Erzulie Dantor

Erzulie Dantor: The Fierce Protector of Women and Families

Erzulie Dantor is a powerful and protective lwa in the Vodou pantheon. While Erzulie Freda embodies the softer, romantic aspects of love, Erzulie Dantor represents the fiercer, more protective aspects. She is known for her warrior spirit and deep loyalty to her family and children. She is the protector of women, especially single mothers, and she fights against oppression, abuse, and injustice. Her energy is fierce, independent, and unyielding, making her one of the most respected and beloved lwa among those who seek strength, protection, and justice.

Erzulie Dantor is often depicted as a dark-skinned woman with scars on her face, symbolic of her resilience and her willingness to fight for her loved ones. She is associated with the Black Madonna, a symbol of strength and maternal protection. Unlike Erzulie Freda, who values luxury and refinement, Dantor is down-to-earth and practical, embodying the strength of the working class and the struggles of everyday life.

Some of her key attributes include:

• Fierce Protection: Dantor is a warrior lwa who fiercely protects her children, her followers, and those who are vulnerable. She is especially protective of women and children, particularly single mothers and women who have been wronged or abused.
• Independence and Strength: Dantor embodies the spirit of independence, self-reliance, and resilience. She empowers her followers to stand up for themselves and to fight for their rights.
• Justice and Vengeance: Erzulie Dantor does not tolerate injustice. She is often called upon to help right wrongs, deliver justice, and protect against enemies or those who seek to cause harm.
• Maternal Love: Despite her fierce and warrior-like energy, Dantor is a deeply loving and nurturing spirit. Her maternal love is strong and unbreakable, and she will go to great lengths to protect her children and those she considers family.

Offerings to Erzulie Dantor

Erzulie Dantor appreciates offerings that reflect her earthy, practical nature. Unlike Freda, who enjoys luxury, Dantor prefers offerings that are simple but meaningful. Some appropriate offerings for her include:

• Black coffee or rum, reflecting her strong, no-nonsense nature.
• Fried pork (griot) or other hearty, savory foods.
• Blue and red candles, her favored colors.
• Knives or machetes, symbolic of her warrior spirit and willingness to fight for justice.
• Pictures or symbols of the Black Madonna, who is associated with Dantor in many traditions.
• Cigarettes, as she is known to enjoy smoking.

Calling Upon Erzulie Dantor

Erzulie Dantor is called upon in times of need, particularly when strength, protection, or justice is required. She is especially invoked by women who need help with family matters, protection from abuse, or guidance in standing up for themselves. Those who seek her help must approach her with respect and sincerity, as she does not tolerate dishonesty or weakness.

Dantor is often called upon for:

• Protection of Women and Families: Dantor is the protector of women, children, and families. She is often invoked by single mothers or women facing difficult situations to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Strength in Adversity: Dantor provides the strength and resilience needed to overcome hardships and challenges. She empowers her followers to fight for themselves and for their rights.
• Justice and Revenge: Dantor does not tolerate injustice. She is often called upon to help right wrongs or to seek revenge against those who have caused harm or oppression.
• Healing Emotional Wounds: While she is a fierce warrior, Dantor is also a healer, particularly of emotional wounds. She helps her followers recover from trauma, abuse, and betrayal.

Erzulie Dantor and Justice

Erzulie Dantor’s fierce nature makes her an ideal lwa for those seeking justice or protection from enemies. She does not shy away from difficult situations and will fight for her followers when they have been wronged. However, Dantor demands honesty and strength from those who call upon her. She is not one to be invoked lightly, and her help must be sought with sincerity and respect.

Entreaty to Erzulie Dantor

To honor Erzulie Dantor and ask for her protection and guidance, the following prayer can be spoken. This entreaty seeks her strength, protection, and justice in times of need:

"Erzulie Dantor, mother of strength and protector of the vulnerable, I call upon you. Grant me the courage to stand tall and the strength to face my enemies. Shield me and my loved ones from harm, and guide me through the trials of life. I offer this to you as a sign of my respect and devotion. Erzulie Dantor, warrior of justice, fight for me as I honor you. Protect my home, my family, and all those I hold dear. Mesi anpil, Erzulie Dantor."

This prayer can be spoken when seeking Dantor’s protection, justice, or guidance, particularly in difficult times. Offerings may accompany this prayer to further honor her strength and devotion.

Lwa information at www.spellmaker.com/vodouspirit.htm

Copyright, ©2000, Mambo Samantha Corfield

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