Ezili Dantor and the Queen of Swords

There are many powerful Haitian spirits, or Lwa. One of the most misunderstood and most vilified is Ezili Danto . Tuesday is her sacred day. In the tarot, she is the Queen of Swords. In fact, blades are one of  her most sacred items. First and foremost she is a devoted mother and fierce protectress. Like the QofSw she is direct and to the point, no nonsense, very intelligent and a woman of action who gets results. She takes matters into her own hands and doesn't mind it one bit if they have to get a bit dirty. She is raw and gritty and makes no apologies for it. She is painfully honest and can see and cut straight through bullshit, deception or hidden agendas so you'd do wise to not come to her with any of the above. Think... Gemini female. They can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. The argument could be made that they are crazy and irrational as well as just plain mean. It could also be made that if you approach them with foolishness, dishonesty or a trickery, you get what you deserve. That could be a razor sharp tongue. It could be getting shanked. I'm jus sayin'... But if you are lucky enough to have one your side, you have a valiant ally.

You can seek Ezili Danto's assistance for a number of issues, but she is prone to show favor on certain groups in particular: single mothers, abused women and children, victims of violent crime, women with their own businesses, victims of rape or incest, gay and in particular lesbian individuals, and any one being oppressed or mistreated. Clearly, if you have caused any harm to anyone who fits into any of these categories, it would be ill advised to seek help from her. Items sacred to Danto are cigars, rum, red wine, yams, hot peppers, hot sauce, pineapples, knives/blades, sweet potatoes, red roses with thorns, Florida water, silver jewelry, and unfiltered cigarettes, Lucky Strikes in particular. Another great way to connect with her is by using her veve. Each Lwa has their own veve, or symbol. It acts as a calling card for that particular spirit. Danto's colors are blood red and royal blue. These things can be used on an alter to her, or to call upon her to ask for help or to show your gratitude after she has helped you. (And always put water on an alter to any of the Lwa)She does not require a lot, nor expensive or extravagant gifts in or for her to do work for you. But you must give her something to show your respect and appreciate her. It doesn't have to be complicated, just sincere. And if you make a promise, by all means keep it! If you say you will light red and blue candles and leave a bottle of Night Train or a 40oz and a pack of Kool's and a yam do so! She is a very loving but stern Mamma, not a woman to be toyed with or taken for granted. She will also help with prosperity. Now she most likely wont just give you money like other spirits will, but she will provide you with the opportunities to earn it, particularly if you need to provide for a child or to get out of an abusive or dangerous situation.

*my alter for Ezili Danto* One more thing that is very important to mention. This is Ezili Danto. Do NOT confuse her with her sister, who's name I won't even put in the same sentence. I will explain further in future post, but suffice it to say they do NOT like each other! Don't ask them to work on the same situation. And by all means do NOT have their alters next to nor facing each other.

Call on Danto if you need protection and the courage to fight and find strength when you need it. She honors vulnerability, raw honesty, hard work and will help you conquer fear by facing it head on teach you to survive as well as thrive in spite of adversity or oppression.
*Danto's veve*