Voodoo Authentica
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Serving Oya on Katrina's 8th Aniversary
There is a specific spirit who rules over storms, Oya. She is a warrior, the the keeper of the cemetaries, winds of change, and associated with massive transformation. When you need to release the things that no longer serve you well, you can call on Oya, but in my personal experience and that of those I know to have worked with her, she ain't for the faint of heart. You'd be well advised to only call on Oya when you are sick and tired if being sick and tired! She and her sister Oshun (with whom she does not get along) have both been all around me for the past 2 weeks, sending very specific signs and messages to me. As a matter of fact, Oshun told me I had to ask Oya to clear my path before she could bring in her gifts of joy and prosperity. (Note the phrase "clear my path". Ever seen footage of the path a tornado leaves when it cuts through?! It's kinda like that, it ain't pretty folks. In fact, to be blunt, it rather sucks I'd have to say!) The lady has been quite busy, and I can't say I'm not a bit worse for the wear. The thing is, your life is always better for it once th storm is over. She is the school of hard knocks.
Oya's sacred day is Wednesday and her colors are dark purple and burgundy. Items sacred to her are black plums, red grapes, red wine, eggplants, storm clouds, wind, and the machete she uses to chop down and clear out anything obstructing your path. In the tarot, she comes up for me as the Ace of Swords, the Queen of Swords, or the Death XIII card. You could call on her during a storm or when it is windy. Write or speak your petiton for the changes you need or want and ask her for the courage to weather the storm. Then place any of these cards in front of a purple candle with one of the items sacred to her. To show your gratitude, take any of these items to a cemetery, leaving it at the gate since she is who watches over it.
I brought her a gorgeous eggplant today and put it on her altar to say thank your for giving me the strength to withstand the massive changes going on in and around my life. It was also thanking her for keeping The Crescent Lady safe so far this hurricane season. And for the blessings, strength and courage that came from Katrina. The one new lesson I'm learning is to stop resisting the winds of change she blows and allow her to have you land where she sees fit and is best for you to start your path anew.
QofSw - Vampire Tarot Deck by Nathalie Hurtz for U.S. Games
Death - Tarot of Vampires by Ian Daniels
Ace of Sw - Dark Angels Tarot by Luca Russco for LoSacrabeo
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Bee-ing Prosperous With Mamma Oshun
One of the African spirits I honor is Oshun. She is the Orisha of love, happiness, sensuality and prosperity. Her colors are yellow, green, gold, and orange. Sacred items to her include: pumpkins, sunflowers, the sun, oranges, honey, cinnamon. Animals sacred to her include bees and peacocks. She is the "sweet water", the rivers. I have gone down to the banks of the Mighty Misissippi to give thanks to her for favors granted. On my personal altar to her I have several things that either I thought she'd like or that she asked me for. I love how the candlelight illuminates the amber and green calcite. I keep money that has her sacred oil on it to ask that when I put it in my wallet and then spend it more will be drawn back to me. I give her thanks and say that I know that the money I spend enriches the lives of others and comes back to me multiplied. I've noticed this has really helped with relationship with money and seeing it as an energy exchange, thus helping to release the fear of the lack of it.
*my personal altar to Oshun*
One night last week while doing cards on The Square, my friend Jewel (another reader) and I stared singing one of her songs. It was a kinda slow night and money was scarce. Within about 15 minutes I had my first reading of the night. Very shortly thereafter so did another friend. We both went home quite pleased and grateful. The next night Jewel set up my table for me. When I sat down I saw something that amazed us both. On the lip of one of my candles was a honey bee! She seemed like she was unwell and needing to rest to regain her strength. I got to my setup at about 5:30 and left at about 01:00. I even carried the candle home and that bee stayed with me! I gave her a tiny drop of some delicious German honey, said a prayer of thanks to Mamma Oshun and left the candle outside in my courtyard so she could find some flowers. The last time I checked at about 04:00 thshe was, but the next day she was gone. This week I found 3 bees in my house buzzing around in the kitchen, one in the bathroom.
I associate her with the Queen of Wands in tarot. Call on her for help when working with the sacral, solar plexus and heart chakras. She will help you to create most anything you want, including financial abundance, art, music, inspiration, joy and passion for life itself.
Here is a beautiful song for Oshun
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Genevieve's Resolution
I was walking to the bank today and my fast paced walk was brought to halt when I saw this precious fur-ball striking a pose like he was in the Vogue video. I immediately thought of the tarot. Genevieve (don't ask. The cat looks like a Genivive to me ok) is all stretched out with not a single care in the world. She could give less than a damn about what anyone thinks. The two paintings behind her make me think of conversation bubbles in a cartoon that show what she was dreaming away about. The one painting shows the painted jewels of New Orleans, our Creole cottages, as they are helplessly being drowned by the rising waters of Katrina. The other an adorable little dog painting who he is in his spirit. My brain translated this into The Tower, 4 of swords, and the Page of Wands.
*The Gill Tarot by U. S. Games*
But the horrific catastrophe is all behind this kitty-cat. (Quite literally lol!) What's on her mind is that conversation she had with a dog named Max a few months after the storm. She'd always laughed at Max and thought what a dumbass he was because of how he interacted with humans, but she learned how wise that damn dog was. Genevieve's humans had evacuated because of the storm. In her terror, Genevieve had freaked out and ran away when the levees broke. She had managed to climb out of an open window and make it to the roof. After several days she was finally rescued and brought to a shelter in Atlanta and relocated again to one in Houston. While there she met a really cool beagle named Max who told her of his experience with the storm. His family was not as lucky as he was. They were an elderly couple and did not survive. He was able to swim and float along when the water came into the house and swept him away. Luckily, rescuers found him. He ended up having his Katrina-cation in the same shelter in Houston as Genevieve. He was so freaked out he lost his hair in patches, couldn't eat... he was a mess. And one day he thought of the sweet man he used to live with. His wife had died a few years prior and the man went through a horrible depression. One day Max was sitting next to the gentleman while the man was looking in the mirror shaving. He suddenly stopped and said, "Ya know, I survived The Korean War, working off-shore on the oil rigs, lossing my parents and the trauma of raising 4 teen-agers. Max, I gotta get busy livin' or get busy dyin'." And for the first time in months the old man had a spark of hope and inspiration in his eye. Max knew then it was all about perspective. After many months spent at the shelter he had done much self-reflection. He decided to change his thought process about how he viewed himself and life in general. His life was his reality to create as he chose. Shit may be traumatic and beyond his control, but how he dealt with it was his choice. It was time to draw on his courageous inner big-dawg. Shortly thereafter, a nice couple who were also spending their Katrinacation in H-Town came looking specifically for pet who was displaced from the storm. A week later Max was back in New Orleans living in a cute little shot-gun house in Gentilly.
Genevieve decided to accept her lot in life where she was and approach each new day with gratitude and the fine art of allowing The Universe to manifest what she requested. She decided no more insomnia and meowing to the top of her lungs and pacing in her kennel. She may have used up about 6 lives enduring those scortching hot days after the storm, but damnit she had 3 more! She decided to pray and ask Bast to send her the same good fortune Papa Legba had sent Max. She now had a posh home in an art gallerey on Royal St. in the French Quarter.
I was lucky enough to see her in the exact same pose when I walked by again half an hour later as she lay there in a state of utter bliss knowing all was right with the world.
I got Genevieve's message loud and clear.
A great stone to work with for these type issues is clear calcite. Here is the piece I just got last week. Look at gorgeous rainbows in this miniature block of ice! If you'd like to know more about how to work with this stone, check out these resources:
http://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/calcite/
*The Gill Tarot by U.S. Games*
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Prayers For Boston
Love that dirty water!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Ostara 2013 - Dancing Between the Light and the Dark
Welcome, in particular for those who are following on along on the Ostara Bloghop. If you are moving forward on the hop, you have come from Aisling's blog.
Ostara is a celebration of the Vernal or Spring Equinox, a time where the hours of light and darkness are balanced, and this years theme for the Bloghop is addressing that magickal balance of the two. I decided to keep it pretty simple, an act in and of itself a means of seeking balance within my own self as this is not my usual tendency lol. Ever since I read about the topic, I've seen The Sun card from the Tarot of Vampyers in my head. This card expresses that delicate balance when opposing forces meet. Masculine/feminine. Darkness/light. This gorgeous couple stands before the blazing sun which upon closer inspection seems to have a pale moon at its center. They call to mind Persephone and Hades. The field of roses in bloom denote Persephone's mother Demeter eagerly awaiting the arrival of her daughter from the depths of the Earth. The girl who was once a victim has not only made peace with her circumstances, she has become a woman and defied the odds by using the situation to her advantage. She stands before her king who has escorted her back to the Earth's surface as his equal in a lovers exchange. He has been tempered by her compassion and her courage and allows himself to be vulnerable in his queens embrace. The fact that both their eyes are closed demonstrates the phrase "in perfect love and perfect trust". Him allowing her to touch his face truly shows he has found his sanctuary in her.
Where in each of our lives can we create more balance and harmony? What past indiscretions need to be brought to light so that we may heal? Where can we replace aggression with compassion? But let us not forget the other end of the spectrum. What things do we need to bury in the shadows and stop constantly highlighting so that they might finally heal? Where have we shown too much compassion and not assertively taken a stand? I specifically have chosen The Wheel of Fortune from the deck in answer. It speaks to me of the perfect harmony and flux of life's many cycles. The gradual change of the color of the roses, the blooms and the thorns, the three creatures who are keeping the wheel in motion. All of this shows that life the answers to life's questions are not always black and white, good vs evil, dominance vs submission, right vs wrong. Today I will meditate on these two cards and set my intention for the day to remain in a state of harmony with the shadow and light of my being.
If you are continuing on the hop, your next stop is Jonanne's lovely blog. Thank you so much for stopping by and Blessed Ostara!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Today My Aura Is Violet
The past month has been on of the most magickal, healing, enlightening of my life. Real talk folks! I've basically lived an entire Sundance film lol, and the best part is that due to this awakening, I now truly understand that this is MY movie and I am the director and the star!
I felt my Secret Language of Colour oracle from Blue Angel publishing (LOVE the decks!) calling to me. I asked "What color is my aura today?" I pulled Violet! How fitting with all of the spiritual things that have transpired over the past few weeks, but in particular the past 48 hours. Violet is associate with both the crown and third eye chakras, the connection to intuition, psychic abilities, and Spirit. The creatrix of the deck Inna Segal says it is also good for healing insomnia (like using lavender sheet spray or oil) and for physical injury to the eyes, brain, and nervous system. She also explains that helps release karma and gain freedom from past issues.
So I did a meditation using the violet ray to bring balance and to keep me stress free and and in harmony with Spirit. I'm on a whole different level these days and plan to continue ascending!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Ruby Slippers & Angel Wings
I felt like making a post. I grabbed my Ludy Lescot Tarot and opened up to the 6 of Pentacles. I studied it for a second. Then I shuffled and cut as I normally do. I opened up to the 6ofP. Guess it's pretty clear that is what Spirit wants me speak on.
The 6ofP for me has always been about not forgetting where you came from once you've made it. I see a woman of means but something about her seems to so to me that she has known hard times in the past. Though her situation has changed drastically, she still remembers the vow she made to always be of service to others in need, especially children who are still at a point where hope is still in their eyes. She knows it is crucial to nurture and inspire that before the candlelight of glorious possiblitlies burns out and becomes like the factories in the background, spewing smoldering soot and expelling toxic fumes that block out light and hope and cause joy to erode from the inside out. I see the wishing well and she has given each child 2 coins a piece. One to save so they have security they can count on and one to spend and cast into the well so that they know that life is full of limitless abundance if you always pay your blessings forward and give from a place of selflessness and sincerity. Her slate blue and grey dress, the book in her hand and the veil over her face says to me that she has the qualities of The High Priestess. She is intuitive of the needs of others and she is a healer. It is because of this the children are naturally drawn to her. They know they are safe and though they are just meeting her, she truly has their well being at heart.
Holy crap, this is completely reminiscent of two beautiful young ladies I read for two days ago! I figured, what the hay, two pre-teens, what could I possibly have to read?! Well they ended up being the most challenging yet rewarding clients I've EVER read for! It was an honor that Spirit blessed me with the privilege to read for these girls and I'll never forget how deeply they touched my heart. If I ever have a daughter, I pray she is as courageous, strong and special as these two girls. And Goddess willing, may I have given the same sense of security and love and hope as the woman on this card.
I'm SO very proud of you girls!!! Thank you for all you gave to me! Here is one of my favorite songs and videos by one of my favorite groups! Happy Birthday, your god mamma loves you and is so very proud of you!!! <3 <3
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Endangered Sharks
I just tripped over something that Arwen reTweeted and even though I just made a post 15 min ago I had to make another one with regard to this topic. It is about a victory for 5 shark species winning protection from be being slaughtered for shark fin soup. So I grabbed my beloved Tarot of Vampyres deck to ask LaSirene, the Lwa (spirit) who embodies the ocean how she felt about this. She once appeared to me as a hammer head when I needed protection. She had me to shuffle and intentionally look for not just one but two of her significators and the three cards that followed. Her answer was quite clear both times.
As the Queen of Cups - Elementally, I notice that there are 2 water (the sea) and 1 earth (the animals that live in it)
5 of Skulls (Pentacles) - Of all decks, this one really speaks to the gravity of the situation of the 5of P. Look at how this beautiful creature lays there bleeding out after being savagely mauled!
Ace of Grails (cups) - A perfect representation of the ocean and her love for her domain and all of its creatures.
7 of Grails (cups) - Looking at the card it feels like the entire scene is under water. It is as if this is LaSirene conducting a ritual to ensure their protection, possibly even to ensure accountability for those responsible for harming her children.
As the Daughter of Grails -
Ace of Knives - Holy crap, if this doesn't speak volumes in reference to their fins being cut off their bodies!
6 of Scepters (wands) - the victory card!
4 of Chalices - Though a small victory was won, there is so much sorrow for the loss of her children. This shows how the sharks are discarded and left to bleed out and die a horrible death after being captured long enough dismembered and tortured.
I can only pray that efforts to protect ocean and all wildlife continues and we do not completely eliminate beings that have existed for millions of years.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Don't Put Out Fires With Gasoline
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Wishing With the Cosmic Tarot
I was really at a loss as to what to blog about. So I did what any tarot reader does when they need guidance. I grabbed the closest deck to me which happened to be my Cosmic Tarot by U.S. Games and asked the cards. After shuffling twice a card flew out, the 9 of cups.
This version is so different from most because it has two individuals instead of one. The 9 of cups is known as "wish card". The two on this card seem to have done a lot of soul searching and self-actualization prior to making a wish for a mate. I notice how his face is shadowed. He has accepted his shadow side, he is faking no moves and chose to show her exactly who he is as opposed to just showing her what he thought she wants to see. From the look on her face, she sees all of him and accepts him for who be is, not who he may or may not potentially become. She looks at him lovingly. Everything about her stays self confidence, grace, contentment. The scarf on her head makes me think of a mushwa, a scarf worn by Vodou practitioners to protect their crown chakra. She is in touch with her spirits who speak to her and give her guidance. The sun rises as they sit on what looks like the bayou, yet there are mountains in the background. This says that they have overcome many obstacles to get to this place of growth and beauty. As long as they remember the lessons learned from crossing the mountainous terrain, it looks like the star they wished upon is that sun shining down on them.
Are you in a relationship or single? What things are you wishing for? Are you seeing your partner for who he/she truly is? Or for that matter, are you seeing your self?
*Not sure is more than one video is posting. For some reason iPad or the Blogsy app don't always remove them from showing on the actual post even if they seem to be deleted on the preview*
*explicit lyrics, discretion is advised*
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Deepening My Spiritual Awareness
I've been working a lot lately to deepen my spirtual awareness and expand my abilities with regard to communicating with Spirit. Of course my beloved LaSirene is right there to help guide me. Tonight Holly DeFount's version of the High Priestess from her Incidental Tarot spoke to me after tending to LaSirene's altars and then meditating. I did 22 min tonight which for me is a huge improvement from 7 min. As I look at the card, she appears to be in a blissfully meditative state. Completely at peace, she hovers between the realms of the conscious, mundane world and the watery world of subconscious mind. In her solitude she is able to disconnect from everything else to hear the messages that the moon chooses to convey by listening to what she is feeling. She has quieted her doubtful thoughts that once came from insecurity and caused her to question her capabilities. Her hands are open to confidently grasp, collect and offer information that was hiding in plain sight just beneath the surface.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Happy Mardi Gras 2013!
*The Fool card from The Cosmic Tarot by U.S. Games who has several reviews on it*
Just a few pictures from Bacchus and Endymion. Today is Mardi Gras day, the end of Carnival Season and all its delightful foolishness. Damn am I glad to be living back at home!
LET'S ALL GO TO THE MARDI GRAS WITH PROFESSOR LONGHAIR!
At th Crossroads with Papa Legba
*this is my favorite depiction of Papa Legba*
In Vodou there is one particular lwa who must be saluted (honored) in ceremony before anything can happen or any of the many other spirits can come in. If Papa Legba doesn't come, no one else can. He is the keeper of the crossroads, that pivotal point of transition or choice. He is also the one who facilitates communication between us and the spirit world. Some say he is to be honored on Monday, some say Wednesday. I choose to on Mondays. He is not a spirit I work closely with so I have a lot to learn still. He looks like a gentile elderly gentleman who walks with a cane and a limp, smoking his corncob pipe with his two trusted companions, his dogs beside him and his jakut on his shoulder (a woven straw bag). For me, he feels like a grandfather. He is very wise and feels like a gentle soul to me, but I know he is not to be taken lightly! He may look like a disheveled old beggar, but do not be fooled! He is a very important and powerful man since he is the the keeper of gate between Heaven and Earth.
*my alter to him in my house*
Things sacred to Papa are: pipes, tobacco, rum, yams cane syrup, cigars, palm oil, coconuts, plantains, gin, strong black coffee, starlight mints, two keys, and three pennies. Any of these things can be put on his alter as an offering. He is the one to go to when you are at a turning point in your life and need to know which path is the best for you to take. He is the remover of obstacles that keep you from reaching your goals. He is also known to help with any trade or hobby that involves dexterity in ones fingers. Ever heard of folks who gamble with dice or play guitar going to the crossroads in order to become exceptional at their craft? That's Papa Legba. Christianity vilified him and made him the Devil. Most likey because he can be a tricky one. He lets you exercise free will but teaches you a lesson about the choices you make. Depending upon the tradition, Legba is seen as St. Anthony, St. Lazarus, St. Christopher, St. Roch, or St. Jude. With regard to tarot, is associate him with The Hermit and i think the version in the Universal Goddess Tarot by Lo Scarabeo (who's decks I almost always love!) is perfect, even though it is actually Hecate on the card. I'm looking forward to working with Papa and understanding him better. And getting help with choosing the pathways that lead to my highest good.
* I could listen to Howlin' Wolf sing the blues all day long!*
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Sirene of the Sea
LaSirene is known for her long, flowing hair and the intoxicating beauty of her face and well as her voice. She heals all wounds with the salty waters of her home, the sea. She brings wealth and prosperity from the many treasures of the ocean. It is said that she carries a comb for her gorgeous hair in one hand a a mirror in the other. This is not about vanity. It is about self-actualization, love, respect. Truly seeing into the depths of your being and learning to love what we see. She makes us face the things that we have tried to bury so we don't have to deal with them and teaches us how to do so in healthy ways. Not always pleasant mind you, but necessary for our spiritual and emotional evolution. She teaches us to listen to our intuition and have the confidence to trust and follow its advice. Working with LaSirene means having the courage to look into your own eyes and climb through the window to your soul.
I could go on and on about LaSirene. I know our bond will only strengthen as I continue to work with her. I treasure my relationship with her and thank her everyday for the many blessings she has given me.