Liberation Libations

Three Black women wearing white reaching both hands forward as in invitation.

Under the August full moon of 1791 the Revolution that changed the world started with a gathering in Bwa Kayiman in Ayiti. As part of the Krik Krak Remembers series we were able to gather to honor this special day and create the conditions for our own freedom through traditional and contemporary Haitian rhythms, movements, meditation and discussion.

In putting this workshop together, I felt inspired to leave some breadcrumbs to the special places that I found inside myself- with the help of my generous guides. I crafted a few word hints to serve as road signs for fellow travelers on this journey of spiritual discovery.

I invite you to step where we stepped or to make your own path. Join us. Let us connect. Let us recharge. Let us be free. :)

To begin- with earth, fire, air, and water in hand- we pour libations.

Liberation Libations

We honor the work and learning of those who came before (pour water), the focus and perseverance of the stewards of the present (pour water)  and the vision and daring of those who will soon come (pour water). Let us hear with our hearts and wisdom. Let us hold what is ours and release what is not. Let us harness our power and focus our attention and intention to the mission of our liberation.

Ayibobo Ayibobo Ayibobo.

We remember the meeting at Bwa Kayiman. We remember the commitment that was made, and the work that began; that we have not yet finished. We remember the organizing efforts of Cecile Fatiman and hear the words of Dutty Boukman:

"The god who created the earth; who created the sun that gives us light. The god who holds up the ocean; who makes the thunder roar. Our God who has ears to hear. You who are hidden in the clouds; who watch us from where you are. You see all that the white has made us suffer. The white man's god asks him to commit crimes. But the god within us wants to do good. Our god, who is so good, so just, He orders us to revenge our wrongs. It's He who will direct our arms and bring us the victory. It's He who will assist us. We all should throw away the image of the white men's god who is so pitiless. Listen to the voice for liberty that speaks in all our hearts.”

We pay respect to Legba with the music and movement of Yanvalou. We meditate on these words:

Yanvalou is rhythm of surrender. Before I can connect with the other side I must connect with myself. With the earth. With the waters from which I came, that live inside me, that sustains me, and to which I will return. I lead with my root, sacral and sacred in honor of the womb; the space of creation. To connect to what is young and old and timeless within me.  Hear me spirits I come in supplication. I come without expectation but with honor and respect at your door at the crossroads.

And we draw strength from the music and movement of Ibo as we meditate on these ideas:

Ibo is the dance of a revolution. Not for the  faint of heart or the weak of spirit. The struggle for freedom from chains unseen and the all too visible cuffs takes courage and strength and gives courage and strength. Ibo is a triumph of imagination. To dance an Ibo you must be able to imagine a world, or a you, that does not yet exist. Ibo is a commitment to the betterment of self for the betterment of all. To dance an Ibo is to master transition. Ibo is a dance where hope is the ultimate power and freedom is not seen as a miracle, but an inevitability.

Finally, in silence we agree that we are all necessary and capable of fulfilling our roles in our collective liberation.

Ayibobo