The debate over the validity of the Sevis Tet ceremony seems to hinge on two words: introduction and initiation. The Sevis Tet ceremony is used in some non-asson lineages in Haiti to introduce the candidate to the spirits and to the Vodou society. It consists of three components: purification, fortification and baptism. With the exception of the baptism portion of the ceremony, the Sevis Tet is similar in nature to the Lave Tet and the Manje Tet combined.

The purification element is accomplished by cleansing the candidates both physically and spiritually through prayer, meditation, seclusion, and spiritual baths made from specific herbs. The fortification element of the ceremony is accomplished through the feeding of the person and his/her lwa with specially prepared foods and drinks. The service opens with the Priye Ginea. The candidates are prayed with and over by members of the society. The candidates enter the badji and are prepared for their period of seclusion and rebirth. They will remain in the badji for four nights.

While they are in the badji, the society prays and sings for the candidates. The lwa come to visit the candidates and, if the information was not known beforehand, the met tet is identified. If a person needs additional cleansings, work or other help from the lwa, these are done at this time or prescribed for a later date. Each day the candidates are taught a little more about the Vodou itself and about how to deal with his/her lwa.

From Mambo Marie, we have picked up both the asson lineage and the non-asson lineage. In our asson lineage, we do not Kanzo an individual on the point of a single lwa. We also do not perform the Sevis Tet for someone on the point of a single lwa. It is the custom of Mambo Marie’s mother’s lineage, to "give" all of the 21 nations of lwa. However, we do honor the met tet of the individual(s) and we ensure that they receive the specific items they need (food, drink, etc.) in order to be properly served during the Sevis Tet or the Kanzo as the case may be.

The baptism is the final portion of the Sevis Tet ceremony. The candidates are baptized under God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit because we serve God above all. The candidates also are taken to church to pray.

The Sevis Tet is not an initiation in the same sense as is a Kanzo; however, as the word initiate means to begin (The American Heritage Dictionary 4th Ed. definition can be found at http://www.bartleby.com/61/51/I0145100.html) , the Sevis Tet is a beginning on the road to Ginea just as is the Kanzo. Since the Sevis Tet is NOT a Kanzo, naturally, those who have participated in the Sevis Tet are not permitted into the djevo unless and/or until such time as they do choose to initiate into an asson lineage.

The Sevis Tet ceremony is, in many ways, ideal for those unable to travel to Haiti for a Kanzo. The time requirements for being away from home and job are less than for a Kanzo. And, depending on one’s location, the travel expenses can be much less than traveling to Haiti. The Sevis Tet, like the Lave Tet and the Manje Tet, does serve to strengthen communication with one’s lwa and to enhance mental clarity.

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As always, we recommend a consultation with an elder to help determine if this or any other spiritual service is right for you. For additional information, please contact us directly.