I work with Africa everyday, I just work with it through the lens of Haitian Vodun

Patricia Scheu

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About The Author

Patricia Scheu

Patricia Scheu (Mambo Vye Zo Komande LaMenfo) graduated from University of Connecticut with a BS in graphic design. A love of Haitian artwork led her to Jacmel, where she was ordained as a Mambo Asogwe. She was crowned Bon Mambo Vye Zo Komande la Menfo DaGinen (Old Bones Commands With a Strong Hand, of Ginen) in January of 2003, by Houngan Dye Ki Don, Houngan Fritzner Georges of Cyvadier, Haiti, honor to him. Mambo Vye Zo studied under Mambo Shakmah Windrum (Anna Branche) of Philadelphia, petit fey of Bon Mambo Rose Fabre of Croix de Mission (1960), honor to them both. Mambo worked regularly with Mambo Shakmah in Philadelphia and Papa Edgar Jean-Louis of Belair, Haiti until they both crossed the waters into Ginen. Currently, Mambo studies with and assists at ceremonies with Papa Lazireau Lerine of LaFond, Haiti. Mambo Shakmah and Papa Edgar both took Mambo into their family lines, granting her permission to serve their grandparents and ancestors. It was Mambo Vye Zo's initiatory oath to the Lwa that she would strive to help gain recognition and validation for the Vodou faith. Her work as a Mambo is dedicated to showing the world how beautiful the Vodou faith is, how generous the Lwa can be and how Vodou is the footprint for many of the faiths in the world today. She accomplishes this through ritual, art and teaching. When asked why she does this work, her answer is simple "Because when I call to the Lwa, they answer." Mambo frequently lectures on the Vodou faith and has written a book entitled Serving the Spirits. She co-authored a chapter in the African American Anthology "It's a Mystery: Esotericism, Gnosticism and Mysticism in African American Religions." Along with her husband, Houngan Travay Bo Miwa, they lead Sosyete du Marche, Inc., a 501c3 church in Pennsylvania. She serves the spirits through education and public speaking. The Sosyete offers Lave Tet, Kanzo (Senp, Hounsi, SuPwen and Asogwe), Sacred Marriages, Healing modalities (Temple sleeps, Counseling, Readings), Birth ceremonies (naming, baptisms), legally recognized marriages, funeral and memorial services. Mambo is an interfaith minister, ordained in Jersey, England in 1995, and has performed over 110 weddings to date. The Sosyete has led medical assistance trips to distressed areas such as Guatemala, raised funds for the rebuilding of an orphanage in Port au Prince Haiti, and designed and donated speech pathology tools for kids in Louisiana following Katrina. We support the 94th Engineer Battalion in Missouri and host classes here at the temple to help further illuminate the beauty of the Vodou faith. Our projects range from small local efforts to large scale initiatives.

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