BeliƩ Belcan

BeliƩ Belcan

BeliƩ Belcan is among the most popular of the lwa from the Dominican Republic. He wanders the night, armed with a blade and heavy iron chain, looking for malefactors so that he can put them right. BeliƩ is an ancient guardian spirit invoked for protection. He presides over the making of protective amulets and talismans (resguardos; similar talismans are associated with Shango).

Haitian Vodou identifies BeliĆ© Belcan with Ogun (specifically Ogou Shango). In Dominican Vodo tradition, BeliĆ© Belcan is syncretized to Michael Archangel. Rituals and spells associated with Michael (or that incorporate Michaelā€™s name) may be addressed to BeliĆ© or performed with BeliĆ© in mind.

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Bellier Belcan or Bercan

CLASSIFICATION:

Lwa

FEAST:

29 September (feast of Michael Archangel)

MANIFESTATION:

A small elderly man with a limp; donā€™t be fooled by his deceptively frail appearance. He is a spiritually and physically powerful spirit.

ICONOGRAPHY:

Images of Michael Archangel are used to represent BeliƩ.

ATTRIBUTE:

Machete; dagger; sharp knife; large, heavy chain with which to clobber enemies before he chains them up

CONSORT:

Anaisa PyƩ (traditionally venerated together, they will share an altar)

SPIRIT ALLY:

Candelo

COLOURS:

Red, green

ELEMENTS:

Air, fire

OFFERINGS:

Rum, cigars, cigarettes

SEE ALSO:

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright Ā© 2009 by Judika Illes.

FURTHER READING: