Some consult with hougan (priests) or mambo (priestess) by the belief that they are possessed by some of the loas, deities of voodoo. the hougan and mambo are responsible for the direction of worship, top leaders of the altars dedicated to the saints, while "are interpreters of the will of the loas." There is an almost unlimited number of Iwas, each with distinct characteristics covering sacred numbers, colors, days, food and ritual objects.