Monsieur le Roi

African Literature of the Continent and the Diaspora

2012-02-08T23:01:00.005-05:00

My co-worker chose a number of fiction authors from Africa, the Carribean, and African Americans for a Black History Month display. Some are new authors and others are more well known. Many are published from small press publishers. Here is a list of the authors.

André Philippus Brink
Margaret Cezair Thompson
Nnedi Okoorafor
Guy Johnson
E.C. Osondu
Moses Isegawa
J. California Cooper
Alice Childress
Lorene Cary
Daniel Black
Marie Vieux Chavuet
Rene Philoctete
Helen Oyeyemi
Jewell Parker Rhodes
Gil Scott Heron
Patrick Chamoiseau
Maria Elena John
Marlon James
Percival Everett
Hilary Jordon
Gayle Jones
Andrew Brown
Sandra Jackson-Opoku
Karen Lord

Angel Card Reading for the week of 1/3/12

2012-01-04T12:13:00.005-05:00

Third Eye Chakra

It is safe for you to see the energy of love in all its forms such as angels, auras, and visions.

This card comes to you in response to your questions about your future. You have visions about yourself, and you're wondering if they are real or mere imagination. Well the angels assure you that you are having accurate insights and they wish to encourage your visual spiritual gifts.
You have natural clairvoyant tendencies, governed by the energy center located between your two physical eyes, which is known as the third eye chakra. The angels send clairvoyant messages that you .in your mind's eye as shapes, colors, mental movies, dreams, and so forth. Or you may receive their messages via your physical sight such as in the recurring number sequences (111, 444, and so forth)lights and moving objects, or through signs and symbols including feathers, rainbows, clouds, and coins.
The angels wish to help you fully awaken your third eye and understand your psychic visions. They are guiding you to notice and trust all that you see with your inner and outer vision.

Card and reading meaning from Angel Therapy Oracle cards by Doreen Virtue

Angel Card Reading for the week of 12/26

2011-12-26T09:40:00.003-05:00

Angel Card Reading for the week of 12/26/11

CELEBRATION

card meaning-Good News! Cause for Celebration is here, and it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
The Angels wants you to know that this is the light filled time in you life. You have been working towards making changes, and your intentions have now manifested into form. This is the time for you to fill your heart with a warm feeling of gratitude.
The angels ask you, through this card, to hold strong to this gratitude. You are like a gardener who plants seeds and nurtures them because she has faith that her labors will yield new growth. Keep watering and tending to your seeds, and you will soon see them sprouting through the surface. The angels are you co-gardeners, who help tend to your crop.

Psyche

2011-08-13T23:10:00.006-04:00

Psyche by DG

Butterfly wings clipped by fear,
smoldering ashes of a cigarette,
poisoning the lungs and a soul slowly dying.
Muggy fumes of a Brooklyn night,
out on the fire escape, awaiting dawn.

No mortal compares to your kiss,
burned by divinity.
Spurned by lack of faith in you,
at the altar of our broken love I kneel.
Venus, the morning star rises in the east,
heralding a new day,
What help can come from the cold stars?
What do the cruel gods care for humans?
My prayers will go unanswered as you turn away.

Cupid's arrows are dipped in venom
bitterness runs in my veins.
My bridal gown is a widow's veil,
as I will never love again.
The rising sun brings no joy,
the taste of coffee does not arouse me to life.
I shrink into myself,
Were once a goddess dwelt, admired by the crowd,
now lies a worthless wretch, abandoned and alone.

Sweet Stygian sleep,
the drugs dull the pain away.
Below grim Hades and his icy queen, Persephone await
to receive me as an honored guest.

(Inspired by the Greek Myth of Eros and Psyche)

Sunrise

2011-07-13T04:45:00.003-04:00

Daybreak, another day begins with the rising of the sun. Listening to Norah Jones' song Sunrise. Awake with a promise of a new day ahead. It seems to be bleak at times, like nothing will change for the better. Yet I cannot shake the sentiment of victory that lies close by. I taste the freedom within my soul, that the bonds of mundane disatisfaction cannot contain.

I worry of the opinions and judgements of others, when the harshest critic is myself. My passion, my driving force, the brightness of my spirit is all I need to forge ahead. It is time.

Affirmations

2011-06-08T08:34:00.003-04:00

I accept my greatness because I honor the Divine within myself
I am filled with love for my fellow human beings
I enjoy a life of prosperity and abundance
I am grateful for all the blessings in my life.
I am thankful for the air I breath, the breath of the Divine within me.
I am spiritually evolving daily.
I love myself and all the people in my life.

Limpieza de La Luna Nueva

2011-06-03T02:21:00.003-04:00

I recently deactivated my Facebook. There was too much gossip, drama, and distraction up in there. Hopefully this gives me more time to focus on writing on the short story I have been working on about the Archangel Raphael. I haven't been writing a lot lately, much less blogging. I miss it.
Yesterday was a New Moon and a Solar Eclipse. A time for New beginnings and change. Time to discard old and outmoded ideas and features in my life that no longer serve in my growth.
I slowly feel like I am coming back into myself. I just have to face my fears and move forward. Ashe.

Keep Looking Upward

2011-05-11T02:06:00.001-04:00

"Remember all those who suffer from their own downfall, after having believed themselves to be winners, and who now weep for the many lost hours. So while you still have time, seek to enrich your own spirits for the tomorrow which awaits you because, in accordance with the teachings of the Lord, it is of no use to retain the outward appearance of the splendor of all the empires of this world, if you maintain darkness within your heart."
Emmanuel, via Chico Xavier (Brazilian Spiritualist)

Novena to Saint Barbara

2011-05-01T18:06:00.002-04:00

Novena to Saint Barbara

O Saint Barbara, I offer this prayer to you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. With a sword bearing your illustrious name, Saint Barbara, I make a sign of the cross over my heart. I pray that your spirit by my faith, that your protection and justice be my guide, and from all my heart I beg that you grant this petition. (Mention your request). I hope to obtain this help through your grace. Amen.

Say this novena nine times in a row for nine days in a row.

(Excerpted from the book, “Novena: The Power of Prayer” by Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPaqua).

Living in the Moment

2011-04-30T01:02:00.000-04:00

Loving life allows us to live in the moment, enjoying all of life's benefits. Not being afraid of death, teaches us nothing is permanent and not to be too attached to things.

This thought process came to me after praying.

Angel Oracle Reading

2011-04-28T01:44:00.002-04:00

So I drew a card for myself using the Healing with the Angels Oracle Deck to see what is in store for today Thursday, April 28

The card I drew was Enchantment
Card Meaning-"Recapture your childlike sense of wonder and awe. View the world as a magical place."

"Remember when you were a child and how magical the world seemed? The sense of enchantment is the spirit of our inner child. Somewhere along the way, did you lose that sense of wonder?
The angels ask you to recapture your magical sense by remembering that a miraculous power surounds you. Ask God and the angels to help you with anything- small or large. Don't worry-you aren't removing angels from "more important tasks" when you ask for their helo with everday situations. They truly want to support you so that you are free of worries. In that way, you exude the joy and wonder of children who trust that they are taken care of. When you are joyful, your Divine light inspires everyone who sees you."

Sorrow

2011-04-22T23:23:00.003-04:00

Everyday life can be a bit of a frustration. Often there is no time to relax, reflect, or just catch your breath. This can lead to a handful of problems.
In times like this, I find myself easily irritated and defensive. This month was particularly frustrating. Mercury in Retrograde through the sign of Aries seem to cause flare ups in myself and others. Things I normally would have brushed aside, I chose to make an issue out of.
Last Friday, my co-workers and I were laid off our jobs. While I find the free time to be most refreshing, the lack of money is not. Still I have a feeling that better things will come along.
Right now I am taking the time to relax, organize, and get my priorities in order. Part of this includes releasing a lot of the old pain of the past. Some of this includes rebuilding and healing the patches of my soul. A lot has to do with forgiveness of myself and others. Letting go of confusion is a start and embracing that I have the knowledge to go forward.

Taking the time to breath and reflect has helped a lot the past few days. It has put things in perspective, as I move from sorrow to joy.

Thanks to all your bright stars and angels on earth for your patience, advice, and most of all Love. Ashe!

2011-04-02T22:58:00.002-04:00

New Moon in Aries:April 2011

"It is time to hunt for what brings you strength." -from the Diana card of the Goddess Oracle deck

Prayer

2011-03-21T15:57:00.003-04:00

I picked this prayer at random today, when I was praying in front of my Ancestor Altar. It comes from the book Every Day I Pray by Iyanla Vanzant. I thought I would share it with you all. The painting is Symphony of Angels by John Holyfield

Thank God for Faith!

Dear Father/Mother God:
Thank you for the gift of faith.
When I am alone and frightened, faith is there.
When it appears that my resources adn reserves are diminished, faith is there.
When my friends shut their eyes and turn their backs, faith is there.
When I make decisions and choices that are not in my best interest, faith is there.
When my human world is in turmoil, faith is there.
When my human mind can no longer see the goodness you have in store for me, faith is there.
I am so grateful for the gift of faith.
I cannot buy it. I cannot borrow it. I need only to acknowledge you in all my ways and faith is there;
with its Mother, Grace and its Father, Mercy; always at my side.
I am faith filled, I am faithful. I know your angels are faithfully watching over me and paving my way.
Thanik you Father/Mother God.
For this I am so grateful.
And So It Is!

Spiritual Wealth

2011-02-19T21:03:00.008-05:00

"Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel" -Proverbs 20:15

True Story also known as the Diary of a Mad Brujo
Back in summer 2007, a young brujo was at the top of his game. He was making 42,000 a year, living in his own apartment. For income he taught at a NYC high school and was earning extra money teaching summer school. To supplement this, he did readings at a local botanica. Then as the school year began, everything fell apart. The students began to be more out of control and he lost his passion for teaching. He just began to go through the motions and it showed.
He quit his teaching job and started to work at a retail outfit. He worked there for four years and was unable to get a better job. Small jobs came here and there but nothing substantial. The store has recently closed and he is now unemployed.

and it's smooth sailing...Odoia Iemanja!

2010-12-14T13:30:00.000-05:00

Since my godfather has more time these days, we have been having a misa/party for the orixas and egun every weekend. The one for Oxum last week was particularly cleansing and invigorating. This week, we are having one for Iemanja. Iemanja is celebrated on Dec 31st in Brazil. The beaches are crowded with devotees who make small boats filled with offerings to honor the Mother of the Waters. I like to call Iemanja, Miss 11:59 because she is the orixa who seems to bring in sudden change, at the last minute, and turns the situation around 360. She changes the tide, the current, and life becomes better. Where before there was a desert of despair, her waters wash away the sorrow and bring forth a garden of joy. So it is fitting that she is honored at midnight, on New Year's Eve/Day when the old year vanishes and a new one begins. Exu closes the doors to the past and opens the doors to the future.

I have a new godson too these days and my other goddaughter also visits from time to time. I am currently working through a training in Francisca de Grandis' 3rd Road Wicca tradition.

There appears to be a lot of new opportunities on the horizon, new love, prosperity, new direction. I hope you all are blessed with love, health, prosperity, and serenity in 2011. Ashe.

Home, Hearth, and Heart

2010-11-30T15:57:00.003-05:00

In my bedroom, I have a shrine to the lwa Ezili Freda and Ezili Aila. Ezili Aila is the lwa of family love and the home. She is represented by Our Lady of Higher Grace (Altagracia). She is the patroness of the Dominican Republic but also is honored in the town of Delmas in Haiti. Altagracia is depicted as a young virgin usually crowned with the baby Jesus and husband Joseph in tow. This picture has always carried a special meaning for me. It reminds me of the desire for a home, marriage, and family. Since moving back home and leaving my own apartment, the desire for these ideals have increased. Often times it leaves me feeling depressed and it seems that I will never possess such things.
Altagracia has always protected the people that I love and treasure. She can be very stern, strict yet loving. She reminds me of the orisha Yembo in that aspect. She can be ladylike as Ezili Freda but more maternal.

Earlier this year, a Haitian mambo told me that the church in Delmas, Haiti dedicated to Altagracia was untouched by the earthquake. She said the church shook but there was no major damage while other cathedrals on the island crumbled into rubble, including the lovely cathedral in Port-au-Prince. She said that this was a mystery that no one could fathom, that why was this church spared and not others?

Perhaps it is because this lwa represents the strength of the family and home that is in the heart of the Haitian people and this can never be destroyed. That despite all the destruction and death, it is the family and loved ones who keep us alive. I know this is true for my life.

Haiti has not been the focus in the news lately but they still need our help. Recently a cholera epidemic has broken out on the island. One of my favorite charities for Hait is Konbit Pou Edikasyon. They help children on the island.
Their website is http://www.konbitpe.org/Konbitpe.org/Home.html

Looking at the picture of Our Lady of Altagracia, I am reminded there is a love that unites us, the gives birth to new ideas and that no situation, however bleak is permanent.

Autumn in New York

2010-11-16T12:53:00.002-05:00

The season that brings change,
leaving the past behind,
the old wounds and griefs,
learning to love oneself,
harvesting the bounty and abundance of life,
walking in the fallen leaves has a cleansing effect,
Moving forward into Winter.

Love Me Like Palm Sunday

2010-09-21T16:54:00.001-04:00

Love my Like Palm Sunday

by DG

Oh Baby, Love me like Palm Sunday

When you enter the city gates in triumph,

and the handmaidens of my soul lay out their cloaks before you.

Hossanah! Hallelujah! Praise the King!

Shake the tambourines, clash the cymbals,

preach to me your sermons of love,

read me your Gospel of Desire,

commence a revival in my heart,

cast out the demons of grief and loss,

transform this bitter water to sweet wine.

Redeem me in your saving grace, held tight in your passionate embrace.

Your Judas is gonna betray you with a kiss,

but I only have Oshun's honey on my lips.

Why drag yourself to your own crucifixion,

when I can raise you from the dead.

Let me be like Magdalene and anoint your feet,

to sit enthroned at my side like Solomon arrainged in glory.

Oh Baby, love me like Palm Sunday, I repent my misdeeds.

Take me to Heaven in a fiery chariot, and behold the face of God within you.

Can I get an Amen?

Can I witness your splendor?

Let the Angels sing in celestial choirs,

hymns of praise to you,

reveal to me your Mystery

and make Heaven and Earth one again.

Amen!

Me and My Shadow

2010-09-14T13:51:00.002-04:00

I read this book last month entitled The Shadow Effect: Illuminating the Hidden Power of Your True Self by Debbie Ford, Marianne Williamson, and Deepak Chopra. It dealt with the concept of the Shadow, the aspect of ourselves that we do not like, that we endeavour to repress, that we try to hide from society. Yet repression in fact damages our soul and psyche even more. It is by learning to embrace these parts of ourselves that we can in fact find balance once more.
In spirituality we tend to focus on the light, the happy, the joyful. Yet this is not all there is in the cosmos. There is sorrow, pain, night has to proceed day. In fact, as much as love the summer sunshine, it is the cloudy days that make me reflective, the dark night sky that inspires mystery, the cold winter day that makes you curl up in your warm bed and relax, the intoxicating sensuality of the music in a night club. Our Shadow is just as important as the bright light within us. Our Shadow is the Deep Mystery of God, just as our light is Divine Love.
Remember as you walk this world, the complement of opposites that bring life to balance. Night brings rest and regeneration. A seed begins its journey in the darkness of the earth before it sprouts into sunlight, just as we swim in the dark waters of our mother's womb before entering into the light of the world.

Oya's Garden and La Iglesia Catolica

2010-07-20T18:49:00.003-04:00

Today I took a trip to my old hood in Queens. I can't believe who much I miss it, how much it feels like home. I'm living again with family in the town I grew up but it doesn't feel like home. I miss my old apartment, the Persian restaurant, being close to the subway, etc.
I had some business to do in Oya's Garden. For those of you who know what that is, you know where her kingdom is. Nothing diabolic lol, just some Ancestral work that needed to be done.
Afterward I walked over to the beautiful cathedral in Forest Hills. I filled a whole empty bottle of Powerade with holy water. I figured I needed it. I ended up spilling some of the holy water on my shorts. It looked like I urinated holy water. God's joke I guess. Maybe that part of me needed to be blessed lol.
My next stop was to grab a bite to eat and then off to Barnes and Nobles. There I purchased a Bible. In one of Iyanla Van Zant's books, she writes that one should read one chapter from the book of Proverbs every day for a year. I have a huge decorative King James Bible at home that looks like an illuminated medieval manuscript. It's gorgeous but not for practical everyday reading. While looking at all the Catholic editions, I found their translations to be a bit too modern. I guess I prefer the King James version because of it's lofty and poetic language.
Thursday is my ocha birthday. I will be five years old in Candomble but that is another post :)

Let Go and Let God

2010-07-10T11:20:00.003-04:00

Being the stubborn Taurus that I am, I am often hard headed. Whilst contemplaiting last night I realized I am like that man in the Bible, Baalam. He was the one who was trying to force his donkey to move. The donkey would not because there was a huge angel with a sword blocking the road. The donkey saw the angel but he could not. He then preceded to beat the poor animal but then God gave the donkey a voice who then protested at the beating and described the angel. Then the veil seemed to lift over Baalam's eyes and he saw the angel.
Sometimes we are our own worst enemies and we get in the way of our progress. Instead of allowing things to happen, we try to control every aspect.
The lesson here is to let go and allow the grace of the Divine to do its work.

and the rain fell down like a blessing from Olorun

2010-05-25T13:19:00.002-04:00

My mind is thinking back to that dance production about Oshun I saw last month. The story was a bit of a different spin on the story of Oshun and Ogun. In the play, Ogun and his warriors were wreaking havoc on the earth, spreading destruction and terror in their midst. In one scene, the drummers started playing a slow mournful beat and the singer sang a song of praise to Olofi, the Supreme Creator. Normally most orisha music sounds joyous but there was something different about the way he was singing it. It was so slight but it sounded more like a cry for help although sounding like praise still. Two women entered on the stage. One was an old woman in a white gown with long white hair. She fluttered in and looked like she was suffering. Her body contorted in anguish. A younger girl in a red dress came out and clung to her. They looked like a mother and daughter clinging to each other in sorrow, distraught by the suffering caused by tragedy and war. They leave the stage and Obatala enters declaring that Ogun's raw brutality must be kept in check and there will be peace. Much later the girl becomes one of Oshun's handmaidens.
Oshun and her handmaidens enchant Ogun and his warriors and the drums of war become the sensuous Ijesha rythmns of Oshun. Love conquers War and peace and civilization are allowed to continue. The old woman who in my mind represents the human soul burdened by suffering now glides on stage and her daughter leads her to Obatala. She kneels before the King of the White Cloth and prepares to enter the next world. In Candomble, Obatala is sometimes associated with death, the final ending that brings peace and a ceasing of suffering.
This play brings to mind another story of when Oshun in the form of a peacock flies up to the throne of Olofi to beg the Creator to send rain. The sun blackens her feathers and she becomes a vulture. Once again she saves the world from extinction.

Sometimes I feel like that scene in the play where humanity cries out to the Creator for an explanation. But sometimes the explanation is there is NO explanation. Our human minds were not meant always to grasp these mysteries. Sometimes the only answer the orishas can give me is We love you. Sometimes I pray and the rain falls down like a blessing from Olofi.
I'm not always sure what path to take. I know what I have to do in this life. I may have to do it alone or perhaps may have someone at my side to love me. In either case, the only strength I can rely on is my own. I thank all of you here, whom I have mentioned and those not mentioned for giving me such love, good advice, and friendship.
In the words of a fellow priest, Omi Leti "The chains are broken and my waters will engulf the world." I say let the rain fall, whether its tears of joy or tears are sorrow, both are equally sacred. Whether a smooth flowing sweet water of love or an angry tidal wave in the end all that is negative, all that is not of the divine is washed away. Ashe.

Le roi monte sur son trône

2010-05-24T11:33:00.006-04:00

So the dating thing didn't work out but it's cool. We're still friends. as a
result I think I want to become a monk and say 12 rosaries a day.
However doing so would deprive society of my magnificent presence so
NO! :) I will still say rosaries however but no monastery. Ah but the love of my heart is furthest from me.
In the meantime, it's time for the mission to continue. I need to get moving on my spiritual work again. I'm officiating the wedding of one of my co-workers next month in Central Park. This will be the third wedding I've officiated.
I'm currently reading the book Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and enjoying it immensely. It is supposed to be made into a film starring Julia Roberts. I like the author's writing style and her approach to her quest for happiness.
My love for the orishas and especially my own crown, Baba Logunede has deepened recently. All I can say is Orisha is Pure Love!

La Gente Unidos

2010-05-18T15:21:00.003-04:00

Sunday I attended my first protest march with my friend Shanali in Jackson Heights, Queens. It was protesting police brutality against the local street vendors. Apparently they have been harassing the vendors with excessive tickets and in one case attacking one woman.
We took to the streets and marched down Roosevelt Avenue (a major road in Queens) all the way to the police precinct. Our slogans were "Si se puede, Arriba, abajo, la policia tan carajo! What do we want! Justice! When do we want it, Now!"
The energy was amazing and the people on the street who were watching us voiced their approval. The police had denied our group the use of bullhorns but you know when you get a group of people together we can yell in one loud voice and get our point across. They even threatened the organizer of the march with arrest merely because he was a few inches outside the police barricade. I think they were more angered at the words he was saying. The truth hurts sometimes. I was proud to see young people from the Filipino community as well come out to support the Latino community. Many have this image of Filipinos that we are go along with the status quo and are conservative. They forget the Filipino rebels who fought against American imperialism at the end of the 19th century.

Here is Shanali's commentary on the march.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xghmau14S94

The mission is what matters

2010-05-14T13:08:00.001-04:00

Greetings dear readers,
I have been absent from here as of late. I still don't have a new computer so I must be content to use the ones at the public library. Thank God my phone has internet access or I would be totally cut off.
Spiritually things have been moving in a good direction. From tambors of the orisha I've attended to Pagan celebrations of Beltane, the Universe indicates things are moving smoothly with a few bumps here and there of course.
I am currently dating someone and I hope it works out :)
I have discovered a new patron saint for myself. She peeked out at me at a Haitian botanica. I've known about her all my life but never really connected with her until now. It is Saint Theresa of the Little Flower, a French Carmelite nun who lived at the end of the 19th century. She is the patron saint of people with AIDS, aviators, florists, and missions. She is kind of like a female St. Jude because she deals with cases of emergency and the impossible. After readings a few of her writings, I liked her style because she tended to be more spiritual and mystical rather than dogmatic. Also homegirl wanted to be a female priest and that was pretty forward thinking of her time. Her writings seem so spiritually affirmative. Well maybe she can help me on my "mission" since she is the patroness of missions. My goal is to go back to school and get a degree in Theology. As an initiate of an African Traditional Religion, I realize that very few of our priests and priestesses have clergy status in this country. I think this has to change. After all do we not perform the same functions as our counterparts of other religions?
Mother's Day and my birthday I saw a play about Oshun with my mom at the National Black Theater in Harlem. It was beautiful and it was a great experience to see the stories of our tradition visually enacted.
I spent the day today listening to various Candomble songs and writing the Yoruba words out phonetically. I think I am starting to learn them better.

Well I'm off to Brooklyn today to see Capicu Open Mic event.
Te Amo mis amgigos y amigos. Bendicion!

Persistance and Planning

2010-03-13T13:41:00.003-05:00

I was doing a reading for a client last week and this idea dawned on me during the reading. I told her to make a list of 5 goals that she could accomplish in 30 days. I also did a list for myself. The net day at work, I had two of my co-workers do it. I think I am going to focus on short term goals rather than long term ones. With so many dissapointments in life, it feels good when you actually accomplish a task in a short amount of time, that you set out to do.
My five goals were in 30 days to
1) Update my resume
2) Eat healthier
3) Practice the art of forgiveness/letting go
4) Write a short story
5) Excercise

Ayiti-Forgetting and Remembering

2010-02-13T22:15:00.003-05:00

Ayiti-Forgetting and Remembrance
by D.G

Everyone now speaks of the earthquake which reduced Port-au-Prince to rubble,
yet no one remembers the earth shaking revolution in which the slaves freed themselves
and established the first black republic.
Media images of poverty and voodoo, are conjured in our minds, a poisonous magic
that distorts the truth,
of Haiti's rich culture and religious traditions.
The gods of Africa are demonized and despised ,
by those who serve the god of the slave masters.
We rage at the idiocy of one evangelist's words,
yet we still live in ignorance about this island,
the Europeans called Hispaniola, Saint Domingue, Santo Domingo,
once the richest jewel in the Caribbean now known for it's poor.
“discovered” by Columbus, but it is we who need to rediscover this island, where
gods and saints walk among men,
where the raga music of carnival plays,
the sensual rhythms of kompa,
the hard working mothers who keep a spotless house,
a land of vibrant color and beauty
whose true name is Ayiti,
land of mountains,
named by the first inhabitants
put to death by conquistadors' sword and cross,
enriched by the people of Africa who were enslaved
but had the strength to win their freedom.
We forget the exploitation of the isles resources, the occupation of U.S. Marines,
we choose to remember the negative,
and banish Haiti from history's narrative.
Rise Ayiti, from the ashes of history, from the ruins of defeat,
let us remember your glorious past and praise your future.
La Union Fait La Force!

Reading list for Orisa Devotees

2010-02-05T11:52:00.004-05:00

Since I composed a list of fiction books relating to orisha and lwa, I decided to do a non-fiction one. I'm going to do a separate list for Vodoun on another post. These are the ones that I own.

Black Gods: Orisa Studies in the New World by John Mason (comprehensive study of each orisha)

Altar of My Soul by Marta Morena Vega (a personal journey and guide to Lukumi and other Afro-Diaspora religions)

Finding My Soul on the Path of Orisa by Melody Tobbe Coreal (this is good for beginners especially)

Sacred Leaves of Candomble, African Magic, Medicine and Religion in Brazil by Robert Voeks (information on herbs used in Candomble and general info on Candomble)

Working the Spirit, Ceremonies of the African Diaspora by Joseph M. Murphy- a look at various traditons of the Diaspora

Santeria by Joseph M. Murphy -(the authors personal journey in the religion of Lukumi/Santeria)

Black Atlantic Religion: Tradition, Transnationalism, and Matriarchy in the Afro-Brazilian Candomble by James Lorand Matory (an academic study of Candomble)

Africa's Ogun: Old World and New (African Systems of Thought) by Sandra T. Barnes (a collection of essays about Ogun in various traditions)

Osun Across the Waters : A Yoruba Goddess in by Joseph M. Murphy and Mei-Mei Sanford (a collection of essays about Oshun in various traditions)

Manipulating the Sacred: Yoruba Art, Ritual, and Resistance in Brazilian Candomble (African American Life Series) by Mikelle Smith Omari-Tunkara ( a look at the ritual asthetics of Candomble)

Macumba by Bramley Serge (about Brazilian Umbanda)

Osun Seegesi: The Elegant Deity of Wealth, Power, and Femininity by Diedre Badejo (focuses on the worship of Oshun in Yorubaland)

Pataki of Orisa and other Essays for Lucumi Santeria by OTA OMI OLO OSHUN (written by a good friend Baba Ota Omi about the pataki of Santeria)

A Refuge in Thunder: Candomble and Alternative Spaces of Blackness (Blacks in the Diaspora) by Rachel E. Harding ( I don't own this book but it was recommended by a friend. When I read it, I will write a synosis)

Yemaya y Ochun (Spanish Edition) by Lydia Cabrera (if you can read Spanish this book is a classic)

Flash of the Spirit: African & Afro-American Art & Philosophy by Robert Farris Thompson (an academic overview of the African religions of the Diaspora)

I have a lot more in my collection and will update accordingly

Home Sweet Home

2010-02-03T00:09:00.004-05:00

I'm picturing myself in a house. I've never had a home of my own. I've rented an apartment and lived with family. Lately I've been thinking and daydreaming about it. I'm nowhere close to achieving this but that doesn't stop me. I may complain, whine, and shake my fist to the heavens but in the end I rarely admit defeat. I bought a statue of Our Lady of Altagracia last week. In Dominican Vodou or 21 Divisions, She is Ezili Alila. A lwa that walks with Ezili Freda. She is strict, conservative and dislikes loud noise. She is the patron of the home and family love. She is patroness of the Dominican Republic. Maybe I bought her because I have that yearning for a home. Maybe I'm ready to settle down and have a serious relationship. I put her on the same altar as Ezili Freda, who I recently but up a shrine to again. I think I need a little luxury in my life, maybe not of the physical kind. That sense of ease, and leisure that comes from security. Ah that word security, it goes back to what Sra. Altagracia reprsents. I know one day I'll come home, relax, have my orishas in their own temple in the basement, my own office/study upstairs and a handsome husband to sleep next to at night. It could be years from now but I pray to Nuestra Senora de Altagracia/Ezili Alila that my daydreams become reality in the light of day. Ashe.

Litany of the Black Madonna

2010-01-18T12:02:00.003-05:00

I wrote this poem a few years ago, but in light of recent events, it suddenly has become relevant again.

Litany of the Black Madonna

by DG

From the forest of Bois Caiman,

on Haiti's tropical isle,

to the plains of Poland,

Our Lady fights battles against the oppressors.

A symbol of Hope,

Comfort to the dying,

Champion of the poor,

She shelters those who toil,

under Her mantle.

She is...

the secret buried under the Earth,

burrowing Her way into the heart of the Church.

the slave brought over in the Middle Passage,

forced to bear the pain of the lash.

the courageous woman of color,

who defiantly refuses to sit at the back of the bus.

the scars on Her cheeks are like that of a girl, whose

clitoris is mutilated by the slashing pain of patriarchy.

the grieving mother, whose son is being tortured,

in a Latin American prison.

the single mother who works two jobs to support her kids,

loving and gentle but ready to give them a whoopin',

if they don't toe the mark.

the sister killed for daring to put aside her veil or be educated.

the revolutionary toppling a tyrannical regime,

the hammer that struck down the Berlin Wall.

the forgotten bride, pushed into the margins of history and scripture.

She is the voice of all women,

She reaches out,

and takes us to the Other Side.

Ayiti

2010-01-16T15:49:00.002-05:00

Been busy the past few days donating and spreading the word on how to help Haiti. I went to the Haitian botanica in my town and the mambo and hougan (Vodoun priestess and priests) families are ok. However there are many whose families are not ok. It breaks my heart to see what is happening to this beautiful island. I grew up and still live in a community with a large Haitian-American population. I am going to keep up with the relief efforts and put updates on my blog. La Union Fait La Force! Ayibobo!

My New Financial Story for 2010

2010-01-05T23:38:00.003-05:00

(The book, Money and the Law of Attraction, by Jerry and Esther Hicks, recommends that one retells their own financial story in a new, more positive way. Here is mine.)

Currently, I am working at a job that pays more money. As a result of being a more fun occupation, this job makes me feel good. At this time, I am doing several Tarot card readings per week for clients who are paying money for my services. In addition to that I am getting paid to do several spiritual workings. Also I am studying to be a professor. I can honestly say at this moment, I am a healthy, prosperous, and happy individual. I'm looking forward to using the money that I have saved to take a vacation to Venice, Italy.

Dawn of a New Era

2010-01-04T12:41:00.003-05:00

New Year, New decade, New era. I really feel that we are ushering into a new point in history where humanity is going to be more open minded. However there is always the reaction and resistance to this. There are those who feel threatened by this. I saw an example of this on New Year's Day. I was on the bus and was listening to a Jamaican Rastafarian man and a Muslim woman converse. Despite their different faiths, they had similar viewpoints on God and spirituality in general. I felt drawn to their conversation and kept listening. However two Evangelical Christian girls got very upset with this conversation. First of all it was rude on their part to interrupt two people who were not talking to them. They asked the woman why she was talking to the Rastafarian. Then they called him "a lying spirit, which they rebuked and binded in the name of Jesus." Now sitting across from them, I told the two women they were negative. For all their supposed piety and holiness, they looked positively demonic when they were rebuking the gentleman. Their faces were filled with such hate and contempt. This is not the message of Christ just a bunch of hypocrites at work. Now if some elder African American grandmother from the South was doing the rebuking, I'd say wow look out! However two twenty something holier than thou chicas, I think not! It takes more than that to scare me! A Haitian man joined in and started telling the Muslim woman she had no Savior and Jesus this and Jesus that. I struck up a conversation with the woman and the Rastafarian and it seems the three of us had similar viewpoints.
A friend of mine once said in the physical world opposite energies attract, in the world of spirit like energies attract. This is what was at work this day. The Rastafarian blessed both of us and told us to continue the good work that we were doing. I felt validated by Spirit that I am on the right path and will continue to be in service to the Divine.

River of Rebirth

2009-12-07T21:30:00.001-05:00

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

2009-11-29T00:52:00.003-05:00

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

2009-11-26T11:28:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-16T00:25:00.004-05:00

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

2009-11-02T13:48:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-29T11:14:00.005-04:00

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.

2009-10-20T23:07:00.003-04:00

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

2009-10-18T13:59:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-16T22:52:00.002-04:00

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

2009-08-30T22:40:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-23T09:12:00.002-04:00

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 :(

2009-08-20T22:18:00.001-04:00

"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

2009-08-09T18:38:00.001-04:00

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.

Happy Lammas

2009-08-01T11:52:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-26T15:51:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-22T21:26:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-20T20:56:00.010-04:00

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

2009-07-17T20:59:00.005-04:00

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

2009-07-11T19:46:00.009-04:00

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

2009-07-07T21:15:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-07T20:38:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-06T17:54:00.003-04:00

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

2009-07-03T23:47:00.005-04:00

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

2009-06-24T23:19:00.001-04:00

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

2009-06-23T23:12:00.002-04:00

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...

2009-06-21T13:20:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-20T10:27:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-15T23:03:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-14T21:11:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-13T23:03:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-12T00:06:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-08T22:28:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-07T22:17:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-07T20:18:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-07T17:13:00.004-04:00

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

2009-06-07T16:43:00.003-04:00

Oshun and Shango playlist from various artists

Oshun and Shango playlist

Opening the Gates to the Kingdom

2009-06-07T15:15:00.004-04:00

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