blue and white) the right liquors, and all of his favorite foods are cooked and placed under the alter, only to be eaten after it is given to him, and then given back for them to eat. What good is a prophet who cannot be understood? In opposition, when a spirit came to one of Mama Lola’s ceremonies, it spoke in a known language so that it could be understood by anyone spoke it, or cared enough to learn, at least to understand it. The Pythia at Delphi prophetized in tongues which needed to be interpreted by certain, trained people; the prophetic priests. While the Pythia lived in the 14th century BCE, Mama Lola is very modern and still lives and practices her religion today. This also demonstrates that this core ideal of the use of humans as a mouthpiece of the divine has been a long lived concept which people, such as Mama Lola and her family, still believe in and practice today. Perhaps this proves there is some truth in the idea, and most likely, we will never know for sure, whether this concept, in it’s many different forms continues to live on, or if it dies out. It was held in a temple where just about everyone could visit, and so long as they had something to offer in return, really anyone could get advice from her. While one’s publicity is almost without limits, the other’s can barely be made smaller. Next, all will gather in front of the alter, and begin to prey. Here, Mama Lola, as this voodoo priestess is known, lives in Brooklyn and does all she can to stay faithful to her Haitian religion. en communicates with the rest of the people present.

In contrast, early Christianity, includes only one person in particular at each oracle would go into a trance, upon request from someone seeking advice. Although the ceremony is meant for Azaka, all major spirits are honored, and some show up; possessing a human body. After the first few prayers they begin to add songs which include some step/dance moves, and as the Mama Lola, leading the ceremony, feels the energy heighten, and the tension thicken, she pushes it further and further until a spirit makes an appearance. After inviting her voodoo ‘family’ for what will be the birthday celebration of the spirit Azaka, all members, important and close gather to help set up the intricate and festive alter in the basement of Mama Lola’s small apartment in Brooklyn, New York.