Voodoo Mysteries, The Initiated - Culture - Planet doc

Jacinto is a member of the AWUAKA secret society and today is undergoing an initiation ceremony in the "Palo de Monte", Cuban black magic. The essential difference between Regla de Ocha and El Palo, is that here they work with the dead instead of with the saints. This religion is based on the prenda mayombe, the pots were they catch the dead in order to use them in rituals. If the offering has crosses, it is to do good, if it does not have any, it is for black magic. It will be covered with black cloths and will be called prenda judía (Jewish offering). They use sticks from different woods, stones, human bones, tools, coconuts and a dead man's skull. Once they have finished preparing the prenda, Jacinto is led to the altar. The songs announce the action they are performing. They are clear and repetitive in order to guide the prenda and so guarantee that the ceremony is successful. Jacinto is subjected to arduous tests. With his eyes blindfolded and without knowing which new trial he will be forced to undergo, he starts to get upset. No prospective member of the society knows in advance what will happen in the initiation ceremony. They only know that it is hard and that not all of them can endure it till the end. He soon feels faint. His knees are stiff and tremble with excitement. He needs a rest, the uncertainty makes him lose control of his nerves. His fellows encourage him, but they urge him to stand firm saying "This is a sacrifice, but you must suffer for the prenda". The officiant scratches him. With a knife, he carves into his skin the identifying marks of the Seven Rays, the Spirit SANGO for the worshippers of Regla de Ocha. The candidate is exhausted, but the worst is over, now he only has to receive blessings. After five hours in a blindfold, Jacinto's eyes have to get used to the light again. The officiant instructs him to stick out his tongue pressing a lighting candle to his mouth while repeating principles of the religion. It will give him strength, light, agility and stability Once the initiation is over, the prendas mayombe must be fed. So a goat and two hens are sacrificed. Their blood will satisfy the appetite of the dead, who will help the newly-initiated member to follow the way of Palo Monte. Drink from the goat's head. Take it as if it were ours and allow us to go on living. The Regla de Ocha worshippers also worship OLORUM, the sea siren that lives in the depths. They make offerings of fruit and flowers and ask her to accept the actions on which they wish to embark and to help them overcome hardships. She is a friendly goddess who is always nearby.