Monthly Columns

Good God!: Kalfu

Kalfu (also Kalfou or Carrefour) is the Haitian Vodou God of Intersections. His name literally means “the crossroads,” which is the point where four roads emerge or two paths cross. It is also the point where magic manifests, where choices are made, and fates are forged.  

He is thought of as “the devil at the crossroads.” a terrifying god, a red demonic beast equated with Saten. One of their most powerful gods, Kalfu allows or denies spirits to cross into the real world “with an understanding into the nature of chaos and creation, good and misfortune, and injustices,” according to Wikipedia.

Although other spirits know him, he often remains a lone wolf. He will communicate with those who respectfully request his assistance and can be a powerful spirit ally, able to see outcomes down the road.

According to hoodoowitch.net, “Kalfu likes to use tree leaves in his magic and is often seen helping people cope with personal problems, also acting as a master of the ‘human condition.’ Kalfu says that some people claim he is a demon, an allegation that he denies. Kalfu is a feared and respected Loa [spirit] reputed to be the grand master of charms and sorcerers. He is closely associated with black magic.”

Kiwi Mojo, the home of New Zealand’s first and only Haitian Vodou society, Hounfo Racine Deesse Dereyale, states that although often associated with black magic, it is a misconception that Kalfu is evil or a demon. Rather, “Kalfou is the true essence of all magic, he is the force through which all magic flows, or to put it another way, all magic, be it for good or ill, passes through the crossroads.” He does not direct it, he allows it to continue on without judgement. 

Sources say Kalfu drinks gunpowder-infused rum to pass the time. While that is said to be his favorite offering, Kiwi Mojo states on its website, “As a hot spirit he eats only blood from his sacrifices, however as an offering he will accept other foods, such as cakes and red apples… Whatever food is given to Met Kalfou, is should be red or red and black… Make sure they are aesthetically pleasing and presented in an even number and a multiple of 4. If you are offering him apples, offer him 4 or 8 or 12 or 16 apples, never 3 or 5 or an uneven number. His preferred drink is a special Vodou mixture called Kiman. Kiman is a drink that begins with white rum, preferably white Barbancourt, to which Star Anise, Cinnamon and other herbs are then added.”

Emmanuel Arthur Edwards, a third generation Haiti Voodoo priest, notes that Kaifu is “often depicted as a shadowy figure with piercing eyes that hold the wisdom of the ages” who “commands both fear and respect.” He merges with the shadows, his garb the shades of twilight, “embodying the dualities of existence – creation and destruction, order and chaos.”

The black-and-white illustration is a veve, or religious symbol in branches of Voodoo, used to as a representation of and beacon for Kalfu during rituals. Edwards explains that when drawn with precision, it invites “the enigmatic energies of Kalfu to manifest and commune with practitioners. … To trace the lines of the veve is to navigate the intricate pathways of Kalfu’s influence, inviting the seeker to stand at the crossroads and embrace the transformative power that lies within the mysteries concealed in the folds of the universe.”


About the Author:
All my life I have known magic was real. As a child, I played with the fae, established relationships with trees and “just knew things.” In my maiden years I discovered witchcraft and dabbled in the black-candles-and-cemeteries-at-midnight-on-a-fullmoon magick just enough to realize I did not understand its power. I went on to explore many practices including Zen, astrology, color therapy, native traditions, tarot, herbs, candle magic, gems, and, as I moved into my mother years, Buddhism, the Kabbalah and Reiki. The first man I dated after my divorce was a witch who reintroduced me to the Craft, this time by way of the Goddess. It was like coming home to myself. I have been in multiple covens, some virtual. As an eclectic solitary practitioner, I travel the country in a converted school bus and share magick with those I meet. Find me at https://thewitchonwheels.com/ and on Facebook.