tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74436090363126063782024-03-06T13:03:05.025-07:00The Art of ConjureMusings from the Mind of a Modern Day Conjure Woman.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-76958491374704495442017-07-11T22:43:00.002-07:002017-07-11T22:45:58.548-07:00Abramelin Oil, the Ceremonial Jewish Holy Anointing Oil as Described in the Biblical Book of Exodus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5rC7Z-ddjzQ/WWW21IppWPI/AAAAAAAAFbk/lFzU5QuLBZAnAX2L-uxuE8CMjt5gIqUTQCLcBGAs/s1600/91oscTntVuL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1039" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5rC7Z-ddjzQ/WWW21IppWPI/AAAAAAAAFbk/lFzU5QuLBZAnAX2L-uxuE8CMjt5gIqUTQCLcBGAs/s320/91oscTntVuL.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Abramelin oil, also called Oil of Abramelin, is a ceremonial magical oil blended from aromatic plant materials. Abramelin oil became popular in the Western esoteric tradition in the 20th century after its description in a medieval grimoire called <a href="http://amzn.to/2sOJy9d" target="_blank">The Book of Abramelin</a> written by Abraham of Worms, a fifteenth century Jewish Kabbalist. The recipe is adapted from the Jewish Holy Oil of the Tanakh, which is described in the Book of Exodus attributed to Moses. Abramelin Oil may be used in any sort of ceremony or ritual aimed at a white magical goal. Use to anoint white candles. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abramelin_oil, n.d.).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The four ingredients listed by Mathers in his translation of <a href="http://amzn.to/2sOJy9d" target="_blank">The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage</a> are myrrh, cinnamon, galangal, and olive oil. The word that he translated from the French as "galangal" is actually the word "calamus." Other existing manuscripts list calamus as the ingredient.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In hoodoo, galangal root is used in protective work, especially work involving court cases.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Following are several recipes for making Oil of Abramelin according to the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage, Mathers and Crowley. All are similar to the other though there are some slight differences which are discussed. Two methods for making the oil are employed: maceration (crushing and soaking) of herbs and blending of essential oils. Which recipe and method you choose is purely a matter of personal preference.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Macerated Abramelin Oil</h3>
<ul>
<li>4 parts powdered Cinnamon bark</li>
<li> </li>
<li>2 parts finely ground Myrrh resin</li>
<li> </li>
<li>1 part Calamus chopped root, reduced to powder</li>
<li> </li>
<li>7 parts Olive oil</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The resins and spices are gently macerated with a mortar and pestle, covered with olive oil and allowed to sit for a month. It is then transferred to a bottle. This method produces a fragrant oil suitable for use as an anointing oil on any portion of the body, and will not burn the skin. It may be applied liberally, after the manner of traditional Jewish Holy Oils, such as the one which was poured on Aaron's head until it ran down his beard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abramelin_oil, n.d.). This oil should be stored under the altar.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mathers’ Macerated Abramelin Oil</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The following recipe for Abramelin oil substitutes galangal root for Calamus root.</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>4 parts Cinnamon bark quills, reduced to powder</li>
<li> </li>
<li>2 parts Myrrh resin tears, finely ground</li>
<li> </li>
<li>1 part Galangal sliced root, reduced to powder</li>
<li> </li>
<li>7 parts Olive oil</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This mixture is macerated for one month, and then strain through cheesecloth and bottled for use. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The result is fragranced oil suitable for anointing any portion of the body, and it will not burn the skin. This oil should be stored under the altar. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Abramelin Oil Made with Essential Oils</h3>
<ul>
<li>half part Cinnamon essential oil</li>
<li> </li>
<li>1 parts Myrrh essential oil</li>
<li> </li>
<li>1 part Calamus essential oil</li>
<li> </li>
<li>1 part Cassia essential oil</li>
<li> </li>
<li>7 parts Olive oil</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Keep it in a clean container until you need it. This is highly fragranced oil that may be applied to the skin in more liberal amounts; it is a close, modern approximation of the oil described by Abramelin to Abraham of Worms. This oil should be stored on or under the altar.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Crowley’s Holy Oil of Aspiration (Oil of Abramelin)</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
British occultist Aleister Crowley had a different symbolic view of the ingredients that he found in the Mathers translation. According to Crowley:</div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This oil is compounded of four substances. The basis of all is the oil of the olive. The olive is, traditionally, the gift of Minerva, the Wisdom of God, the Logos. In this are dissolved three other oils; oil of myrrh, oil of cinnamon, oil of galangal. The Myrrh is attributed to Binah, the Great Mother, who is both the understanding of the Magician and that sorrow and compassion which results from the contemplation of the Universe. The Cinnamon represents Tiphereth, the Sun -- the Son, in whom Glory and Suffering are identical. The Galangal represents both Kether and Malkuth, the First and the Last, the One and the Many, since in this Oil they are One. [...] These oils taken together represent therefore the whole Tree of Life. The ten Sephiroth are blended into the perfect gold. (Crowley, 1997, p.60).</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>Crowley’s recipe is as follows:</b></h3>
</div>
<ul>
<li>8 parts Cinnamon essential oil</li>
<li> </li>
<li>4 parts Myrrh essential oil</li>
<li> </li>
<li>2 parts Galangal essential oil</li>
<li> </li>
<li>7 parts Olive oil</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Crowley’s recipe has a much higher concentration of cinnamon than the Mathers version. Since cinnamon can be a skin irritant in high concentrations, this recipe is not for liberal use on the skin. Rather, it is designed for the consecration of ritual tools.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
According to the Ordo Templi Orientis, Crowley’s Holy Oil of Aspiration should undergo a special consecration. The ideal time for a consecration ceremony is during the Equinox (Apiryon, 1997).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.creolemoon.com/store/p339/abramelin-oil" target="_blank">Purchase Oil of Abramelin at Creole Moon.</a></span></span></h1>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2mCtnDzq1s/WWWyGEO0ZVI/AAAAAAAAFbU/EMwFGISi74425ZN5V2Awuz7BPFEBUFnoACEwYBhgL/s1600/Oil%2Bof%2Babramelin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="1044" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2mCtnDzq1s/WWWyGEO0ZVI/AAAAAAAAFbU/EMwFGISi74425ZN5V2Awuz7BPFEBUFnoACEwYBhgL/s320/Oil%2Bof%2Babramelin.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></h5>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span lang="en-US" style="language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-46543361080832724732016-12-31T22:17:00.001-07:002016-12-31T22:17:34.406-07:00New Year's Day Prosperity Ritual<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMG-vUPK7sx-Hg2rzsZzoUTFsgmiPA0ZUnRG_sZyoURxDtem_NEfzPGb5WxS-upRBUfKPPjrjjbAL_jALj1aSdkiacS7SDeIjv1pwKHRQDMtD3xyoPDFaHhJiE8OvttYZIqbRabThMHIo/s1600/hoppin+john.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMG-vUPK7sx-Hg2rzsZzoUTFsgmiPA0ZUnRG_sZyoURxDtem_NEfzPGb5WxS-upRBUfKPPjrjjbAL_jALj1aSdkiacS7SDeIjv1pwKHRQDMtD3xyoPDFaHhJiE8OvttYZIqbRabThMHIo/s320/hoppin+john.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All over the South people eat a meal of collard greens,
cornbread, and black-eyed peas to ensure their prosperity and protection in the
coming year. Symbolically, the greens are said to represent green paper
money; the corn, being yellow, represents gold or coins; and the black-eyed
peas, each possessing an eye, is said to protect you from negativity and bad
luck (especially in the form of the evil eye).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Interestingly, a silver dime is often placed in the
black-eyed peas, and the person who by chance is served the dime is said to be
especially lucky that year, and he or she will keep the dime as a lucky token
throughout the year. On a personal note, growing up in the South our
grandmother's often told us that "what you do on New Year's Day, you'll be
doing all year," therefore, we were never to wash clothes, do housework, or
anything else we wouldn’t want to be doing on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Hoppin' John for Good Luck</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dose black-eyed peas is lucky,<br />When e’t on New Year’s Day,<br />You allus has sweet ‘taters,<br />An’ ‘possum come yore way.<br />~African American folk rhyme</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On New Year’s Day many people make the dish called Hoppin' John
along with collard greens to insure prosperity and abundance for the New Year. Because black-eyed peas swell when
soaked in water, they represent abundance, magically speaking. Reportedly a
favorite of Marie Laveau’s, Hoppin' John is a traditional Southern food
prepared on New Year’s Day for it’s luck drawing qualities. The name Hoppin'
John is thought to refer to the Southern folk hero, High John the Conqueror.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>RECIPE</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>1 lb. Black-Eyed Peas</li>
<li>8 slices Bacon, cut into fourths</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups Onions, finely chopped</li>
<li>1 cup celery, finely chopped</li>
<li>½ cup bell pepper finely chopped</li>
<li>2 1/2 quarts water</li>
<li>2 cloves Garlic, minced</li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon Maison Louisianne Creole Spice Blend</li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon Thyme</li>
<li>1 Bay Leaf</li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon Rosemary</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon Salt</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper</li>
<li>2 cups raw Rice</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>DIRECTIONS</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soak black-eyed peas overnight in water. Fry bacon in a
heavy skillet until crisp. Add 1 1/2 cups onions, and cook until the onions are
transparent. Add 2 1/2 quarts water, bring to boil. Add garlic cloves, Maison
Louisianne Creole Spice Blend, thyme, bay leaf, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Drain
peas and add the boiling mixture. Barely simmer mixture, partially covered, for
1 1/2 hour. Add 2 cups raw rice. Serve with crisp French bread. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-52028999219621208332016-12-31T21:54:00.002-07:002016-12-31T21:54:55.758-07:00Celebrating St. Dymphna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xmvEcnZJg64/WGiIgcqsjOI/AAAAAAAAFaU/YtdCnIjG2LUGV224HSVZpFUsrQYxLn8CwCLcB/s1600/dymphna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xmvEcnZJg64/WGiIgcqsjOI/AAAAAAAAFaU/YtdCnIjG2LUGV224HSVZpFUsrQYxLn8CwCLcB/s640/dymphna.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
St. Dymphna is the patron saint of incest survivors, runaways and people with mental disorders. She was the daughter of a pagan Irish king and his Christian wife in the 7th century AD. She was murdered by her father for refusing to marry him after her mother died. She was only 15 years old when she was killed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
St. Dymphna is sometimes called Lily of Fire in reference to her purity and glorious martyrdom. It is said that at a very young age she consecrated her virginity to Jesus Christ and to his Blessed Mother with a vow of chastity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
All of the stories I have read about the unfortunate and tragic plight of this young girl explain her father’s advances on the fact that he was grieving the loss of his wife. As far as I know, grief has never been a precursor or cause of incest and rape. These conditions have much more to do with power and serious psychological problems of the perpetrator. It does no one any good to attempt to turn her story into some sort of tragic fairytale or a glorious story of Christian martyrdom. It was no fairytale—she obviously lived in extreme fear and likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Before she was brutally murdered, a priest, Father Gerebran, did everything he could to keep her safe by helping her flee her country. One would think that would be the end of it and her father would move on to someone else but he was so obsessed with marrying his daughter that he tracked her down in a little village called Gheel in Belgium. Her father, along with his companion brutes, confronted her and Father Gerebran who defended Dymphna and refused her father access to his daughter. This only enraged the king who then ordered the priest murdered, a task eagerly carried out by his thuggish minions who promptly beheaded the priest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Dymphna’s father continued to intimidate her and attempt to force her to return to Ireland with him as his wife. When she continued to refuse his perverted advances, he once again became enraged and took his own sword out of his belt and beheaded her on the spot. At the age of 15, on the 15th of May sometime between 620 and 640, she became a martyr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As the story goes, the bodies of the two martyrs, Father Gerebran and Dymphna, lay at the spot where they were murdered for quite awhile until some of the locals found them and moved them to a cave as was their custom. After a few years, folks decided that given the circumstances of their deaths and statuses as martyrs, Father Gerebran and Dymphna deserved a better burial. So, they set out to disinter them and move them elsewhere. When the earth covering the entrance to the cave where they were buried was removed, the workers were surprised to find two clean, white tombs seemingly carved by angels. When the tomb of Dymphna was opened, There was a red tile laying on her breast that read:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Here lies the holy virgin and<br />
martyr, Dymphna.</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Dymphna’s remains were placed in a small church. Later, the magnificent Church of St. Dymphna was built on the site where the bodies were first buried. There, St. Dymphna's relics are kept in a golden reliquary. Miracles and cures began to occur in continually increasing numbers at her shrine. St. Dymphna became known as patroness of victims of nervous diseases and mental disorders. The stories of miracles spread from country to country. An increasing number of people with psychological and emotional problems made the pilgrimage to her shrine with hopes of healing. Novenas were made, and St. Dymphna's relic was applied to the patients. Reports of remarkable cures continued to spread throughout the land and more and more people came to believe in her healing powers. In the beginning, the people who came for healing were put up in a little building that was built onto the church. Later, there were so many people coming that the people in the village of Gheel opened their homes to them. As a result, Gheel was renowned for its care of the insane and mentally afflicted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To work with St. Dymphna, dedicate a sacred space to her. Place her image and anything that helps you feel emotionally and psychologically balanced in that space. This can be special rocks, a crucifix, rosary, flowers, etc. These things need not be Catholic—the important thing is that they bring you comfort within your own belief system. St. Dymphna is often depicted with a sword which represents her martyrdom so you could place a sword on her altar. She is also depicted with lilies which represent her as female, a blue book and a little green devil representing insanity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Get a white or green 7-day glass encased candle and anoint with Lilly of the Valley and Clarity oils. Write a petition stating your needs on parchment paper and place under the candle. Light the candle and say a devotional to her each day. You can use the following prayer:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Hear us, O God, Our Savior, as we honor St. Dymphna, patroness<br />
of those afflicted with mental and emotional illness.<br />
Help us to be inspired by her example and comforted by her<br />
merciful help. Amen.</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After the prayer, you should speak to her from the heart letting her know that you need her help. A variation of this work would be to get a picture of a devil, color it green and name it for the affliction you wish to remove or heal. Place that image face down under the candle and proceed as above. Once the candle burns to the bottom but has not yet extinguished, take the image of the devil and burn it in the flame of the candle. Then allow the candle to burn out. Take the candle to a cemetery and bury it there to symbolize the death, burial and/or transformation of your affliction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reference<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Benedictine Convent Sisters (1946). Tabernacle and Purgatory, Clyde, Mo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
______________________________</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*This article first appeared in the Hoodoo Almanac 2012 which can be purchased <a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/store/p119/Hoodoo_Almanac_2012.html" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-67885580619311124002016-12-31T17:08:00.000-07:002016-12-31T17:09:09.223-07:00Top Ten Conjure Hacks for 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nxLTZZe_FcY/WGhIm6P0KoI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/lJIanJG4VV4RBJ9TBMOv4-NcF8_IkHyuQCLcB/s1600/happy%2Bnew%2Byear%2Bmoon2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nxLTZZe_FcY/WGhIm6P0KoI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/lJIanJG4VV4RBJ9TBMOv4-NcF8_IkHyuQCLcB/s320/happy%2Bnew%2Byear%2Bmoon2.gif" width="306" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are my Top Ten Conjure Hacks for 2017.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2xYJIm6SJUr2LUzJ2eIb_VjzCKP2x5aGgvIvogCxVeQdr_sBDjzyTJTvlQ-8RrS8K9VrsvpnjLOtLQ3nmwJSDtBsLLtcX404IBlJVWPRwyPS0WmAPqSGgL8zvtW0Hps_o9AvHLwjn_dC/s1600/TOP+TEN+2017+CONJURE+HACKS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2xYJIm6SJUr2LUzJ2eIb_VjzCKP2x5aGgvIvogCxVeQdr_sBDjzyTJTvlQ-8RrS8K9VrsvpnjLOtLQ3nmwJSDtBsLLtcX404IBlJVWPRwyPS0WmAPqSGgL8zvtW0Hps_o9AvHLwjn_dC/s1600/TOP+TEN+2017+CONJURE+HACKS.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-62059361076924156972016-11-24T02:24:00.004-07:002016-11-24T02:34:12.698-07:00Formula for Horn of Plenty Oil<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSrVis7V6wc/WDaz8uA3FaI/AAAAAAAAFYI/T26tSCI9AqMcvIv8GurTIZ1epgI7Z5n5gCLcB/s1600/cornucopia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSrVis7V6wc/WDaz8uA3FaI/AAAAAAAAFYI/T26tSCI9AqMcvIv8GurTIZ1epgI7Z5n5gCLcB/s320/cornucopia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">The Horn of Plenty or Cornucopia is a symbol of abundance, nourishment, and agricultural, mineral and spiritual wealth. Most commonly associated with Thanksgiving, it is one of the images found on Indian Spirit products manufactured by the E. Davis Company. Anoint your forehead and your hands with Horn of Plenty Spiritual oil and raise them above your head and ask your Indian Spirit Guide for what you need, or try the ritual in the graphic below. You can place the red cloth into your medicine bag or mojo bag if you prefer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GubxbS_65So/WDavYHmJy9I/AAAAAAAAFX8/tvrHqiZyGJQNKnlFP5-J1ewgeQEfkhobwCEw/s1600/prayer%2Bcloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GubxbS_65So/WDavYHmJy9I/AAAAAAAAFX8/tvrHqiZyGJQNKnlFP5-J1ewgeQEfkhobwCEw/s640/prayer%2Bcloth.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here's the formula for Horn of Plenty Oil:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Mandarin orange </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Lemon </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Strawberry </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Blackberry </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ginger </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Tobacco (pinch)</span></li>
<li> Kernel of corn </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Add the above to a base of grapeseed oil that has been fixed with vitamin E to prevent rancidity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
____________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Regarding the above graphic...The Daily Conjure Tips are copyright 2012 Creole Moon.com but may be used and posted to your personal blogs and websites. The only limitation is that you may not change the graphic or charge money for it or claim it as your own design and intellectual property. Copyright notice must remain with the unchanged graphic. Other than that, feel free to copy and share it.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Content copyright 2012-2017 Denise Alvarado, All rights reserved worldwide.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htnKdzzvo08/WDaqB4YDYpI/AAAAAAAAFXo/wUXSKzSLNtsaKgi-ApsuvVsd9N0OVQfowCEw/s1600/perspective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htnKdzzvo08/WDaqB4YDYpI/AAAAAAAAFXo/wUXSKzSLNtsaKgi-ApsuvVsd9N0OVQfowCEw/s400/perspective.jpg" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
Go to http://sacredstonecamp.org/ to see how you can be part of the change.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-45732506243898277622016-10-30T02:47:00.000-07:002016-10-30T02:53:51.086-07:00DAPL: Another Notch in the American Belt of Environmental Racism<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The first Americans – the Indians – are the most deprived and most isolated minority group in our nation. On virtually every scale of measurement – employment, income, education, health – the condition of the Indian people ranks at the bottom. This condition is the heritage of centuries of injustice. From the time of their first contact with European settlers, the American Indians have been oppressed and brutalized, deprived of their ancestral lands, and denied the opportunity to control their own destiny. ~ President Nixon, in a statement to Congress, 1970</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
My administration is determined to partner with tribes, and its not something that just happens once in a while. It takes place every day, on just about every issue that touches your lives. And that's what real nation-to-nation partnerships look like. ~ President Barack Obama, June 13, 2014 </blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/70wsOvkZUMA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/70wsOvkZUMA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The above quotes sounded promising; but, true to historically traumatic form, the reality has continued to play out in a very different manner.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The colonization of Indigenous peoples in this country has left a legacy of historical traumas that are cumulative and unresolved. Despite a litany of documented overtly hostile policies enacted by the United States government with regards to the "Indian problem," the issues that have continued to plague Native peoples rarely gain the attention of popular media. Instead, media and social networking sites focus on romanticizing the Native with their long flowing hair and "peace pipes" and sexualizing Native women with imagery depicting them scantily dressed with Caucasian features. At the other extreme of the narrative, we find "savages" stripped of their identities, converted to Christianity, and ultimately defeated by the United States. Little is presented about the effects of colonization and genocidal experiences or postcolonialism on Native American lifeworlds. While empirical studies of the effects of historical trauma on Native Americans’ well-being are growing in number, the available evidence indicates that genocidal experiences on Native peoples negatively affects their social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being (Alvarado, 2010; Duran & Duran 1995; Walters & Simoni 2002). That said, Native peoples are resilient, having endured ongoing injustice and unfair treatment throughout history. And despite the social problems experienced as a result of this injustice, they are strong and proud people.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is a long history of federal extermination and assimilation policies with regards to Native Americans that include deliberate attempts by mainstream institutions such as government agencies, schools, and churches, to obliterate the foundations of Native American family systems, clans, tribal organizations, languages, religious beliefs and practices (Deloria, 1994; Heinrich, Corbine & Thomas, 1990; Locust, 1988; Reyhner & Eder, 1992). These policies have had a devastating effect on Native American identity development and so-called "nation-to-nation partnerships" (Herring, 1990; Locust; Mitchum, 1989; Sue & Sue, 1990). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
The Significance of Sacred Sites</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the Native American lifeworld, there is an intimate connection to origins, the land, and the natural world, as opposed to the heavenly world (Deloria, 1994). An excellent example of this is the common perception across indigenous cultures of the earth as Mother, the source of all life forms (Arbogast, 1995). Mother Earth is the source of cultural resources such as water and plants that provide the gift of life, sustenance, and healing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Geographic locations hold special significance to Native peoples because of what was experienced there in the past, as well as the continuity of the relationship between the land and the people over time. These places are remembered and considered sacred sites where ceremonies and rituals can be performed throughout the generations. Federal land management agencies, however, have historically disregarded Native people’s requests for the conservation of sacred land sites, and it wasn’t until 1978 that Congress passed the American Indian Freedom and Restoration Act (AIFRA; 42 U.S.C Section, 1996; 1998). The purpose of AIFRA was to force government recognition and respect of traditional Native American religious practices. Despite being granted the right to practice their religions, Native Americans continue to fight for the right to worship and pray in a manner that is unobstructed and meaningful. One of the main reasons for this continued struggle is the lack of understanding by the government of the central role sacred land sites play in Native American religious practices. To illustrate, one of the original sacred land site claims to transpire following the AIFRA was Sequoia versus Tennessee Valley Authority. Cherokee plaintiffs contested plans for the Tennessee Valley’s Tellico Dam, which would flood the Little Tennessee River Valley. Within the valley were several sacred sites central to the practice of the Cherokee religion, and the plaintiff’s claimed that flooding the valley would essentially prevent them from practicing their religion. While Judge Robert L. Taylor recognized this formally in his opinion for the court, he ultimately concluded that “the impoundment of the Tellico Dam has no coercive effect on plaintiff’s religious beliefs or practices” and that “the flooding of the Little Tennessee will prevent everyone, not just plaintiffs, from having access to the land in question” (Linge, 2000, par. 32, lines 6-7). Similar outcomes were experienced in 1977 by the Navajo (Badoni versus Higginson) regarding impounding the Colorado River water behind the Glen Canyon Dam, as well as the Lakota and Tsistsistas (Crow versus Gullett) 1983 claims that construction projects at Bear Butte and regulation of Native American access to Bear Butte violated their religious freedom. Other examples of government and corporate refusal to respect Native American religious practices as they relate to sacred land sites are evidenced in Inupiat Community v United States, Wilson v Block, Havasupai Tribe v United States, Attakai v United States, Manybeads v United States (see Linge, 2000 for details on all of these cases), and most recently, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (Case No. 1:16-cv-01534-JEB) filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on July 27, 2016.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="290" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//www.washingtonpost.com/video/c/embed/ac9a6f50-7546-11e6-9781-49e591781754" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
The Dakota Access Pipeline Follows a Long History of Environmental Racism</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the parent company of DAPL, <a href="http://www.daplpipelinefacts.com/" target="_blank">Energy Transfer Partners</a>, the Dakota Access Pipeline will pump millions of dollars into the economy and create up to 12,000 jobs. The 3.7 billion dollar project will "carry 470,000 barrels of oil a day from the oil fields of Western North Dakota to Illinois, where it will be linked to other pipelines." In addition, Energy Transfer states "Protecting landowner interests and the local environment is a top priority of the Dakota Access Pipeline project. As an operating principle, Dakota Access Pipeline is committed to working with individual landowners to make accommodations, minimize disruptions, and achieve full restoration of impacted land. We will listen to and address questions from the community, landowners, and other interested stakeholders about the project, proposed routes, landowner communications and more. It is our intent to live up to our promises of openness, honesty, and responsiveness before, during and after construction and throughout operations."</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the residents of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, comprised of the Hunkpapa Lakota and Yanktonai Dakota in North Dakota and South Dakota, the pipeline is viewed as a cultural and environmental threat and is referred to as the "Black Snake." Of major concern is the desecration of sacred ancestral lands, including sacred burial sites, and the high likelihood of breaks in the pipeline which would poison the land and water. This concern is not unfounded, as there are regular occurrences of pipeline breaks across the country. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/27/us/north-dakota-oil-pipeline-battle-whos-fighting-and-why.html?_r=0">The New York Times</a> reports, "In 2013, a Tesoro Logistics pipeline in North Dakota broke open and spilled 467,000 gallons of oil onto a farm. In 2010, an Enbridge Energy pipeline dumped more than 843,000 gallons of oil into the Kalamazoo River in Michigan resulting in a cleanup that lasted years and cost more than a billion dollars, according to <a href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/20072016/enbridge-saga-end-department-justice-fine-epa-kalamazoo-river-michigan-dilbit-spill">Inside Climate News.</a>"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another issue at hand according to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation is the infringement on tribal sovereignty and a blatant disregard by the Army Corps of Engineers of federal regulations governing environmental standards and historic preservation. The Army Corps of Engineers is required to consult with the tribe prior to construction and reportedly failed to do so, and thus, the incident prompted the tribes' legal representatives to <a href="http://standingrock.org/data/upfiles/media/SRST%20Press%20Release%20-%20No%20Ruling%20-%208-24-16.pdf" target="_blank">file a temporary restraining order</a> in an effort to halt further construction of the pipeline in that location. Despite the injunction, DAPL has continued to encroach on the land, following a shameful history on the part of big corporations and the American government regarding their attitudes towards Native peoples. Eleven days following the filing of the injunction, Energy Transfer Partners files a suit against Standing Rock Tribal Chairman, Dave Archambault, II and others for obstructing construction of the pipeline. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately, there is a historical precedence for stealing land and ignoring the rights of Native Americans in this country, specifically with regards to the Sioux Nations. According to standingrock.org:</div>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
The Great Sioux Reservation comprised all of present-day South Dakota west of the Missouri River, including the sacred Black Hills and the life-giving Missouri River. Under article 11 of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty, the Great Sioux Nation retained off-reservation hunting rights to a much larger area, south to the Republican and Platte Rivers, and east to the Big Horn Mountains. Under article 12, no cession of land would be valid unless approved by three-fourths of the adult males. Nevertheless, the Congress unilaterally passed the Act of February 28, 1877 (19 stat. 254), removing the Sacred Black Hills from the Great Sioux Reservation. The United States never obtained the consent of three-fourths of the Sioux, as required in article 12 of the 1868 Treaty. The U.S. Supreme Court concluded that "A more ripe and rank case of dishonorable dealings will never, in all probability, be found in our history." United States v. Sioux Nation of Indians, 448 U.S. 371, 388 (1980).</blockquote>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Indeed, there is perhaps no better illustration of the marginalized status of Native peoples than environmental racism, and if DAPL were a boy, it would be the reigning poster. Native American reservations have long been targeted for toxic waste dumps and nuclear testing (Bullard, 1994), and there are many instances of this practice. Environmental concerns among the tribes in Maine, for example, include exposure to mercury, dioxin, lead, and cadmium (Kuehnert, 2000). Besides concerns regarding the impact of these toxins on individual health, these toxins act as barriers to tribal members following traditional lifestyles and have a negative impact on spiritual and community health and wellbeing (Kuehnert). Unequivocally, environmental toxins are a major source of unwellness, causing disease by creating mental confusion, a weakened spirit, and “polluting the breath (the energy of life)” (Cohen, 1998, p. 49).</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following a long tradition of targeting Native communities for toxic dumps, the tiny Skull Valley Band of Goshute Indians Reservation in Utah was marked for a very big nuclear waste dump in 2001 (Kamps, 2001). Private Fuel Storage (PFS), a limited liability corporation representing eight powerful nuclear utilities, sought short-term storage of 40,000 tons of commercial high-level radioactive waste (nearly the total amount that presently exists in the U.S.) next to the two-dozen tribal members who live on the small reservation. Unfortunately, this tiny, impoverished Native American community fell victim to environment racism before. In 1968, for example, Dugway Proving Ground tested VX nerve gas, leading to the "accidental" killing of 6,400 sheep grazing in Skull Valley. The toxic sheep carcasses were then buried on the reservation without the tribe’s knowledge, let alone approval (Kamps).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In addition to the obvious health concerns facing tribes who live near toxic waste dumps and nuclear testing is the impact these conditions have on intertribal relationships. Corporations typically offer thousands and even millions of dollars to impoverished communities in exchange for allowing them to park their waste in their backyards. Most tribes oppose such offers; however, in the case of the Goshute Indians, a lease with PFS was secretly signed without the knowledge or approval of the Skull Valley Goshute General Council (the 60 adult members who govern the tribe) by Tribal Chairman Leon Bear for an undisclosed amount of money. It is still unknown to anyone outside the three-member tribal executive committee how much money the tribe would receive for hosting the nation’s atomic waste dump, although estimates of the secretive payoff to the tribal council range from 60 to 200 million dollars (Kamps, 2001).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Environmental racism is traumatic on many levels to those who are affected (Markstrom & Charley, 2003). In 1939, Niels Bohr of Denmark, noted for his work with the atom, came to the United States with the news that German scientists were experimenting with nuclear power derived from uranium. Concerned that the Third Reich would produce nuclear weapons first, the United States commenced on its own research for the development of nuclear power (Hawkhill Associates, Inc., 1999). Thus, mining for uranium began in 1948 in over 60 locations on the Navajo Nation. In order to process the ore, four mills were built. While the industry brought jobs to the otherwise impoverished Navajo people, the workers were subjected to radioactive dust, sulfuric acids, sodium chlorate, radon gas, and solvents from the extraction operations, and what's more, were not told of the potential hazards of exposure (U.S. Department of Energy, 1995). Personal protective gear was not provided or available, and what resulted were malignant and nonmalignant respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, silicosis, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, obstructive lung disease, silico-tuberculosis, and pneumoconiosis among the workers (Mulloy, James, Mohs, & Kornfield, 2001). Among the psychological repercussions found were themes of human losses and bereavement, environmental losses and contamination, feelings of betrayal by government and mining and milling companies, prolonged duration of psychological effects, anxiety and depression, and the psychological impacts and exacerbating conditions of poverty and minority status. In addition, there are concerns about the long-term genetic damages that may result from long-term exposure to uranium environmental hazards (Markstrom & Charley). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="APALevel1" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another example of environmental racism involved Native Americans living in six northern California forest tribal communities. Pesticides and herbicides were used on a wide scale commercial basis in the forests and roadsides during the 1960s for the purpose of eradicating invasive and noninvasive plant species deemed by chemical companies to compete with commercially valuable plants, and for reducing safety and fire hazards on roadside right-of-ways (Indian Dispute Resolution Services, Inc., 1997). The local Indian people were reassured that the chemicals had been tested and approved as safe for use. Intuitively, Native peoples believed the pesticides were dangerous and would cause illness. A subsequent increase of illnesses confirmed this belief; yet, the increased incidence of illnesses was discounted by the chemical companies as “statistically insignificant”. At the same time, there were several out-of-court settlements made by chemical companies during this period in response to suits filed by tribal members for health problems alleged to be caused by pesticides (Indian Dispute Resolution Services, Inc.).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the Indian Dispute Resolution Services, Inc. (1997), the trauma of the California Indians was not limited to health problems. For example, sacred sites used for ceremonial activities were contaminated, and plants and herbs used as traditional medicines became toxic. There was a noticeable decline in many fish, animal, and insect species, and ongoing aerial spraying contaminated dwellings, schools and water sources. All of this illness and toxicity was compounded by the insistence of chemical companies for full disclosure of sacred ceremonial sites and plants used for traditional medicines. The Indians feared full disclosure would result in further restrictions and damage to the sites. Furthermore, the disclosure of specific information was in violation of spiritual principles and beliefs. In the report, the Native tribes stated they felt important cultural patterns of life were disrupted, they felt their concerns were not taken seriously, and felt they had no rights as a people (Indian Dispute Resolution Services, Inc., 1997).<br />
<br />
<h2>
Standing Rock's Protest of DAPL</h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Environmental racism is a form of external oppression and one cause of internalized oppression. It is the unjust imposition of authority and power by one group over another and has devestating consequences. The divide and conquer dynamic that is set into motion when such issues are presented to disadvantaged populations sets a stage for ongoing oppression and a potential for disaster, but also for change. The residents of Standing Rock are exercising their right to peaceful protest. The current atmosphere of the country is such that Native peoples are no longer bowing to big corporations and are holding the United States accountable for their actions and lack of support in enforcing treaty agreements, and lack of intervention when human and civil rights are violated. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The peaceful protestors of the Standing Rock Indian reservation have been joined by activists, environmentalists, and other allies from over 200 tribes as well as celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Shailene Woodley, Rosario Dawson, Susan Sarandon, and Mark Ruffalo.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sadly, the current presidential candidates have avoided the issue altogether. Only Green party candidate Jill Stein has visited the site and publicly declared support for the tribe. Stein states: </div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The water protectors have invoked their rights under the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie, which grants the Sioux Nation sovereignty over the territory. A Stein/Baraka administration would honor the Sioux claims under this treaty, as well as the right to free, informed, and prior consent under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We call for an immediate halt to the construction of the pipeline and all attempts on the part of the police to remove the water protectors.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We express our outrage and shame at the silence of the Obama administration and the other presidential candidates in regards to this human rights crisis. We stand with the 14-year-old girl who traveled to the Clinton campaign headquarters from Standing Rock today to deliver a letter appealing to Hillary Clinton for support. She was turned away at the door and the letter was not even accepted for review.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
While it is true that a teenager was unable to meet with Clinton or her representatives, she was able to leave her letter, and later Clinton advisor Charlie Galbraith gave this official statement in response:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We received a letter today from representatives of the tribes protesting the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. From the beginning of this campaign, Secretary Clinton has been clear that she thinks all voices should be heard and all views considered in federal infrastructure projects. Now, all of the parties involved—including the federal government, the pipeline company and contractors, the state of North Dakota, and the tribes—need to find a path forward that serves the broadest public interest. As that happens, it's important that on the ground in North Dakota, everyone respects demonstrators' rights to protest peacefully, and workers' rights to do their jobs safely.</div>
</blockquote>
<address style="border: 0px; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</address>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bernie Sanders also expressed support for Standing Rock and wrote an O<a href="http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2016/10/28/sanders-open-letter-president-obama-take-bold-stand-against-dapl-166265" target="_blank">pen Letter to President Obama to Take a Bold Stand Against DAPL.</a> In his letter, he urges the president to suspend all federal permits to the construction until the Army Corps of Engineers conducts a full environmental and cultural review of the area and to compel governor Dalrymple to remove the National Guard from the site in an effort to reduce tension. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JI_9p5-pEFg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JI_9p5-pEFg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How You Can Help</span></h2>
<br />
<a href="http://standingrock.org/news/">Make a donation to the Official Standing Rock Sioux Tribe DAPL Donation Fund through PayPal! Donations will be used for legal, sanitary and emergency purposes!</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Spread this article and others using the #NoDAPL hashtag and social media sites.<br />
<br />
<br />
The following actions are suggested by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StandingRockDakotaAccessPipelineOpposition/">Standing Rock Dakota Access Pipeline Opposition</a> page on FaceBook:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Call North Dakota governor Jack Dalrymple at 701-328-2200. When leaving a message stating your support for the NoDAPL movement please be respectful and ask for peaceful resolution, and that respect be shown for the constitutional rights of those engaging in nonviolent direct actions involving civil disobedience. Remind him that the 1960s Civil Rights movement gained success through similar peaceful actions and was met with extreme local state repression and violence that is unacceptable in the 21st century. Ask him to recuse himself from the State Industrial Commission and avoid conflicts of interest in his service to the People of North Dakota and Big Oil. Ask him to visit the camps and share prayers and songs with our people, to listen to us as human beings who want only to protect our children and our future generations, and our water.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Call the Morton County Sheriffs Department at 701-667-3330 to ask them to demilitarize their tactics and protect ALL ND citizens and visitors. Request that they refrain from mass arrests, macing, clubbing, hooding, strip searching, and armed confrontation with UNARMED peaceful water protectors engaged in constitutionally protected civil disobedience. Ask them to inform their officers about treaty law, federal Indian law, and to provide training to their officers on sacred sites protections and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*Call the White House at (202) 456-1111 or (202) 456-1414. Tell President Obama to deny the Army Corps of Engineers’ Permit for the Dakota Access Pipeline, and remind his administration of their commitment to combating Climate Change, and to implementing green/renewable nrg solutions -- and that fracking and fracked oil are NOT clean nrg. Tell them that Bakken oil extraction pollutes our air and water and yields millions of gallons of radioactive water and waste that is destroying our region's future in the name of nrg security -- which is meaningless without water security in the arid Northern Plains.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
* Call the Army Corps of Engineers and demand that they deny the DAPL the permit: (202) 761-5903</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remind them that the federally mandated Tribal Consultation Process is broken when Tribal Nations are merely informed that projects are already in process on our doorsteps, and we have been given no opportunity to propose alternatives.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*Call the executives of the companies that are building the pipeline:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lee Hanse Executive Vice President Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. 800 E Sonterra Blvd #400 San Antonio, Texas 78258 Telephone: (210) 403-6455 Lee.Hanse@energytransfer.com</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Glenn Emery Vice President Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. 800 E Sonterra Blvd #400 San Antonio, Texas 78258 Telephone: (210) 403-6762 Glenn.Emery@energytransfer.com</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Michael (Cliff) Waters Lead Analyst Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. 1300 Main St. Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone: (713) 989-2404 Michael.Waters@energytransfer.com</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
_____________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">References</span></b></div>
<br />Alvarado, D. (2010). The Native American Wellness Scale (NAWS): An Intertribal Quality of Life Measure for Indigenous Populations. Ph.D. dissertation, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Walden University.<br /><br />Arbogast, D. (1995). Wounded warriors: A time for healing. Omaha, NE: Little Turtle Publications.<br /><br />Bullard, R. D. (1994). Environmental Justice in the 21st Century<br />http://www.deanza.edu/faculty/sullivanmark/pdf/bullard.pdf<br /><br />Deloria, V. Jr. (1994) God is red. A native view of religion. Golden, CO: Fulcrum.<br /><br />Duran, E. & Duran, B. (1995). Native American postcolonial psychology. Albany: SUNY Press<br /><br />Heinrich, R. K., Corbine, J. L., & Thomas, K. R. (1990). Counseling Native Americans. Journal of Counseling and Development, 69, 128-133.<br /><br />Linge, G. (2000). Ensuring the full freedom of religion on public lands: Devil’s Tower and the protection of Indian sacred sites. Boston College Environmental Affairs Law Review, (27)2, 307-340. Retrieved from Academic Search Premiere database.<br /><br />Locust, C. (1988). Wounding the spirit: Discrimination and traditional American Indian belief systems. Harvard Educational Review, 58, 315-330.<br /><br />Sue, D. W. & Sue, D. (1990). Counseling the culturally different: Theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York: John Wiley and Sons.<br /><br />Walters, K. L., & Simoni, J. (2002). Reconceptualizing Native women's health: An 'indigenist' stress-coping model. American Journal of Public Health, 92 ; 4, 520-525.<br /><br /><br /><br />Keywords: #NoDAPL, Dakota Access Pipeline, Environmental racism, Lakota, Standing Rock, Sioux, sacred sites<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-69001545267992195452016-06-17T12:45:00.002-07:002016-06-17T12:50:15.313-07:00All Free Public Domain Photos for your Conjure Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRfU5YoiLMg/V2RFI3OO8CI/AAAAAAAAFTs/Wo6h4atXFj4OUuvM8R0JCIDpSit7pP1RQCLcB/s1600/DSC00097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRfU5YoiLMg/V2RFI3OO8CI/AAAAAAAAFTs/Wo6h4atXFj4OUuvM8R0JCIDpSit7pP1RQCLcB/s640/DSC00097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have you ever run into a brick wall when trying to find the perfect image for your blog or website? With the ever tightening up of copyright restrictions being enforced, it can often be a challenge when scouring the internet to find true public domain images. I have my sources for public domain images and have learned the hard way to never assume anything is public domain at first glance. Always check out the original source of the image before using it, and at the bare minimum, always credit the place where you got the image.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even crediting a copyrighted image is not a guarantee of protection from infringement, however. There is a growing trend of lawyers representing photographers and artists who use software to scan images on the internet to identify cases of infringement. These are the new internet copyright infringement ambulance chasers. And, contrary to popular belief, the owners of copyrighted material do not have to submit a DMCA warning to have the image removed before filing suit. On the contrary, many are skipping over that step entirely and going straight for the jugular. On the one hand, as someone who has suffered great financial loss as a result of people pirating my books and using my artwork without permission (one company has an image of mine they are using to brand their whole product line) and one book has been downloaded illegally over 1 million times, I can understand skipping over the niceties in an effort to be paid for my work. On the other hand, most people do not have any malintent for using photos and artwork and simply want to make their websites look good. To those people I say please credit the author/artist/photographer, and if the website where you see the image has a copyright notice on it such as mine i.e."Please do not repost this article without permission" pay attention to the terms and abide by them. Most of the time, all you have to do is ask. We just want credit given where credit is due, after all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Check out these nightmares for what is going on with everyday bloggers being sued for copyright infringement:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.contentfac.com/copyright-infringement-penalties-are-scary/" target="_blank">The $8000 mistake that all Bloggers Should Beware</a></div>
<a href="http://www.blogher.com/bloggers-beware-you-can-get-sued-using-photos-your-blog-my-story" target="_blank">Blogger Beware: You CAN Get Sued For Using Photos You Don't Own on Your Blog</a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the years its been a learning curve as to what constitutes "fair use" and what is infringement, though now the laws are much clearer with regards to internet usage. And though most of the images on my website and blog are my own, with the exception of those believed to be in the public domain, I still put up a <a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/dmca-takedown-policy.html" target="_blank">DMCA page</a>, just in case I missed something. Some people, and for legal reasons I cannot say who, will sue for use of an image that is so low resolution - as small as 120 pixels - if it is copyrighted and used without permission. And if they own the copyright, you have no recourse but to pay a license fee whether you meant well or not.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've thought long and hard about this. I have continued to educate myself on internet copyright laws and have gone through a long and painful process of pouring over all the sites and blogs I own and changed any images that I did not create myself. But not everyone is an artist or photographer. And in our little niche of folk magic, the public domain imagery is slim pickins.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I decided to start placing some of my photographs into the public domain to help out those in the conjure community who want to be on the up and up and maintain some integrity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I created an account on <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/browse-author.php?a=60120" target="_blank">Publicdomainpictures.net</a> where you can visit my profile and download any images you see there without any worries whatsoever. You can use them for any purpose you want because they are in the public domain. Although I would appreciate a shout out as the photographer, you don't even have to do that legally, you can just download any photo and use it without any mention of who took the photo or where you got it. You should know that it is a matter of professional courtesy to credit even public domain sources, but if you don't, I'm not going to hunt you down and make a stink out of it. These images are my gift to the community, in an effort to help strengthen it and provide a much-needed service that can help to build a community of integrity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have just started uploading photos so there aren't many there yet. If there is a photo you need, post a request in the comments below and I'll see what I have. I have thousands of photos just sitting on my hard drive doing nothing. Please note that I am not putting these images up anywhere but on the <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/browse-author.php?a=60120" target="_blank">publicdomainpictures.net</a> website so there is no confusion as to what I have placed in the public domain. If it is not on that website, it is NOT in the public domain and you will have to ask for permission to use it. Which is easy enough - really - just ask.</div>
<br />
I hope you find the images potentially useful.<br />
<br />
<br />
*Photo of brick wall copyright Denise Alvarado, All rights reserved worldwide.<br />
Find free public domain photos <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/browse-author.php?a=60120" target="_blank">here.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-81189790657163204182016-05-30T16:24:00.000-07:002016-05-30T16:25:28.240-07:00Better to Die Fighting for Freedom Than be a Prisoner all the Days of your Life: 16 Favorite Memorial Day Quotes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdnN7P-BDDBsjHeEJXEsRm1BpJEe9VrflFY6qTHE6j0p5hN_wUK8BAYx5u2wIQRRQWOUtsPv2QCPkHqkDf-taLccu1Ds8r6duVFXQ33gZIGndNtA3cKWiG2qMo5P-ydE-cAEZKTez6BI5/s1600/zephymemorialday2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdnN7P-BDDBsjHeEJXEsRm1BpJEe9VrflFY6qTHE6j0p5hN_wUK8BAYx5u2wIQRRQWOUtsPv2QCPkHqkDf-taLccu1Ds8r6duVFXQ33gZIGndNtA3cKWiG2qMo5P-ydE-cAEZKTez6BI5/s640/zephymemorialday2016.jpg" width="602" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Memorial Day began after the Civil War and was know at that time as "Decoration Day." It was created to honor those who died in the Civil War originally but has since become the day we honor all soldiers who died in service to our country defending our freedom. Memorial Day is sometimes confused with Veterans Day, which is the day we honor all soldiers who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are some quotes I found that are fitting for Memorial Day. The first is my personal favorite. After the quotes you will find a free download for those of you who would like to create and light a special candle to be of service to those who died for our freedom.</div>
<br />
<br />
“Better to die fighting for freedom than be a prisoner all the days of your life.” Bob Marley<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
"On Memorial Day, I don't want to only remember the combatants. There were also those who came out of the trenches as writers and poets, who started preaching peace, men and women who have made this world a kinder place to live." Eric Burdon<br />
<br />
<br />
"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy<br />
<br />
<br />
“The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender or submission.” John F. Kennedy<br />
<br />
<br />
“The dead soldier’s silence sings our national anthem.” Aaron Kilbourn<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
"Who sows virtue reaps honor." Leonardo da Vinci<br />
<br />
<br />
“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.” Billy Graham<br />
<br />
<br />
"These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor - and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror." Michael N. Castle<br />
<br />
<br />
"Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong." James Bryce<br />
<br />
<br />
"As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation's wars" John M. McHugh<br />
<br />
<br />
"I would rather be remembered by a song than by a victory." Alexander Smith<br />
<br />
<br />
"137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy." Doc Hastings<br />
<br />
<br />
“The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children.” William Harvard<br />
<br />
<br />
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” Joseph Campbell<br />
<br />
<br />
“They are dead, but they live in each Patriot’s breast, and their names are engraven on honor’s bright crest.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow<br />
<br />
<br />
“Better to die fighting for freedom than be a prisoner all the days of your life.” Bob Marley</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
Simple Service for Fallen Soldiers on Memorial Day and Any Day</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NqqM5_q8RM/V0zHuHyaleI/AAAAAAAAFR8/M_uPx5dPf1wP0tfTeqN2z_bKFphgdgX7wCLcB/s1600/DSC00049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NqqM5_q8RM/V0zHuHyaleI/AAAAAAAAFR8/M_uPx5dPf1wP0tfTeqN2z_bKFphgdgX7wCLcB/s640/DSC00049.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While we have Memorial Day to remind us of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us, we can and should perform a Memorial Service any time we feel the desire to do so. It is very simple to do and requires little on our part.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To perform this service, you will need the following:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jFA2DyGyXQ/V0zFg5Oo72I/AAAAAAAAFRg/3U5IsncNX0UCLEzwO6V5Lt_-lDdb604xgCLcB/s1600/DSC00003%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jFA2DyGyXQ/V0zFg5Oo72I/AAAAAAAAFRg/3U5IsncNX0UCLEzwO6V5Lt_-lDdb604xgCLcB/s320/DSC00003%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>white candle</li>
<li><a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/store/p476/Frankincense_Tears.html" target="_blank">frankincense</a> tears</li>
<li>frankincense essential oil</li>
<li>angelica root</li>
<li><a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/store/p475/Rose_Petals.html" target="_blank">rose petals</a></li>
<li>marigolds</li>
<li>white rocks and/or shells</li>
<li><a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/store/p308/Alum_Stone_(Piedra_Alumbre)_.75_oz.html" target="_blank">alum stone</a></li>
<li>clear glass of water</li>
<li>white plate</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First, prepare your candle. I use a seven-day glass container that I pour my wax, fix with herbs and oils, and add a nice label to it. I am giving you the label as a free download today - just scroll down to get it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I melt my candle wax and then add the frankincense, angelica root, rose petals, and marigold petals to the melted wax. You can use a regular white candle by anointing it with the frankincense essential oil then crushing the angelica root, rose petals, marigold petals and frankincense tears and rolling the candle in the floral blend. If using a pre-bought white glass-encased candle, poke nine holes in the top, add a drop of frankincense essential oil to each hole and sprinkle some of the crushed floral blend on top.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQBGLVHmn5k/V0zF_dCcFHI/AAAAAAAAFRs/ApRzXZwvKwkpnTfsrcKdXJtnvtMchN8QwCLcB/s1600/DSC00006%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="572" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQBGLVHmn5k/V0zF_dCcFHI/AAAAAAAAFRs/ApRzXZwvKwkpnTfsrcKdXJtnvtMchN8QwCLcB/s640/DSC00006%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2uyB6X4g7M1eT5LcR7RFLjJpK16il8de8Ag925xKJGOSuRvikvwrIquWZwfB9EowI5wAm3z7dKDWLQd4U9QK7H-jmc3l_LPwJWytNOKLmmozQtm0fA4zCm7tfcyw_EwIBHt7NKBpd4j-/s1600/DSC00017+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2uyB6X4g7M1eT5LcR7RFLjJpK16il8de8Ag925xKJGOSuRvikvwrIquWZwfB9EowI5wAm3z7dKDWLQd4U9QK7H-jmc3l_LPwJWytNOKLmmozQtm0fA4zCm7tfcyw_EwIBHt7NKBpd4j-/s640/DSC00017+%25281%2529.JPG" width="563" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Set the fixed candle on a white plate and add some flower petals around the candle.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Place the white rocks and shells around the white plate. These represent the fallen soldiers. Place photos of relatives who died in war on your altar if you have any. Add a glass of water to which you have added a piece of alum stone to keep evil away from your service. I was taught to add alum stone to water to aid in communication, and to protect the living and the Dead, among other things. If you don't have alum, just leave it out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KL4aybti09o/V0zJ84xdqDI/AAAAAAAAFSI/_BCzpvqb9RI8cgGrtY8KsL8vdHzTbCKAgCLcB/s1600/DSC00024%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KL4aybti09o/V0zJ84xdqDI/AAAAAAAAFSI/_BCzpvqb9RI8cgGrtY8KsL8vdHzTbCKAgCLcB/s400/DSC00024%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Add some flowers and your patron saint if you wish to further personalize your service. Now all you have to do is light your candle and pray for our soldiers who died for us. Just pray a heart felt prayer and do it every day until the candle burns down.</div>
<br />
If you do not have everything for this service, don't let it stop you. You can even just light a tea light and say a prayer of gratitude and blessings for our fallen soldiers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%;">FREE DOWNLOAD</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 150%;">RIGHT CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW AND SAVE TO YOUR COMPUTER</span></div>
</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Then, open a blank word document. Set the orientation to landscape. Insert the image into the document and print it out. It will fit perfectly on a glass encased seven-day candle. Cut out the image and glue to a white seven-day candle and perform a personal service to the ones fallen in battle for our freedom.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #444444; font-family: "droid serif" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #444444; font-family: "droid serif" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha99qZzHYNDzJ8aj0zCS_q2GhoVpcMXxKGsC1DUT5vNUpzDvDClMMMxNX9GoYOtjjddFO-rtl7ZzOwNlQTIIz-5NJmn4qND0c52NpOd2XzKLGBgzeni3iuZ4DYxVd3cN8CAeFVFL-GWs53/s1600/INMEMORIAM-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha99qZzHYNDzJ8aj0zCS_q2GhoVpcMXxKGsC1DUT5vNUpzDvDClMMMxNX9GoYOtjjddFO-rtl7ZzOwNlQTIIz-5NJmn4qND0c52NpOd2XzKLGBgzeni3iuZ4DYxVd3cN8CAeFVFL-GWs53/s640/INMEMORIAM-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #444444; font-family: "droid serif" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
THIS IMAGE IS FREE FOR YOUR PERSONAL USE ONLY. I HAVE NOT PLACED IT INTO THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. NO COMMERCIAL USE IS ALLOWED.<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #444444; font-family: "droid serif" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #444444; font-family: "droid serif" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_W21BZTiSgw/V0zLC-0tZ2I/AAAAAAAAFSQ/F_zMsoeWlZIpwB3ZxwngwQshl-8Fl213wCLcB/s1600/DSC00047%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_W21BZTiSgw/V0zLC-0tZ2I/AAAAAAAAFSQ/F_zMsoeWlZIpwB3ZxwngwQshl-8Fl213wCLcB/s640/DSC00047%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #444444; font-family: "droid serif" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-46980167198674018652016-05-13T16:12:00.002-07:002016-05-13T16:26:29.258-07:00Friday the 13th: Myth, Superstition, or Reality?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ak22Oa_-lyU/VzZYU706PYI/AAAAAAAAFNs/duSG3W36Ej0eT2l2R5oc5xtyKna6f7ZOgCLcB/s1600/2014-2015%2BAlmanac%2Brec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ak22Oa_-lyU/VzZYU706PYI/AAAAAAAAFNs/duSG3W36Ej0eT2l2R5oc5xtyKna6f7ZOgCLcB/s640/2014-2015%2BAlmanac%2Brec.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The fear of number 13 is the most<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">common superstition in Western culture.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my earliest memories about Friday the 13th as a day other than what is commonly portrayed in the media was when we were in Germany at an army base where my father was stationed. I remember it well; it was a sunny day and I was sitting on the grass outside. A soldier whom I did not know walked by me, looked at me and said “Happy Red Day.” I remember thinking to myself...what is he talking about? And then I remembered it was Friday the Thirteenth, and it must be something about this day that he is referring to. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But why did he say that to me? I still don’t know the answer to that question; but, what we did find out was that he was the resident Satanist who was on a mission to infiltrate my life at the ripe young age of, oh yeah, did I mention...13? </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sounds like the beginnings of a scary movie, right? Well, nothing crazy happened, we did get to know him a little and get inside the thinking of a Satanist in the army in Germany at that time. My mother never let me be alone with him and instead engaged in a useful dialogue that prompted me to learn more about the meaning of this “Red Day.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: large;">The Origin of Friday the 13th</span></span></h2>
<div>
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Vzf7qcgAu0/VzZcEkK3yYI/AAAAAAAAFOI/uSxC5yKZQmcqaKc72-ILBp7BeqQCXhfWwCLcB/s1600/fear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Vzf7qcgAu0/VzZcEkK3yYI/AAAAAAAAFOI/uSxC5yKZQmcqaKc72-ILBp7BeqQCXhfWwCLcB/s640/fear.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
<div>
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Apparently, there is no definitive date for the origin of the dreaded day of special misfortune. While there is evidence to suggest that the number thirteen was considered unlucky prior to the 20th century, there is no definitive link between Friday and the number 13, or so “they” say. I used to take that at face value, but not so much anymore. Actually, when you consider all of the origin stories, there are all kinds of connections between Fridays and thirteens. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are some who insist that Friday the 13th is a modern conceptual invention. According to this theory, the first recorded mention of a Friday the 13th occurred in 1907 with the publication of Thomas W. Lawson's popular novel, Friday, the Thirteenth. The storyline of the book tells of a stockbroker who exploits the superstition to create a panic on Wall Street on Friday the 13th. Obviously, it doesn’t make sense that this book is the first mention of Friday the 13th, because the author had to draw from earlier superstitious beliefs about Friday the 13th to propel the plot of the novel. In my mind then, this origin story is crossed off the list. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In fact, a simple search in the historical newspaper archives reveals many references to Friday the 13th (see examples on the opposite page). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, what’s the deal then? Well, another theory is proposed by Donald Dossey, founder of the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina. According to Dossey, who is also a folklore historian, the phobia associated with Friday the 13th is the result of an ancient combination of two separate negative associations with the number 13 and the day Friday. Okay, so if something bad happens on a Friday, and it happens to be the 13th, then...that make Friday the 13th a day for bad luck? Well, considering bad things have happened to people on every other day of the week and on every other date as well, there’s got to be more to it than that. But, I do understand the psychology behind this explanation. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some suggest Friday has always been considered to be an unlucky day. For example, there is the reference made by Chaucer in his 14th-century book The Canterbury Tales, where he states Friday is considered a day of misfortune and ill luck: “...and on a Friday fell all this mischance.” Another explanation is based on the Christian belief that Jesus was crucified on a Friday. I can certainly agree this was a bad day for Jesus. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But wait, there’s more! We can’t overlook Wall Street’s perpetuation of the superstition for decades. On Oct. 13, 1989, Wall Street experienced what was at the time the second largest drop of the Dow Jones Industrial Average in history. As a result, the day was nicknamed the Friday-the-13th mini-crash. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And finally, we can’t let Hollywood off the hook. “Fridays will never be the same again” was the tagline to Paramount Pictures 1980 release of Friday the 13th, starring Jason, every horror movie buff’s favorite slasher. Born on Friday the 13th, Jason chooses to make that day ever more meaningful by seeking revenge on folks who are similar in behavior and appearance to those who allowed him to drown in Crystal Lake. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But long before the Friday the 13th mini crash of 1989, Lawson’s 1905 novel Friday the Thirteenth, and Jason, for that matter, we find peculiar associations with the number 13. For example, it is curiously omitted in the list of laws in ancient Babylon's (circa 1772 BC) Code of Hammurabi. No one seems to know what the reason was for the omission. And, there is an age-old myth that if 13 people dine together, one will die within a year. The myth is said to derive from both the Last Supper, when Jesus dined with the 12 Apostles prior to his death, and a prevalent Norse myth. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Blame it on Loki</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8QYpI3VcacoIkpbYeGsYQnA_WBCyWsAwMd3SD2vND0uw7qE69YxxaKZFWni5VtScJunPohp5hQQVR-seqJkTjk3RV2TazXu8WG5YejH8foaGrteS10ZTrntdk2Fn-MJYf5mIjtVRR4kD/s1600/loki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8QYpI3VcacoIkpbYeGsYQnA_WBCyWsAwMd3SD2vND0uw7qE69YxxaKZFWni5VtScJunPohp5hQQVR-seqJkTjk3RV2TazXu8WG5YejH8foaGrteS10ZTrntdk2Fn-MJYf5mIjtVRR4kD/s640/loki.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loki, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=679795</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Okay, so let’s blame it on the trickster. Apparently, twelve gods were having a dinner party at Valhalla, the majestic Norse hall presided over by Odin and where half of those who die in battle go to upon death. An uninvited 13th guest arrived, the mischievous Loki. Ever the trickster, Loki manipulated Hoder, the blind god of darkness, to shoot the god of joy and gladness, Balder the Beautiful, with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After Hoder shot Balder, the whole earth grew dark. Balder died and all of Earth mourned. It was an awfully unlucky day. Since then, the number 13 has been considered ominous and foreboding. </div>
<br />
<h2>
The DaVinci Code?</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Loki could be the end of it, but just for shits and giggles let’s take a look at a theory made famous through the DaVinci Code. In the book, a connection is drawn between the slaughtering of the Knights Templar by the Church and Friday the 13th. The Knights Templar were the wealthy, powerful and legendary order of warrior monks formed during the Christian Crusades. Historically, the arrest of Jacques de Molay, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, did occur on Friday, Oct. 13, 1307. The event marked their demise by the Church and state for fictitious crimes such as heresy, blasphemy, various obscenities, and homosexual practices. Hundreds of members of the Order died excruciating deaths by torture and burning at the stake. Friday the 13th was indeed an unlucky day for the Knight’s Templar. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Obviously, it is impossible to determine the exact origin of the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th. That said, there are innumerable superstitions related to this day and date that warrant mentioning simply because people observe them—a LOT of them—and they aren't going away any time soon. Page 173 has a nice collection of superstitions indicating bad luck associated with the day and date. But what about good luck? </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
___________________________________________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">TAKE 13% OFF MY ENTIRE STORE INVENTORY AT CREOLEMOON.COM </span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">WITH COUPON CODE: LUCKYFRIDAY13</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
___________________________________________________________________________________</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<br /></h2>
<h2>
Is There Such a Thing as Lucky 13?</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Consider this, despite its bad luck associations in superstition, the number 13 is considered in a positive light in esoteric traditions. It is the number of mystical manifestation. For example: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The teachings of Jesus are centered on the formula of 12 + 1 (Jesus plus his 12 disciples). According to Pythagoras, one added to 12 creates the unlimited number of 13. It is this formula that allows miracles such as the multiplication of fish and loaves. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Thirteen is the number of the Great Goddess, represented by 13 lunar cycles to a year. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Contemporary witches consider thirteen to be a lucky number. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">In the Kabbalistic system, numbers are equated with letters, and the number 13 is equated with love and unity since the Hebrew letters for love and unity both equal 13. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Thirteen is the cosmic law of destiny: death through failure and regeneration. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">And hey, let's don't forget the Baker's Dozen...Okay, so that's not esoteric, but it is a good thing, right? I mean, who doesn't like an extra donut? </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
<h2>
Superstition or Reality?</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Clearly, there are many explanations for the association between Friday and the number 13; yet, none of them adequately answer the question regarding the absolute origin of the superstition. We’ve looked at origin stories and superstitions and beliefs, both bad and good. Its prevalence is undeniable. However, the whole topic warrants another question. Is there anything to it? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Indeed, inquiring minds want to know. Friday the 13th has been the subject of formal research. One way to measure whether or not an actual phenomenon exists is to analyze statistical data related to the prevalence of traffic accidents and hospital admissions that occur on Friday the 13th as compared to other days of the week. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to research completed at the Dutch Centre for Insurance Statistics in 2008, there were fewer accidents and reports of theft or fire on Friday the 13th than on other Fridays. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the other hand, there is this bit of information published on News.com.au website: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>One of the few reputable research papers on the matter - published in the British Medical Journal in 1993 - found that there was a higher risk of road accidents on Friday the 13th than on other Fridays. It found the risk of hospital admission as a result of a transport accident may be increased by as much as 52 per cent on Friday the 13th, compared to Friday the 6th.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Another study on the topic, conducted by Professor Simo Nayha from Finland's University of Oulu in 2004, found women in particular were at higher risk of dying in a road accident on Friday the 13th, compared with other Fridays. And he offered this conclusion: "Friday the 13th may be a dangerous day for women, largely because of anxiety from superstition.</i></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whatever—don’t get me started on the female focus of the latter research which is annoyingly reminiscent of the 19th-century-no-longer-recognized medical diagnosis of female hysteria. The problem with conducting research on Friday the 13th, aside from possible gender bias, is that it is impossible to control specific variables. For example, some people take extra caution when doing anything that day, whether they are driving or taking a shower. Still others simply avoid going out altogether. Surely these conditions would affect the outcome of any research regarding the incidence of accidents on Friday the 13th. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h2>
Friday the 13th Remedies</h2>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friday the 13th always occurs at least once a year in the Gregorian calendar and can appear up to three times in any one year. In 2016, there will only be one occurrence of Friday the 13th: May 13, 2016. So, is there anything that can be done to prevent possible bad luck for believers? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fortunately for paraskevidekatriaphobics, a number of remedies exist. You can escape to high ground, stand on your head and eat a piece of gristle (yum!) or burn all of your socks with holes in them for protection from inevitable. Or, you can carry a Friday the 13th lucky talisman, which I normally create each year but alas, did not have to prepare one today. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Talisman magick goes back infinitesimally in the civilization of humankind, or by some estimates over 4,120 years. A talisman is a small amulet or object, often bearing magical symbols, worn for protection against evil spirits or the supernatural. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are the interesting talismans that are said to protect us from the evils of Friday the 13th. An 1896 Illinois newspaper article (p. 175) reports on the sale of rabbits foot talisman is the magic square. A magic square is a 4 x 4 square with the sum of each of 4 rows, 4 columns, and 2 diagonals always the same, "magic" total. They are found in a number of cultures, including Egypt and India, engraved on stone or metal and worn as talismans, the belief being that magic squares have astrological and divinatory qualities, their usage ensuring longevity and prevention of diseases. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bonne chance and good luck on Friday the 13th, wherever you are! </div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>References </b><br />
<br />
Guiley, R.E. (1999). The Encyclopedia of witches and witchcraft. New York: Checkmark Books.<br />
<br />
Roach, John. "Friday the 13th Phobia Rooted in Ancient History", National Geographic News, August 12, 2004, p. Page 1. Retrieved on July 13, 2007<br />
<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US">_________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US">*The above article is excerpted from the Hoodoo Almanac 2014-2015 by Denise Alvarado, Carolina Dean and Alyne Pustanio. It has been lightly edited to make it applicable to 2016.</span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-57962838210615755262016-04-19T01:38:00.003-07:002018-04-19T16:39:04.651-07:00From Corpse Syrup to Reverence: Kneeling at the Crossroads with Sitarane and the Holy Guardian Angel <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-888SqD7nyFQ/VxQVoIUtTtI/AAAAAAAAFH8/oSDdVs6Bv50Tlw3d2sNvuRQGdjQ8ZogbgCLcB/s1600/ob_9ad29c_sitarane-1-www-laboutiquederemi-com.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-888SqD7nyFQ/VxQVoIUtTtI/AAAAAAAAFH8/oSDdVs6Bv50Tlw3d2sNvuRQGdjQ8ZogbgCLcB/s1600/ob_9ad29c_sitarane-1-www-laboutiquederemi-com.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As one thing leads to another, my ongoing investigation into the veneration of St. Expedite across the globe led me to meeting THIS guy, identified as<i> Sitarane </i>in my last article, <a href="http://conjureart.blogspot.com/2016/04/that-sexy-saints-head-is-one-powerful.html" target="_blank">That Sexy Saint's Head is One Powerful Conjure Curio</a>. If you haven't read it yet, <a href="http://conjureart.blogspot.com/2016/04/that-sexy-saints-head-is-one-powerful.html" target="_blank">check it</a>, out then come back here as I delve into the discussion about the veneration of a sorcerer turned mass murderer a little deeper. I am still on the topic of sorcery on <a href="http://conjureart.blogspot.com/2016/04/st-expedite-around-world-road-side.html">Réunion</a> Island. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNO_bS7rwkY/VxUvfxgTiXI/AAAAAAAAFJg/YLFosQ0yAi8YFkBe8VMEDDNqgrJdTJbWwCLcB/s1600/stexcuriocabinet4%25283%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNO_bS7rwkY/VxUvfxgTiXI/AAAAAAAAFJg/YLFosQ0yAi8YFkBe8VMEDDNqgrJdTJbWwCLcB/s320/stexcuriocabinet4%25283%2529.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't know about you, but the act of collecting decapitated St. Expedite statue heads by folks who turn to Sitarane for wicked intercession and protection from the nerdy saint of fast solutions is, to say the least, a fascinating commentary on the human psyche.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While he is known on the Island of <a href="http://conjureart.blogspot.com/2016/04/st-expedite-around-world-road-side.html">Réunion</a> as <i>Sitarane</i>, his real name is Simicoudza Simicourba (1858 – 1911). Born in Mozambique to a "family of witch doctors," according to Wikipedia, he moved to Reunion in 1889 to work for a Mr. Morange in Saint-Benoît. After working for a couple of years, he left his employment, went underground and in 1906 met a couple of other stand-up guys, Pierre-Elie Calendrin (1869–1937), and Emmanuel Fontaine (1886–1911). Apparently, both men were known to be criminals and Calendrin was also a well-known sorcerer who went by the nickname <i>St. Ange (Saint Angel)</i> due to his alleged powers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is scant information available in English about the events surrounding these three guys, but they made quite the reputation for themselves as certified occult thugs. They were well-known for their black magic activities, reading tarot cards, conducting clandestine crossroads rituals and animal sacrifice. These activities, coupled with robbery and murder, made them notoriously famous. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But let's back up a bit...to when the <i>Matter of Blood Drinkers</i> occult reign of terror officially began.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
THE CRIME SPREE</h3>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It all started in the dead of night in 1908 on the south side of the island with a series of burglaries. The thieves would break in and steal whatever they could find: money, jewelry, groceries, weapons, crockery, linen, and tools. They even went into kitchens and ate the families' leftover meals with leisure. How strange, it seemed, for the thieves to appear so relaxed in their criminalities. That the burglaries occurred while the owners were at home sleeping and that the bandits were able to enter without detection even by watch dogs caused great confusion to the community. The robberies set off a wave of panic and paranoia among the people. Surely, there must be a supernatural explanation for how the thieves were able to enter homes undetected by man or beast, strip victims of all their belongings, and escape undetected. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
One night in December of 1908, right before midnight and under the cover of darkness, a shop owner named Pierre Payet Delcantara, standing guard, saw three men come to the crossroads near his shop. Behind them was a cart with several other people. The three men went to the middle of the crossroads, lit some candles, burned camphor, and laid out some cards. One of the men appeared to read the cards and shortly thereafter the men retreated. Apparently, there was a baby crying in the house next door and it is thought the thieves left so they wouldn't be disturbed. Eight days later, however, that very store was robbed while the owner stood guard. Despite the fact the door was reinforced with iron sheeting and nails, the thieves blew the boards off the outer wall and looted the store to their hearts content. The store owner apparently didn't hear a thing.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some time later, the thieves stole thirty-seven kilos of geranium oil from Raoul Leperlier while he and his three dogs slept in the next room. As usual, the gang slipped away undetected.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then, on March 20, 1909, the body of a man named Hervé Deltel was discovered in the early morning hours by the owner of the property. He had apparently been killed in his bed while he was sound asleep. He had been robbed, and his faithful watchdog had been zombified - but not killed - for several days. The remains of an entirely consumed candle and a rusty knife with a freshly sharpened blade stained blood-red was found on the bedside table. The killer strategically chose to stab his victim in the corner of the eye, penetrating the brain with the first blow.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The senseless crime took the community paranoia to a whole nother level. And the crime spree didn't stop there. Four months later, on August 11, 1909, the most brutal of crimes took place. </div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This time, the victim was a young school teacher named Lucien Robert. He lived in Saint Peter with his wife. The bodies of both Lucien and his wife were discovered lying in bed in a pool of blood. The woman had been pregnant and raped by more than one of her killers after she had been murdered. The community was now convinced that the trio operated under the protection of a dark and evil force.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, the people were moving beyond fear into anger. Anger that nothing was being done to stop the madness. So, they turned to a local healer referred to as <i>Holy Guardian Angel </i>or<i> Saint Angel</i> who was dispensing a remedy against the overarching evil plaguing the community. The remedy was apparently a tea made from the heads of a local fish:<br />
<br />
"This exciting remedy, writes M Petit of Rhodière, manufactured with Congress heads caught in the lagoon of Grand-Bois, where it is well known to fishermen, proves to be so effective that the good news spread like a flash of lightning and soon (Sant'Angelo) is solicited from everywhere at once."<br />
<br />
Did you catch that? Saint Angel was the one dispensing the remedies! And the creep factor continues to grow. Apparently, he would not sell his remedy to any of his future victims.<br />
<br />
Of course, there was nothing supernatural about how Sitarane and his compadres broke into the homes - sort of. They devised a clever and effective process of drilling a series of small holes just below the latch of the lock which allowed the wood to be removed with a crowbar. Reaching inside, they could easily lift the latch and viola! they were inside. Their methodology soon became apparent, however, and the people of Réunion took extra measures to safeguard their homes. Still, the additional safeguards were not enough to deter or stop the bandits and the break-ins continued, much to the dismay of the communities that were hit. The fact that the bandits could not be stopped and continued to enter homes undetected just strengthened the belief that something supernatural was going on.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h4>
THE GRIS GRIS</h4>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What strikes me as most interesting is the manner in which the bandits subdued their victims. It appears they used a blowing powder, aka gris gris, prior to slitting their victims' throats. While the most common form of gris gris seen on the internet today is the <a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/store/c16/Gris_Gris%2C_Conjure_Hands_%26_Tobies.html" target="_blank">gris gris bag</a>, gris gris can be made as a powder and even a <a href="http://conjureart.blogspot.com/2012/07/liquid-love-gris-gris.html" target="_blank">liquid</a>. Powders and dusts were traditionally deployed by slaves in a variety of ways, including sprinkling in shoes and on floors and blowing into the face or direction of a target. Powders later came to be called <i>sachet powders, blowing powders,</i> and <i>blowing sachet powders</i> in the commercial Hoodoo market.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kN7oRRqAPck/VxUs5CNqAKI/AAAAAAAAFJY/0WbUubT9W1c5YrqV13vxGdT5uU5IKInfQCLcB/s1600/blowing-powder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kN7oRRqAPck/VxUs5CNqAKI/AAAAAAAAFJY/0WbUubT9W1c5YrqV13vxGdT5uU5IKInfQCLcB/s640/blowing-powder.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
The people were right in assuming supernatural influences. The trio were not operating on a purely mundane level; they were utilizing some very specific knowledge of both gris gris and botany; the kind of knowledge only adept sorcerers possess. Very few practitioners have learned such sophisticated knowledge of the use of plants and animal parts as poisons. Given the backgrounds of Calendrin and Simicourba, it was no surprise they utilized the knowledge they possessed to achieve their goals.<br />
<br />
According to newspaper reports, the trio would knock on the door of their victims and blow a yellow powder containing datura and zamal through the keyhole that when inhaled caused the victim to fall into a state of paralysis. They even fed any dogs that were present a rooster that had been soaked in a mixture of datura and zamal, which put the animal down for several days. After both humans and animals were paralyzed, the gang could enter the home and proceed with the robbery. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The yellow blowing powder sounds a lot like zombi powder, come to think of it. I am sure it contained ingredients other than datura and zamal, though I have not found any reference to its complete formula anywhere. As it is, I had to consult the French literature to discover that zamal - a particularly potent strain of Sativa - was part of the formula. According to Seeds-of-Africa.com, zamal "induces a superb, electric high that is slightly unnerving the first time you try it."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqKKFTmaksY/VxR76dPUcLI/AAAAAAAAFIs/RcOFnhLBavYOsUY31TfCqd2AZZzX6MkgwCLcB/s1600/DSC03738.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqKKFTmaksY/VxR76dPUcLI/AAAAAAAAFIs/RcOFnhLBavYOsUY31TfCqd2AZZzX6MkgwCLcB/s640/DSC03738.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Datura innoxia flower and plant, the reported plant used in the Sitarane murders, is also called Herbe a Sitarane in <a href="http://conjureart.blogspot.com/2016/04/st-expedite-around-world-road-side.html">Réunion</a>. Photo copyright 2016 Denise Alvarado, all rights reserved worldwide.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7QqrizFprE/VxR9_tuxeFI/AAAAAAAAFI4/GjBhQGtNr1oF7Ydr7_lAsLlopNSNPaHygCLcB/s1600/DSC03764.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7QqrizFprE/VxR9_tuxeFI/AAAAAAAAFI4/GjBhQGtNr1oF7Ydr7_lAsLlopNSNPaHygCLcB/s640/DSC03764.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Datura innoxia bud, the reported plant used in the Sitarane murders, is also called Herbe a Sitarane in </span><a href="http://conjureart.blogspot.com/2016/04/st-expedite-around-world-road-side.html" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Réunion</a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Photo copyright 2016 Denise Alvarado, all rights reserved worldwide.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
THE CASE OF SITARANE</h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The robberies and murders continued until fall of 1909. But, the trio's occult reign of terror came to a screeching halt that September when they were busted in the act. This time, their victim was Charles Roussel in Stamp. The groundskeeper heard suspicious noises at the door and he grabbed his gun. There was a struggle between the groundskeeper and Sitarane and shots were fired, though no one was hit. Everyone fled; but, in the struggle, Sitarane left behind compelling evidence that eventually lead to the trio's arrest. The evidence included two bags, a hat, a gun, two butcher knives, a crowbar, a new crankshaft and a piece of folded paper containing the infamous yellow powder. The police invited the community to view the evidence to see if anyone recognized to whom the items belonged. Indeed, someone was able to identify the two bags as belonging to a man named Simicourbi Simicoudza, a former worker from Mozambique who goes by the name of Sitarane. The new crankshaft was also identified as belonging to a man named Emmanuel Fontaine. The two men were immediately arrested. Further analysis indicated the gun belonged to Hervé Deltel. Both men denied where they got the gun or involvement with any murders. Eventually, they admitted to being present but not to killing anyone themselves. They insisted the real killer was the leader of their gang, Pierre Elie Calendrino, or Saint Angel. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At that point, the police embarked on a manhunt. Operating from a tip provided by Sitarane and Fontaine, the police checked out a cave called <i>the Chattoire</i> where the gang reportedly hid their loot. There, the police discovered stolen property. This discovery effectively stopped the whole gang, including about a dozen other people involved in handling the stolen goods. They had everyone now, with the exception of Saint Angel.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpgfrzQhpgM/VxWtEmF8GKI/AAAAAAAAFKA/vTanTphY_fgD-a_cb_mvxN2IQisFqX39ACLcB/s1600/sv10910988.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpgfrzQhpgM/VxWtEmF8GKI/AAAAAAAAFKA/vTanTphY_fgD-a_cb_mvxN2IQisFqX39ACLcB/s320/sv10910988.JPG" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Cave on the property of Mr. Benoît Lauret, the "400" (Stamp), a place called "The Chattoire" where the band met Sitarane. (Photo D. Ubertini).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
With his identity now public, it wasn't long before some farmers apprehended Saint Angel. On December 31, 1909, he had been found and was about to be lynched. The police caught wind of the situation and showed up in the nick of time to intervene and prevent him from being hung that day. Lucky for him...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrQgdZPVN0viBpnpW_Skm4w2HAiQpSrwNcFNt_9BlSxGL9JDmrvvgaPeb0f1W8-fyLvrq7Cge9xoVngGDdytrnepU9869i8kBmskFBZiY2K_idQY5q2NbOtmBk7EoOQA5P639TQLoYj2C/s1600/sv10910987.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrQgdZPVN0viBpnpW_Skm4w2HAiQpSrwNcFNt_9BlSxGL9JDmrvvgaPeb0f1W8-fyLvrq7Cge9xoVngGDdytrnepU9869i8kBmskFBZiY2K_idQY5q2NbOtmBk7EoOQA5P639TQLoYj2C/s640/sv10910987.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Policemen escorting the prisoners in the early twentieth century (Collection Andre Blay).<br />
<div>
<span class="notranslate"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
ON THE MATTER OF BLOOD DRINKERS</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div>
Once Sitarane and Fontaine were arrested and interviewed, they admitted to conducting rituals prior to the burglaries and even revealed the sordid details of their crimes.<i> </i>Saint Angel prepared a special potion for each of the men to drink before each outing<i> </i>that consisted of holy water, honey, some pieces of shaved wood and seven teaspoons of black goat blood. Each of them fasted for 18 hours prior to the ritual and drank three swallows of the concoction at sunset. Once they had murdered Hervé Deltel and Lucien Robert and his wife, however, the blood of the goat was replaced by the human blood they had harvested from their victims.<i> </i>According Saint Angel, drinking the <i>sirop de cadavre</i> (corpse syrup) at a favorable moment was enough to multiply by seven the spirit of evil and make whoever partakes of the potion invincible, as well as apparently, invisible.<br />
<br />
After drinking the corpse syrup, they began to circle around a fire, and Saint Angel made passes over the flames with a king of spades card. By order of Saint Angel, Sitarane stuck the card with a knife seven times. They burned camphor, communed with the spirits and read the cards to see if the roads would be open and free of obstructions so that they could proceed with their plans. Sitarane would place his ear to the ground in the crossroads and listen for vibrations. If the road was quiet, it meant the coast was clear. There are no more details about the rituals that I could find; but, if Sitarane and Fontaine were telling the truth, then it does appear Saint Angel was the ringleader of the gang and their occult activities. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once the details of the occult activities were made public, the trio was referred to as the <i>bloodsucking gang.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next year, on December 13, 1910, a verdict was reached in the trial. Sitarane, Fountain and Saint Ange were sentenced to death. Five accomplices were sentenced to forced labor for life, while two women and a young man were acquitted. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You would think that was the end of it, but you would be wrong. Evidence of ongoing occult influences continued when an appeal was filed regarding the sentences. The appeal went before the Supreme Court on June 18, 1911, and the decision was to keep the death sentence for Sitarane and Fontaine, but not for Saint Ange. His sentence was reversed by the President of the Republic and instead, Saint Angel was sentenced to life on Devil's Island in Guyana. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You just can't make this shit up.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sitarane and Fontaine were guillotined on June 20, 1911. According to ExecutedToday.com, "Sitarane died wailing a Comorian death-chant. Fontaine, more panicky, resisted the executioners and got his neck in a twist, resulting in a bad strike from the blade that lodged in his jaw." Yikes. They are buried in the same grave in the cemetery of St. Peter. If you look at the sign on the grave, you will see all three of their names. Apparently, Sitarane and Fontaine were buried in the same plot, but Saint Angel died just three years before the Guyana Penitentiary closed in 1932. </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0Fdp5cIUNA/VxQmBImYRZI/AAAAAAAAFIM/pS7YLs-XH1Av8PyEyoK-vaahr68QAcoEwCLcB/s1600/Tombe-de-Sitarane.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0Fdp5cIUNA/VxQmBImYRZI/AAAAAAAAFIM/pS7YLs-XH1Av8PyEyoK-vaahr68QAcoEwCLcB/s1600/Tombe-de-Sitarane.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
MODERN DAY SITARANE SORCERY</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One might wonder, as I did before learning the details of the case, why La Sitarane is venerated as he is and why he is held in such high regard given the atrocious nature of his crimes and his association with witchcraft and sorcery. The answer is that Sitarane asked to be baptized immediately before being executed. He was baptized June 20, 1911, at the age of 42, the same day of his execution. They say the devil becomes an angel by baptism, so he is considered a special spirit capable of bestowing blessings and providing assistance to the living. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, Sitarane's grave is persistenly decorated with flowers, candles and alcohol. Some folks lay in his grave in hopes they will be especially blessed or granted good luck. People routinely visit him and also invoke his help in their practice of the Black Arts. In particular, those who are involved in criminal behaviors - like those the Bloodsucking gang were involved in - will pray to his evil spirit for help with the successful commission of their anticipated crimes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One story tells of a man who left a butcher knife on Sitarane's grave overnight. After retrieving it, he used it to murder his mistress in front of ten thousand people while she watched a variety show in front of the town hall.</div>
<br />
But, it seems not everyone who pays homage to Sitarane is of an evil nature. Take this video for example, and the singer who seems to be just happy as a peach to lie in the grave of the infamous murderous sorcerer, Sitarane.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ISWgk1pL-_M" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
________________________________________________________________________________</div>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
References</h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
http://www.iledelareunion.net/sitarane.htm<br />
<br />
SITARANE : HISTOIRE ET LEGENDE DES "BUVEURS DE SANG"<br />
http://gistlabs.net/PagePerso/reunion/Documents/Sitarane.html</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Image Credits:</b> Sitarane and Fontaine being led from prison to the guillotine on June 20, 1911. Retrieved from: http://www.laboutiquederemi.com/2015/12/mythes-et-legendes-de-la-reunion.html</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-1449603799912531442016-04-17T04:51:00.001-07:002021-06-12T01:28:19.602-07:00That Sexy Saints' Head is One Powerful Conjure Curio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5ECON6WJ5Y/VxNmnsKG9LI/AAAAAAAAFHs/Bd8leO5sMT4-oNyIxF1wxallqWWEg_-DwCLcB/s1600/stexcuriocabinet-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5ECON6WJ5Y/VxNmnsKG9LI/AAAAAAAAFHs/Bd8leO5sMT4-oNyIxF1wxallqWWEg_-DwCLcB/s640/stexcuriocabinet-4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="text-align: start;">This article piggybacks the last article I wrote called </span><a href="http://conjureart.blogspot.com/2016/04/st-expedite-around-world-road-side.html">St. Expedite around the World: Road Side Altars in Réunion</a>. In that article, I discussed the possible connection between St. Expedite and sorcery due to the prevalence of decapitated statues found at the numerous roadside shrines in Réunion.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to local reports, St. Expedite is decapitated in order to “neutralize his power or to use the head in their own incantations” (Dalyrymple 1998). <span style="text-align: start;">Unfortunately, this new information is not in my book, <a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/store/p21/The_Conjurer%27s_Guide_to_St._Expedite.html">The Conjurer's Guide to St. Expedite</a>. But, that's okay, I have another book in the works about him that will contain this additional information. I have discovered through reading numerous more articles that the reason for his decapitation is indeed due to sorcery. Apparently, the decapitated head of a St. Expedite statue is one powerful conjure curio. Sorcerers will collect the heads of this sexy saint and use them in works against enemies and for protection. St. Expedite is perceived to be so powerful, that in order to counteract any magick performed with his assistance one must seek the ultimate solution: assistance from the spirit of a deceased sorcerer extraordinaire and mass murderer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Now, this is getting interesting.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">To folks who are unfamiliar with Southern conjure and execration magick, it may sound shocking. But, it makes total sense to me now that I have more information.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Southern conjure, graveyard work is often a very big part of the practitioner's work, especially for the two-headed conjure doctor aka sorcerer. And, as is often the case there are more similarities than differences when it comes to examining traditions across cultures. In New Orleans Voudou, St. Expedite in syncretized with Baron Samedi who is the Voudou Spirit of Death and head of ancestral loas (Guede). Hanging out with both St. Expedite and Baron Samedi at the cemetery is not unusual for practitioners. Graveyard work is, after all, considered a powerful form of magick. Apparently it is in Réunion, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Enter Sitarene</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A rather infamous sorcerer in Reunion was known for his collection of decapitated St. Expedite heads. He apparently used them in his powerful conjure work, which reportedly scared the crap out of locals. As one individual describes it: "We were all terrified of him: everyone believed he had very strong powers. But in the end the people kicked him out because he began to demand bribes not to cast spells on us all" (Dalyrymple 1998). In order to ensure the sorcerer would not exact revenge, they enlisted the help of the spirit of a sorceror known as <i>Sitarane. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Sitarene was notorious while still alive for more than just being a sorcerer. He killed three people that folks are aware of, and he did it by drugging his victims with datura and then drinking their blood. In the graveyard where he is buried, "the head of the cross on La Sitarane's gravestone had been broken off and the remaining shaft painted bright red. On the slab was piled a mountain of bizarre offerings: rice, potatoes, oranges, radishes, wine gums, milk, coconuts and incense sticks, as well as the inevitable bottles of rum and packets of Gitanes" (Dalyrymple 1998).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, in the conjure tradition, petitioning the help of a murderer is serious business. Sometimes this is done by gathering the grave dirt from where the murderer is buried. Other times, it involves the actual invocation of their spirit. In both cases, a pact is made between conjurer and spirit that defines the work to be done. The services of the spirit are bought and paid for, often for a mere 15 cents and a bottle of rum. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ironically, Sitarene was decapitated as a result of his actions, just like St. Expedite. Only his beheading was a just sentence as opposed to being murdered for being a Christian. As the story goes, just before he was executed, Sitarene made a public proclamation that he would return from the dead to avenge his death. He must have made quite the scene because his words have never been forgotten. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They say the people of Reunion believe Sitarene still wanders the land. The offerings left at his grave point to the belief that his services can be bought and paid for and apparently he is gaining in popularity. They continue to bring him gifts and solicit his help to make their work more powerful and to exact revenge against enemies.When they need help in a hurry, however - whether a curse or a blessing - it is St. Expedite they turn to.<br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
References</h4>
Dalrymple, William (1998). <i>The Age of Kali: Indian Travels and Encounters</i>. retrieved April 16, 2016 from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/721380/Reunion-Renaults-and-sacred-rites.html<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Image credit:</b> Photo of A Cabinet of Decapitated St Expedite Heads by Denise Alvarado, Copyright 2016 All rights reserved worldwide.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3we6ubS4vrNy9FCjkbPS3EZDZAHSU858EFW7kmJBaFIt5aBzyTMdUf3BfE3WZukHopFKGQUh0gF6mXrVH9KnvCUWIGNCEmM7x29yHlXXENaT5QSzstpjP6CRTlggp5QMPbWAMev9d3_xR/s1600/DSC08706.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3we6ubS4vrNy9FCjkbPS3EZDZAHSU858EFW7kmJBaFIt5aBzyTMdUf3BfE3WZukHopFKGQUh0gF6mXrVH9KnvCUWIGNCEmM7x29yHlXXENaT5QSzstpjP6CRTlggp5QMPbWAMev9d3_xR/s640/DSC08706.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/store/c84/St._Expedite_Products.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Find a full line of St Expedite products at Creole Moon</span></a></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-66442483323845819582016-04-16T19:43:00.004-07:002016-05-17T15:31:20.967-07:00St. Expedite around the World: Road Side Altars in Réunion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tH6A-zu3IBkHv3rcDIz7Bw2AmcdEEU9M1v__ug2ffxlPqV1oNFr5_UCNXaYM76NADXvxmI7Dw2DKYMRa-FnoiWy_uNoY-albVgLApd4D1XoJeoouCZrVN74bW7wv-4Dadi4ykgRwZbp-/s1600/Saint_Exp%25C3%25A9dit_route_des_plaines_dsc02353.jpg"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tH6A-zu3IBkHv3rcDIz7Bw2AmcdEEU9M1v__ug2ffxlPqV1oNFr5_UCNXaYM76NADXvxmI7Dw2DKYMRa-FnoiWy_uNoY-albVgLApd4D1XoJeoouCZrVN74bW7wv-4Dadi4ykgRwZbp-/s640/Saint_Exp%25C3%25A9dit_route_des_plaines_dsc02353.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
Today, St. Expedite is a popular folk saint in various parts of the world, including the tiny French Island of Réunion, located off the east coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. The origin of his devotion there follows the familiar storyline of the arrival of a mysterious crate marked <i>expedit</i> that contained some bones. Apparently, a request was made by colonials to the Vatican for saintly relics. When the box of old bones arrived with <i>expedit </i>marked on the wooden box, those who received them assumed they were the bones of a saint and named him <i>St. Expedite.</i> <br />
<br />
An unfamilar dimension of this story indicates St. Expedite is routinely invoked for his help with black magic in placing and breaking curses. As the story goes, he is so prompt to dispense a curse that to call him anything other than St. Expedite would make no sense, whatsoever.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
However he arrived there and whatever the nature of his association, people professing a wide range of religious faiths including Christianity, animism, Buddhism, and Hinduism are equally attracted to St. Expedite’s ability to get things done in a hurry, whether it be a curse or a blessing. He is apparently revered in secret in Reunion; some have gone so far as to say it is a taboo to invoke him. People typically do not come out during the day to make their petitions so as to avoid being seen. That said, there exists numerous roadside altars, huts, little shrines and niches painted in bright red that do nothing to keep St. Expedite on the downlow. Images of these roadside altars show they are obviously well taken care of and offerings or ex-votos commonly left at the various shrines in gratitude for petitions granted show his devotees are numerous and strong in faith. Among the offerings left are red wine and small cakes with coins pressed into them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br />
According to some reports, St. Expedite is the Patron Saint of Roads in Réunion. The roadside altars and shrines are situated in memoriam by families of those who die in roadside traffic accidents. Apparently, the roads there are quite treacherous and the question is not if you will get into an accident; rather, it is more like when. Some of the locals say St. Expedite is the product of Voodoo and that he is the saint to petition when you want to get rid of someone in a hurry.<br />
<br />
According to the website <i>Travel</i>, the local Hindus “treat St Expedite as an unofficial incarnation of Vishnu; those wanting children come to his shrine and tie saffron cloths to the grilles“ (Dalrymple 1998).<br />
<br />
Unlike other places, there is an unusual practice there that is not observed in other areas of St. Expedite devotion. Apparently, as easy as it is to observe how well cared for the roadside altars are, it is also plain to see decapitated statues of St. Expedite strewn about—reportedly the result of petitioners’ anger for when he doesn’t come through for them. It has also been suggested that he is decapitated as part of a petition to break existing curses. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find the practice of decapitating his statue to be quite intriguing. Reunion Island is a diverse community consisting of white Europeans, Indians, Africans, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Given the different cultural influences found there, it piques my curiosity as to who may have brought the practice with them and what the true meaning is for cutting off St. Expedite’s head.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, there is the theme of decapitation found in private and royal funerary literature of ancient Egypt (Picardo, 2007). The actual act of decapitation was considered the most reprehensible of acts with only the vilest of human beings deserving of such a fate. To the ancient Egyptians, enemies and foreigners were among those who received such treatment at the request of the King. However, decapitation also occurred in a ritual context in magic spells. Symbolic decapitations directed against enemies and criminals were invoked through execration magic and in threat-formulae or curses against robbers. Evidence for this activity is found in some tomb inscriptions. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Of course, the possibility that St. Expedite is being destroyed by iconoclasts shouldn't be discounted. Iconoclasm is the deliberate destruction of religious icons or monuments, usually for religious or political motives. In common parlance, an iconoclast is a person who challenges cherished beliefs or traditional institutions as being based on error or superstition (Besançon & Todd, 2000). Could it be there are locals who disapprove of St. Expedite and show their disapproval by the destruction of the statues? Whatever the case may be, it is clear there is an underground devotion of St. Expedite that serves both positive and nefarious purposes on the island of Réunion.<br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
References</h4>
Besançon, A. and Jane Marie Todd. (2000). <i>The Forbidden Image: An Intellectual History of<br />Iconoclasm</i>. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.<br />
<br />
Picardo, N. (2007). Semantic Homicide’ and the So-called Reserve Heads: The Theme of Decapitation in Egyptian Funerary Religion and Some Implications for the Old Kingdom. <i>Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt, 23.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<h4>
Image credit</h4>
A roadside hut altar dedicated to Expeditus on Réunion Island <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/">CC BY-SA 3.0</a> <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:David.Monniaux">Uploaded by David.Monniaux</a> (2005) Wikimedia Commons.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
_______________________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*The above article is excerpted from <i>A Conjurer's Guide to St. Expedite, </i>available <a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/store/p21/The_Conjurer%27s_Guide_to_St._Expedite.html" target="_blank">here</a> and at bookstores everywhere.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AihG2yRg_ns/VzubIKbJulI/AAAAAAAAFQA/pl-fhUaZnJ0W1wKinAZBOmIHuRpbWFywQCLcB/s1600/DSC08495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AihG2yRg_ns/VzubIKbJulI/AAAAAAAAFQA/pl-fhUaZnJ0W1wKinAZBOmIHuRpbWFywQCLcB/s640/DSC08495.JPG" width="474" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/store/c84/St._Expedite_Products.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Find a full line of St. Expedite products at Creole Moon</span></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-17783523770396466882016-04-16T02:23:00.000-07:002016-04-16T02:35:42.520-07:00Hyssop of the Holy Writ<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PZa5WgR5nc/VxIHRi3zKGI/AAAAAAAAFF8/77n3rBBN94Ephv0kqk_xirkZL7bHXjHmACLcB/s1600/blue-flower-hyssop-plant-3648x5472_70577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PZa5WgR5nc/VxIHRi3zKGI/AAAAAAAAFF8/77n3rBBN94Ephv0kqk_xirkZL7bHXjHmACLcB/s640/blue-flower-hyssop-plant-3648x5472_70577.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "worstveld sling extra"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "worstveld sling extra"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7443609036312606378" name="_Live_layout_and"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7443609036312606378" name="_Simple_Markup"></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "worstveld sling extra"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.” </span></b></div>
<div class="Instructions">
<br /></div>
<div class="Instructions" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;">Talk to any rootworker and ask them to name the best herb to use for cleansing and uncrossings and their response is likely to be, or at least include: Hyssop. This makes sense given the heavy influence of the Bible on modern conjure, and in particular, the influence of Catholicism and the use of the Psalms - specifically Psalm 51 - in conjure work in New Orleans.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="Instructions" style="text-align: justify;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1027"/> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--><span style="color: #333333;">Although well-known for its association with the Bible, the hyssop we know today as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hyssopus officinalis</i> is disputed as the plant referred to in the Bible. Biblical hyssop is often called the “unidentified plant” of the Bible. Some maintain that hyssop is actually a type of marjoram (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Origanum maru</i>), while others posit it is the caper-bush (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Capperis spinosa</i>). Despite the question of its true identity, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hyssop officinalis </i>is the one used in both perfumery and conjure today.</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333;">Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a decorative herbaceous plant in the </span><span style="color: #333333;">mint family that is native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the </span><span style="color: #333333;">region surrounding the Caspian Sea.(1) Hyssop is believed to have come </span><span style="color: #333333;">to North America with the early European colonists as it is listed among </span><span style="color: #333333;">the seeds John Winthrop, </span><span style="color: #333333;">Jr. brought to the New World in 1631.(2)</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #333333;">Over the years, it has escaped from gardens and is now naturalized at </span><span style="color: #333333;">roadsides and in waste places here and there in North America from </span><span style="color: #333333;">Quebec to North Carolina. When it blooms, hyssop displays spikes of </span><span style="color: #333333;">fragrant blue, pink, or white flowers. </span><span style="color: #333333;">Hyssop has been used in a variety of ways since Classical Antiquity. </span><span style="color: #333333;">The classical age was a time in which Greek and Roman </span><span style="color: #333333;">society flourished and wielded great influence throughout Europe </span><span style="color: #333333;">and the Middle East. During this time, hyssop was widely</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">used for its medicinal properties.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #333333;">Historically, hyssop has been used medicinally as an antibacterial, </span><span style="color: #333333;">antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, </span><span style="color: #333333;">digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hypertensive, </span><span style="color: #333333;">nervine, sedative, and tonic, among other things. It has </span><span style="color: #333333;">been shown to be effective in the treatment of bruises, colds, </span>cough<span style="color: #333333;">, fatigue, fevers, flatulence, indigestion, inflammation, loss </span><span style="color: #333333;">of appetite, nervous tension, sore throat, </span>stress related<span style="color: #333333;"> conditions, </span><span style="color: #333333;">and wounds. Hyssop should be avoided by those with epilepsy </span><span style="color: #333333;">and those who are pregnant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #333333;">Hyssop also has culinary uses, although it is considered a bitter </span><span style="color: #333333;">herb. It can be finely chopped and sprinkled on salads and </span><span style="color: #333333;">game meats, and in soups and stews as an aromatic condiment. </span><span style="color: #333333;">The leaves have a slightly bitter taste due to its tannins, and an </span><span style="color: #333333;">intense minty aroma. Due to its intensity, it is used moderately in </span><span style="color: #333333;">cooking. The herb is also used to flavor </span>liqueur,<span style="color: #333333;"> and is part of the </span><span style="color: #333333;">official formulation of Chartreuse.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #333333;">Hyssop is most commonly associated with cleanliness and </span><span style="color: #333333;">sacrifice from a </span>religiomagical<span style="color: #333333;"> sense. It is known to have been </span><span style="color: #333333;">used in the ritual cleansing of holy places. Bundles of the herb </span><span style="color: #333333;">were dipped in sacrificial blood and water and touched upon </span><span style="color: #333333;">doorways and other areas in need of cleansing. The dried herb </span><span style="color: #333333;">was used in bouquets and burned to fumigate areas in an effort </span><span style="color: #333333;">to ward off plagues. Beekeepers were known to rub the fragrant </span><span style="color: #333333;">flowers on beehives to encourage bees to stay. In Hoodoo and </span><span style="color: #333333;">Rootwork, hyssop maintains its biblical associations with cleansing, </span><span style="color: #333333;">uncrossing, and getting rid of negative conditions.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #333333;">Here are a couple of ways hyssop can be used to improve quality of life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #333333;">AROMATIC MEDICINAL BATH</span></h4>
<span style="color: #333333;">For the treatment of rheumatism, boil several handfuls </span><span style="color: #333333;">of hyssop leaves and flowers along with a handful each </span><span style="color: #333333;">of thyme, marjoram, lavender, mint and rosemary in two </span><span style="color: #333333;">gallons of spring water. Allow to cool until warm, then </span><span style="color: #333333;">strain out the herbs and add the tea to a warm bath. </span><span style="color: #333333;">Soak for fifteen minutes.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #333333;">RECIPE FOR HYSSOP TEA</span></h4>
<span style="color: #333333;">Infuse a quarter of an ounce of dried hyssop flowers in a </span><span style="color: #333333;">pint of boiling water for ten minutes; sweeten with honey, </span><span style="color: #333333;">and take a wineglassful three times a day. This tea is </span><span style="color: #333333;">said to be good for rheumatism and upset stomach and </span><span style="color: #333333;">can be drunk in conjunction with the above aromatic </span><span style="color: #333333;">bath.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #333333;">FORMULA FOR HOLY HYSSOP OIL</span></h4>
<span style="color: #333333;">Holy Hyssop Oil is ideal for times when you are in need </span><span style="color: #333333;">of comfort, hope, and spiritual relief. It is useful in times </span><span style="color: #333333;">of grief and when you are facing despair, a sense of </span><span style="color: #333333;">hopelessness and would benefit from the reassurance of </span><span style="color: #333333;">Divine intervention.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #333333;">Holy Hyssop Oil is made in a base of the purest Olive </span><span style="color: #333333;">Oil you can get. Olive oil from Israel is ideal for this formula. </span><span style="color: #333333;">Add the dried herbs of hyssop, lavender and rosemary </span><span style="color: #333333;">in a pan with enough oil to cover the herbs. Simmer </span><span style="color: #333333;">for thirty minutes. Allow to cool and strain into </span><span style="color: #333333;">smaller bottles, adding a pinch of hyssop in each bottle. </span><span style="color: #333333;">You can repeat the simmering process if you want a </span><span style="color: #333333;">stronger fragrance by straining the oil and adding fresh </span><span style="color: #333333;">herbs and boiling for another thirty minutes.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #333333;">Note that this is my personal recipe and name for </span><span style="color: #333333;">the oil; you may find others calling it simply Hyssop Oil, </span><span style="color: #333333;">which for me would be simply the hyssop herb steeped </span><span style="color: #333333;">in olive oil.</span><br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #333333;">References</span></h4>
<span style="color: #333333;">1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyssopus_officinalis</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">2. Mother Earth Living, http://www.motherearthliving.com/mother-earth-living/an-herb-to</span><span style="color: #333333;">-know-hyssop.aspx</span><br />
<br />
<b>Image credit:</b> Upload by: <a href="http://absfreepic.com/free-photos/uploaded_by_terryb_24027.html">terryb</a><br />
Author website: <a href="http://pixabay.com/">pixabay.com</a><br />
License: <a href="http://absfreepic.com/free-photos/download/blue-flower-hyssop-plant-3648x5472_70577.html#">CC0 Public Domain</a><br />
Free for any use / No attribution required<span style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"></span> <span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #333333;">_________________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">* The above article is an excerpt from <i>Hyssop: The Holy Herb and its Uses, </i>one of many such documents and ebooks that is received by members of my <a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/join-conjure-club.html" target="_blank">Conjure Club</a>.</span> <span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-30755064953983236532016-04-16T02:02:00.000-07:002016-04-16T02:05:02.033-07:00Lessons from our Elders: Listen or Your Tongue will Make you Deaf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbGG-eeFmvcoBmeIZur9a5C2XlWjciFh86P98YLzy3D4KIZzSoNN6fx6sIzSDVNrcngVA85Bo2-PJMUyCMbwMDCLgu9bz5kFSj4b0WRHGnJavyufVskI2w0KdaQ0ZixSe9Mv9Sdm-_S3D/s1600/Coloured+aquatint%252C+ca.+1862%252C+depicting+a+man+covering+his+mouth+with+a+handkerchief%252C+walking+through+a+smoggy+London+street+%25E2%2580%2593+Source+Wellcome+Library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbGG-eeFmvcoBmeIZur9a5C2XlWjciFh86P98YLzy3D4KIZzSoNN6fx6sIzSDVNrcngVA85Bo2-PJMUyCMbwMDCLgu9bz5kFSj4b0WRHGnJavyufVskI2w0KdaQ0ZixSe9Mv9Sdm-_S3D/s640/Coloured+aquatint%252C+ca.+1862%252C+depicting+a+man+covering+his+mouth+with+a+handkerchief%252C+walking+through+a+smoggy+London+street+%25E2%2580%2593+Source+Wellcome+Library.jpg" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I admit it. I used to be an arrogant little know-it-all, always had something to say about every damned thing...years ago. If someone had a problem, I had a fix. I didn't just have a fix though, my fix was better than anyone else's. Even when in the presence of people older and wiser than me...it didn't matter. I still had the better idea, the better advice, the better fix.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then, one day that all changed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was with a group of friends and there were several elders among us. It was a typical day, someone was having an issue and I knew what to do. I knew what to do before the issue was even fully explained! Isn't that amazing? Surely everyone must have been impressed! I knew I was!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Uhh, no, they weren't. They were annoyed. And for the first time, I actually SAW that they were annoyed with my know it all arrogance. Because let's face it, that's what it was.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then, one elder turned and looked at me and said, "you really need to shut the hell up and just listen for a change." Only being an Elder, and being Cherokee, he didn't say it in those words, instead he looked me dead in the eye and said, "Listen, or your tongue will make you deaf."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But we all know what he meant, and what he meant was, "you really need to shut the hell up and just listen for a change you little twerp of a know it all."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I shrank to about 2 inches tall that day and that moment in time is forever burned in my otherwise lousy memory. Fortunately.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Image: <span style="background-color: white; color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 12.75px; line-height: 18.2143px; text-align: center;">Coloured aquatint, ca. 1862, depicting a man covering his mouth with a handkerchief, walking through a smoggy London street – </span><a href="http://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/V0010880.html" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: darkcyan; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 12.75px; line-height: 18.2143px; outline: 5px; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Source: Wellcome Library</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-54159550260548897872016-04-15T19:22:00.000-07:002016-04-15T19:22:43.987-07:00Spring Cleaning<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVehYJuD91g/VxGhF8Nhp9I/AAAAAAAAFEg/iTWwj9yxngY8vMEucv1zl38YezIavZFbwCLcB/s1600/DSC07507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVehYJuD91g/VxGhF8Nhp9I/AAAAAAAAFEg/iTWwj9yxngY8vMEucv1zl38YezIavZFbwCLcB/s640/DSC07507.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Spring is the perfect time to perform a spiritual cleansing of your home, even if you don’t think you need it. One way to do this is to perform an egg cleansing on your home. While this type of cleansing can be performed any time you feel the need, if you do it proactively and preemptively, you will find you can avoid problems that arise as a result of the accumulation of spiritual and energetic debris in the home. In addition to breaking up and eliminating spiritual and energetic debris, this type of cleansing can trap and eliminate negative spirits that may be lingering in the home and causing havoc. To do this cleansing you will need the following items:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>4 white eggs </li>
<li>4 glasses of water</li>
<li>Holy Water from a Church</li>
<li>1 large bundle of fresh rue (substitute fresh sage, cedar, basil or lavender if you can’t get rue)</li>
<li>Holy incense of your choice</li>
<li>salt </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Light the incense and go throughout the house asperging each room with the smoke and praying a heartfelt prayer. Place an egg in the four corners of the house, along with a glass of water, adding four drops of Holy Water to each glass. Next, take the bundle of rue and sprinkle it with the Holy Water and walk throughout your home hitting each wall with the bundle of rue while praying a heartfelt prayer once again. Walk through the home again, this time adding 4 pinches of salt to each cup of water. Take the bunch of rue and hang it on the front door. Allow the eggs and glasses of water to sit out overnight. The next day, take the four eggs and place in a brown paper bag carefully without cracking them. Throw them away in a trash away from your home. Take the water and pour it at a crossroads. This ritual can be repeated every season to maintain a spiritually well household.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy Spring Cleaning, y'all!</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-38613404846622620052015-02-05T09:54:00.001-07:002016-04-16T01:36:38.970-07:00To Sweeten a Situation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkWK21dDy5I/VxH4d84KFRI/AAAAAAAAFFI/qsYHXo2mQKwVPciBl8hCYTaJ6IkoW_9KwCLcB/s1600/11045302_10153638741500898_8636305785509583665_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkWK21dDy5I/VxH4d84KFRI/AAAAAAAAFFI/qsYHXo2mQKwVPciBl8hCYTaJ6IkoW_9KwCLcB/s640/11045302_10153638741500898_8636305785509583665_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here is a useful Conjure Tip: To sweeten a situation, write your petition, place on a plate and dust with powdered sugar. Set a piece of Sara Lee pound cake on top of the petition. Place a pink candle into the cake. Drizzle sugar cane syrup over the pound cake and light the candle. Allow to burn all the way down. Things should start going your way.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-43692292320340279452014-12-29T02:09:00.001-07:002016-04-16T01:30:45.298-07:00Welcome to the World of St. Expedite<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutwG5nH3qd_cM6ndV19qhPzGyAz-lHS58mknuHL6pLde27nV4EaKyk3TodfEsQ54Anl83k97zh62Tti8j2EhM_op0Dh0WhEbmoBKyD9CDC9Tx0AWRAZhyqnXyHz2fJFiEqPsq2JP_03vp/s1600/st+ex2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutwG5nH3qd_cM6ndV19qhPzGyAz-lHS58mknuHL6pLde27nV4EaKyk3TodfEsQ54Anl83k97zh62Tti8j2EhM_op0Dh0WhEbmoBKyD9CDC9Tx0AWRAZhyqnXyHz2fJFiEqPsq2JP_03vp/s640/st+ex2.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Welcome to a world of wordplay, puns, mystery, and legends, from the year 303 to the present, from Italy to France, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the Philippines and finally, New Orleans, Louisiana. Welcome to the cult of devotion for the Minute Saint, whose past obscurity is replaced in special circles with near celebrity. Welcome to the world of St. Expedite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He’s on the fringe of Catholicism, the “black sheep” of the saintly family; though, not through any fault of his own. Even as he is accused of being a novelty, a joke, and a mistake, even as he has suffered decanonization by the pope and decapitation by tempestuous followers, St. Expedite continues to work his miracles with expediency, unlike any other saint. He is loyal to his devotees and they are loyal to him. He dispenses faith, hope and charity along with prosperity, work, and justice all in one tight little bundle, wherever and however you need it. And, he will help near about anyone. Catholics, nonCatholics, pagans, rootworkers, Haitian Vodouisants and New Orleans Voudouists—really, anyone who petitions him with a sincere heart and the promise of a piece of pound cake (Sara Lee, preferably), he will come to their aid. Just be sure to let the world know how great he is when he comes through for you—that’s about the only caveat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When I first set out to write this book, I had no idea it would be as long as it is. One hundred and forty pages or so may not seem like a lot; but, for a saint who is best known for how little is known about him, it shows what a little digging can do. This book does not end my quest for learning all there is to know about this saint, however. That said, this book is the first and only book about St. Expedite that combines all the common knowledge with the uncommon knowledge, along with some of the mysteries of his presence in New Orleans Voudou, his relationship to Mardi Gras, Baron Samedi, and sorcery. I include an examination of entries about him in the Hyatt texts, as well as practical conjures of my own. All of the prayers you will ever need are contained within these pages—some of them are common Catholic prayers while others are prayers I have written using familiar Catholic format and verbiage. In short, this book contains everything a person needs to know about St. Expedite and how to serve him as a patron saint by anyone who cares to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I looked high and low to find information on St. Expedite for this book. My thought is that everyone has a history, we just need to look until we find it. The task proved to be greater than I realized because there truly isn't a lot written about him, at least not in English. The French sure love this guy, however. Don’t dare attempt to tell them he is some sort of hoax. Because when the French endear themselves to someone as much as they do St. Expedite, trying to relegate him to status of urban legend in the presence of a die hard French devotee will leave you feeling like </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: italic;">un </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">parfait imbécile </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12pt;">(a complete idiot)!</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12pt;">But, it’s not just the French who love St. Expedite. He is loved around the world and New Orleans is no exception. He is considered the patron saint of New Orleans by many, and the patron saint of New Orleans Voudou by many more. Where he is shunned by Roman Catholics, he is embraced by New Orleans Voudouists. He has a healthy following of those who appreciate folk Catholicism and a growing following of rootworkers.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Despite being kicked off of the official martyrologies, downplayed on the Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel website</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold;">, </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ignored by devout Catholics and made fun of by Catholic priests, his cult of devotion remains strong. Try as they might, this saint’s not going anywhere—fast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 3.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, grab yourself a cup of coffee and chicory, or a glass of sweet tea if you prefer, put on something comfy and enjoy this labor of love I have created in perpetual homage to the Minute Saint. Glory be to St. Espidee!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://saint-expedite.blogspot.com/p/buy-book.html" target="_blank">Buy the book on sale now for just $10.00! </a></b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-31523457456955971112014-11-09T21:33:00.002-07:002014-11-09T21:42:16.554-07:00What is Religion Anyway, and Who Gets to Define it? A Follow Up on New Orleans Voudou as a Legitimate Religion<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A little over a year ago, I wrote an <a href="http://conjureart.blogspot.com/2013/10/open-letter-to-cat-yronwode-and-lucky.html" target="_blank">open letter to Catherine Yronwode about her accusations of New Orleans Voodoo being a faux religion perpetrated by fakers</a>. My letter to her was in response to an article she posted on her website about Hoodoo history, in the section called <i>Hoodoo is Not New Orleans Voodoo</i>. You can read the <a href="http://conjureart.blogspot.com/2013/10/open-letter-to-cat-yronwode-and-lucky.html" target="_blank">original post</a> for the background info...I won't waste time repeating it here.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
While there was a bit of a flurry as a result of my blog post, it pretty much died down, though comments have continued to be posted by folks who discover it over the months since it was written.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It recently came up again when someone discovered the link and posted it to my Facebook group. More than one person asked what Yronwode's response was to my email to her. I have stated she responded after several days of being "busy." But the topic of discussion that came up was a very good one, and one that, unfortunately, she did not deem important enough to continue. In fact, she never even looked at my response from what I can tell in my FB email, though her husband <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1578945/Predators-tell-children-how-to-kill-themselves.html" target="_blank">Nagasiva</a> did.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This was her response to my open letter, which was an email to her about the discovery of that slanderous, hugely inaccurate and lacking any scholarly citations to back it up, article that remains on her website to this day. I'm only posting an excerpt of her email which brings up the topic of this post:</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="_5wd4 _1nc6 direction_ltr _5yt9" data-reactid=".ba.$mid=11415487824424=239a855fa8b919dc986" title="4:03pm">
<div class="_5wd9" data-reactid=".ba.$mid=11415487824424=239a855fa8b919dc986.2:0">
<div class="_5wde" data-reactid=".ba.$mid=11415487824424=239a855fa8b919dc986.2:0.0">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote>
Catherine Anna Yronwode<br />
Denise, I have an opinion. It is based on my experiences in New Orleans during the 1970s and 1980s and 1990s and 2000s. I have been there many times over four decades and i have seen lots of pseudo-Voodoo there, from all the sources i cited in that article, and others i did not bother to cite but will be glad to if requested...<br />
<br />
I will continue to call New Orleans Voodoo a faux-religion until i see that it offers what what real religions offer -- homes for the elderly, care for the sick, funeral services, education for the young, houses of worship, a true congregation that meets regularly for worship services. I am strict and old time in my understanding of what a religion is. Even my small church, tiny as it is, has a vast prayer chain for our members, sets free lights for those in need, and gives out hundreds of pro bono spiritual consultations and hundreds of dollars in pro bono spiritual supplies every year. <br />
<br />
A religion is not a festival or a work of performance art or a magazine. <br />
<br />
The hoodoo i know is NOT "New Orleans Voodoo" or any kind of Voodoo. We practice Christian folk-magic, and i think that you, in honesty, should be PROUD AND HAPPY to say "New Orleans Voodoo is not hoodoo." Because it's not.</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".ba.$mid=11415496710289=22395d2e3cddf8a6813.2:0.0.0.0.0"></span>Finally, and i mean this most sincerely, if you can demonstrate that New Orleans Voodoo is a new religion (in the same way that responsible Pagans and Heathens have finally begun admitting that their religions are new religions, after forty years of spuriously calling upon "ancient European pagan religions" as the sources for some of their most egregiously pseudo-Hindu cosmologies) then i will call it such, gladly -- but only if it meets the criteria of being a religion.</blockquote>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DoNotShowComments/>
<w:DoNotShowInsertionsAndDeletions/>
<w:DoNotShowPropertyChanges/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="371">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="5yl5">You should not look to me to validate your
confabulated blend of conjure and Voodoo. I am only interested in historical
truth. This should not make us enemies, but if you feel that i oppose you so
strongly as to appear unfriendly, then all you need do, as far as i am
concerned, is either show me the historical continuity of true Voodoo in New
Orleans, or admit openly, as a responsible person that you are willing to leave
behind the grotesque impostures of the likes of Gandolfo, Glassmann, and
Caulder, and that you are practicing a new religion, which draws upon certain
aspects of other religions, including Voodoo, as part of its foundation myth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span class="5yl5"><span data-reactid=".ba.$mid=11415487824424=239a855fa8b919dc986.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$text0:0:$22:0">Cordially
yours, </span></span><br />
<span class="5yl5"><span data-reactid=".ba.$mid=11415487824424=239a855fa8b919dc986.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$text0:0:$24:0">cat
yronwode</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
What follows is my response to her, in which I thought I answered her questions rather succinctly. However, it appears she never even took the time to read it. Not reading it means she never responded. So, for folks who may also subscribe to her opinions about New Orleans Voudou and rather narrow view of religion in general, here is my response in its entirety:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I only have a couple of minutes as I've got a lot going on this week but wanted to let you now I have seen your response. A couple of things. First, the tone in your response is condescending and patronizing. I don't do well with those. That tone does match the offensive nature of the article however, where you have lumped me and others, in with one person who has been proven a fraud, and Gandolfo admittedly is guilty of pushing tourism Voodoo in a way I really wish he hadn't. Tallant is guilty for feeding into the sensationalism around Voodoo in New Orleans by describing rituals that did not occur, but they sure sound salacious. That is them, not me. To lump all of us together and judge a whole religion based on a few people is hardly reliable scientific methodology, not to mention, unfair and irresponsible. But BEHIND Gandalfo, as in associated with Gandalfo's museum, is Dr. Elmer Glover; around the corner behind Brandi Kelly, Mama Lola and Sunpie, to mention just a few legitimate practitioners who serve the community, as do Priestess Miriam and Mambo Sallie Ann Glassman. <br />
<br />
Secondly, it is not a difference of opinion that I object to. Of course you have a right to your opinion, as I have stated previously. I do have an issue with the conclusions you have drawn as a result of your opinion, that lumps good people together as if we are all one entity and then write it on your page as gospel. <br />
<br />
Your argument is coming from a place where you have defined religion for me and the rest of the world and if we do not subscribe to your definition, then we must be faux or fakers. Again, that is hardly a reliable, scholarly platform to take. Even in the discipline of anthropology, and the much broader field of the Social Sciences, there is no consensus as to the definition of religion. In fact, that has been an issue for a long time because who has the final word? The functionalists? Ethnologists? Reductionists? Biologists? Evolutionists? Culturalists? Analysts? In fact, it is interdisciplinary - there are many points of view and many angles from which to view and interpret religion. There needs to be a clear theory to back up your stance, not just naming a few authors who have nothing to do with religion in an academic field or from any formal religious or anthropological theory, with the exception of Hurston. In any one of the anthropological subdisciplines we can find differing theories of the meaning and function of religion. In fact the formal study of religion is relatively new (1800s - present), with most theories springing from the works of Tyler, Malinowski (functionalist), Boas, Frazer (functionalist), Pritchard, Geertz (interpretive), Radcliffe-Brown (social anthropology), Levi-Strauss and many others...each of whom built their theories on the basis of predecessors by either supporting and building upon previous theories or critically examining them and branching out into a different vein. Not one of these theorists subscribe to your definition of the necessity of having "homes for the elderly, care for the sick, funeral services, education for the young, houses of worship, a true congregation that meets regularly for worship services" - a definition that is prejudicial and biased in Western cosmology. Not one of these theorists would say that a particular religion is "faux" because it doesn't subscribe to their theory. Instead, they would look at the religion from their theoretical perspective and make sense of it in that way. <br />
<br />
My personal theoretical foundation is from a cultural and multidisciplinary perspective (cultural anthropology and cultural psychology). I find the works of Frazer useful in particular with regards to his seminal work on the categorization of magic, science and religion. He basically stated that we have to step inside the culture and understand the systems of healing and illness and their function in order to understand how religion is expressed. His work has proved useful in the studies of indigenous religious systems for this very reason. Geertz posited that religion is interpreted and expressed on a very individual level as a set of symbols that are meaningful to practitioners in any number of ways. <br />
<br />
The whole discussion of religion requires much more than a simple reductionist view as you have presented. I am not going to write a thesis on it, but you may find this primer article useful <a href="http://www.indiana.edu/~wanthro/religion.htm">http://www.indiana.edu/~wanthro/religion.htm</a> <br />
<br />
Padgett himself is highly respected. <br />
<br />
So, that is one huge issue in the present discussion. I'm afraid until you understand that your way is not the only way, and because New Orleans Voodoo as a religion does not fit your definition and therefore must be fake, any further discussion is going to be difficult, at best. <br />
<br />
Onwards. New Orleans Voodoo has very African and Native American roots. We can trace its origins to the first slaves that set foot in New Orleans, the Bambarans (refer to Hall, 1992). The religiomagickal system of gris gris, which became an integral part of New Orleans Voodoo and remains so today, is a strong example of religious and cultural continuity. We can trace some of our practices to the Congo, Bamboula and Calinda tribes in Africa. The name for Congo square comes from the African tribes with roots in the Congo region and is where some of the traditional dances come from. The gatherings in Congo square began in the early 1700s with the congregation of Africans, but had been considered a sacred place by the Houma Indians long before. <br />
<br />
I think one thing that may be hindering understanding is getting stuck on the term New Orleans Voodoo. In my opinion, a better description would be Louisiana or Creole Voodoo because it would take people out of New Orleans proper and out of the French Quarter tourism that seems to be the only thing you are hanging onto in defining it. I have been slowly moving in that direction for quite some time. Even Marie Laveaux, who is considered the Mother of New Orleans Voodoo, and Jean Montenee, who is considered the father of New Orleans Voodoo, did not hold their rituals in the Frenchquarter. They were held on the bayous and in the swamps in secret locations so as not to be disturbed and to be in close communion with the spirits there. Based on these two individuals and their important role in the perpetuation, maintenance and representation of New Orleans today (from a functional perspective as well as symbolic - both valid interpretations of religion in the social sciences with theories to back it up), as well as serpent worship, we can trace New Orleans Voodoo to go as far back as the late 1700s. Marie Laveaux's and Dr. John's particular expression of Voodoo, which incorporated the worship of the African spirits, gris gris, serpent worship, and commercialization of working roots - with the add on of Catholic influence and working with the saints by Marie Laveaux - is the tradition in which I am familiar and this is how I define New Orleans Voodoo. There is one Creator being, a recognizable pantheon of spirits, a recognizable African component (spirits, dances, specific drum rhythms, gris gris, ancestor reverence) and Native American component (spirits, working with herbs and plants, ancestor reverence), and recognizable Catholic component (saints, psalms, Marionism) giving it a life much longer than the onset of "commercial hoodoo" in the 1930s or so. <br />
<br />
In addition, there is community. It began with community but social and political circumstances highly influenced its expression from communal to individual and back to communal. The Code Noir had a lot to do with that as well as the role of Catholicism in Voodoo. You can find the code in its entirety here: <a href="http://www.crossroads-university.com/the-louisiana-black-code.html.">http://www.crossroads-university.com/the-louisiana-black-code.html.</a> People were tortured and killed for practicing anything other than Catholicism, which gave rise to some very ingenious Africans and people of African descent to cloak the Voodoo religion with Catholic iconography. It changed and adapted in order to survive. The roots of Catholicism in the religion served a very specific function. <br />
<br />
So this is a mere portion of the foundation of my "confabulated blend" of New Orleans Voodoo and conjure. There is historical evidence, both written and oral - primarily oral because most slaves and Indians were not literate from a Western standpoint. From the standpoint of their cultures, however, they were highly literate with their own means of recording history and transmitting knowledges (check out Gardner's 1983 work on the theory of Multiple Intelligences). <br />
<br />
I can appreciate you have spent some time in New Orleans. But I grew up there. I have swamped in the swamps and I learned how to commune with the spirits from a very early age of 5 by my aunt literally along the bayou. How I learned and what I learned can never be learned from a book or a visitor. This gives me a perspective you will never have, although you could come to appreciate and benefit if you were to step outside of your current line of thinking and allow yourself to. I don't want, need or expect your validation; however, I merely offer up my life experience as another source of information, one that has contributed to my understanding of Voodoo in New Orleans. <br />
<br />
I have always maintained that Hoodoo looks different in New Orleans based on the cultural diversity and other regional differences, than it does in other areas of the country. For me, like my Mother and Father, the Spirits of Voodoo work alongside the spirits of the Roots and the ancestors. There is not the same compartmentalization that has occurred for many outside of New Orleans. And as always, I have qualified this as my personal experience and my observations of other local practitioners. I personally had no interactions with protestant Hoodoo practitioners in New Orleans. I am sure there probably are some there, but the majority of folks are Catholic, and history explains why this is so. That doesn't mean I am going to say your form of Hoodoo doesn't exist or is faux. Of course it exists; to say other wise would be arrogant, ignorant, and irresponsible. My request is that you offer me the same consideration. <br />
<br />
I really need to hop off the computer here as I have appointments to get to the rest of the day and tomorrow. But there is so much more to the discussion, and again, my reason for writing you in the first place was because I was offended by your description of the religion and offended that you lumped me in with a couple of unscrupulous individuals. I am sure that would be upsetting to you if the tables were turned. By principle, all academic stuff aside, it is just not right to disrespect a religion simply because you do not agree with its expression or understand it. The people believe in Voodoo, those that practice it, they believe in its healing energy, they believe in the Spirits, they believe in one common Creator being, they believe in the Power of the roots, the dances, the drum rhythms, the rituals, and first and foremost, the ancestors. And, our temples are many. <br />
<br />
Blessings, Denise</blockquote>
<blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
This is the rest of that story, and I hope it helps to answer some questions about how a discussion of what constitutes religion cannot be based on one individual's perspective. Whenever we attempt to base the entire world on our personal worldviews, we will never see all there is to see.<br />
<br />
People often refer to Yronwode as "scholarly." I disagree based on this type of attitude which informs her writings. For once, I would like to see some real academic references on those thousands of pages on the LM website. Alas, she is not an academic and so there are very few and that will likely not change. Being the child of academics does not an academic make. Given this fact, it would be refreshing to have other, real scholars' perspectives sought out and explored, such as Yvonne Chireau and Katrina Hazzard, for example. Louis Martine has some fabulous books about New Orleans Voodoo and anyone who sincerely wants to learn about the tradition, in addition to referring to my own writings are encouraged to read these books and journals:<br />
<br />
<a class="amzn-pp-active" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0252078764/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0252078764&link_code=as3&tag=themysticvood-20&linkId=I2AGRJLQT4RPOIRM" id="static_txt_preview" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #e47911; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Mojo Workin': The Old African American Hoodoo System</a><br />
<a class="amzn-pp-active" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0520249887/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0520249887&link_code=as3&tag=themysticvood-20&linkId=7YX6FSGUW7G4TWGY" id="static_txt_preview" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #e47911; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Black Magic: Religion and the African American Conjuring Tradition</a><br />
<a class="amzn-pp-active" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890399477/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1890399477&link_code=as3&tag=themysticvood-20&linkId=CPFXPMFOSWINHHYU" id="static_txt_preview" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #e47911; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Dr. John Montanee: A Grimoire: The Path of a New Orleans Loa, Resurrection in Remembrance</a><br />
<a class="amzn-pp-active" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890399248/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1890399248&link_code=as3&tag=themysticvood-20&linkId=G5OLWFQA4FOIIYF4" id="static_txt_preview" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #e47911; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">A Priest's Head, A Drummer's Hands: New Orleans Voodoo: Order of Service</a><br />
<a class="amzn-pp-active" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/189039940X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=189039940X&link_code=as3&tag=themysticvood-20&linkId=M4ZZFW2CCTAKHYUX" id="static_txt_preview" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #e47911; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Talking to God With Food: Questioning Animal Sacrifice</a><br />
<a class="amzn-pp-active" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492933384/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1492933384&link_code=as3&tag=themysticvood-20&linkId=HEMVRLMZW7KJVDRM" id="static_txt_preview" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #e47911; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Hoodoo and Conjure: New Orleans (Volume 1)</a><br />
<a class="amzn-pp-active" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0813032148/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0813032148&link_code=as3&tag=themysticvood-20&linkId=HGNIMD5QGDO2TMKM" id="static_txt_preview" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #e47911; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">A New Orleans Voudou Priestess: The Legend and Reality of Marie Laveau</a><br />
<a class="amzn-pp-active" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1578635136/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1578635136&link_code=as3&tag=themysticvood-20&linkId=HEQIGFSM6ILXVFKZ" id="static_txt_preview" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #e47911; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook</a><br />
<a class="amzn-pp-active" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1495431649/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1495431649&link_code=as3&tag=themysticvood-20&linkId=UANDIJXSRFMT35CR" id="static_txt_preview" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #e47911; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Hoodoo and Conjure New Orleans 2014</a><br />
<a class="amzn-pp-active" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0807133485/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0807133485&link_code=as3&tag=themysticvood-20&linkId=ZMKCSSIVDP5YGBSK" id="static_txt_preview" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #e47911; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Conjure in African American Society</a><br />
<br />
These are but a few books available that address in part or whole the subject of New Orleans Voodoo and conjure. Note that I do not agree with everything in each of these books, but I don't have to and that is not the point. The point is to provide alternate sources of <b><i>reliable</i></b> information. The above works are either scholarly works or (New Orleans Voudou) practitioner written. Meaning, they are not based simply on blues songs and King Novelty catalogs and the "literary mining" of the Hyatt volumes.<br />
<br />
In addition, it is noteworthy that in the above email Yronwode refers to her practice and understanding of hoodoo as "Christian folk magic." I think it would be a great thing for folks who equate hoodoo with Christian folk magic to refer to their practice as exactly that: Christian folk magic. Once you read all of the books I have recommended above, you will see that hoodoo, conjure and rootwork does not fall so neatly into the category of Christian folk magic. And for those of you from the LM camp who will invariably want to regurgitate the same old argument that hoodoo is not hoodoo without the bible, please do not bother. Again, I refer you to the above list of books to read about New Orleans Voudou. Let's gain an understanding for what New Orleans Voudou is before branching out into tired, old perspectives that only describe a portion of conjure, and certainly does not adequately describe that conjure which is an inherent part of New Orleans Voudou.<br />
<br />
For an alternate read on the topic of hoodoo, conjure and rootwork, check out the website ConjureDoctors.com and the article <a href="http://www.conjuredoctors.com/hoodoo-conjure-rootwork-definition-amp-history.html" target="_blank">What is Hoodoo, Conjure and Rootwork?</a> There is also a rather extensive reference section with many links to full articles about hoodoo and conjure in general for those who are sincere in their desire to learn about southern conjure traditions. Check out the page: <a href="http://www.conjuredoctors.com/conjure-doctor-articles.html" target="_blank">Conjure Doctor Articles.</a><br />
<br />
The website is a work in progress, but has some great information with more being added all the time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-43358071980049526032014-08-09T19:17:00.000-07:002016-04-15T19:28:02.776-07:00Conjuring the Pink Elephant<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvHyQvFxfB_IIMtkzN6dtJCRE3wpX0k_gEwk9EEs38gB5NHVFXrfUAFSGXPpsIZgwuK54aeF8nUZFXfYx4XJ5wX9YRU-6sJW9nT7zNlfyxLBAl4cmFFWxHJ_PldGpEjV5r3DXPpyoXD7n/s1600/failure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvHyQvFxfB_IIMtkzN6dtJCRE3wpX0k_gEwk9EEs38gB5NHVFXrfUAFSGXPpsIZgwuK54aeF8nUZFXfYx4XJ5wX9YRU-6sJW9nT7zNlfyxLBAl4cmFFWxHJ_PldGpEjV5r3DXPpyoXD7n/s1600/failure.jpg" title="My core belief was a lie." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">“Ego Integrity vs Despair.” There is an inherent human need to be able to reflect back on life and feel as if we made a difference and to feel fulfilled with our lives. To be successful is to feel wise; to be unsuccessful is to feel regret, </span>bitterness<span style="text-align: justify;"> and despair.</span><br />
<h2>
<br />Human Behavioral Observation</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<h3>
Setting </h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
High school<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Subjects</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Multiple teenagers and adults<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Incident #1</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A teacher posted a mean note on the bulletin board outside of the school office aimed at a failed student and texted the same note along with a photo to whom the note was written to all the students in the school. The teacher also posted it on a public forum on the internet for the world to see. This teacher was surrounded by a group of mostly silent supporters, more accurately described as “followers” in that they did not question the teachers’ motive or actions. Upon discovery, the children and other teachers seemed shocked and offended (except the few who sent the note) evidenced by mouths agape, gasping, posturing and sudden and persistent incessant chatter about the incident on the school grounds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The target of the hateful letter told the principle and teacher. They told all of their friends what happened. Many of the other students and teachers rallied around the victim, but only a handful of them dared speak openly about it, for fear they would be the next target, evidenced by statements to that effect in personal and public conversations. When confronted with the behavior, the teacher blamed the victim for causing their reaction that prompted the writing of the letter and public posting of same.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Incident #2</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
On the same day as Incident #1, a teacher wrote an assignment for a class that was directly in opposition of the school mandated curriculum. When the other teachers became aware, many became angry, evidenced by loud voices and arguing and declaring war on the opposition, others were glad, evidenced by smiling, and patting each other on the back. A third group questioned the mandated curriculum and the agenda behind the school for choosing said mandated curriculum. These individuals exhibited furrowed brows and asked questions not normally asked, such as “why?” and “how?” This small group appeared to agitate both of the other groups as their questions were met with sarcastic comments, condescension, and were told to stop creating conflict (in essence, told to be quiet). It is significant to note that this third group did not acquiesce to the demands of the other groups and maintained their stance, questioning the status quo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Incident #3</b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Another student was angry at someone else for cheating on a test. This student decided to emulate the first scenario exhibited by the teacher and send their own hate-filled letter, posting it on the same bulletin board for the whole school to see, as well as on a similar forum on the internet where it became visible to the general public. This student belonged to the same group as the second group in Incident #2. When confronted by individuals belonging to group 3 (incident #2), this student became angry and defensive, evidenced by the tone of their voice and the words spoken (i.e. “step off,” “you wouldn’t understand,” “stop causing trouble”). This student claimed to be “bullied” when it was pointed out to them (by members of group 3 in Incident #2) that their behavior mirrored the behavior of the first scenario.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Interpretation</b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Conflict resolution does not appear to be a strength amongst the individuals observed. As is often the case with adolescents, they are impressionable and tend emulate the behaviors of those they look up to, even if the behavior is self-destructive. According to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, it appears many among the observed groups are emotionally stunted at most, and emotionally regressed at least, across the board. The age group spans several generations, beginning with teenagers who normally experience what Erikson coins "identity vs role confusion," to older adults whose normal psychological development is at a stage called "ego integrity vs despair." The identity vs role confusion stage is characterized by a normal struggle with the individual figuring out a sense of personal identity, who they are and what they stand for. When this is accomplished, they feel success, a sense of accomplishment, and are able to stand up for what they believe in, even if the peer group is engaging in oppositional behavior. When they are unsuccessful, it results in a poor sense of self, a lack of self-worth and a lack of personal identity. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg_amv7SUh8/U-bI7nV1icI/AAAAAAAAEUE/wrdBTG8SJ-k/s1600/psychosocial-stages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg_amv7SUh8/U-bI7nV1icI/AAAAAAAAEUE/wrdBTG8SJ-k/s1600/psychosocial-stages.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Some of the older teens would be expected to be in Erikson’s “intimacy versus isolation stage.” This is the stage where people are normally developing loving, intimate relationships with each other. When they are successful, they feel a sense of belonging and purpose. When unsuccessful, they feel a sense of loneliness and isolation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The teachers in the above scenarios are from middle adulthood in the stage Erikson coins “Generative vs Stagnation.” At this stage in life, the well-adjusted adult seeks to engage in activities that will leave a legacy, something that will represent their deeds in life. They nurture and create things that will outlast them often for the benefit of others. When successful, they experience a sense of accomplishment and usefulness. When unsuccessful, they experience nothing more than feeling stuck and a shallow involvement with the world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The oldest members in the above scenarios belong to the stage Erikson calls “Ego Integrity vs Despair.” There is an inherent human need to be able to reflect back on life and feel as if they made a difference and to feel fulfilled with their lives. To be successful is to feel wise; to be unsuccessful is to feel regret, bitterness and despair.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
According to Erikson’s theory, when individuals do not develop within normal psychological parameters, crisis occurs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With the exception of group three as described in Incident #2, the group as a whole appears to display various forms of ego regression. According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, ego regression, which is a form of coping defense mechanism, occurs when faced with a threat to one’s personal sense of self or <i>schema</i>. The anxiety that results is too great to bear psychologically and emotionally. Therefore, the mind being the wonderful thing that it is, unconsciously brings into play a variety of strategies aimed at lessening and eliminating the anxiety. Some of these defense mechanisms include manipulation (i.e. sending letters, using public display as humiliation, intimidation and fear tactics; garnering peer group sympathy), rationalization (blaming someone else for one’s behavior; feeling justified to attack another because they cheated on a test; minimizing the severity of their behavior), distorting reality (i.e. taking on the role of “victim” instead of taking responsibility as perpetrator; telling lies), expressing anger as the motivation for one’s actions, and denial, which isn’t a river in Egypt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In the context of Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development, we see regression going back to infantile and toddler emotional and psychological stages of trust vs mistrust and autonomy vs shame and doubt. Is there consistent care by the school (archetypal Mother)? Are students adequately self-sufficient to survive betrayal of trust? And as to the psychological developmental stage of the 3 to 6 year old, initiative vs guilt; are students able to overstep the boundaries of the Mother without feeling guilty? Can they, and are they willing to, stand on their own two feet, express their own opinions without fear of reprisal? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Psychological defense mechanisms are part of a healthy psyche. We all have them, and we all use them thank Buddha. They only become pathological when used persistently to such a degree that they have an adverse effect on one’s mental health. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In addition to the above observations, there also appears to be an element of antisocial behavior amongst some of the subjects. I’ll let the reader decide whether this rings true for them or not. But, just for shits and giggles, here are 16 characteristics of sociopathy described by Cleckley (1941) as cited in Thomas (2013):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Superficial charm and good intelligence</li>
<li>Absence of delusions and other signs of irrational thinking</li>
<li>Absence of nervousness or neurotic manifestations</li>
<li>Unreliability</li>
<li>Untruthfulness and insincerity</li>
<li>Lack of remorse and shame</li>
<li>Inadequately motivated antisocial behavior</li>
<li>Poor judgment and failure to learn by experience</li>
<li>Pathologic egocentricity and incapacity for love</li>
<li>General poverty in major affective reactions</li>
<li>Specific loss of insight</li>
<li>Unresponsiveness in general interpersonal relations</li>
<li>Fantastic and uninviting behavior with alcohol and sometimes without</li>
<li>Suicide threats rarely carried out</li>
<li>Sex life impersonal, trivial, and poorly integrated</li>
<li>Failure to follow any life plan</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In many aspects, both groups 1 & 2 resemble a dysfunctional family unit with group members taking on roles of parents and children, brothers and sisters. Take a look at the top image and the chart below to get an idea of what I am referring to. These roles develop within alcoholic and abusive family systems.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1lliepNntw/U-bOVQkb-0I/AAAAAAAAEUQ/-GYR4igNNj4/s1600/dysfunctional+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1lliepNntw/U-bOVQkb-0I/AAAAAAAAEUQ/-GYR4igNNj4/s1600/dysfunctional+family.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is your role in your conjure family?<br />
http://img.docstoccdn.com/thumb/orig/22042565.png</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Conclusion</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In all three observed scenarios, the pink elephant in the living room has yet to be acknowledged and agreed upon between all members of the groups. Unfortunately, this will likely leave them divided as individuals as well as amongst themselves. Group three will continue normal psychosocial development, while groups 1 and 2 will likely continue to deteriorate psychically, emotionally and communally until they accept personal responsibility for their role in keeping the pink elephant hidden in plain sight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_5XdlLBbyw/U-bI2qK3NZI/AAAAAAAAET8/Ola_ElEz0_8/s1600/pink+elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_5XdlLBbyw/U-bI2qK3NZI/AAAAAAAAET8/Ola_ElEz0_8/s1600/pink+elephant.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.freemanformula.com/blog/fitness-tips/bridal-fitness/attachment/pink-elephant-733153</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>References</b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and Society. New York: Norton.<br />
<br />
Freud, S. (1923). The ego and the id. SE, 19: 1-66<br />
<br />
Thomas, M. E. (2013.) How to Spot a Sociopath. Psychology Today. Retrieved from: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201305/how-</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-90381757745351510002014-06-23T11:32:00.000-07:002014-06-23T11:32:00.519-07:00Lessons from Our Elders Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqP8VZQgLtA/U6fJ49_8C9I/AAAAAAAAES8/p8MTor7S890/s1600/desert+rocks,+flowers,+horned+toads+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqP8VZQgLtA/U6fJ49_8C9I/AAAAAAAAES8/p8MTor7S890/s1600/desert+rocks,+flowers,+horned+toads+045.JPG" height="500" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To follow up the story about the use of Crystals in indigenous traditions, I wanted to share another lesson taught to me from a Grandmother. This involves the horned toad, a lizard that lives in the Southwestern United States. Called "Chei Yaazh" in Navajo, meaning "Little Grandfather," these little guys are sacred creatures. The ones in the photo are just little babies and just cute as can be. The photo is of my son holding them, we had found them while going on a walk. This is how we teach our children. he knows about Chei medicine because I taught him. He holds it in his hand, on that day and many other days. He knows how to use the medicine, he knows who they are. He knows because I know. I know because Grandma taught me. And no, this is not another "grandmother story." This is the truth, a real grandmother story, knowledge passed down the old way, via oral tradition.<br /><br /> One day, I was standing outside with grandma, we were enjoying the beautiful day. This grandmother did speak a little English. All of a sudden she said look ! Chei Yaazh naagha! meaning look, there goes Little Grandfather! I have always loved horned toads, lizards, snakes and reptiles in general, so I bent down and picked him up. he was an adult, bigger than the ones in the photograph. She told me to give him to her so I did. She whispered something to the little Chei and held him to her heart. Then she pulled out her medicine bag that contained corn pollen and she sprinkled a tiny amount onto the back of the little Chei set him on the ground and told him in Indian to go in beauty...hozhoogo nanina.<br /><br /> In the Indian way, we have to be careful about asking things of our elders. We are taught to observe, observe and you will learn. Speak and you only hear your own voice. Or as the Cherokee saying goes, "Listen or your tongue will make you deaf." I learned about that saying in a not very pleasant way at all, but I'll save that story for another time. Anyway, I looked at grandma with the question, i wanted to know what did she just do? what did she say to Little Chei?<br /><br /> She told me.<br /><br /> Horned toads, Little Grandfathers, are wish takers basically. Whenever you see one, you can pick it up and whisper your wish to it, say a prayer, give it an offering of corn pollen and send it on its way with blessings. Blessings to carry your wish to the Creator and make it manifest, and blessings for it for a safe journey in life.<br /><br /> How cool is that?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-70859515073778937572014-06-22T23:26:00.001-07:002014-06-22T23:26:05.791-07:00Lessons from Our Elders Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuzTn1B_69WFbASU00L2HpEnBSlPrQLRD416vJGIFkwXCLbN6sleNICD2kTLZzHZ83Ptsj1E1bKi6VzQ2TpJRtq4LaEqyA0UOwXyxB55_nKmCSheUtwSh86FBsHxVhRiUawkPh88CRGFR/s1600/Cherokee+scryng+crystal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuzTn1B_69WFbASU00L2HpEnBSlPrQLRD416vJGIFkwXCLbN6sleNICD2kTLZzHZ83Ptsj1E1bKi6VzQ2TpJRtq4LaEqyA0UOwXyxB55_nKmCSheUtwSh86FBsHxVhRiUawkPh88CRGFR/s1600/Cherokee+scryng+crystal.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br /> I have never shown this to anyone, but I decided to share it along with a little story in an effort to dispel the myths about crystals and indigenous religions. There was the questioned asked in my Facebook group whether or not crystals are used in Voudou and Hoodoo, and I responded by expanding the answer to include the African Diaspora religions as well as Native American traditional religions - all of which I include under the umbrella term indigenous traditions. I have been criticized before as adding Wicca or new age elements to New Orleans Voudou, which I have not. What HAS happened, is that those who have made the accusations are uninformed and assume that because they have not ever heard of it before, then I must be making it up. It's an old dynamic I am used to dealing with. I have even had people from other countries, less than half my age telling me what my tradition is and is not, which I find frankly, humorous at best.<br /><br /> Anyway, my response was this: Working with stones is not a new concept,,,it is as ancient as humankind. There is a similar misconception as it pertains to Native American traditions. For example, crystal scrying is an extremely old and traditional means of divination among the Cherokee and the Navajo among many other tribes. Different stones have different meanings and purposes ascribed to them according to culture. The use of crystals have been used in the African Diaspora traditions for eons...but because there has been a disconnect from Africa and the US due to the slave trade, and because of the disconnect from elders and the internet, people who learn primarily from online sources (which is a large driving force behind the renewed interest of the various traditions) this portion of the body of knowledge is not commonly known. The reclamation or reintroduction of them seems like it is new. But it is not. it is as old as the religions themselves.<br /><br /> Now, the crystal in the photograph was given to me by a medicine man who was 78 years old at the time. He used crystals similar to this one to divine events and inquiries, and interestingly to find lost things. At a particular hospital where I worked as a traditional counselor, we had elders on staff for the express purpose of passing on the traditional ways to the youngsters who were our patients. At the time i worked in the adolescent behavioral health unit. Because many of the children were frankly outcasts and throwaways, we were often crossed. Grandpa would consult the crystal to find out whether or not there was something buried in the ground, who buried it and where it was buried. Then he would go outside and dig it up. This medicine man did not speak English - not a word of English. He was Navajo. he did not really come to respect me until he knew I could speak at least some of my native language, and once he hear me speak and sing songs, then he shared some things with me. Then he showed me how to use the crystal.<br /><br /> He was around 78 years old at the time and this was nearly 18 years ago. That means he was born around 1918 or earlier. His teacher, another medicine man who also volunteered at the hospital was older than him, though I don't know how old he was. <br /><br /> Now there are many things we can take away from this story, but two things are important. One is that, even at 78 years old, he still had a teacher. In the Indian way, the medicine is not bought and paid for. It is not a destination. It is a journey. We spend our entire lives learning and honing our skills. Some medicine people spend their entire lives learning just one ceremony because of the complexities involved. They are specialists.<br /><br /> Second, do you think he got his knowledge from a new age book or course?<br /><br /> Third, in the South, Africans and Indians exchanged many ideas and practices. The use of rocks and crystals were common between them, and the practice continued among the elder folks. I happened to be lucky enough to have several elders in my life along the way that were willing to share the practice with me. And, this is what I share with you today, and this is what I share in my writings. Not something made up. Not something Wiccan. On the contrary, something real, something authentic and something not written about because it is passed down via oral tradition. That is why so many have not heard of it. It is something much older than Wicca, and something much older than New Age. This is the tradition of our ancestors, our elders. And I for one, honor them.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-51109004065621685092014-01-04T21:12:00.000-07:002016-05-13T19:31:02.672-07:00Get Rid of Enemies and Restore Justice <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Mj4jOL0-6Q/UsjU-t3z9wI/AAAAAAAAEQ0/vrJcIwgsgJI/s1600/black+arts+oil.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Mj4jOL0-6Q/UsjU-t3z9wI/AAAAAAAAEQ0/vrJcIwgsgJI/s640/black+arts+oil.jpg" width="601" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The so-called dark side is not wholly an evil or negative place or force; after all, some things remain in the shadows because we've placed them there out of fear or squeamishness." -- Jay Kinney</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Banishment and Equalizer Spell</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />This spell asks God to be the mediator between you and your enemy by protecting you and punishing the person who hurt you.<br /><br />This spell can be used as a means to settle the score with an enemy, by causing them to be ostracized, resulting in mental anguish, and eventually going away. Since you are asking God to intervene for you, you are not subject to any ill effects or bad karma.<br /><br />You will need:<br /> </span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
<li>Piece of parchment paper </li>
<li>Black Arts Oil </li>
<li>General purpose Voodoo doll </li>
<li>Black pin </li>
<li>Black cloth</li>
</span></ul>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Directions:</span></b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_vJmHXxhvxe3XuQxtTobILBI_UhcjQNVXbrNFidGwrqklAdGETBn__c7RO2rwCjkhV__wrVJ3Qus2xgj1k28pbcFJYtHH9Xj-aLtjbk6oysRDoAHXSzZz_fIoCyGcJy9ZnNrEdhL5Ei3/s1600/gravedigger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_vJmHXxhvxe3XuQxtTobILBI_UhcjQNVXbrNFidGwrqklAdGETBn__c7RO2rwCjkhV__wrVJ3Qus2xgj1k28pbcFJYtHH9Xj-aLtjbk6oysRDoAHXSzZz_fIoCyGcJy9ZnNrEdhL5Ei3/s320/gravedigger.JPG" width="222" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Write the name of your target on the parchment paper and anoint with <a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/store/p83/Black_Arts_Conjure_Oil_.5_oz.html" target="_blank">Black Arts oil.</a> Tuck the paper into the Voodoo doll. Recite Psalm 55 nine times over the doll, and stick one pin through the parchment paper and into the doll. Wrap the doll in a black cloth and hide in a dark place, careful to choose a place where no one can find it and handle it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Each day for eight more days (for a total of nine days), take out the doll and recite Psalm 55 nine times over it and stick a pin through the parchment paper and into the doll. Wrap the doll in a black cloth and hide away in a dark place, away from prying eyes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the ninth day, take the doll and the black cloth and bury it near a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1480003271/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1480003271&linkCode=as2&tag=themysticvood-20">cemetery.</a> Alternately, you can burn the doll and throw the ashes in a cemetery. Or, you may keep the doll and remove the parchment paper and nine pins from the doll and either bury them in or near a cemetery or burn and throw the ashes in or near a cemetery. If you keep the doll for future use, you may only use it for the same person, and you must keep it wrapped up and away from view, except when you wish to speak to your enemy through it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 55</span></b></h4>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot; all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
<span class="poe002">My enemies have trodden on me all the day long; for they are many that make war against me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
<span class="poe002">From the height of the day I shall fear: but I will trust in thee. </span><strong>The height of the day...</strong><span class="stiki"> That is, even at noonday, when the sun is the highest, I am still in danger.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
<span class="poe002">In God I will praise my words, in God I have put my trust: I will not fear what flesh can do against me. </span><strong> My words...</strong><span class="stiki"> The words or promises God has made in my favour.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All the day long they detested my words: all their thoughts were against me unto evil.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They will dwell and hide themselves: they will watch my heel. As they have waited for my soul,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="poe002" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For nothing shalt thou save them: in thy anger thou shalt break the people in pieces. O God, </span><strong style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> For nothing shalt thou save them...</strong><span class="stiki" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> That is, since they lie in wait to ruin my soul, thou shalt for no consideration favour or assist them, but execute thy justice upon them.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have declared to thee my life: thou hast set me tears in thy sight, As also in thy promise.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then shall my enemies be turned back. In what day soever I shall call upon thee, behold I know thou art my God.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In God will I praise the word, in the Lord will I praise his speech. In God have I hoped, I will not fear what man can do to me.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In me, O God, are vows to thee, which I will pay, praises to thee:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="poe002"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because thou hast delivered my soul from death, my feet from falling: that I may please in the sight of God, in the light of the living.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="poe002"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A42A6YdEi84ztJBNxK0E5C-HSkBSFgqOlYr8WUZT9lAvxtG4yG3LUiXGJy821I8_NVJRfmScPLGHoM1MPbHIs9Tjq6Avaizu76SXR6zsEBvTOJpNOHKfTIehjg5_7fmWiv9rrAgw2B6H/s1600/defense.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Whoop Ass Conjure" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A42A6YdEi84ztJBNxK0E5C-HSkBSFgqOlYr8WUZT9lAvxtG4yG3LUiXGJy821I8_NVJRfmScPLGHoM1MPbHIs9Tjq6Avaizu76SXR6zsEBvTOJpNOHKfTIehjg5_7fmWiv9rrAgw2B6H/s320/defense.png" title="Whoop Ass Conjure" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/store/p256/Whoop_Ass_Fixed_Glass_Encased_7_Day_Candle.html" target="_blank">Because it's always a good day to whoop somebody's ass..</a>.</div>
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fthemysticvood-20%2F8010%2Ffa9811a7-547d-4262-b088-943606c39aee&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fthemysticvood-20%2F8010%2Ffa9811a7-547d-4262-b088-943606c39aee&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-28256153904189542962013-12-25T11:22:00.001-07:002017-12-07T21:00:12.013-07:00St. Nicolas the Wonderworker and Reanimator of Corpses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kx_duJzzD6g/UrsUDm1j0rI/AAAAAAAAEQM/i4gQ1qxWPmY/s1600/papa-noel.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kx_duJzzD6g/UrsUDm1j0rI/AAAAAAAAEQM/i4gQ1qxWPmY/s640/papa-noel.jpg.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-element-linespan: 4; mso-element-linesup: 0; mso-element: dropcap-dropped; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "inheritance font"; font-size: 44pt;">IT</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> sounds like a nightmare straight out of </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">American Horror Story</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">, and certainly not what we would typically imagine when thinking of jolly ole St. Nick. It was during a time of great famine, and the people were hungry—so hungry, in fact, that some resorted to the most desperate of actions in order to quell their hunger pangs. For example, one person—a butcher—lured three innocent children into his shop, proceeded to chop them up and began preparations for selling them as packaged meat. But first, the bodies had to be placed in brine and cured. Nicolas was in the area at the time, busy doing what he usually does, caring for the less fortunate and feeding the hungry. He realized what had happened when he saw the butchered bodies of the three children curing in barrels.. Horrified and determined to right the wrong, Nicolas performed his first miracle by resurrecting the three children from the barrels through his powerful prayers. Needless to say, the butcher was on the naughty list that year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">In a different version of this story, the slaughtered victims were three clerks as opposed to children. The three clerks needed a place to stay the evening and asked to spend the night at the butcher’s home. He agreed, and then promptly murdered all three. The butcher’s wife—clearly a sociopath—suggested her husband turn the dead bodies into meat pies. Nicolas saw through this evil crime and through his powerful prayers, brought the men back to life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 119%;">As with any legend, there are naysayers who do not believe either of the aforementioned stories. To them, the story of St. Nicolas’s ability to raise the dead is considered absurd and can be attributed to a simple matter of mistaken identity. The real story, according to the doubting Thomases, begins with a man with three daughters who were unable to find husbands because they were dirt poor. The man’s solution to the problem was to turn out his daughte</span><span lang="en-US"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;">rs to the streets and into a life of prostitution. Now, St. Nicolas’s parents died when he was a young boy and as his folks were well off, he inherited an obscene amount of money with which he pledged to utilize for charitable work. He took the opportunity with the man and his three daughters to act upon his pledge.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">St. Nicolas, however, was a very humble person and was not into doing charitable work for public recognition. So, true to his reputation of performing acts of kindness on the downlow, he took a bag of gold coins and tossed it into a window of the man’s home in the dead of night so he couldn't be seen. There was enough money for a nice dowry for the eldest daughter, and she was married soon thereafter. St. Nicolas did the same thing for the second and third daughters, all of whom were subsequently married. During his third attempt, however, the man actually saw St. Nicolas toss the bag of gold into the window. Now, the man was able to express his deep gratitude to St. Nicolas for the kindness he had shown his family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And, this is the part of the story where the mistaken identity comes into play. Paintings and artistic renderings of St. Nicolas and his iconography sometimes feature three bags of gold. According to this explanation, the three bags of gold have been mistaken for the heads of three children, giving rise to the murder by dismemberment tale. Personally, I’m not sure which of the stories are more absurd, raising the dead and reassembling chopped up bodies or mistaking three bags of gold for the heads of three children. In my opinion, the latter seems as much of a stretch as the reanimation story. But whose to say? It is supposed to be a miracle, after all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: newspaper; text-justify: newspaper; text-kashida-space: 50%; text-kashida-space: 50%;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Whatever may be the case, it is not putting dismembered bodies back together, fighting cannibalism, or reanimating corpses that put St. Nicolas on the world map. Before he was a saint, Nicolas (270 – 6 December 343) was well-known for his generosity and gift giving. It is said he would secretly put coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and he would routinely help the hungry and the needy. He was a true philanthropist. Because of his generous nature and penchant for giving gifts, he became the role model for the modern day Santa Claus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-word; text-justify: inter-word;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-word; text-justify: inter-word;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Indeed, St. Nicolas is arguably the most popular saint in all the world—second only to the Virgin Mary. He is known by different names depending on the country and region in which he is venerated. Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Odin the Wanderer, Jule Nisse and Jouluppukki, are but a few names he goes by. In Louisiana, he is known as Papa Noel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-word; text-justify: inter-word;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-word; text-justify: inter-word;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 119%;">As with most legendary characters of New Orleans, Papa Noel is surrounded by a fog of mystery and myth. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R7PLXq8-XOo/UrsfKJbllqI/AAAAAAAAEQc/6W8AJKRq32k/s1600/cajun+st+nick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R7PLXq8-XOo/UrsfKJbllqI/AAAAAAAAEQc/6W8AJKRq32k/s320/cajun+st+nick.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a data-element-type="27" href="http://www.citrusquark.com/page/15/" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'MS Pゴシック', arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.329412) 1px 1px 0px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> From citrusquark.com</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He doesn't own a sleigh as it wouldn't be practical traversing the swamps and bayous of Louisiana, and he has no need of reindeer because it is said the Creole food would make them too fat to fly. Instead he moves about in a pirogue, a narrow, flat-bottomed boat that can penetrate the </span><span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 119%;">deepest swamp. Some say he has 8 fat alligators and a red-nosed loup garou to pull his pirogue. Others say no, the alligators are just close friends, the loup garou is a distant cousin, and it's Papa Noel who has the red nose (he is </span><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 16.666667938232422px;">particularly</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 119%;"> fond of Ponche au Lait - Creole Milk Punch, reindeer beer and crawdads). The bon fires are lit all down the levees to help guide Papa Noel to the children in the area.</span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 119%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h4>
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">Papa Noel's Ponche au Lait (Creole Milk Punch)</span></span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-word; text-justify: inter-word;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: inter-word; text-justify: inter-word;">
<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">A glass of whole milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: inter-word; text-justify: inter-word;">
<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 tablespoon of sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: inter-word; text-justify: inter-word;">
<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 tablespoon brandy or whiskey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-level-font-family: Symbol; mso-level-number-format: bullet; mso-level-size: 10.0pt; mso-level-text: ·; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: inter-word; text-justify: inter-word;">
<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 13.5pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Crushed ice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-word; text-justify: inter-word;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-word; text-justify: inter-word;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Dissolve the sugar in the Brandy or Whiskey. Pour chilled milk into a glass about halfway to three quarters of the way full. Pour the sweetened Brandy or Whiskey over the milk and add crushed ice. Put on St. Nicolas’s altar for him to enjoy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: justify; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-word; text-justify: inter-word;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Read more about St. Nicolas including recipes and working with him from a conjure perspective in Gumbo Ya Ya #4.</span><br />
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And now a little lagniappe..</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11pt;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: large;">Cajun Night Before Christmas</span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11pt;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHiSltHMJl8/UrsfNByJF2I/AAAAAAAAEQo/7Jh1-Gaq_hI/s1600/cajuntree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHiSltHMJl8/UrsfNByJF2I/AAAAAAAAEQo/7Jh1-Gaq_hI/s1600/cajuntree.jpg" /></a></div>
</span></h3>
<div>
<span lang="en-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="en-US"> Twas the night before Christmas an' all t'ru de house,<br />
Dey don't a ting pass Not even a mouse.<br />
De chirren been nezzle good snug on de flo',<br />
An' Mama pass de pepper t'ru de crack on de do'.<br />
<br />
De Mama in de fireplace done roas' up de ham,<br />
Stir up de gumbo an' make de bake yam.<br />
Den out on de by-you dey got such a clatter,<br />
Make soun' like old Boudreau done fall off his ladder.<br />
<br />
I run like a rabbit to got to de do',<br />
Trip over de dorg an' fall on de flo'.<br />
As I look out de do'in de light o' de moon,<br />
I t'ink, "Mahn, you crazy or got ol' too soon."<br />
<br />
Cuz dere on de by-you w'en I stretch ma'neck stiff,<br />
Dere's eight alligator a pullin' de skiff.<br />
An' a little fat drover wit' a long pole-ing stick,<br />
I know r'at away got to be ole St.Nick.<br />
<br />
Mo' fas'er an' fas'er de' gator dey came<br />
He whistle an' holler an' call dem by name:<br />
"Ha, Gaston! Ha, Tiboy! Ha, Pierre an' Alcee'!<br />
Gee, Ninette! Gee, Suzette! Celeste an' Renee'!<br />
<br />
To de top o' de porch to de top o' de wall,<br />
Make crawl, alligator, an' be sho' you don' fall."<br />
Like Tante Flo's cat t'ru de treetop he fly,<br />
W'en de big ole houn' dorg come a run hisse'sef by.<br />
<br />
Like dat up de porch dem ole 'gator clim!<br />
Wit' de skiff full o' toy an' St. Nick behin'.<br />
Den on top de porch roof it soun' like de hail,<br />
W'en all dem big gator, done sot down dey tail.<br />
<br />
Den down de chimney I yell wit' a bam,<br />
An' St.Nicklus fall an' sit on de yam.<br />
"Sacre!" he axclaim, "Ma pant got a hole<br />
I done sot ma'se'f on dem red hot coal."<br />
<br />
He got on his foots an' jump like a cat<br />
Out to de flo' where he lan' wit' a SPLAT!<br />
He was dress in muskrat from his head to his foot,<br />
An' his clothes is all dirty wit' ashes an' soot.<br />
<br />
A sack full o' playt'ing he t'row on his back,<br />
He look like a burglar an' dass fo' a fack.<br />
His eyes how dey shine his dimple, how merry!<br />
Maybe he been drink de wine from de blackberry.<br />
<br />
His cheek was like a rose his nose a cherry,<br />
On secon' t'ought maybe he lap up de sherry.<br />
Wit' snow-white chin whisker an' quiverin' belly,<br />
He shook w'en he laugh like de stromberry jelly!<br />
<br />
But a wink in his eye an' a shook o' his head,<br />
Make my confidence dat I don't got to be scared.<br />
He don' do no talkin' gone strit to hi work,<br />
Put a playt'ing in sock an' den turn wit' a jerk.<br />
<br />
He put bot' his han' dere on top o' his head,<br />
Cas' an eye on de chimney an' den he done said:<br />
"Wit' all o' dat fire an' dem burnin' hot flame,<br />
Me I ain' goin' back by de way dat I came."<br />
<br />
So he run out de do' an, he clim' to de roof,<br />
He ain' no fool, him for to make one more goof.<br />
He jump in his skiff an' crack his big whip,<br />
De' gator move down, An don' make one slip.<br />
<br />
An' I hear him shout loud as a splashin' he go,<br />
"Merry Christmas to all 'til I saw you some mo'!"<br />
<br />____________</span><br />
<span lang="en-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="en-US">From </span> "Cajun Night before Chrismas"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By "Trosclair"<br />
Edited by Howard Jacobs<br />
Illustrated by James Rice<br />
Pelican Publishing 1992<br />
Copyright 1973 <o:p></o:p></div>
<span lang="en-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="en-US">
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CAJUN NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS</b></span><br />
<br />
<object height="315" width="420"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/BKR4jqDV3Dg?hl=en_US&version=3"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/BKR4jqDV3Dg?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></span><br />
<span lang="en-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="en-US"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-46169323751699273292013-12-24T15:25:00.002-07:002013-12-24T15:28:16.781-07:00Wicked Witch Extraordinaire Dorothy Morrison Delivers Evidence of a Pink Marie Laveaux Tomb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIFMBaHN3NU/Urn3sNgHrRI/AAAAAAAAEPk/VTurC7gAbhs/s1600/marie+laveau's+tomb-by+dorothy+morrison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIFMBaHN3NU/Urn3sNgHrRI/AAAAAAAAEPk/VTurC7gAbhs/s640/marie+laveau's+tomb-by+dorothy+morrison.jpg" width="402" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can just imagine the reaction devotees of our beloved Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, Marie Laveaux, experienced when they read these words by Dorothy Morrison posted on her Facebook wall several days ago: "As grand a time as we're having in New Orleans, we did make a rather disturbing discovery this morning: Someone painted Marie Laveau's tomb...I can hardly bring myself to say this...pastel PINK!!! WTF??? Someone local: Please find out who did this, and make them change it back! It's disgusting, and I don't think Madame is very happy about it."</div>
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEYweeiHMh4/Urn3u-9KrfI/AAAAAAAAEPs/w2PKyrn4AHM/s1600/pinktomb+dorothy+morrison.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEYweeiHMh4/Urn3u-9KrfI/AAAAAAAAEPs/w2PKyrn4AHM/s320/pinktomb+dorothy+morrison.jpg.jpg" width="271" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A flurry of responses and reactions ensued and I rather suspect will continue for some time regarding this event.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.alynepustanio.net/" target="_blank">Alyne Pustanio</a>, author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/148416797X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=148416797X&linkCode=as2&tag=themysticvood-20" target="_blank">Purloined Sories and Early Tales of Old New Orleans</a> has this to say about the event: "Whoever painted the tomb probably was doing so at the behest of its owners and that's the color they wanted it to be. That tomb is painted more frequently than possibly any other tomb in the New Orleans area specifically because it is continuously defaced with X's and other markings; tourists, encouraged by "who me?!" tour guides, are the worst offenders. I can understand that pink is not the immediate color that would come to mind for those of you who are used to seeing the tomb whitewashed, but even a Pepto-Bismol pink will weather and fade after the rains of winter and the spring heat are done with it, and it may be this worn patina that the painter is after. I personally know of acts of random vandalism to which the old cemeteries have been subjected in the past, and in my opinion vandals are not going to stick around to paint that big tomb especially when it is easier to desecrate the other old, crumbling graves and paint graffiti on the cemetery walls. So don't worry, the color will fade."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But not everyone is so nonchalant about it or used to seeing this kind of thing. The passion with which devotees feel entitled to inscribe Xs on her tomb is fierce. According to one person, who seems to be misdirecting their anger at Pustanio (who knows more about New Orleans lore and Voodoo history than anyone I know), putting small Xs on her tomb is not defacement. "The tomb belongs to the Girondo family (I think thats the spelling) and if they did request it to be painted, don't you think they would have done it in a more professional manner and not with LATEX and painting the marble..??? are you kidding me? Oh you neglected to read where the remaining paint was dumped into a drain." While I know Pustanio well, and I know she is very aware of the whys and wherefores of the practice, I can understand the anger that this individual feels. My initial reaction was quite similar.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But, we all need to just calm down a minute and not get angry at each other for something none of us did.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the other side of the coin, there are some...well, at least one...devotee who is pleased with the color choice. Upon learning the news, Oskar "Doc Mojo" Yetzirah exclaimed: "PINK!? OOOO SHEEET! Madam Laveau just got a Barrio Style touch up!" Apparently, painting graves bright colors is a tradition found in Mexican Catholic cemeteries. According to Yetzirah, "'El Color es un recuerdo de La Vida' is the saying I had heard several times growing up. It means, Color is a reminder of Life."</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Reaching out for comments from New Orleans natives during the Christmas season leaves many questions unanswered. However, I was able to get a comment from the<a href="http://www.houseofthedivineprince.com/" target="_blank"> Divine Prince Ty Emmeca </a>who, while he does not know who did it, stated in reference to the color: "I assume (it was) someone fighting a Breast Cancer Cause." </div>
<br />
But for those who have not been there to see it in person, the energy is not palpable. Morrison states:<br />
"I understand why some of you don't think this is a big deal. But if you could feel the atmosphere there now, you'd know why this is gnawing at me so."<br />
<br />
That said, the tomb, while the leftover paint was reportedly tossed in a drain, does seem to be painted with more care than if it were simply an act of random vandalism. The edges are neat, and there is a carefully painted little heart next to the plaque on the ground (see photo below).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsD4IM7cWM9x_ZjpSQJOJ0-WMiitocc0qexpz61Xfo6g9f1Vq_A-qOS0qX6x_2FOqx6xv1eROAQRTEG3VAR4NmoG63kRnA7w2OKgW3ULduPFaQBNrkhQX1K5Z2Jece2fFu1iOJxTYBGcd/s1600/pinktombwithheart.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsD4IM7cWM9x_ZjpSQJOJ0-WMiitocc0qexpz61Xfo6g9f1Vq_A-qOS0qX6x_2FOqx6xv1eROAQRTEG3VAR4NmoG63kRnA7w2OKgW3ULduPFaQBNrkhQX1K5Z2Jece2fFu1iOJxTYBGcd/s640/pinktombwithheart.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Dorothy Morrison, copyright 2013, All rights reserved.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This little telltale sign tells me that it is someone local who understands the healing grace with which Mam'zelle bestows on the sick. The color pink is associated with cancer - breast cancer specifically - and so, the Divine Prince's assumption rings true.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whether it is <a href="http://creole-moon.blogspot.com/2013/12/marie-laveauxs-pink-tomb-vandalism-or.html" target="_blank">vandalism or devotion</a> is not the issue here, however. Rather, according to Morrison, it is the fact that it was apparently done without Mam'zelle's consent. At least, that's what Morrison expressed after being there in person and informing Mam'zelle that her tomb had been painted pink. Traditionally in New Orleans Voudou, Marie Laveaux is associated with the color blue, perhaps because of her association with water. Morrison states: "I don't think it's the fact that it's colored paint. Instead, it's the actual color. If it had been painted a lovely rich jewel-tone - emerald green, sapphire blue, deep amethyst, or even garnet - I think she'd be okay with that."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The latest rumor from local informants describes a small, light-skinned black man seen walking around town with pink paint on his pants. Which immediately makes him a suspect...to those who don't care to investigate further.<br />
<br />
Many thanks to Dorothy Morrison for bringing this issue to our attention. Sadly, the event hasn't made the news anywhere that I have found, aside from my blogs and article at the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/marie-laveaux-s-pink-tomb-has-voodoo-adherents-outraged" target="_blank">New Orleans Voodoo Examiner.</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For anyone who wishes to visit the grave site, pay your respects and take photos, <span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">the tomb is located in St. Louis Cemetery #1. The tomb is marked</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> “Famille Vve. Paris, née Laveau” and to find it, enter the cemetery at the front gate. Turn left and count between the 5th and 6th tombs on your right and cut in between the gap between the two. Look up at about 11:00 o’clock and there it is!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US">*Check out <a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/journals.htm" target="_blank">Hoodoo and Conjure: New Orleans</a> for a lengthy article on the Wishing Tomb and how to serve Marie Laveaux as a devotee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7443609036312606378.post-17030719482867101332013-10-11T14:58:00.000-07:002013-12-02T00:28:53.016-07:00Get the Real Story about Mary Oneida Toups in the Special Edition Issue of Hoodoo and Conjure New Orleans!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbY5Qri6g4J0a03UwMwbjpMH04EN-NwI-29tz5se2YANZTcytK6xBPrkKfKIXTr_HSPBEkSUNxokgoWxQgXbhupg6zGFkzFdBT6io8PCyFt2qfvKXHKyEbcDbKXPNZjD7v4NCAsCD2Thtg/s1600/HCNOLA-front-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbY5Qri6g4J0a03UwMwbjpMH04EN-NwI-29tz5se2YANZTcytK6xBPrkKfKIXTr_HSPBEkSUNxokgoWxQgXbhupg6zGFkzFdBT6io8PCyFt2qfvKXHKyEbcDbKXPNZjD7v4NCAsCD2Thtg/s640/HCNOLA-front-cover.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The first issue of the acclaimed magazine journal under the new name of simply <i>Hoodoo and Conjure</i>, formerly <i>Hoodoo and Conjure Quarterly,</i> is here! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">In all its gloriousness and fabulous writ, <b><i>Hoodoo and Conjure: New Orleans</i></b> brings to you a fantastic collection of articles from a variety of notable as well as up and coming authors. The majority of the articles center on New Orleans Voodoo and Hoodoo, however, we also include some fantastic articles about southern conjure traditions in general. Here we go...are you ready? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Get the original story about Mary Oneida Toups by the original author, 6th generation New Orleans born Alyne Pustanio! News flash, American Horror Story: Coven is not the first to tell her story! Our very own <a href="http://www.alynepustanio.net/" target="_blank">Alyne Pustanio</a> is!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of the articles jam packed in this issue of Hoodoo and Conjure New Orleans: </span></div>
<br />
<h2>
FEATURE STORIES </h2>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">New Orleans-Style Day of the Dead with Sallie Ann Glassman by Alyne Pustanio </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">In Memorium: Coco Robicheaux by Alyne Pustanio </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Digging in the Dirt by Dorothy Morrison</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Wishing Tomb of Marie Laveaux by Denise Alvarado </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Story about Mary Oneida Toups by Alyne Pustanio </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tituba, the Voodoo Girl of Salem by Witchdoctor Utu </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Food as Medzin by Madrina Angelique </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Graveyard Snake and the Ancestors by Dr. Snake </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Holy Death and the Seven Insights: A Gay Man’s Story of Self-Transformation and his Search for Love by Carolina Dean </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Adventures in Ghost Hunting by Carolina Dean </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">It Might be a Sign of Things to Come by H. Byron Ballard </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wicca and Voodoo: Bringing the Two Together by Nish Perez </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wicca and Voodoo: Rhythms by Louis Martinie </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crimson Light through Muddy Water: Southern Goth as an Occult Reality by Tim Broussard </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">And more!!! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-leHEcWw-WxI/UlhwXLszTRI/AAAAAAAAEL8/yC9FdYxrfes/s1600/new+orleans+style+day+of+the+dead.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-leHEcWw-WxI/UlhwXLszTRI/AAAAAAAAEL8/yC9FdYxrfes/s400/new+orleans+style+day+of+the+dead.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2>
APPLIED CONJURE </h2>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Spell Work with the Dead by Madrina Angelique </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How to Bury an Enemy by Madrina Angelique </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Uncrossing Land by Aaron Leitch </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And more! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8-cT-5QMTQ/UlhwhcA6qbI/AAAAAAAAEMA/xacOzX9LC9A/s1600/Diggin+in+the+Dirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8-cT-5QMTQ/UlhwhcA6qbI/AAAAAAAAEMA/xacOzX9LC9A/s400/Diggin+in+the+Dirt.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2>
PHOTO ESSAY </h2>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Herein lies the Poor and the Indigent: A Photo Essay of Holt Cemetery by Denise Alvarado and Alyne Pustanio </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QnOU4V9ZJ7U/Ulhy2wnZOHI/AAAAAAAAEMc/qJul7lHIFHA/s1600/holt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QnOU4V9ZJ7U/Ulhy2wnZOHI/AAAAAAAAEMc/qJul7lHIFHA/s400/holt.JPG" width="318" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<br />
<h2>
INTERNATIONAL CONJURE</h2>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Mystery Of a Sacred Sastun and The Trinity of Stones: An Interview with Winsom Winsom by Rev.Roots </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
TUTORIAL</h2>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Tutorial: How to Make a New Orleans Style Rope Doll by Denise Alvarado </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LbxbBstET-o/UlhwmqjlRDI/AAAAAAAAEMI/Eq1Tf8kbKvE/s1600/rope+doll.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LbxbBstET-o/UlhwmqjlRDI/AAAAAAAAEMI/Eq1Tf8kbKvE/s400/rope+doll.JPG" width="313" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h2>
BOOK REVIEW</h2>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Talking to God with Food: Questioning Animal Sacrifice by Louis Martinie, Review by Denise Alvarado </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This magazine journal is an 8 X 10 special edition, full color bleed, 125 pages, of the highest quality and bound like a book. A true collector's item and must have for any student of conjure and lover of New Orleans and Southern folk magic traditions. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To purchase, please visit <a href="http://www.creolemoon.com/books.htm" target="_blank">Creole Moon.</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Hoodoo and Conjure New Orleans. It's for real, y'all.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCw-Gy9ShNA/UlhzY6fUEhI/AAAAAAAAEMk/BvGIDrqu-lw/s1600/HCNO-ad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCw-Gy9ShNA/UlhzY6fUEhI/AAAAAAAAEMk/BvGIDrqu-lw/s400/HCNO-ad.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br />
<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152245913045898&set=a.10151861959455898.1073741825.563040897&type=1" data-width="550">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152245913045898&set=a.10151861959455898.1073741825.563040897&type=1">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/voodoomama">Alvarado Denise</a>.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0