Editing Lwa (section)

==Theology==

Vodou teaches that there are over a thousand lwa.{{sfn|Desmangles|1992|p=98}} They are regarded as the intermediaries of [[Bondyé]], the supreme creator deity in Vodou.{{sfnm|1a1=Brown|1y=1991|1p=4|2a1=Michel|2y=1996|2p=288|3a1=Ramsey|3y=2011|3p=7}} Desmangles argued that by learning about the various lwas, practitioners come to understand the different facets of Bondyé.{{sfn|Desmangles|1992|p=98}} Much as Vodouists often identify Bondyé with the Christian God, the lwa are sometimes equated with the [[angel]]s of Christian cosmology.{{sfn|Brown|1991|p=111}} The lwa are also known as the ''mystères'', ''anges'', ''saints'', and ''les invisibles''.{{sfn|Fernández Olmos|Paravisini-Gebert|2011|p=120}}

The lwa can offer help, protection, and counsel to humans, in return for ritual service.{{sfnm|1a1=Métraux|1y=1972|1pp=95, 96|2a1=Fernández Olmos|2a2=Paravisini-Gebert|2y=2011|2p=117}} They are thought of as having wisdom that is useful for humans,{{sfn|Desmangles|1992|p=81}} although they are not seen as moral exemplars which practitioners should imitate.{{sfn|Brown|1991|p=6}} Each lwa has its own personality,{{sfn|Fernández Olmos|Paravisini-Gebert|2011|p=120}} and is associated with specific colors,{{sfnm|1a1=Métraux|1y=1972|1p=92|2a1=Fernández Olmos|2a2=Paravisini-Gebert|2y=2011|2p=120}} days of the week,{{sfn|Métraux|1972|p=92}} and objects.{{sfn|Fernández Olmos|Paravisini-Gebert|2011|p=120}} The lwa can be either loyal or capricious in their dealings with their devotees;{{sfn|Fernández Olmos|Paravisini-Gebert|2011|p=120}} Vodouists believe that the lwa are easily offended, for instance if offered food that they dislike.{{sfn|Métraux|1972|p=97}} When angered, the lwa are believed to remove their protection from their devotees, or to inflict misfortune, illness, or madness on an individual.{{sfn|Métraux|1972|p=99}}

[[File:VeveBaronSamedi.svg|thumb|left|The ''[[veve]]'' of the lwa Baron Samedi]]

Although there are exceptions, most lwa names derive from the [[Fon language|Fon]] and [[Yoruba language]]s.{{sfn|Métraux|1972|p=28}} New lwa are nevertheless added to those brought from Africa;{{sfn|Métraux|1972|p=84}} practitioners believe that some Vodou priests and priestesses became lwa after death, or that certain [[talisman]]s become lwa.{{sfn|Métraux|1972|pp=84-85}} Vodouists often refer to the lwa residing in "Guinea", but this is not intended as a precise geographical location.{{sfn|Métraux|1972|p=91}} Many lwa are also understood to live under the water, at the bottom of the sea or in rivers.{{sfn|Métraux|1972|p=92}}  Vodouists believe that the lwa communicate with humans through dreams and through the possession of human beings.{{sfn|Métraux|1972|pp=66, 120}}

During rituals, the lwa are summoned through designs known as ''[[veve]]''.{{sfn|Métraux|1972|p=165}} These are sketched out on the floor of the ceremonial space using cornmeal, ash, coffee grounds, or powdered eggshells.{{sfnm|1a1=Métraux|1y=1972|1p=163|2a1=Fernández Olmos|2a2=Paravisini-Gebert|2y=2011|2p=142}}

The lwa are associated with specific Roman Catholic saints.{{sfn|Ramsey|2011|p=8}} For instance, Azaka, the lwa of agriculture, is associated with [[Isidore the Laborer|Saint Isidore]] the farmer.{{sfnm|1a1=Brown|1y=1991|1p=61|2a1=Ramsey|2y=2011|2p=8}} Similarly, because he is understood as the "key" to the spirit world, Papa Legba is typically associated with [[Saint Peter]], who is visually depicted holding keys in traditional Roman Catholic imagery.{{sfnm|1a1=Métraux|1y=1972|1p=101|2a1=Desmangles|2y=1992|2p=11}} The lwa of love and luxury, Ezili Freda, is associated with [[Mater Dolorosa]].{{sfnm|1a1=Ramsey|1y=2011|1p=8|2a1=Fernández Olmos|2a2=Paravisini-Gebert|2y=2011|2pp=130–131}} Damballa, who is a serpent, is often equated with [[Saint Patrick]], who is traditionally depicted in a scene with snakes; alternatively he is often associated with [[Moses]].{{sfnm|1a1=Brown|1y=1991|1p=275|2a1=Desmangles|2y=1992|2pp=10-11|3a1=Fernández Olmos|3a2=Paravisini-Gebert|3y=2011|3pp=127–128}} The Marasa, or sacred twins, are typically equated with the twin saints [[Saints Cosmas and Damian|Cosmos and Damian]].{{sfnm|1a1=Métraux|1y=1972|1p=146|2a1=Fernández Olmos|2a2=Paravisini-Gebert|2y=2011|2p=133}}