Loup Garou
Loup Garou
Plural: Loups Garoux
The loups-garoux of Haiti and the French Caribbean are a fusion of Breton werewolf traditions and African secret sorcerers’ societies. Although technically loup garou translates as werewolf; Caribbean loups garoux transcend the technical definition of werewolves as men who transform into wolves and back: Island loups-garoux are predominately female, unlike the predominately male European werewolf. Ability to transform may be passed from mother to daughter. Alternatively, some loups-garoux are members of secret societies who obtain their powers from lwa like Marinette. There is also a traditional belief that barren women consumed with rage, anger, frustration and resentment involuntarily transform into loups-garoux. This person may not wish to be a loup-garou. She may resist as hard as she can only to uncontrollably transform at night.
Unlike regular werewolves, loups-garoux can fly. Their violent attacks may be random but children of enemies are particularly vulnerable. Loups-garoux suck children’s blood in the manner of a vampire rather than a traditional werewolf. Children may be consumed; those that are not killed may develop intestinal worms that resist medical treatment. A shamanic herbalist may be required to affect a cure.
Loup Garou is the name of a song and album by singer, Willie Deville.
Certain plants are used to ward off loups-garoux. They are not taken internally; they are not necessarily a cure for loups-garoux initiated illness. The presence of the plants around a building or home should prevent the loup-garou from approaching. If loups-garoux threaten, cultivate any or all of these plants including:
• Acajou (Swietania mahogani): Caution! This plant may cause miscarriage
• Atiyoyo, a.k.a. Grand Basilic (Ocimum gratissimum)
• Avé (Petiveria alliacaeae)
• Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris)
• Bois couleuvre, a.k.a. snake plant (Cap paris jamaicensis)
• And especially Kalanchoe pinnata whose nickname is loup-garou
MANIFESTATION:
During the day, she looks like an ordinary woman but at night, the loup garou transforms into a winged monster. When loups-garoux travel through the sky, they produce a luminescent trail, reminiscent of a comet.
Numbers: 7; 13
Time:
Time:
The seventh and thirteenth nights of each month (approximately the waxing half and full moons)
SEE ALSO:
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.
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