Jim Luce Writes on the Gods

Humanity is unique in imagining anthropologic deities to guide us, calm us, and protect us. Across civilizations and centuries, these immortal beings speak to us and our fears, hopes and aspirations. These spirits help us to live and they help us to die. They help us to explain birth and they comfort us with tales of death. Like parents, they also often offer punishment and reward for good and evil.

Like in our section of Profiles & Obituaries, here we will enumerate the Gods and Goddesses, the Lwa, Bodhisattvas, and all the other terms associated with the immortal. Note that The Stewardship Report does not differentiate between ‘stewards’ and ‘stewardess‘, ‘actor’ and ‘actress,’ etc. Gender is important but not defining. Ergo, we will describe gender and sexuality as needed, but not automatically ascribe testicular attributes or lack thereof to our immortals.

Many of these Gods are thought once–or proven to have been–fully human. These immortals are differentiated with an asterisk (*). Note that the terms ‘mythology‘ and ‘theology‘ are used interchangeably.

In the context of Vodou, both in Haiti and West Africa, as well as other similar spiritual traditions, the term ‘Lwa’ is commonly used to describe divine spirits or deities that act as intermediaries between humans and the supreme creator. These Lwa are often associated with specific aspects of life and nature, and they have distinct personalities, preferences, and narratives.

Note that in many cultures there is a syncretism with two belief systems, such as Vodou and Roman Catholicism in Haiti, where some Lwa are associated with Catholic saints, or between Greek and Roman gods. We will double-list those entries.

1. Agwe Tawoyo. Haitian Loa. Powerful spirit of the oceans is the ruler and guardian of its bounties. Often compared to Greek god Poseidon and is beloved by fishermen and sailors for his generous spirit. His mythical residence said to be hidden deep in the sea’s depths. During Vodou rituals, those possessed by Met Agwe often turn towards the sea, acknowledging his powerful presence. Married to Mambo La Sirène, the Haitian mermaid, and together they rule over a large group of spirits in the Vodou pantheon.
2. Amaterasu. From Shintō. Sun goddess who painted islands of Japan into existence and from whom Japanese imperial family descends.
3. Ammit. Egyptian demoness and goddess in the afterlife who devours the hearts of the unworthy.
4. Anubis. From Egyptian mythology. God of mummification and the afterlife.
5. Aphrodite. From Greek mythology. Goddess of love and beauty.
6. Apollo. From Greek mythology. God of the sun, music, and prophecy.
7. Ares. Greek mythology. God of war, counterpart to Mars in Roman mythology.
8. Athena. From Greek mythology. Goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts.
9. Avalokiteshvara. From Buddhist mythology. Bodhisattva of compassion.
10. Ayida Weddo (and Damballa) are the primordial male and female divine couple in Vodou, symbolized by two intertwined serpents who, according to the cosmogony of the Haitian religion, support the sky, preventing it from crumbling and falling to Earth.
11. Ayida. Haitian Loa. Divine power couple with Danmbala. They symbolize perfect balance and harmony of all creation, representing both masculine and feminine energies. When together, they’re often depicted as two intertwined snakes. Ayida is the rainbow, the snake of the sky. She gives rain to the earth and restores its beauty. Together, Damballa and Ayida are the source of life and wisdom. You can often spot their symbol of the intertwined snakes on Vodou drums, furniture, and even the poto mitan (the central pole of a peristyle).
12. Ayizan Velekete. Haitian Loa. A wise old woman who walks the roads with her trusty cane, Ayizan Velekete is more than just a simple figure. She is the guardian of commerce and economy, known for her ancient wisdom and pure spirit. Her benevolent eye watches over business activities and roads, and Vodou practitioners often call upon her for success in their ventures. Wife of Papa Loko, they work together to ensure the purity and respect of the Vodou tradition. Her favorite tree is the palm tree, symbolizing royalty, though she is often depicted as a shrewd old woman.
13. Bacchus. God of wine, pleasure, and festivities. Also known as Dionysus.
14. Brahma. From Hindu mythology. The creator god.
15. Buddha.* From Buddhist mythology. The enlightened one, founder of Buddhism.
16. Chantico. From Aztec mythology. Goddess of fires in the hearth and volcanoes.
17. Damballa (and Ayida Weddo) are the primordial male and female divine couple in Vodou, symbolized by two intertwined serpents who support the sky, preventing it from crumbling and falling to Earth. Divine power couple with Ayida. They symbolize perfect balance and harmony of all creation, representing both masculine and feminine energies. When together, they’re often depicted as two intertwined snakes. Damballa is the original force of creation, believed to be the inner voice of God. He’s the source of all wisdom and knowledge and represents the serpent of the earth and the horizon. Serpent Lwa associated with creation and purity.
18. Dionysus. God of wine, pleasure, and festivities. Also known as Bacchus.
19. Durga. From Hindu mythology. A warrior goddess who combats evil forces.
20.  Erzulie Dantò. Haitian Loa. Sister of Erzulie Freda. Also known as Mami Dantò, a powerful and protective mother figure in the Vodou tradition. Often depicted holding a knife, she symbolizes justice and will forcefully fight to protect her children, who are her loyal followers. She is a single mother, a Haitian peasant who is fiercely independent and takes care of her own. She is also a guardian and protector of orphans, sick children, and those who have been abused.
21. Erzulie Freda. Haitian Loa of love, beauty, and prosperity. Erzulie Freda might be compared to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. She is a powerful spirit known for her vanity and timid nature. Her sister is the Petwo spirit Ezili Danto.
22. Erzulie. A family of Lwa associated with love and femininity in Vodou, often linked with the Virgin Mary in Catholic contexts.
23. Frances, Saint.* Roman Catholic. From Assisi, patron saint of animals.
24. Freya. Norse/Scandinavian mythology. Goddess of love, fertility, and war.
25. Ganesha. From Hindu mythology. God with the head of an elephant and the body of a human. Son of Shiva and Parvati. Known as the remover of obstacles and is often worshiped before new endeavors. Patron of writers, students, travelers, commerce, and new beginnings.
26. Ghost, Holy. From Christian theology (Anglican). The third person of the Holy Trinity, representing God‘s presence in the world.
27. God. From Christian theology. The singular, omnipotent creator in Christianity, often referred to as the Father.
28. Hades. From Greek and Roman mythology. God of the underworld and the dead. Also known as Pluto.
29. Hanuman. Hindu mythology. Half-human and half-monkey, devotee of Rama and a symbol of strength and devotion.
30. Hera. From Greek mythology. Queen of the gods, goddess of marriage and family.
31. Hermes. From Greek and Roman mythology. Messenger god, god of travel, commerce, and thieves.Also known as Mercury.
32.  Isadore of Seville, St. Haitian Loa.
33. Isis. Egyptian mythology. Goddess of magic, marriage, healing, and protection.
34. James, Saint. In Vodou and African Traditional Religions (ATR), associated with lwa Ogou known for war and iron,
35. Jesus* (of Nazareth, or the Christ). From Christian theology. The Son of God and savior in Christian belief.
36. Juno. From Roman mythology. Queen of the gods, equivalent to Hera.
37. Jupiter. From Roman mythology. King of the gods, equivalent to Zeus.
38. Kali. Hindu mythology. Goddess of time, change, and destruction.
39. Kouzen Zaka. Haitian Loa. The quintessential farmer Loa, Kouzen Zaka is beloved by rural communities for his ability to ensure a bountiful harvest and prosperity in the fields. Often depicted wearing straw hat and carrying a machete and djakout (woven grass bag). He’s known to consume laziness and idleness. Often associated with Saint Isadore of Seville and loves all Haitians, living or dead. With childlike version of himself called Ti-Zaka in some lineages, this lovable Loa is all about embracing the power of hard work.
40. Krishna. From Hindu mythology. An avatar for the preserver god Vishnu.
41. Labalenn. Haitian Loa. Alternate form of the mermaid Mambo La Sirène.When angered, she can be fickle and dangerous. As the whale, she can manifest as a powerful force of unconscious strength.
42. Lakshmi. From Hindu mythology. Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
43. Legba, Papa. From Vodou tradition. A Lwa who serves as intermediary between spirit world and human world associated with St. Peter. Gateway to the spirit world and the one who unlocks the secrets of Vodou. Known as a trickster, he’s often portrayed as an older man leaning on a crutch, accompanied by one or more dogs.
44. Loko, Papa. Haitian Loa. Powerful guardian of Vodou temples (known as hounfour), responsible for maintaining Vodou tradition and for passing down wisdom to new initiates in roles of Vodou priests and priestesses. With his extensive knowledge of herbal medicines and natural remedies, Papa Loko is also a healing Loa who can aid those in need of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing.
45. Maitreya. From Buddhism. The future Buddha who will come to teach enlightenment.
46. Mambo La Sirène. Haitian Loa. Haitian mermaid married to Agwe Tawoyo, ruler of the seas. The mermaid goddess of the sea reigns supreme. With her alluring half-woman, half-fish form, she embodies the wealth and abundance of the ocean and is revered as a powerful Loa who can grant prosperity and good fortune to her followers.
47. Manjushri. From Buddhist mythology. Bodhisattva of wisdom.
48. Mars. From Roman mythology. God of war.
49. Mars. Roman mythology. God of war, counterpart to Ares in Greek mythology
50. Mary, Virgin.* From Christian theology. The mother of Jesus Christ associated with love and femininity in Vodou through Erzulie.
51. Mercury. From Greek and Roman mythology. Messenger god, god of travel, commerce, and thieves.Also known as Hermes.
52. Met Kafou. This formidable Loa is the master of dark magic and sorcery, and he doesn’t grant his favors lightly. However, if you can prove yourself to be worthy, Met Kafou can bestow immense power and knowledge. His gifts come at a steep price, and he won’t hesitate to exact it.
53. Minerva. From Roman mythology. Goddess of wisdom and war, equivalent to Athena.
54. Odin. Norse/Scandinavian mythology. Chief god, associated with wisdom, poetry, and death.
55. Ogou Feray. The mighty warrior Loa of Ogou, is the embodiment of a fighting spirit. Like the Roman war gods Mars and Jupiter, he commands respect and fear from his followers. As the protector and guardian of his people, Ogou is associated with fire, the sword and war.He is a fierce and formidable deity with multiple forms, including Ogou Feray, Ogou Batala and Ogou Badagri. Each Ogou spirit has distinct characteristics and attributes, but they all share a love for war, the sword, and forge work. Ogou is said to embody the warrior spirit of the old Oyo Empire in West Africa, and his Vèvè (religious symbol) is the totem of the emperors and kings that have followed Abiodun, King of the Oyo people.
56. Ogou. From Vodou and African Traditional Religions (ATR). Lwa of war and iron in Vodou, often associated with St. James.*
57. Orisha. From Vodou and African Traditional Religions (ATR). Known for love, fertility, and rivers in Yoruba religion.
58. Oshun. From Vodou and African Traditional Religions (ATR).
59. Osiris. Egyptian mythology. God of the afterlife, death, and resurrection.
60. Parvati. From Hindu mythology. Mother of Ganesha.
61. Peter, Saint.* A Catholic saint associated in Vodou with Papa Legba.
62. Pluto. From Greek and Roman mythology. God of the underworld and the dead. Also known as Hades.
63. Quetzalcoatl. Aztec god of wind, air, and learning.
64. Ra. Egyptian mythology. Sun god and a major deity in ancient Egyptian religion.
65. Rama. From Hindu mythology. An avatar for the preserver god Vishnu.
66. Rhiannon. From Welsh mythology, associated with horses and the Otherworld.
67. Samdi, Baron (Bawon). Leader of the Gede Loa group, the spirits of the dead in Vodou tradition. He is the guardian of the barrier between the living and the dead and is responsible for ensuring that the souls of the deceased pass into the afterlife safely. He is often depicted as a tall, dark figure dressed in a top hat, black tuxedo, and sunglasses, with a skull for a face. Bawon Samdi is known for his mischievous and playful nature, but it should not be taken lightly, as he holds the power of life and death in his hands.
68. Saraswati. From Hindu mythology. Goddess of knowledge, music, and arts.
69. Shiva. From Hindu mythology. The destroyer god, also known for his aspect as the cosmic dancer. Father of Ganesha.
70. Spirit, Holy. From Christian theology. The third person of the Holy Trinity, representing God‘s presence in the world.
71. Tara. From Buddhism. A Bodhisattva of compassion, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism.
72. Thor. From Norse mythology. God of thunder and lightning.
73. Ti-Zaka. Haitian Loa. Said to be the childlike version of Kouzen Zaka.
74. Tlaloc. Aztec god of rain and fertility.
75. Trinity, Holy. From Christian theology. Father (God), Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost).
76. Venus. From Roman mythology. Goddess of love and beauty, equivalent to Aphrodite.
77. Vishnu. From Hindu mythology. The preserver god, known for his avatars like Krishna and Rama.
78. Yahweh. From Hebrew theology. The singular, omnipotent creator in Judaism.
79. Zeus. From Greek mythology. King of the gods, god of the sky and thunder.

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