Loko: The Lord of the Sacred Tree and Ancestry

1. Introduction: The World Axis Principle

Loko is the Vodun who inhabits the sacred Iroko tree (the white fig tree). He is the first tree in the world, the axis connecting Earth and Heaven. Loko represents ancestry, the wisdom accumulated over time, and the force of nature. He is a Vodun of great power and mystery, the guardian of the secrets of earth and heaven.

2. Fundamental Myths

A myth tells that Loko was the first witness to creation. Therefore, he knows all the secrets of gods and men. Its leaves have the power to cure all diseases, and its roots hold the wisdom of ancestors. To perform any important ritual, one must seek Loko's permission.

3. Domains and Symbols

Their domain is the Iroko tree itself and the sacred space surrounding it. Their symbols are the white flag tied to its branches and the tree's own leaves.

4. Archetype and Personality

Loko's children are wise, balanced people with a strong connection to their ancestry and nature. They are calm, observant, and act as counselors. They value tradition, family, and stability. They are the pillars of their community.

5. Relationships and Dialogues

Loko dialogues with the Orisha Iroko (Ketu) and Nkisi Kitembo (Angola). While Iroko is the deified tree itself and Kitembo is the lord of time who inhabits it, Loko is the Vodun of the tree. These are closely related concepts that demonstrate the importance of the white fig tree as the sacred axis of the world in the three Candomblé nations.