What do I need?

 

Welcome and congratulations on your interest in the Kanzo ceremony! The very fact that you are interested in this amazing life changing ceremony is proof the lwa themselves are calling you! Nevertheless, preparation for the kanzo can seem daunting for the would-be initiate. However, I am done my best compile a list of things you will need to buy and do before you travel to Haiti. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need clarification. Ayibobo!

What I need to do before I leave for Haiti

  • I always recommend everyone receive a physical examination from your family physician before traveling to Haiti. Make sure you are in good health and inquire about immunizations or any preventative medication you might want to take with you to the Caribbean. If you have any physical limitations please don't be embarrassed I have heard it all, make sure you discuss them with me in advance so we can make the proper accommodations. We have members of our house who are registered Nurses and Medical Doctors, we will do all we can to make your stay in Haiti safe and productive.

  • Acquire a passport. This is a must, you can't leave the country without it. And give yourself some time to do this, it can take as long as 30 days. Before you leave it's always a good idea to leave a copy of your passport and social security card, as well as our private phone number in Haiti and the phone number to the US Embassy with a loved one.
  • Acquire travel insurance. While this isn't mandatory it's HIGHLY suggested. You never know what will happen and you want to be prepared. Good travel insurance will cover everything including a medical-lift out of the country. I always purchase travel insurance regardless if I am traveling to Haiti or to Europe, it's just smart-traveling to do it. For good travel insurance, I recommend Travel Guard, but please feel free to use any insuring agency you wish.
  • Purchase your airline ticket. You won't have much choice. You you probably have to travel American Airlines through Miami and into Port-au-Prince. Please consult with me before you purchase your ticket so we can coordinate with our driver and arrange to pick you up at the airport. As an aside you want to always arrive in Haiti in the early to mid afternoon. Once evening arrives the traffic in Port-au-Prince is unimaginable.

What Do I need to Pack for my Kanzo?

Aside for your ritual items which we will discuss shortly. You will want to bring the following items with you.

  • Any medications that you take on a regular basis.
  • An empty notebook and a pen
  • A camera (if you want to take pictures of the festivities!)
  • A toiletries ensemble
  • Any snacks you enjoy (luxury food is at a premium in Haiti and VERY expensive).
  • $35.00 USD Haitian exit tax (you will pay this to the airport officials when you leave the country to come home).
  • Any gifts for you new Haitian brother and sisters. If you need or want ideas feel free to speak with me in advance.
  • 4 complete changes of street clothes. You really don't need more than this because your clothes will be washed for you while you are in Haiti.
  • A day-pack or small duffle.

What Ritual Supplies will I need to purchase for my Kanzo?

  • $140. This will cover two items that are nearly impossible to find, your white porcelain Pot Tet and your Kanzo Beads. I order everyone's beads at the same time so they are all the same and the right colors.
  • Two (2) sets of white cotton clothing: Men should have long sleeve button down shirts and long pants. Women should have 2 long ankle length white dresses that have short leaves and do not show cleavage.
  • 1 set of NEW special white clothing. These will be your baptismal clothes, so keep that in mind. Men should have long sleeve button down shirts and long pants. Women should have 2 long ankle length white dresses that have short leaves and do not show cleavage. You can be as fancy as you like. In the past some of my female initiates have brought gorgeous beaded and lacey dresses while some of the men have brought with them amazing embroidered African-style white outfits. Be creative but keep them modest, white, and cool (i.e breathable).
  • A Silver Dollar, Quarter, and fifty-cent piece. Each of them should have a hole drilled into the center or edge of the coin. Please make sure you place them all in a small zip-lock bag with your name marked on the outside so we are sure you get your own coins.
  • A set of old clothes for you to take your ritual baths in. These should be a shorts and a sleeveless shirt for both men and women.
  • 7 cowries shells
  • 7 - 2" ROUND mirrors
  • 2 - Silver "Coach Style" whistles
  • 3 - Pre-washed LARGE white towels
  • 3 - Pre-washed Full (or larger) white sheets
  • 8- 1 yard pieces of satin in the following colors: yellow, blue, red, white, black, purple, green, pink
  • 8- 10 yard pieces of color 1\2" ribbon in the following colors: yellow, blue, red, white, black, purple, green, pink
  • 8- bundles of embroidery thread in the following colors: yellow, blue, red, white, black, purple, green, pink
  • 3 yards of blue denim
  • A wide array of feathers, all sizes, all colors, and all styles
  • 7- Metal thimbles
  • 7-small Christmas-style silver bells
  • A package of stick pins
  • 4 bottles of Florida Water (a perfume, you should be able to find this at any well stocked Botanica)
  • 1 bottle of Reve D'or (a perfume, you should be able to find this at any well stocked Botanica)
  • 1 bottle of Pompeiia (a perfume, you should be able to find this at any well stocked Botanica)
  • 2 spools of white thread
  • Handful of loose change
  • 1 package of moth balls
  • 1 set of Silverware (these will be used in a ritual object, so don't break the bank, stainless steel will work nicely)
  • 1 Comb (preferably white, but if you can't find white any color EXCEPT black will do)
  • 1 bottle of cheap red wine
  • 1 bottles of cheap Champaign
  • A deck of cards for divination -- either Playing Cards, or Tarot Cards
  • 1 bottle of liquor of your choosing, but not Rum. Rum is very cheap in Haiti.

Will I need anything extra if I am going to Kanzo Asogwe?

Yes, there are a few things you will need to get that are just for those people who are taking the asson.

  • You will need a set of clothes especially for your suleliye. They should include blue jean pants and a brightly color button-down shirt, any  and all colors will be fine, except black.
  • A pair of comfortable shoes
  • All people who are taking asogwe should bring with them a white rosary.

If you have any questions about acquiring any of these items or you need clarification please notify Houngan Dylan.