Before I could get an idea of what is called the Wenélé, I had to understand the spiritual condition that a mother enters into once she becomes pregnant. It is general knowledge that during pregnancy a woman has a variety of characteristic or dietary changes that affect the way she interacts with her environment. In many cases, it also modifies the way her environment and the people in it respond to her. During pregnancy, the energy or spirit of the developing child offsets that of the mother’s. 

She is no longer herself. Though she is present, it is the force of the child that dominates her or ‘takes over’ on every level. She is completely at the mercy of what the baby needs from her body as well as from the outside. During her pregnancy, everything is about ensuring the baby is OK. Thus, the mother becomes like an egg, housing or hosting a life inside. Her own vitality rests somewhere between life and death.

In the Tem traditions ( the spiritual practices of the tribe inhabit the Sokode region of Togo) of various rural areas in Togo, West Africa, a pregnant woman is likened to the proverb, “The casket is open” or, “A woman who’s casket is open”. It’s as if she has one foot in the grave, so to speak. This is because pregnancy is a very fragile period for a woman. There are many spiritual vulnerabilities the baby is susceptible to. There are cultural protocols surrounding her behaviors and even her diet that are observed in order to protect herself and the baby physically and spiritually. For example, in the traditions a woman is advised not to travel, go out, or shower late at night. She is also advised to refrain from sleeping outside as well. This is because during the late hours, there may be unwanted entities or spirits that can negatively affect her pregnancy.

There is also the reality that not every pregnancy is carried to term. Sometimes, despite various efforts or preparations, it may take more than one pregnancy for the mother to experience the full term. Even during labor and delivery there may arise complications that put the baby and or mother’s life in danger. To avoid these circumstances, divinations are done early on to find out which Ancestor will be reincarnating. This gives an idea of potentially what can be expected during the pregnancy. It may also reveal spiritual works or guidance to avoid complications related to the pregnancy or birth and ensure the best situation for a safe delivery.

However, based on a variety of material or non-material factors (physical/spiritual health, environment, unstable emotions, timing, environment of the parents or the incarnation themselves), there is always a possibility that complications may endanger the life and health of the baby and mother. This is the reality for the mother from the moment she becomes pregnant until she delivers the baby. Once the baby has arrived, there is a 40 day adjustment period known as the Wenélé (translated in Tem as ‘40 days’) as the mother returns to herself again.