This whip, and the ayizan itself, is placed on a throne constructed for Ayizan. This throne is a chair placed on a very elaborate vever, covered in a white sheet. Under the sheet, on the chair, are certain items which only initiates are permitted to see. One by one or in pairs, initiates salute the throne and then burrow their heads under the sheet. At this moment they are flanked by hounsis who use their full white skirts to screen the throne from the eyes of non-initiates, including the candidates.
Initiates then perform certain actions toward the ayizan.
An honored member of the peristyle, the presiding Houngan or Mambo or more usually some other chosen person, then performs the thrilling kouri Ayizan , the running of the ayizan. The person performing this part of the ceremony may be male or female, but they must be an initiate. Because some degree of athletic ability is required, usually a younger person is chosen, but senior peristyle members can be called upon as well. The chosen individual takes the ayizan in two hands. They salute the four directions, and then begin to dance with the ayizan, whisking it through the air and across the faces and bodies of the participants.