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.