Hello readers! As we approach February and our annual house ritual to the lwa who presides over all things having to do with love, Erzulie Freda, I felt like writing about her was not just pertinent, but important.
I serve Erzulie Freda and keep a permanent altar space for her in my dining room. My relationship with her has had some ups and downs because of my own insecurities and doubts in myself, so I wanted to clear some things up for any of you who might have them.
5 things you know about Erzulie Freda
1. Her colors are white, pink, gold and light blue.
2. Those who serve Freda keep 3 wedding bands of real gold to signify the fact that she has 3 husbands; Agwe, Damballah, and Ogoun.
3. Erzulie Freda loves pretty and luxurious things, such as roses, champagne and jewelry.
4. Erzulie Freda can be called on for matters of love and is associated with the Mater de la Rosa, or sorrowful mother.
5. Freda favors items that have lace, emboidery or sparkles, and she loves hearts.
5 things you didn't know about Erzulie Freda
1. She takes on the sorrows of the world. This is often mentioned but glossed over when it comes to Freda. She is so very compassionate, nurturing and warm. She cries so we do not have to. You may cry when you make a service to her, and Erzulie Freda will take those tears and help you as you process your emotions.
2. Freda loves fine things, but whatever you can afford, if it is presented with a sincere heart, will be accepted. I find that attention to detail really wins her heart. You cannot afford the dozen roses? Give her one flower in a really lovely cup, jar or vase, and she will LOVE you for it. If you found it at the Salvation Army for a quarter and it makes your heart sing, I promise you it will delight Freda as well!!
3. Freda ia NOT wrathful or lazy. This is not to say she is not protective of her children-I assure you she is. But if you mess up your words, spill some water, or yes, even accidentally set her altar on fire (I have done this.) she won't be mad or do anything to harm you or your relationship. I promise. You have to really go on a path with bad intent to make a lwa angry. AND she works hard for you. But remember she is a lady, so she may do it quietly and with so much grace that you don't immediately realize it!
3. The way you serve Freda may be vastly different than the way I am drawn to serve her, or your bestie is drawn to serve her. If you are seeking things to use to make a service to Erzulie Freda, listen to your heart. For you, it may be conversation hearts, for me it may be chocolate kisses. And we both would be correct!
4. Once you build a relationship with Freda, she may intuitively show you ways to express love that may surprise you. I have a historically difficult relationship with my mother, but Freda has, more than once, encouraged me to gift my mother with a rose that was intended as a service, or gift my crabby coworker with a little hand lotion from her altar. Freda gave those offerings up for the benefit of a person who was likely in their own emotional pain, and in doing so, shows me how to be compassionate to people who I may feel don't necessarily "deserve" it. The lesson here is the none of us always act in a loving manner and yet, we all benefit from love and thrive from it. I have never regretted following her guidance on this.
5. Erzulie Freda is strong and exceptionally loyal. She may be the lovely belle of the ball outwardly, but she is powerful and wise. She is a true steel magnolia!