Introduction to Simbi
Simbi is a Vodou loa (or rather a family, as there are said to be more than 20 different ones) linked to springs and water, symbolizing clairvoyance and magic. He is the guardian of water points and acts as a messenger for other loas. People possessed by Simbi constantly crave water and may enter trance by throwing themselves into rivers.
It is said that children fetching water risk being taken by Simbi, who drags them underwater to turn them into servants, before granting them clairvoyance (only for the most docile).
As master of magicians, Simbi provides powerful help in all rituals.
Variants of Simbi
| Simbi Andezo | Linked to fresh and salt water, represents the duality of waters. |
| Simbi Anpaka | Loa of plants, leaves, and poisons, associated with nature and healing. |
| Simbi Makaya | Powerful sorcerer, master of magic rituals, and revered in secret societies like the Sanpwel. |
| Simbi Dlo | Associated with deep waters, springs, rivers, and lakes; linked to fertility and purification. |
| Gran Simba | Military loa, protector and guide of warriors. |
| Simbi Ganga | Linked to turbulent waters, invoked in rituals related to war and struggle. |
Table of correspondences for Simbi
| Veve |
 |
| Rite | |
| Colors | Green, blue, turquoise, red |
| Offerings | Speckled roosters, knives, rums, mangoes, snake skins |
| Celebration date | January 6 |
| Sacred places | All bodies of water |
| Planets | Sun, Mercury |
| Helpers | Magic, communication, clairvoyance, fertility, rain |
| Catholic equivalent | Wise Kings |
Symbols and appearances of Simbi
Simbi is represented as an aquatic serpent (he has no human form). He appears in water places like rivers, springs, or swamps. During ceremonies, followers invoke Simbi by drawing a vévé representing a serpent and aquatic symbols.
