Make Sure It's Not You

Part of the role of being a spiritual worker is being a counselor to your clients. Sometimes people come to you because they want some sort of magic done, but after that first cleaning suppressed blockages begin to surface. Pandora's box is opened and it's time for the client to face their struggles so that they can grow.

You see, real magic is more than just the conjure. It's creating lifelong change, and to accomplish that change sometimes the spirits will prescribe cleanings in order to remove the unnecessary. For some people, this process can be arduous and confronting. How they react will oftentimes dictate the results they will receive.

Taking the Medicine

A client contacts me saying they are tired of being under appreciated and wants a new career. I tell them when to come by so that we can do the consultation and get the ball rolling. When I start pulling the cards I can definitely see difficulty at the workplace, but that the difficult is coming from their own mouth. They spend their work time gossiping and creating resentment amongst their coworkers. I inform them that the problem is coming from them and their response? "I never realized that I was upsetting people, can we still fix it?"

Naturally, I start doing the work to sweeten their current job, but more importantly I do the work to clean off the bad vibes from the agitated people off them. I warn the client that although the work has been done to smooth things over at the workplace that they must make a real effort to change their behavior. They agree and go on their way. A few weeks later things are much smoother at their job and they even got recognition for their project.

Be Honest About Yourself

Another client comes to me for a love and reconciliation spell with their recent ex. The cards immediately reveal that their are hard feelings coming from the ex. The ex saw the client as overbearing and jealous. I informed them that in order to successfully get their ex back these issues would need to be addressed. I received a cavalier attitude that said, "I can manage it with magic," from them. That's not to say that I felt they were insincere, but rather expected magic to do all the work for them.

I decided to take on the case although I lacked certainty in the long term outcome. The results manifested rather quickly, however, they certainly didn't last. That same pattern of behavior that made the relationship fall apart in the first place destroyed the new opportunities that were created.

Be Prepared to Grow

Taking a moral inventory is important when evaluating your life and happiness. When you are honest with yourself and work hard to improve, magic is much easier. If you try and fight the current you will only increase suffering for yourself. Although magic can alter circumstances for you in various degrees, it largely relies on you to hold on to it.

The next time a candle spell or sweet jar doesn't work out, stop and take an honest look at the role you played in the matter. Uncrossing and cleansing often helps release the psychic bonds that hold us back, but we ourselves must create the resolve to not fall back into those bonds.

Why Water?

Water and libations are a key role in maintaining relationships with spirits. A glass of water on their altar or on your nightstand invites communication with spirits, as well as, allows the spirits to refresh themselves. Some traditions even dictate how many glasses of water should be on an altar and how they should be arranged. 

A Medium of Communication

Water is the medium by which spirits are able to communicate with us effectively. Keeping a glass near your head at night will allow them to refresh not only themselves but you as well. When you are offering water to a spirit you are demonstrating peace and respect to them, allowing them to cool themselves and manifest for you. 

Water Helps Manifest the Spirits

We make these types of offerings to keep the spirits manifest in our lives, so that they remain interested in our affair. We also do this in a minimalistic fashion so that we do not give too much to these invisible forces where they dominate us, but rather just enough to keep them present and effective. 

Communication in Dreams

To use water as a medium for communication simply take a glass of water, add a pinch of salt, and place it on your nightstand before you go to sleep. Be sure to speak over the water and ask the spirits to come and speak to you in your dreams. Reciting psalm 23 over the water will also help with the manifestation you are seeking. 

Communication During Prayer

Having water on your spiritual altar will call the spirits to be present when you pray and meditate. your meditations will begin to seem deeper, and your mind should have more revealing messages. Again you want to refresh the water as soon as a cloudiness begins to appear. In the beginning the water may get cloudy quickly, and that is oaky. This is happening because the connection between you and the spirits is being purified. 

Things You Should Know

Don't be surprised if a build up begins to form on the glass that you can't seem to scrub away. That is how the spirits mark their territory. Once you start using a glass for the spirits you are best to consider it to be their glass moving forward. Don't use the glass for other things and DO NOT drink the water. 

If you use tap water, it's best to let it sit out over night before offering it, this is because of chemicals that are used to clean the water need to evaporate. Another misunderstanding with tap water is the bubbles that form, this is a natural process of compressed gas escaping the water. Having bubbles or no bubbles is not an indication of the presence of spirits. 

Incorporating this little bit of knowledge into you regular practices will add a depth that may have been missing before. Many may find they sleep better and remember their dreams more clearly. If you don't already have water out I recommend you start today.

Magic as Medicine

Magic, Spellcraft, Hoodoo, Rootwork, Conjure are all words we use to describe when we wish to alter the current state of the situation to something that better suits our needs and desires. It can be a very useful tool to allow us to go after opportunities that may not be otherwise available. We get ourselves into trouble when the power of magic enchants us and we suddenly feel we need to have every little situation under our control.

Wanga Sick

This sort of magical sickness is sometimes called wanga sick in certain traditions. Wanga is a word from Bantu origins that means something like undulations. Wanga is actually a great term for magic because we must stir the pot in our lives to so that we can create new opportunities for ourselves. However, this sickness occurs when we stir the pot too much and never let our lives settle. Faster and faster, increasing the temperature, until we have a disaster that has a major impact on our well-being.

Realizing that most magic is a medicine, and medicine as we know can be abused. There is a way to better avoid this by setting up a system of procedures to follow in most situations.

It's In The Timing

Enchanting things is an act of passion. When you act on those desires and pent up passions you release energy. Although most people won't be consciously aware of what they are feeling, they may unconsciously react with fear and revulsion if you come into contact with them right after working. The best time to work is late in the evening when the world is quiet, and allow for your self to "come back down" after you start. 

Remember Good Hygiene

When you do work sometimes those energies stick to you or you attract entities into your aura. Again people can sense these invisible energies and may react to them in an unfavorable way. It's important to cleanse and uncross regularly to release those energies from your aura.

More Flies With Honey

Grab the sweet stuff first. Try to start correcting an undesirable situation with a person by first trying to sweeten them up. Is there a coworker that seems like they have it out for you and constantly aggravating you? Your natural reaction may be to grab that vinegar, but instead reach for the honey and try and make them sweet to you. The person that was once tattling on your every little move is now singing your praises. 

Maybe They Just Need Some Training

Maybe you've been having an issue with your direct supervisor and despite having done a honey spell on them they still talk down to you and belittle you. This is when you start reaching for those commanding oils. They are trying to walk all over you? It's time to put them under your heel and start walking on them! However, once the behavior is corrected it's best to now stop working on them. Think of it like training a dog: there is no need to correct the dog if the behavior stops. The lesson has been learned whether or not they realized they were learning. If you continue having a power trip, expect a rebellion!

Why Can't Some People Just Learn?

You've been fair this whole time, and no matter what you can't seem to polish this turd. No matter what you do they consistently have it out for you. It's time to just throw them in the thrash. Now, you bust out those black candles and DUME oil. At this point you have done your best to apply lubrication to the squeaky gears, but all the social lube in the world won't fix what is broken. 

There is no one size fits all approach to every situation. Everyone is different and everyone will react in ways you may not expect. The above approach is to give you a frame of mind of how to approach magic and not become entranced by its power, that is how you develop wisdom. Besides the negative impact on your life, you just look plain goofy thinking you are all powerful while working a 9 to 5 job like the rest of us.

What Should Be On My Ancestor Altar?

An altar is a place where you commune with particular spirits. It is a place where offerings are made or magic is done. In a very real sense it is a representation of your relationship with spiritual beings. So, before placing things haphazardly in this area some considerations must be made.

Who Are My Ancestors?

Your ancestors are the countless generations that preceded you in this life. They are those that struggled and toiled so that you could have the existence that you have today. Ancestors are generally the direct genetic line to you but also sometimes extended family. For those that are adopted they generally will have two set of ancestors those they were born with and those of their adoptive family. in general, your ancestors are there to assist you with life's difficulties. 

How Do I Build An Altar?

With all spiritual relationships, things should be taken one small step at a time. The very first step is to establish a place in your home where you can commune with them. This place should allow privacy for both you and your ancestors. If you are limited on space I recommend getting a simple cabinet where you can open and close the doors when you work with them. 

On the altar for them you should place a white plate of a cloth, I prefer to use a plate as it is generally fire safe for you to burn candles upon. You may want to put up some pictures in the area of deceased. I placed a casket cross from my great grandmother's funeral here as well. Try not to clutter the space, and be mindful that you may want some room to do magic. 

Salute Your Ancestors

Now that the place has been neatly and mindfully arranged you can salute your ancestors here. Take a moment beforehand and clean and organize your home first. It's a little bit of something extra to let them know you are taking them seriously, it will also ensure that the energy moves smoothly during the ceremony. It helps if you do some simple quiet relaxation before hand as well.

How Often should I Give Offerings and What Should I Give?

In the beginning, a weekly tea light and a glass of water is all that is necessary. This is because you are greeting them into your life, elevating them, and asking them to help. However, there is nothing wrong with giving a small offering to them such as some tobacco, liquor, white flowers, or even some incense. Generally, in giving flowers to your ancestors its best to give white flowers, leaving them on the altar until they wilt. For incense I recommend burning frankincense for it's harmonizing and purifying qualities. 

Let me emphasize that less is more! You can bog down your ancestors with frequent and large offerings. A small amount is all that is necessary, and it should be removed after 24 hours. More offerings doesn't mean that you will get what you want because offerings are not bribes, they are signs of appreciation and respect.

Every Relationship Is Different
When you start this process it may begin blissfully, and seem like life will be smooth sailing. For some this may be true, but for others they may encounter difficulties. Stubborn and difficult ancestors do exist, and they may seem like they are blocking your progress. These ancestors require extra attention and need to be purified through your service and acknowledgement of them. You don't have to like each other, but if you help them elevate they will no longer be an obstacle for you. Your job here is illumination and elevation.

Easy Money Powder

So you want to do money magic but you are already broke and can't even afford colored candles? Here's some simple things you can do with things you probably already have in your cabinet.

Easy Money Powder:

• Nutmeg Powder
• Vanilla Powder
• Cinnamon Powder
• All-Spice Powder
• Clove Powder

How to make it

Take equal parts of each ingredient, you don't need very much, about a teaspoon of each should be plenty. Talk to each ingredient separately and say, "In the name of the spirits of my family, I come to you spirit of (ingredient) because I need you to bring me money."

Once you have spoken to each ingredient place the ingredients in a mortar and slowly combine them using the pestle to grind them together. If you don't have a mortar use a bowl and a spoon. Again speak your needs allowed while mixing your ingredients. Be direct and simple as you say, "I come to you spirits in this powder because I need you to bring me money and fill my home with money."

When you are finished, take the bowl with the powder in it and light a candle. Present the bowl to your ancestors and ask them to bless the powder for you. Leave the powder sit overnight if you can. The next day the money powder should be ready to use. Place it in a clean jar, preferably one made of glass. If you don't have a small jar you can get a jar of baby food for less than a dollar and clean it out for use. Make sure to label what the powder is so you don't forget!

Use it around your home

Take your par of money powder and walk through your home. Go to your front door with your powder and open it, speak to the powder as you have before, take a pinch and blow it across your threshold. The begin to walk through your home from the front door to the back room. In each room take a pinch your fingers, speak to the powder, and blow towards the four corners of the room. 

Use it at your work

Take some money powder and sprinkle it in your wallet, again speaking to it as you sprinkle it. If you are looking for a job, print up copies of your resume and sprinkle money powder on them and give those resumes to prospective employers. If you are in sales, sprinkle the money powder in a sachet and carry it in your pocket. If you have a workspace, blow it around your workspace. Remember to speak to the money powder before each use!

Be creative! 

You can make a money oil by simply adding some of the powder to almond oil or very fine olive oil. You can use the powder as an ingredient in a mojo hand. You can even put some in a sachet to wipe your hands for extra luck before you go gamble. The limits are your imagination. Good money magic is about habits.

This is just a simple recipe, it is not the end all of what is possible but it should help you out of a rut. As you grow you may make more complex money powder, or now that you have funds you might want to buy some money powder from someone more experienced. It's your life work your juju your way.

Papa Legba

For quite some time the internet and books on Haitian Vodou have had a buzz about Papa Legba. On no other Lwa, except perhaps the Baron, has so much misinformation been spread. "Papa Legba is the universal door opener" "Papa Legba works for everybody" "You can call Papa Legba yourself" "Go to the Crossroads at midnight to call Legba"

Legba and Papa Legba

In the Fon tradition of West Africa, predating the diaspora, Legba is a young trickster god dressed in red and black that bears similarities to the Yoruban deity Eshu. Although similar to Eshu, he does not have the same nature often attributed to Eshu. However the focus now is Legba, who in this pre-diaspora belief system was seen as a young god that was called upon for potent fertility rites of a very sexaul nature. 

The Papa Legba of Haiti is that of an old man who is no longer potent but instead crippled and observant. He is no longer a trickster but instead a wise old man in imparting wisdom to the people. Now, he sits guarding the gates of the peristyle during ceremony allowing the Lwas to come forth and express themselves. No longer does he wander the roads, but instead patiently waits for those to come to him. 

Dispelling The Falsehoods Of Papa Legba:

"Papa Legba is the universal door opener"

This is a patently false notion. Papa Legba is a Lwa of a Haitian Vodou and his purpose exists within the context of ceremony. Outside of those ceremonies you will find that he has little interest. Remember he is an old man and most old men won't be bothered with frivolous things.

"Papa Legba works for everybody"

What does it mean when someone says a Lwa will work for everybody? It means that if you go to an houngan or mambo if no particular Lwa is standing up to help your case that there are certain Lwas that will work for you. Papa Legba is one but so is the Baron, Erzulie Dantor, and even Kalfou. (There are more but it is not necessary to discuss them here.) In other words, these spirits will work for you when you see the houngan or mambo, not when you call them because you have not been given authority to call them.

"Go to the Crossroads at midnight to call Legba"

As stated earlier, Legba is no longer wandering the roads. Instead if you go into the crossroads at night you will likely meet malicious spirits or Kalfou. Kalfou does not play games or forgive easily. He is all business and will mess you up real quick if you approach him the wrong way.

"You can call Papa Legba yourself"

This is very important to address because there are so many false and dangerous notions about calling Lwas. The Lwas are complex spirits. The have many peculiarities and taboos that are rarely discussed openly. Much of the information written about them come from eager new vodouisants looking to make a name for themselves. Like a bad game of telephone: bad information get worse as it goes from mouth to mouth.

Calling any Lwa is very very dangerous. Not just because an imposter might enter your space, but rather that you may actually have a Lwa show up. Lwas can be demanding and petty like children or cats. If you don't know how to appease the spirit it can wreak havoc on your life. And just to emphasize the point: you have never formally met Legba, how will you know it is him that answers when you call? What will you do when you or someone else gets possessed by a spirit? 

It is not worth the risk. If you truly feel a call to Vodou there are man many houses and societies to go to that can bring you face to face with the Lwas in the proper setting.

Find a houngan or mambo, find a house.

If Vodou is calling you or you believe Lwas are manifesting in your life, contact a houngan like myself and get a consultation. That consultation will determine what is actually going on with you. More so, it will open doors in your life to have a better understanding of your spiritual self and put you in touch with your spirits. Becoming part of a house is like getting new extended family with a whole lot of good spirits that want to help elevate your life.

The Fool: Liberation or Baser Human Nature

I've decided to start a series of posts clarifying my views and interpretations of the Tarot. Modern Tarot is rife with assumptions that are based upon assumptions that have little to no historical value in the origin of the cards. Understanding the context of Tarot's place in history, for me, is extremely important to building a deeper connection to the cards and the meanings veiled within them.

Some of my references and source material comes form the works of Michael Dummet and Helen Farley, both of whom take materialist and historical approach to the cards. This is not to imply that I have discarded all mystical views of the cards, quite the opposite, I find the game of Tarot to be quite mystical and the perfect medium for divination.

In the earliest depiction of the Fool found in the Visconti Sforza deck, we see an image of a man in tattered clothes that only cover the upper half of his body. His face and physical features suggest that he suffers from a form of cretinism. The goiter on his neck, the nearness of his eyes, and clubbed hands and foot tell a story of severe physical and likely mental deformity. Upon his head there are seven feathers that likely symbolize the seven deadly sins, and in his hand he holds a club.

This imagery conjures the idea of baser nature of humanity that is driven by impulse rather than logic. His lake of care for his appearance is that of someone who has no interest in social conformity or rather a complete lack of awareness of it. The club in his hand is on the shoulder ready to be swung without regard or care of the outcome. He is a brutal figure and reminds us of our less than rational nature.

Other images of the card that would later appear would show him with a dog, typically biting at his legs, buttocks, or even his scrotum. The dog being representative of affliction that is driving these baser impulses. The image of the dog and affliction reminds us of the image of St Lazarus whose sores are being licked by dogs. Waite would keep the image of the dog in his own deck which would serve as the foundation of most modern tarot imagery.

When we compare the previous imagery of the Fool to the Waite interpretation we see a more care-free portrayal of man whose idealism has him looking towards the heavens as he walks next to precipice. In his hand he holds a white rose as a symbol of purity, which is somewhat ironic given the earlier depictions of the card. I can be said that there is an innocence in foolishness, however, the consequences will be equally as dire.

Aleister Crowley would have the most bizarre interpretation of the Fool as being an image of complete liberation, happiness, and joy. Crowley was a former member of the Golden Dawn who would move on to start his own esoteric order proclaiming himself as prophet of the New Aeon. He carried on the Golden Dawn tradition of attempting to shoehorn ideas from different systems into his system of Thelema. As such he changed many things in the Tarot to better fit his magical philosophies. His tarot deck called Thoth is available to this day and has also become a very influential part of modern Tarot.

My personal interpretation of this card sides with the earlier symbolism. I believe that the Fool is warning the client of overly embracing their lower self and putting to risk what is important and necessary socially speaking. The Fool is affliction and leads to sorrow for people that can't recognize their own behavior and how it affects them and others. Without cards to weaken the Fool present in the reading the client needs to take a step back re-evaluate themselves and what is driving their ambitions.