River of Rebirth

I'm listening to the music of Trinidad Orisa priestess Ella Andall, her powerful voice, the chorus, the beating of the drums sing praises of Oshun and Shango, making me move along to the music. She sings "Aladadoye!" (He lives) in praise of Shango, calling on him to destroy the obstacles that plague our everyday lives.
Yesterday I went to the Hudson River, to put yellow roses in the river to my mother Oxum. Tomorrow is her feast day in Candomble and I went to the river despite those freezing temperatures. The river was moving onward to the ocean of Yemanja, fast and strong as ever. I let go of something with sadness in my heart and today I find myself dancing to the beats of Trinidad's drums. The river is still flowing, the sun still rose this morning. The music still continues.
This is what it means to practice the religion of the orishas. To survive, to thrive even despite the boulders that lie in your path, despite the mockery of the tongues of others, despite the seemingly soul crushing burdens of every day life. to dance with joy, even though you are weighed with sorrow within. The pulse of the drums still plays, the voices are still raised to Ile Orun in praise. Ashe. (The above painting was done by artist Maria Guilla Alemanno)

Night Terrors at 3am

This is poem is part of the series, it should be the second in order which is Cinnamon Sunset, Night Terrors at 3am, Silence Before Sunrise and the 4th one is not yet written.

Night Terrors at 3am
by DG

This Voice whispers that you will die alone, unloved,
never to find success,
its tones drip with venom,
twisting and wrapping you into a fearful victim.

Maybe it originated with the taunt of a classmate,
the disapproving lecture of a parent,
the criticism of a boss, demeaning your performance,
the insult meant in jest by a friend,
the increasing bills that pile up, as finances drain dry.

Confidence withers away as wicked self deception becomes
ingrained to a belief.
The alarm clock reads 3 am and you dread going to work the next day,
where you toil for the advancement of others, in servitude to them, while your own soul
slowly dies and diminishes.

The dying embers of the candle flame flicker,
faith dwindling to a spark,
doubt creeps in as you think that he is apathetic to your love, your silent pleas to the gods unanswered
as you fear the very angels themselves turn away deaf to your prayerful supplications.

The very thought of the sunrise hurts you,
because you once basked in its glow of love,
now the memory of it lingers and festers.
In the vigil of insomnia you wait,
as terror and confusion cripple, slithering and snaking their way into your heart.
The dawn seems so far off and cannot be faced for fear that its light burns to bright.

Thanksgiving

I tend to think of the Pagan holidays of Lammas and Mabon as my Thanksgiving or harvest festivals. Still growing up with this American tradition, I always remember the great food and time with family.
For the indigenous people of this land, Thanksgiving is a National Day of Mourning. They welcomed the European settlers, gave them food, only to be betrayed and have their lands taken away as the centuries of imperial conquest continued, first with the Europeans and then continued by the United States.

On this day, I honor the First People of the Americas, the people who came here 14,000 years ago. I honor the spirits of the African slaves, who were forcibly dragged across the ocean to replace the Native Americans as labor. It is a vicious cycle that we still are seeing the effects today, as both Natives and people of color are still experiencing the suffering that was inflicted upon them by the rape and pillage of the Americas.

I give thanks to the Creator, the Divine Mother and Father of All Life for all of His/Her blessings, for the challenges, for the victories, for the moments both bitter and sweet.

"The Great Spirit is in all things, he is in the air we breathe. The Great Spirit is our
Father, but the Earth is our Mother. She nourishes us, that which we put into the ground
she returns to us..."
-Big Thunder (Bedagi) Wabanaki Algonquin

La Magia

Whilst walking around my town, I noticed the beauty of the autumn leaves. They sounded crisp under my feet. Beautiful reds, oranges and yellows. I thought to myself that even though I am initiated as a priest of the orisha, by my ancestral blood I have ties to witchcraft and paganism. It speaks to a different part of my soul. There are similarities of course, there are similarities between many religions and spiritual traditions, yet they are different. I thought of the New Moon tomorrow and the magic and hope that it always brings. Sometimes I think in this chaotic and often brutal world we live in, the world could use a bit more magic, a bit more wonder. It's there, maybe we just get too caught up to see it. That feeling of hope despite when things seem to be closing in all around you, the belief that you can shape and breath life into your very dreams. It's the green grass and the glorious Full Moon in the sky. It's the snow in wintertime and the balmy breezes of summer. It's the kiss on a first date under a starlit sky.
I was thinking of my life a year ago and how different it is today. I still struggle with many difficulties but I feel so much more stronger and better equipped to deal with these challenges. No matter what I feel held in the arms of God, and Her arms are always wrapped around me.
Blessed Be.

All Souls Day

Happy All Souls Day/Feliz Dia de los Muertos! Without the Ancestors, we would not exist and their wisdom is needed in this day and age more than ever. I made a small altar for the Ancestors in my kitchen. Modupe Egun!

Cielo Azul

One giant step closer, three baby steps back. I've been focused lately on just moving ahead. Each day seems like a minor victory in the major war that I'm waging. The sun is shining today and I see the blue vault of Heaven. Even when it was cloudy this morning, there was a luminescence about that made the clouds glow. It reminded me of Obatala and the odu of Ofun.
I gave thanks to the friends and family who have stood by and gave counsel and kind words.
I bought one of my friends at work some roses of various hues last week. I saw that she was down about things and I decided to remedy that with some flowers. I figured I have to do my part to shine a bit of light in this world and every bit helps.
My mind is constantly focused on a certain someone who I don't really see that often because of time constraints. I try to not let it upset me. My poetic mind conjures images of banishment and loneliness but I realize it's just fear talking. Whatever outcomes will occur in Life, I know that it will turn out ok. I just have to arm myself with the shield of Faith, the sword of Justice, the arrows of Truth, and leap into that chariot of Victory. One thing I forgot and the most important element and intangible element, Love.

Obstruction or Construction
by DG

Where once were pebbles on your road, minor annoyances,
now lie boulders,
that seem nigh impassable, a heavy load,
slumped in defeat, burdened shoulders.

Desire deferred,
dreams transferred
equation of persuasion,
relinquish what you hold most dear,
surrendering to the drama of fear.

In difficulties lie the seeds of hope
strengthening the will to cope, with the challenges of life,
seeking peace, an end to strife.

Not all is lost, no need to fight or wrangle.
Find a different route, approach from a different angle.
A new perspective made clear.
Many will laugh at you, jeer or silently sneer.

Other wills look up to you and follow in your wake,
marveling and praising the choices you make.
Keep walking forward, head held high.
Never looking down.
Victory is at hand-seize the crown!

Cinnamon Sunset

Cinnamon Sunset
by DG

The last rays of sunlight fade in the west, leaving an orange glimmering of day.
The New Moon rises in the sign of the Virgin, lauding a new era of possibility.
Anointed with oils of patchouli and cinnamon,
the fire of spice enters my veins,
boiling my blood to a simmering temperature,
igniting the fuses of desire,
furnace of passions fire,
which cannot be sated or satiated
until it meets its equal in flame.
Fire that meets measure for measure in brilliance,
heat that exudes will warm the house of my spirit.
The moon is the mirror which reflects the glory of the sun,
your brilliance is reflected in the wells of my eyes,
and the magnificence of my soul is spoken by your words of praise.
Two kings without a kingdom or a crown,
left to wander in the desert on this starry night.
I light the watch fires which will guard us till dawn.

Poem-Silence before Sunrise

Silence before Sunrise
by DG

Finger over lips,
silencing and locking the Mystery within.
The secrets of the soul protected from profanity.
The phantoms of the spirit world arise,
whispering their secrets in my ear,
I reply with a message to you,
relayed by the invisible across the Unseen World.
Hoping my love won't fade with the rising of the sun,
when the dream ends and the mask of moonlight slips off my face.
Will the parchment burn in the sunlight, will it all melt away or turn to ash?
Turning away, I light my torch and walk into the Darkness alone,
its faint glow holding the horrors of life at bay,
without sleep and its promise of rest
if I can win this battle on this side of Night,
as I wait for the day when I can face the sunrise with you.

Rythmn of the Saints

This is a poem I wrote way back in 2002 and was published in my book Battles of the Black Madonna.

Rythmn of the Saints
by DG

The rhythm of the drums play into the night,
calling the gods and goddesses of Africa to descend.
Shedding their Catholic masks to dance with their children.
The sly smile of Exu as he invites his fellow deities-
to leave their blissful heaven, the world of the invisible,
into our mortal realm.
Oxum, sweet goddess of love,
vainly admires her exquisite beauty,
skin the color of honey, love flows as a river to the ocean,
embracing Yemaya, Our Mother the Sea.
While the thunder of Xango echoes the beat of the drums,
and Oxossi leaves his primordial forest,
that has never known the touch of mortal man.
In this chorus of the saints,
we hear the hope of the slaves,
their faith sustaining their bondage.
The gods break our modern day chains,
filling us with grace.
Alafia! Motumba e Axe!!
Remember you must go to Mass the next day,
to receive the body and blood of Christ,
but even in church the saints stare with African eyes.
A veil of Christianity covers a pagan scene.
In this land of samba and carnival,
Magic is everywhere.
You do not need to look far to see the hand of God!
Olodumare Modupe! Thanks be to God! Axe!

Many Roads

There are many paths of an initiate of the orisas. Some are meant to be godparents, others diviners, others artists, musicians, dancers. Some are meant to initiate others and some aren't. Some will bring their gifts to the community and others will be more to themselves. Some will use it to connect to an ancestral heritage they thought was lost and others will bring the strength of their ancestors with them. Many roads, many paths, all guided by Eshu and ori to the right destination. Ashe.

This quote says it all :(

"Thou shall leave each thing Belov'd most dearly: this is the first shaft Shot from the bow of exile. Thou shalt prove How salt the savour is of other's bread, How hard the passage to descend and climb By other's stairs, But that ...shall gall thee most Will be the worthless and vile company, With whom thou must be thrown into these straits." -Dante Aligheri Paradiso Canto 17 (my life from 2008-present)

ABC Prayer

I got this from Iyanla Van Zant's book, Until Today. Sometimes I say this prayer when I get up in the morning and ask the Divine to bless all of you, my loved ones :)

" I open my heart and mind to be aware...how my ABCs will uplift my spirit.

Almighty Creator of the Universe
Beloved Father, Mother God
Create in me a clean heart this day.
Deliver me from the limitations of the ego.
Exalt Your presence in my mind.
Forgive all that I have held against you, myself, and others.
Grant me peace this day.
Hold me steadfastly with the boundaries of your truth.
Inspire my heart to know you, my ears to hear you, and my eyes to recognize you.
Justify me in the presence of all enemies.
Knead my heart with words of kindness
Let no harm befall me or my loved ones.
May all I do this day glorify you.
Nourish me with your wisdom.
Open my eyes to know your truth.
Purge my heart of all things that are offensive to your law.
Quiet my soul in the midst of confusion.
Renew my connection to you.
Save me from my secret fears.
Teach me to trust you at all times.
Use all that you have given me to serve you.
Victory for your cause is my desire.
Walk with me so that my strength will never be diminished.
Xamine my heart continually.
Your love and grace are my good fortune.
Zealously I commit myself to your will for my life.

Until today, you may not have been aware of the power of knowing the alphabet. Just for today, practice making each letter in the alphabet come alive in your life. "
Today I am devoted to relearning the entire alphabet of life.

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Happy Lammas

Happy Lammas.
Today I danced for the Goddess and God and it felt like they were dancing with me to Loreena Mckennit. I feel blessed and joyous. Today is a day of gratitude and thanksgiving for the many gifts and blessings in my life.

The Sweet Life

Yesterday I went to the Ochun tambor in Spanish Harlem. It was full of blessings especially for the small children who were present who recieved much love, money, toys, and candy from the orishas. Oshun gave me a message or rather a confirmation. I know that my Mother loves me and She always has my back. Ora ie ie O Oxum. Ashe.

4 years since I entered this new life

Today was my 4th birthday in Candomble. Moudpe Baba Logunede, Iya Oxum e Baba Oxossi. Ashe. Words cannot express my gratitude to the orixas for their many blessings in my life.

Madre Tierra/la Mère de la Terre/Ile Aye

On Saturday Evening, I was walking in the East Village wherein I happened to stumble upon this mural above. It was an advertisement for a plant shop. It said "Mother Earth, Loves You, Love Mother Earth." It inspired me to take a picture of it.
All of this brings to mind the present condition of our Mother Planet and how we treat her. At the last meeting at the Caribbean Cultural Center, I heard the orisha and lwa traditions referred to as "Earth Based Relgions". This is a good designation for our faiths as we do honor the forces of Nature as well as work with various herbs to conduct rituals. In this sense we do have elements in common with the Native American traditions and those of pagan religions, the main difference is that Orisha and Lwa beliefs are centered on limited montheism. This is the belief in a Supreme Being, Olorun, Bondye, Nzamabi, a force more powerful than the orisha/lwa and yet the deities are aspects or parts of the One.

This being said we do revere Mother Earth in the Yoruba traditions. In Nigeria she is called Ile which means House. Ile Aye means the House of Life or Earth. She is also known as Onile. Yoruba religion looks to the earth and the waters not to the stars or celestial objects like other African ethnic groups such as the Dogon or the Egyptians. The Yoruba proverb states "Aiye l'oja. Orun n'ile. (The world is a market place. Heaven is home.) This world we live is a marketplace in that it has all the beauties and sorrows that life has to offer. Sometimes the buyer must beware and sometimes you find that rare gem of an item. Also this means that there is so much diversity and opportunities in life, the Divine created us to enjoy the wonders of life not run away from them. However Heaven/Ile Orun or the world of Spirit is our true home and we must remember that we came from spirit and shall return to that plane. It is like that saying, "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience we are spiritual beings having a human experience."

Onile, the orisa of earth is honored in the Orisha Religion of Trinidad. Here She is also Mamman L'Terre or Mother Earth. Sometimes the spirit of La Madama is used to represent her. La Madama is depicted below as an elderly black woman with a broom and is usually revered by Spiritualists.Onile is also seen in Trinidad as an elderly woman. The third drum in Trinidadian Orisha ceremonies always beats to the heartbeat of the earth and Onile when she possesses a devotee she will move to the beat, albeit slowly since she is an old woman. I received the above information from a priest of the Orisha Religion of Trinidad.

No matter what different cultures around the world call Her, the Earth is Our Mother and we must care for Her as She always provides for us. Without Her we cannot exist, however she can exist just fine without us. She was here before us and She probably will be here long after we are gone. Adupe Onile!

Spirituality in One Dimension-Part One

I am going to examine what sometimes occurs in three religions that I am familiar with, that of Neo-Paganism, the Orisha traditions, and Christianity. I call it the one dimensional view of the gods.

Let's start with the Afro-Caribbean religions. Sometimes there is this one dimensional, human based idea of orisha in which the divinities are sometimes described as dramatic soap opera characters. Grant it there are stories of the orisha in which they may behave in less than perfect ways. However these stories are meant to teach us how to behave better. Many initiates justify their bad behavior because they say well "I am a child of this orisha so I can.." Ok, but you are the child of the orisha not the orisha. Wear your crown proudly but leave your ego at the door.

Also this pinning the orisha down in rigid categories. One time, this woman who was not an initiate criticized me for saying "Mama Oshun". She said, "I see Yemaya more at the Mother and Oshun is the flirt. This is some stupid modern Western concept that says that motherhood and mothers by extent cannot be sexy. Oshun is a Mother of several orishas and is called YeYe, the Good Mother. Oshun also has warrior aspects as does Yemaya, but many overlook this because these orishas are considered "feminine". Yeah, like women never fought before. Yemaya, although maternal is quite sensual, the siren of the seas. Again, the whole idea that sensuality and motherhood is not sensual rears its ugly head. There are some aspects of Yemaya that are often mistaken for Oshun because of her behavior.

Many forget the orishas are aspects of the Divine. Some may have been deified ancestors, some aspects of orishas may have been older divinities that were absorbed. After all there are 401 orisha in Nigeria and only a mere fraction of those are honored in the Diaspora. The orishas exist on many levels, aspects of the Supreme Being Olorun, deified ancestors who were once human, and forces of nature and the cosmos. Also while I am on the subject of Olorun, why do people equate the Supreme Being in Yoruba belief with the Judeo-Christian concept of God. Olorun is neither male or female and cannot be comprehended by human belief. I know some of us come from Jewish, Christian, or Islamic background but that storm and war deity of the Hebrews is not the same as the Supreme Being in Yourba religion or in any religion for that matter. The idea of a Supreme Being transcends human comprehension.

I had an interesting discussion with a young Lucumi priest of Obatala. We were discussing the significance of Ogun. How he represents the iron in our blood that allows us to live, the force that moves our muscle, and the whole idea of civilization itself rests with the concepts of Ogun and Oshun. That story of when Oshun leading Ogun out of the forest has so many deeper meanings. One, that love, represented by Oshun was able to lead him out of the forest of his despair and isolation. Two, the waters of Oshun and the metalworking of Ogun are necessary for civilization as all of civilization came to a halt when Ogun retreated into the forest. The earliest civilizations on earth of Egypt/Africa, Indus River Valley/India, Yellow River/China, and the Tigris/Euphrates/Middle East, they all began in river valleys and learned to use metals and agriculture to forge civilizations. The waters of Oshun are needed to cool and temper the force of Ogun in order for civilization to exist.

Well I guess I will get to the neo-pagan and Christian parts another time as this post became quite long. My purpose is not to rant or criticize but I think we need in general to become better researchers and look deeper into the meanings and dimensions of our spirituality.

The Divine Twins in the Yoruba Pantheon

I had some very powerful dreams about my ancestors, family, the Ibeyji and Shango this morning. So I've been seeing black twins everywhere and had a dream about the Ibeji this morning so I think I will give candy to the Ibeji tomorrow. The Ibeji are the divine twins, the children of Shango.

In Catholicism, they were syncretized with Saints Cosmos and Damian, twin doctors. My Italian great-grandmother had a special devotion for Saints Cosmos and Damian, she had this beautiful statue of them on her dresser. My grandfather and my great aunt (her children) also had a devotion for them. My great aunt Lucia gave me a wallet card for Saints Cosmos and Damian many years ago which I keep on my Ancestor altar.

My mae de santo told me there are 3 paths of Ibeji in Candomble. The children of Shango and Oshun are a boy and girl.The children of Shango and Oya are two boys and the third path no one knows who the mother is but Iemanja raised them and it is a boy and a girl. The colors of the Ibeji in Candomble are pink and blue or green and yellow depending on the path.

Usually in both Lucumi and Candomble, the feast of the Ibeji is a party for kids with lots of candy and toys that are given to the kids. The feast of the Ibeji is usually celebrated on the Catholic feast day of Cosmos and Damian which is September 27th.

It is said that the Yoruba have the highest birth rates of twins in the world. A Yoruba child born after twins is called Idowu which means "child born after twins". I have a Yoruba friend with that name.

When twins die among the Yoruba, wooden sculptures are made of them and venerated by the family.

In Vodoun, the Divine Twins are known as the Marasa and also have male and female aspects. The males are syncretized with Cosmos and Damien. The female Marasa are syncretized with the three Virtues, Faith, Hope and Charity.

As a son of Logunede, I've always had a connection to the Ibeji. After all the Ibeji are Logunede's brothers/sisters via Oshun. The Ibeji also have connections with Oshun, Oya, Yemaya and of course their father Shango.

An Umbanda (Brazilian Spiritism) legend that has roots in an older Yoruba tale tells how the Ibeji defeat Eshu once. In the original Yoruba version, the Ibeji trick an spirit into defeat. In the Umbanda version it tells who the twins defeated Eshu and explains the origin of the exu and pombagira line of spirits.

At the dawn of time, Eshu challenged the rule of the other orisha and rebelled against them. He began to populate the earth with many monsters and other horrors.The other orishas could not defeat him. Oxala (Obatala) divided himself into two aspects Oxaguian, the young warrior and Oxalufon, the old king in order that he may fight Exu with his two avatars. The Ibeji also fought Exu as well. One twin would fight him for 12 hours and the other for another 12 giving each rest. With the combined strength of Oxala and the twins, Exu was defeated. Exu swore that his children, the spirits known as exus or pombagiras would serve the orixas. This is why each male orixa has an exu and each female orixa has a pombagira as its messenger. The exus are not the orixa Exu but a class of very powerful dead folk who have passed on but have a connection to Exu. For example Exu Tata Caveira was an Egyptian prince in Roman times who became the Lord of the Cemetery. He has links to Babaluaye. With the Pombagiras, the were often the spirits of prostitutes, princesses, or queens who after death became linked to Pombagira and Exu.
I hope the Divine Twins, the Ibeji bless you and your children with more fun and laughter in your lives. Ashe.

Completed Spritual Training

I have been training in a course as outlined in Francesca de Grandis' book, Be A Goddess. It is a 15 work course but due to my busy schedule and my duties as an initiate of Candomble, it took me about 6 months rather than three. I'm good with it because we learn on our own pace. Also I finished at a good time, when I feel things are finally starting to turn around for the better in my life. I started this course at the end of January and finished yesterday. So I celebrated by doing two of the rituals in the book, the Honor Candle and Becoming the Goddess.
Francesca de Grandis is an initiate of the Feri tradition of Witchcraft as well as the founder of her own branch of Feri Shamanism, the Third Road®. She also has another book called Goddess Initiation, which I also have and is a one year course of study. I think I am going to hold off on that one for a while as I am preparing for my four year birthday in orisha this month. I think my next course of study is to study the Tarot more intently using this one particular book I own. I highly recommend Francesca's books and her training programs.
Her website is Shamanic Training
Blessed Be!

Full Moon in Capricorn

Tonight's Full Moon falls in the sign of Capricorn. It is time to focus on fiscal responsibility, prosperity and abundance. However, if you want success and prosperity for yourself, wish success and prosperity for others. Now is also the time for compassion, to nurture yourself and others. Mother Earth is the Empress of Abundance and now is the time to manifest that abundance. I wish all who read this post, much prosperity, abundance, success, and good health in their lives.

Roads in Life, Caminos de La Vida Loca

Today is Monday, the day of Eshu/Elegba in both Lucumi and Candomble. Here is my tribute to the Divine Trickster himself.
The roads of life may be difficult or easy depending on the choices we make. Exu, is always there to guide us or trip us with a banana peel to make sure we learn. Sometimes the only way we learn is to fall on our asses. Myself, being the stubborn hard headed Taurus, I often learn the hard way. Yet no matter what errors I make, how many times I stumble, I end up in the right place and that is what matters. No matter how much I may fume or shake my fist at the heavens, I end up laughing at myself when I realized that nothing I have done is in vain. I would like thank all of you who have enriched my life, who have brought blessings just by being the wonderful people that you are.

Eshu,
Divine Trickster,
Left Hand of God,
Messenger of the gods,
Guardian of all doorways and roads,
show us the right paths in life and be with us as we travel those stone filled roads,
filled with trials,
help us to make the right choices at the crossroads of Life.
Ashe.

Ti amo baba. I love you. Exu Laroie!!!

Fiction with African Traditional Religious themes

There are quite a few novels that contain references to the orisha or the lwa. Some of which are very positive and well written. I've read all of these books so I will include a short description.

The Salt Roads by Nalo Hopkinson-takes place in 18th century Haiti, 19th century Paris, and ancient Egypt-the story of three women, a Haitian slave, an Egyptian saint, and a Paris courtesan who have a spiritual connection to Ezili Freda, Ezili Danto and La Sirene.

Chango's Fire by Ernesto Quinonez-about a Puerto Rican arsonist living in Spanish Harlem who turns from a life of organized crime to a more positive life because of his involvement in Santeria. This book also deals with the current issue of gentrification that El Barrio is facing.

The Accidental Santera-by Irete Lazo based on the authors spiritual journey into the orisha religion, it is about an agnostic biologist who finds peace, healing and fulfillment on her initiatory journey into Lucumi.

Dona Flor and her Two Husbands by Jorge Amado-the story of Dona Flor who turns to a Candomble priestess because her deceased husband is haunting her and causing problems in her second marriage. The scene where the orixas themselves intervene is beautiful. This was made into a film starring Sonia Braga and also into a telenovela.

War of the Saints by Jorge Amado-about a young girl who is to be initiated as a priestess of Oya but her fundamentalist Catholic aunt who is her legal guardian refuses to allow any exposure to the orisha religion. Oya herself comes to save the girl and sets the story in motion.

Memórias do Distrito de Diamantina, by João Felicio-this novel is more famous for its film and tv adaptation becoming the film and telenovela Xica da Silva. It is based on the true story of a slave woman Xica who lived in 18th century Brazil. She gains her freedom from becoming the beloved of the colonial governor. The tv show depicted aspects of the orixa tradition.

The Famished Road by Ben Okri-tells the story of a Nigerian boy in the 1960's who is an abiku or child that has died before and returned to its mother. His parents are often doing ebbos to save him from various disasters which occur due to his curiosity.

The Book of Night Women by Marlon James-the story of a Jamaican slave girl Lilith and her discovery of a secret society of African women who plot a slave revolt. References to Yoruba words and deities are throughout the book

How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, Yo!by Julia Alvarez-these two books tell the stories of the Garicas, a Dominican family who flee the Dominican Republic during the Trujillo dictatorship. In Santo Domingo the Garcias have a Haitian nanny who practices Vodoun and uses it to protect the girls. In New York, the Garcias have a Dominican housekeeper who practices Espiritismo.

Still Water Saintsby Alex Espinoza about a Mexican American woman who owns a shop called Botanica Ochun in Southern California. She inherits the botanica from a Cuban santero. It is a series of short stories about the different people in town, their hopes, dreams, and tragedies. Very uplifting and sad, keep the tissues handy.

Master of the Crossroads by Madison Bell-a ficitonalized account of the Haitian Revolution. It includes a lot of references to Vodoun and the lwa.

Merrick by Anne Rice-part of her famous vampire series, the story of Merrick Mayfair a descendant of the famous European Mayfair witches and African American Vodoun practicioners. Set in New Orleans, it also discusses the story of David Talbot, who was initiated to Oxala (Obatala) in Brazilian Candomble. David's involvement in Candomble is discussed in Rice's book Tale of the Body Thief. Merrick uses florida water and invokes Papa Legba in the first chapter.

Of Love and Other Demons by Gabriel Garcia Marquez- set in Colombia's colonia period a Spanish nobleman's 12 yr old daughter is bitten by a rabid dog. Believing the girl to be possessed by demons due to her illness, she is taken to convent to be buried alive. The girl was raised mainly by Yoruba slave women who give her necklaces of the orisha and teach her the Yoruba language hence the reason why her family thinks she is speaking "in tongues". The girl is later revered as a local miracle working saint.

Voodoo Dreams by Jewell Parker Rhodes-fictionalized account of the life of
19th century famous Voodoo priestess Marie Leaveau whose tomb is a place of pigrimage in New Orelans.

There are more books of course and I will be updating this post in the future.

Brujo Heal Thyself

We spiritual people like to help others but sometimes we need help ourselves. Don't be too stubborn to ask for help when you need it. Sometimes we need a vacation from helping others in order to re-charge ourselves. Don't be afraid to do this. Because of my empathic gift sometimes I get caught up worrying about others or getting too emotionally involved in their problems. It is good just to take a step back sometimes and take a ciesta to revitalize your energy and well being. Just some food for thought :)

Goddess of Love

On this New Moon, I ask the Universe for Love in its many beautiful forms, family love, friendship, romantic love and self-love.

"Come to me once more, and abate my torment;
Take the bitter care from my mind, and give me
All I long for; Lady, in all my battles
Fight as my comrade."
-Sappho: Hymn to Aphrodite

Let the Sun Shine...

After many rainy days in NYC, it looks like the sun is peeking out of the clouds. Just in time for Summer Solstice. It is also Father's Day, which I think is good, the sun in many cultures represents the paternal, masculine force. I'm wishing a Happy Father's Day to my own dad, even though we are not always close, he is still my father and I love him. Also to my older brother who became a dad for the first time this year to a lovely Oshun girl. I give thanks and honor to my grandfathers and forefathers on this day.
Tomorrow is a special New Moon. The moon will be closest in its orbit to the earth. This is a powerful day. Interesting how it falls right after the day of the Summer Solstice. The Solstice this year is on a Sunday (the sun's day) and Father's Day. The New Moon is on a Monday (moon's day). It is like the masculine and feminine Divine Forces are balanced in the Heavens. We need help from Big Daddy and Big Mama in this world.
This Solstice I'm feeling an Egyptian vibe. The Egyptians were big on sun worship. I think this Solstice/New Moon thing is very Horus and Hathor so I put their pictures above. Let the Sun and the Moon shine and bless us all!!

El Mar

Yesterday was Juneteenth, the day that commemorates when Union Soldiers in Galveston proclaimed that the Civil War had ended and slavery was abolished. For many African-Americans this day is a celebration of their African heritage and a day to honor the Ancestors and those who died in the Middle Passage.
The orisha Yemoja gained prominence in the Diaspora because of the Middle Passage. Many slaves jumped overboard and died rather than face a life of servitude, wanting to return to Guinen (Africa). The ones that survived gave thanks to Yemoja for getting them safe across the ocean. Now Yemoja back in Africa was a maternal goddess of the Ogun river and the lagoon just outside the ocean. Olokun was considered the god of the sea. In the New World because Yemoja was credited with helping those survive the horrible passage to the Americas, she was given greater prominence and honor. Yemoja then became the orisha of the the ocean and the Mother of all Life. In Brazil, Yemoja became a nation deity and there is a huge statue to her on the beaches of Sao Paolo.
The name Ye-mo-ja means Mothers whose children are fish. In Cuba and the Carribean she is Yemaya and in Brazil she is Iemanja, but she is the same wonderful Mother.
There are many aspects to Yemoja and she often gets stuck in this conception of a nurturing mother. She is very nurturing, however sometimes she is a warrior mother who will fight with a machete to defend the lives of her children. Sometimes she is a worker of magic, dwelling in the swamps and wharfs, rats delivering her messages and a snake wrapped around her. Sometimes she manifests as a sensual mermaid, looking at her beauty in her polished mirror of silver.
Slavery was a dark time in the history not only of the U.S. but throughout the Americas. The effects of this brutality still have echoing effects today. I think the 16th century in which the slave trade began and flourished was an oppressive time in general. In Europe, the Spanish Inquisition tortured Jews and Muslims, the Roman Inquisition did the same with heretics, In Protestant Northern Europe there was the same with the burning of witches and Jews. This is the mentality and activity the Europeans brought to the New World, with the slaughter of the Native Americans, the enslavement of Africans, and the rape of natural resources in the Americas. Native Americans and Africans had respect for the land and its spirits, the Europeans hungering for Gold, God, and Glory did not.
I think I want to make that previous paragraph part of a larger essay so I will get back to Yemaya. The daughters of Yemaya surround me in my life, I have many friends initiated to Yemaya in Lucumi and my godsiblings in my ile, the majority have Yemaya as their head orisha or their secondary.My goddaughter one day will be crowned Iemanja. My mom was read by my Pai as a child of Yemaya Ogunte, the warrior aspect of Yemaya and wielder of magic. That sounds like my mom :) Even before the reading I called her "The Filipino Yemaya"
So today I give thanks to the Mother of All Life, Yemaya, Iemanja, Yemoja, Queen of the Sea, protector of women and the family. She has blessed my life by putting so many of her beautiful children in to my life
Odoia Iemanja!! Omio Yemaya!!!

Forgiveness

When you withhold forgiveness from others, the Universe withholds from you. I've been focusing on forgiving others rather than reacting from anger. I've been meditating on Green Tara, the female boddhisatva of compassion. I've been asking her to help me to feel compassion even for those that are negative or just plain nuisances, lol. It was a meditation I learned from a tape about the Dark Goddess. The author China Galland had a devotion to Tara and the Black Madonna. Asking Tara to bless those with light, wisdom, and purification to those whom I may not like but have to deal with on a daily basis has had its rewards :)

OM TARE TU TARE TURE SVAHA

Freedom for Iran

I've been trying to follow the election results and its aftermath in Iran. Many are protesting that the election results have been tampered with.
The above image is of Anahita, an ancient Persian Goddess of water and fertility. She reminds me of the most ancient depictions of Artemis, "The Mistress of the Animals".
I pray that She blesses Iran and its people with peace and freedom.

Puerto Rican Day Festival

I went to the Puerto Rican day festival in Spanish Harlem (116th and 3rd Av) today.
Even the rain could not stop us from dancing to reggaeton, salsa and bachata. I saw four people with boa constrictors. Not a big fan of snakes but I was actually not bothered by them. I took a picture of the mosaic by Manuel Vega, a Puerto Rican artist and Candomble priest of Oxossi. He did another one of Yemaya in the same location. These two mosaics are located in the 110th street subway station on the 6 line. It is absolutely beautiful. Kao Kabiosille Shango!!!

Memorial for Stephen Tyrone Jones

My prayers and condolences for the family of Security Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns. May his soul rest in the peace, in the light of the Divine. He was murdered by an evil white racist, anti-semetic bastard at the Holocaust Museum yesterday.

It's horrible when an evil man snuffs out the light of someone's father/brother, son. I am sickened and saddened by the evil in this world

Chillin in El Barrio

I went to get a haircut today and go food/botanica shopping in Spanish Harlem. The neighborhood has changed over the years. Many of the big botanicas have closed leaving only four remaining in El Barrio. This neighborhood was once the center of Puerto Rican art, music, and culture. In many ways it still is. However due to gentrification, things are changing. The negative effects of gentrification are businesses and people are forced out of their stores or residences due to increasing rents. Also the new people moving in begin to look down on the original residence. This is the type of arrogance I can neither fathom nor stand for.
My motto of the day and my battle cry is There is nothing gentrified about gentrification!!!

The picture above is a photo I took of a mural located on 106th and Lexington Avenue. It is a mural of Pedro Pietri by artist James De La Vega.

Full Moon: June 2009

The Full Moon is in Sagittarius today opening life up to a realm of new possibilities.

For the month of June, I put this pic up of Hera/Juno-Goddess of Marriage (June weddings) women, the heavens, storms, and of course wife of Zeus/Jupiter.
Orphic Hymn to Juno

O Royal Juno [Hera] of majestic mien, aerial-form'd, divine, Jove's [Zeus'] blessed queen,
Thron'd in the bosom of cærulean air, the race of mortals is thy constant care.
The cooling gales thy pow'r alone inspires, which nourish life, which ev'ry life desires.
Mother of clouds and winds, from thee alone producing all things, mortal life is known:
All natures share thy temp'rament divine, and universal sway alone is thine.
With founding blasts of wind, the swelling sea and rolling rivers roar, when shook by thee.
Come, blessed Goddess, fam'd almighty queen, with aspect kind, rejoicing and serene.

Right Wing Politicians at it again

Gingrich and Huckabee claim America is surrounded by Paganism

Well Mr. Gingrich and Mr. Huckabee, America may not be a "Pagan" country but it sure isn't a fundamentalist Christian one. These two men make true Christians look bad.

Osun song from Trinidad by Ella Andall

Osun by Ella Andall
from the Album Osun Bamise-copyright 2008

Lyrics
OLA N GA LA FILA FI OSUN
OLA N GA LA FILA FUN YEYE
OLA N GA LA FERE KAYERE
OSUN GA LA FILA FUN YEYE
The one who commands wealth like a crown is Osun
Wealth is commanded like a crown for my Mother
She commands wealth like our Mother's crown
TALADE OSUN, TALADE OLOMI (OSUN TALADE)
TALADE YEYE, TALADE OLODO
TALADE, TALADE, OLORI
OSE REMI KUMERE YEYE
Osun is the owner of the crown
The crown is benefiting the ruler of water
(Oshun owns the crown)
My Mother owns the crown,
the crown is benefiting the owner of the rivers
The one who owns the crown is the queen
We give thanks to my friend,
My Mother who makes good of blessings.
OSUN ME GBA IBEJI LO
IBEJI LO YEYE OSUN
OSUN ME GBA IBEJI LO
Osun take me so that I may have twins
Let twins come, Mother Osun
Osun take me so that I may have twins
OSUN ME BA IBEJI LO
IBEJI LO GUL OSUN
OSUN ME BA IBEJI LO
Osun helps me to have twins
May twins come Osun
Oshun helps me have twins.

Oshun and Shango Playlist

Oshun and Shango playlist from various artists

Oshun and Shango playlist

Opening the Gates to the Kingdom

Exu Laroie!!
I chose the orixa Exu's image to open up this new blog. He is the god of the crossroads and the messenger of Olorun (God) and the orixas.

I am using this blog to convey my various insights and musings in this wondrous and sometimes crazy world we live in
.
Feel free to comment.
~Dominick de Logunede

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
~Paulo Coelho