In various cultural and spiritual belief systems around the world, there have been instances of individuals marrying spirits. This concept may seem unusual or even bizarre to those outside of these traditions, but it is a deeply ingrained practice in the communities where it is practiced. In this article, we will explore the phenomenon of marrying spirits in Vodou, Zar, and shamanic beliefs.
Vodou
Vodou is a religion practiced primarily in Haiti, but also in other parts of the Caribbean and the United States. In Vodou, spirits, known as loa, play a central role in the religious practice. Loa are believed to be powerful beings who can influence the lives of humans, and practitioners of Vodou often seek to build relationships with these spirits through various rituals and ceremonies.
In some cases, individuals may choose to marry a loa. This is typically done in order to establish a deeper, more intimate connection with the spirit, and to gain access to its powers and protection. The marriage ceremony, known as a “plasaj,” is a serious commitment, and is usually only entered into after a long period of courtship and consultation with the loa.
During the plasaj, the individual and the loa are said to become one, with the loa taking up residence in the individual’s body. The individual is then considered to be a “horse” for the loa, and may exhibit the spirit’s characteristics and behaviours. This marriage creates a spiritual bond between the two.
One notable example is that of Marie Laveau, the famed Vodou queen of New Orleans, who is often said to have had a spiritual marriage with the loa, Damballa. This relationship purportedly granted her the wisdom and power to help her community. Many believers follow suit, often selecting a loa based on personal aspirations, life hardships, or protective needs. This spiritual marriage can facilitate communication and connection, allowing practitioners to seek guidance through prayer, offerings, and rituals.
Zar
Zar is a spiritual practice that is found in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan. It is similar to Vodou in that it involves the worship of spirits, known as Zar, who are believed to have the power to influence human lives. Zar spirits are often associated with natural elements, such as water, fire, and air, and are believed to be able to heal illnesses, grant wishes, and bring good fortune.
In Zar practice, it is believed that individuals can marry Zar spirits. This is typically done in order to gain the spirit’s protection and favours, and to establish a deeper connection with the spiritual realm. The marriage ceremony is often a festive occasion, involving music and dancing.
During the marriage, the individual is said to become the spouse of the Zar spirit, and is often given a new name and identity. The individual may also exhibit the spirit’s characteristics, such as a change in personality or behaviour. This marriage creates a spiritual bond between the two.
Shamanism
In shamanic traditions, which are found in many different cultures around the world, it is believed that individuals can marry spirit beings, in order to gain access to their powers and wisdom.
During the spirit marriage ceremony, the individual is said to enter into a deep, meditative state, during which they are able to communicate with the spirit being. The two then agree to form a bond, with the spirit taking up residence in the individual’s body. The individual is then considered to be a ” vessel” for the spirit, and may exhibit the spirit’s characteristics and behaviours.
Korean Shamanism
In some forms of Korean shamanism, shamans may undergo a ritual marriage to a spirit or god in order to gain the power to communicate with the dead. This spirit marriage is seen as a way to prove the shaman’s devotion and prepare them to receive the spirit’s energies. The ritual marriage may be enacted through offerings, prayers, divination, and ecstatic trance. Once a shaman has married a spirit, they are expected to build a shrine in their home to honour their spouse and may receive visions, prophecies, or healing powers from the supernatural entity.
Tibetan Buddhism
In some Tibetan Buddhist traditions, lamas or tantric practitioners may enter into a spiritual marriage with a dakini, or a divine female being. The dakini is seen as an embodiment of the lama’s own wisdom and consort. Marrying a dakini is a way to attain enlightenment and access higher states of consciousness. This spirit marriage represents a fusion of masculine and feminine energies on the spiritual plane. The lama may practice rituals, meditations, and sexual yoga with the dakini in order to achieve union with them and realise their ultimate nature.
It is believed that through this bond, the individual is able to access the spirit’s knowledge and abilities, and to use them for the benefit of their community.
Marrying spirits is a practice that is found in various cultural and spiritual belief systems around the world. In Vodou, individuals may marry loa spirits in order to establish a deeper connection with the spirit and to gain access to its powers. In Zar practice, individuals may marry Zar spirits in order to gain the spirit’s protection and favours. And in shamanic traditions, individuals may marry spirit beings, in order to gain access to their powers and wisdom.
It is important to note that these marriages represent the spiritual bonds that exist between the individual and the spirit. They are considered to be deeply sacred and meaningful commitments, and are not entered into lightly. Through these marriages, individuals are able to deepen their connection to the spiritual realm, and to access the powers and abilities of the spirits they marry.
—
Recommended reading:
(1) Spirit Marriage, by Megan Rose, Ph.D., (2) Ecstatic Religion: A Study of Shamanism and Spirit Possession, by I.M.Lewis, (3) Religion in Context: Cults and Charisma, by I.M. Lewis, (4) Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstacy, by Mircea Eliade, (5) Soul Family, by Sharon K. Richards, (6) Living With A Higher Power, by Kerin Webb.
Worldwide Temple of Aurora 