He had been told that his orisha was not yet permitted to speak. But during the bat ge, he was suddenly possessed by Ogoun. Other lwa are less articulate at first, but speak more clearly after more ceremonies have taken place. Some candidates never undergo possession, for example a Babalawo who was prevented by previous commitments to Ifa service from becoming possessed. But most candidates, indeed almost all, have an episode of possession at some point in the ceremony.
Possessions occur more and more frequently.
The physical effort involved in these dances, which usually last for three or four hours at least, can not be underestimated. Participants usually spend the day resting, either at home or in the peristyle, and continue to protect themselves very carefully from malevolent magic and from poisoning. On the third night of the bat ge candidates make power objects called pakets . These are very beautiful objects which have a round base about the size of an orange, filled with secret ingredients. From this base, which is covered with satin cloth and decorated with beads, sequins and ribbons, sprout feathers and artificial flowers.