Sister Candelaria's Blog

Spiritual Boot Camp - Know Thyself

Hi Everyone,

  

OK, so are you all ready?  Fan-frickin'-tastic!!!  Let's get started... 

  

I know the name Spiritual Boot Camp sounds a bit daunting, but I don't want you to see it in a negative way.  I think of boot camp as a place where you become better.  A place where you push yourself to be the best you can be.  That's our ultimate goal.  By the time we are done with this series, my sincere hope is that we will all have grown more as individuals and as spiritual beings. That's what we're aiming for. ;-)

  

Every journey begins with a first step, right?  And that first step is usually the toughest and most important one.  The first step often defines the direction you will travel on the journey and sets the tone for the entire expedition.  You can't set a course unless you have a destination.  So, during this first step it is imperative that you are completely honest with yourself.  Now, I know sometimes that can be hard and it is very difficult to be subjective when you, yourself are the subject at hand, but...well...If you can't be honest with yourself, then you can't be honest with anyone else.  "What was that Sister Candi?" Yep, that's what I said, "If you can't be honest with yourself, then you can't be honest with anyone else."  Think about that for a moment, because you will find it to be true.  I'm sure we all know someone who seems to be a chronic liar.  Unfortunately it does happen, and there are people that can't tell the truth to save their soul.  But if you really look deeply at those people, they aren't just lying to others.  Generally, they are also lying to themselves about one thing or another.  When untruths become a way of life they affect all areas and all relationships, even the relationship you have with yourself. ;-)

  

Know Thyself

So, with that in mind, we all need to be perfectly honest for this first step.  Get out a piece of paper and something to write with.  Got those things?  Great!  :-)  The title of this exercise is "Know Thyself."   Now draw a line down the center of the paper to make two columns.  On the left side title the column, "Things I Want To Keep" and on the right side title the column, "Things I Need To Change."  Next, under each column make three subheadings.  Write "Mind," then space down a few lines and write "Body," and then space down a few more lines and write "Spirit."  Make these three subheadings under each title, so that you have two columns with three subheadings in each one.  (Hopefully that makes sense, and I'm not talking in circles!  heehee)

  

Now, sit down at a desk or a table in a quiet place where you can think, with the paper in front of you.  Sit quietly for a moment.  Really concentrate.  We all have things that we like and don't like about ourselves...that's true of everyone.  So be honest.  No one else will ever see this piece of paper but you, so write down your completely truthful answer under each heading.  Under "Mind" list things that you want to keep and things that you want to change about yourself that have to do with the way you think or the way you process things, thought patterns, mind sets that you may have, etc.  Under "Body" list things that you want to keep and need to change about your physical being like exercise patterns, diet, habits like excessive tobacco and/or alcohol usage, eating patterns, the way you physically appear to yourself and others.  Under "Spirit" list things that you want to keep and things that you want to change in regard to the spiritual being inside of you such as things that you do to nurture your spiritual being and things you do to hinder it.  When you are finished I want you to have at least one thing listed under each subheading in both columns.  You can list more than one thing if you like, but there has to be at least one item listed under each subheading on both sides of the paper.

  

Take your time with this exercise.  You don't even have to do it all in one sitting.  You can leave the paper on the table and come back to it as you think about it throughout the day.  As things come to you go back to the paper and write it down in the appropriate space.  This paper is very important, as it will be your personal guide to what you really want to concentrate on during Spiritual Boot Camp.  This is the first step so make it count, don't shortchange yourself, and be completely honest.  There is much growth to be had here and much to be learned. 

  

Group Blessing

When you are completely finished with this exercise, I want you to close your eyes, light a white candle if you have one (If you don't, it's perfectly fine.  You can do this without it.), and concentrate for a moment on everyone who is participating in this series growing and becoming better, stronger, and more fulfilled body, mind, and spirit.  Picture a beautiful white light coming from above settling down upon all of us.  A light that encompasses us and radiates around and through us so that it permeates everyone of us.  Do this for nine minutes, if you can.  I will ask you to do this at the end of each one of the "lessons" in Spiritual Boot Camp, but you can also do it at any time.  This exercise will also help you to draw strength from the group and help you to know that you are not in this alone.  We are all doing this together and thus we have strength through the group.  Know that the strength is there for you any time you need to tap into it. :-)

  

Great!  WELL DONE, EVERYONE!!  Whew!  OK, so that's it for this time.  I will also have a special prayer list for those that are following along with this series, so if you wish to be included by name write to me at candelaria@spellmaker.com.  You don't need to tell me what you're working on.  Just tell me that you are following along with Spiritual Boot Camp and working toward a better you, and you would like to be added to my list for special prayers.   If you want to remain anonymous that's fine, too.  I will catch you in my group prayers. :-)

     

OK, everyone... now, SMILE!  You've just taken the first step on a very rewarding journey.  A journey you will be glad you made. ;-)

  

Much love,

Sister Candelaria

 

www.spellmaker.com

www.sheergoddess.com

 

Spiritual Boot Camp - New Year, New Beginning

Happy New Year, Everyone!!  :-) 

    

Yes, yes, I know I'm a few weeks late, but it's never too late to start fresh.  And that's very much what the new year is...a fresh start!  Now, let's think about that for a second, shall we?  Every year, we get the opportunity to sort of wipe the slate clean and start all over again.  What an amazing and precious gift, don't you think?!! 

    

I know that most of us do start the new year with resolutions and promises of all sorts.  In fact, we make promises to ourselves at the start of each year, but within just a few weeks (or even a few days) we give up because it's too hard, we can't stay motivated, or we just plain forget about the promises we've made to ourselves and we carry on in the same way we were prior to the new year.  Why?...Why make promises to ourselves and not keep them?  Why set ourselves up for a fall like that?  Well, because the majority of us do want to improve something within ourselves, but it's not the easiest thing to do.  I actually put improving one's self right up there with some of the most difficult undertakings of all time!  It's much easier to concentrate on other people than it is to concentrate on yourself.  And we all get so set in our ways  and "comfortable" with what we've always done that it's just easier to do it "the old way" then to move past it and improve our way of doing things.  So, yes, it can be very difficult to improve on oneself, BUT (and here's the kicker) working to improve yourself is the most rewarding task you can undertake! Yep, that's right!  I've said it many times to clients over the years, and it is absolutely true...WORKING ON YOURSELF IS THE MOST DIFFICULT AND MOST REWARDING WORK YOU CAN DO!  I even include in this any work you do for someone else, because you have to have something of yourself to give before you can freely and openly give anything of substance to someone else.  So working on yourself cannot only improve your life, but improve the lives of those you love, as well.  Cool, huh? 

    

"Well, OK, so this is such a great thing, but it's hard.  Isn't there a way to make it easier?"  GOOD QUESTION!  I tend to believe that doing things together is important.  There is strength in numbers.  That is true when we are doing a group ritual, and it can also be true if we work on ourselves together as a team, too!  So, this year I'm starting a new program called Spiritual Boot Camp.  During the next several weeks I'm going to post on this blog information about all sorts of topics and how they can help you to improve yourself and improve what's going on in your life.  We will cover your body, mind and spirit in some interesting ways and give pointers across the board to help you be a whole, happy, and fulfilled person.  Everything we will discuss will be something that I've personally done, and I'll share with you how working to improve myself and working to get my mind, body, and spirit more in balance has helped me to make the things I want manifest in my life. 

    

So, please do stay tuned!  For those of you that want to join me, I'll be posting the first installment of Spiritual Boot Camp in a few days.  Please do watch for it, and let's have some fun together working to make our lives a better place to be!  I promise you won't regret it! ;-)

    

Much love and hugs,

Sister Candelaria

    

www.spellmaker.com

www.spellmaker.com/bridget.htm

www.sheergoddess.com

 

September 5th - Be Late For Something Day

 

Hi Everyone,

   

Today is National Be Late For Something Day here in the United States.  Yeah, I know...its the first time I've heard of it myself.  Apparently, this holiday should be observed by being late for something or just for general procrastination throughout the day.  (HA!  Like I needed a special day for that! ) 

      

Anywho, I wanted to bring it up here because I think that a day like Be Late For Something Day is a good time to slow down and take a few minutes for yourself.  Stop on the way to work and get a pastry to go with your coffee, or take an extra long lunch and be a bit late getting back to your job (don't do anything that will get you fired, but you know what I mean!), and in general just take some time.  Here in the US, we have a tendency to always be on the go.  It seems there are never enough hours in the day and never enough time to accomplish all the task up in front of us.  We are constantly running from one thing to the next and we never take a moment to just slow down and enjoy life!  Well, today is your moment in the sun, so enjoy! 

      

_______________

      

Some suggestions on how to observe Be Late For Something Day:

      

1.  Take an extra 15 minutes to actually sit down and eat your breakfast instead of gulping it down as you run out the door.

      

2.  Sit quietly on the floor in a quiet room and meditate.  Concentrate on all you desire coming to you freely.

      

3.  Sit and read a few chapters in that book you've been meaning to finish.

      

4.  Do a White Image Candle Magick session for YOURSELF!

       

5.  Spend a few extra minutes snuggling with your Voodoo Love Doll. ;-)

      

6.  Call your Mom or Dad...just to say Hi. :-)

      

7.  Spend an extra 10 minutes on the elliptical machine at the gym.

      

8.  Just sit for 15 minutes.  Don't "do" anything.  No TV, no radio, no noise.  Just sit for 15 minutes and spend some time with the spirit that resides in your body.

      

9.  Get a very special offering(s) for your met tet, and/or your pwen (if you know who they are) and leave it/them at the base of a tree, post, or at any crossroads.

      

10.  Make a quick list of people you know that could use some healing or a little extra help right now, and spend the next 15 minutes praying for them.

      

_______________

      

Those are just a few suggestions, but I'm sure you can come up with some things on your own, as well.  :-)

      

OH, and as far as the origins of Be Late For Something Day...well, the common though it is that the holiday was started by a procrastinator's group a few years ago.  We can't be sure though, because they haven't gotten around to taking credit for it yet. LOL

      

Light and an extra dose of love,

Sister Candelaria

      

www.spellmaker.com 

www.sheergoddess.com

      

      

Signs - A Gift From A Friend

Hey Everyone,

   

I just wanted to take a minute or two and talk about signs during and after spell work.  Why?  Well, first of all, I get a lot of questions about signs. :-)  Secondly, because I've been where you are now and I know exactly how much it can help to have some little indication that your prayers and petitions have been heard.  Especially when you are in the waiting period of the spell casting process (the time after all spells are completed when you are waiting for your spells to manifest on the physical plane), it's so hard to hold on sometimes and have faith.  Receiving a sign from the lwa can be such an amazing lifeline...something that lets you know that you've been heard and you are not alone in your troubling situation. 

   

OK so, what's a sign?  A sign is something that appears out of nowhere, such as hearing a song on the radio that has special meaning for you and your HD when you were just thinking about them two seconds before, or seeing something that clearly reminds you of your HD, or even seeing someone who looks like your HD.  All of these are valid signs and are just the lwa's way of letting you know that your prayers and petitions have been heard and they are working toward those things that you've asked for, on your behalf.  Signs can happen anywhere, and at any time.  They can be as subtle as hearing a child who lives across the street with the same first name as your HD called into dinner by his/her mother.  They can also be as blatant as a billboard in Times Square advertising the place where you spent your honeymoon or a very special trip together.  Signs are all around you and are given freely by the lwa.  Sometimes you will notice them and sometimes you might not (or if you are like me you realize something was a sign a week after it happened...DOH!  LOL).  It's OK though, if you don't notice signs or if you say to me, "I never get signs!"  Well, the truth of the matter is that many times even if you don't see them, the signs are there, and as time passes you become more attuned to it, and you will begin to notice them more and more.  But either way, whether your recognize the signs or not, rest assured that the lwa are there  for you and you have been heard. ;-)

   

Now, one question I get a lot is, "Was this a bad sign?"  Maybe you will be in the cemetery leaving a gift for Baron Samedi or Brigitte and you see your HD's name on a grave marker, or you hear about someone having an accident on the news and they have the same last name as your HD.  Yep, these are based on things that clients have actually written to me about and all of them were understandably freaked out a bit and ran to me in terror asking if it was a bad sign that their love was not meant to be, and possibly a sign from the lwa letting them know that they would not get what they asked for.  I totally understand why anyone would think this, but I actually don't believe in "bad" signs.  There are no good signs or bad signs, there are only signs!  So, it doesn't really matter in what context the sign is given, so much as it matters that you recognize the sign as a message for you that things are in the works. ;-)  The lwa will try to use whatever they can to draw your attention to a sign so that you get the message, Soooo if you are looking at the names on grave markers  as you pass by and you see your HD's name on one of them, that just means that one of the spirits that is helping you knew you were looking that way, and they chose that moment to get their message across to you to let you know that your prayers have been heard.  Kind cool, huh?!

   

Another question I get a lot is, "How do I know if this is a sign?"  Hmmm...well, the answer to that one is, "Did it feel like a sign to you?  If it did, then it was a sign." :-)  "Huh, why is that? You're an initiate Sister Candi, you should know if something is a sign or not.  That's what you do!"  Well yes and no.  LOL  I can take a guess that something could be a sign but I can't be certain if the sign wasn't meant for me.  HUH?  OK, let's say for instance that special song does come on the radio.  It's a song that you and your HD danced to on your first anniversary, or it was playing when you met your HD, or it was a song that you both sang together at the top of your lungs in the car on a road trip (Hey, don't laugh!  Singing in the car is one of my favorite things to do!  LOL). Well, that song means something to you, right?  It reminds you of the good times you've shared and it reminds you of spending time with that special person you are trying to reach.  Now, that song might be something like, oh I don't know...Monster Mash let's say, which personally doesn't mean much to me outside of being a song I like to play around Fet Ghede and Halloween, so if you are asking me if hearing Monster Mash is a sign, then I would most likely say probably not because the song does not hold that meaning for me.  BUT if it holds that meaning for you and immediately when you hear it thoughts of your HD flood to you, then its a sign.  Seeee?  So, if something looks like a sign, smells like a sign, and tastes like a sign TO YOU, then chances are it's a sign. ;-)

   

Now, here's the other thing about signs.  Many folks want to know if they can ask the lwa for signs and if so how do you go about asking.  I know that some of you have asked for signs and gotten them and that's great!:-)  There are always times when we start to doubt and we need something upon which to hook our faith.  Asking for a sign and getting it can be just the thing we need to tie a knot at the end of that rope and hang on for another day.  I completely get that, and I don't want you to think for one second that I don't.  BUT, I have to say that while I would never tell anyone not to ask for a sign, the practice of asking for signs does bother me to a certain extent.  Why?  Well, let me cite an example.  Let's say I'm one of your friends and you ask me to go to this person you like and tell them that you like them.  I do it as a favor to you, because I care about you and I want you to have what makes you happy.  So, I go and talk to the person for you and state your case and let them know of your feelings for them and how much they mean to you.  Done deal, right?  You're my friend and you asked me for a favor and I did it and because I care about you so much, I'll keep talking to that person about you even after the initial favor is done, because I want you to be happy and I want you to remain foremost in their mind.  OK, so then the next time you see me, you would probably bombard me with questions about your HD and how it all went, right? (Which is where readings with Mambo Sam and Sister Bridget come into play!) BUT, would you then ask me for proof that I spoke to that person on your behalf?  Proof that I had done the favor for you?  Would you say, "That's awesome of you, thanks so much for talking to him/her for me.  Now, can I see a fabric swatch from the shirt he/she was wearing, so I know you did in fact talk to him/her?"  LOL  I doubt very highly you would ask me for that and if you did I would be a touch insulted to say the least!  Well, that's sorta what you're doing when you ask the lwa for signs.  You are asking them for proof that they are working on this favor for you, because they are the ones you asked to go to your HD and talk to them for you.  They are the ones you asked for this favor.  Do you see what I'm saying?  Now, while I do understand that we are human and the lwa understand that too and sometimes we humans are silly and do need that little extra something to help us keep hope alive.  The lwa do understand what it's like to be human, so they get it when you go to them now and again and ask for a sign, if its needed.  However, its not really "good form" to get into the habit of asking for signs.  Sometimes, you just have to power under your own steam and find the faith and the hope within yourself to keep on going.  It's not always easy, but finding that place within yourself where you do have faith and believe is so very important to your case and to your life in general!  ;-)

   

So, what does all of this mean?  Well, what this all boils down to is that signs do happen and they are a good thing.  The lwa will try to give us indications along the way that things are in process and they try to let you know that they are there for you and your prayers and petitions have been heard.  Even if you don't always notice the signs they are all around you and chances are you will notice them when the timing is right for you.  There are no good signs or bad signs, just signs...and while you can ask for signs from time to time, you must also work toward finding faith inside of yourself and believing in yourself and in the lwa and in your own personal power to make what you want come to fruition.

   

Signs never cease to amaze me, as they are the lwa's way of letting us know that we have been heard and things are in the works.  So when you do receive a magickal sign from the lwa you should embrace it and treasure it as a gift from your friends on the spirit plane.  Its just their way of letting you know that you are not alone; letting you know that you have been heard and you are loved; and letting you know that they care. What a beautiful gift from some very dear friends! :-)

   

Light and much love,

Sister Candelaria

http://www.spellmaker.com/

   

BE SURE TO JOIN US AT THE ALBUQUERQUE VOODOO CONFERENCE 2008!!

Sister Candelaria's Soak Therapy

Hi Everyone,

I want to share with you all a little trick that I've been trying in my life and it is working so well that I just had to blog about it!!  Yes, I'm *that* excited about it!  LOL

   

For starters, we all have hardships and stress in our lives.  That's just sort of part of this whole "being human" gig.  But it's how we handle the stress and the hardships that makes the difference in how we feel physically and emotionally, how we interact with others, and in the day-to-day events of our lives.  So how we handle stress and hardships related to any situation where spell work is being done, effects the case and the spell work being done on that case.  Makes sense, right?  So, do we hold on to the stress and the pain, keeping it inside until it manifests in some other fashion (be it emotional or physical), thus causing us to do something sort of boneheaded that might be destructive to the situation and any spell work that's out there, or do we give it to the lwa and trust that they will take care of it for us?  There's a certain amount of faith in all of this, I do realize, but there is also a certain amount of knowing yourself and knowing what you can and cannot handle and how you deal with things.  I tend to be one of these people that takes everything on myself.  I just keep piling it on more and more, one thing on top of the other, until I finally have to say uncle and realize that I can't single-handedly conquer the world (Who knew?!).  It's taken me a lot of years, but I have finally figured out that this is not the healthiest way to do things.  It's not good for me or anyone else that's involved. 

   

So, one little trick that I've been trying, is that about an hour before bed time I say my nightly prayers and then I draw a nice soothing bath with some bath salts and I soak for a bit.  While I'm soaking, I imagine that I'm soaking away the worries of the day.  I've already given them over through prayer, so now I can just relax and be easy about things, knowing that it's all going to be fine.  I have to say that I have found during the time that I've been doing this, that things really do work out.  The lwa are handling things for me, and there's really no reason for me to stress or worry about anything.  I mean, the stressing and the worry doesn't really help, right!  It doesn't work to fix it in any way.  In fact, it throws negative energy at the situation, and that is never good!  So, just giving it all away and then soaking away my troubles has helped me immensely.  I've actually started calling it my Soak Therapy and I have to admit that I love it!  Now, when I don't get a chance to do my Soak Therapy, it really makes me kinda bummed.  I feel as if I've missed out on a special and important time of day that was meant just for me.  (And I'm not even a "bath person" by nature, so that tells you that this really works!!)

   

Now, there are many ways you can go about this Soak Therapy.  If you currently have an on-going case, then you might want to do some candle work, or work with your gris-gris bags, or a voodoo doll before your bath.  Then, you can use one of our consecrated bath salts, if you like.  (Just make sure it's appropriate to your situation.)  We also have a wonderful Holy Hyssop Bath Additive, which is very good for this sort of thing!  My favorite by far, is Phraeda's Himalayan Pink Bath Salt from Sheer Goddess, which is crafted on the point of Erzulie Freda and makes your skin extremely soft!  But, I digress (shocked, aren't you?  So unlike me! heehee)...

   

OK, so back to the Soak Therapy...So do your candle work, or doll work, or gris-gris bag work, whatever you have decided to do to help your situation, then with that act you need to say to yourself, "I've done my part for today.  With this bath, I give (insert trouble situation) over to the lwa."  Say it out loud.  Words on breath are more powerful than words said to yourself anyway, so speak it right out loud and with strong conviction! (and MEAN IT!) Then, soak in the bath of your choice for at least 13 minutes...go longer if you want.  Heck, prune up to nothin' if it makes ya happy!  LOL  The important thing is that while you are soaking, concentrate on giving your situation to the lwa.  Focus on releasing it and trusting and having faith.  You can rest and relax now, because you've done what you can do.  You have empowered yourself and you've taken action to help your current situation.  Now, it's time to trust the lwa, have faith, and relax.  When you are done, step out of the bath and air dry, if you can.  If you can't, just blot yourself dry lightly with a towel.  Now, get in bed very soon after, preferably without doing too much like watch TV or go online, before you sleep.  Sleep while your mind is quiet and content and while you are relaxed and ready to end the day feeling happy that you've done something for your situation AND happy that you've done something for you!  You've covered the bases. ;-)

   

I know you are all going through hardships and stresses right now (we all have them, even me!), but it's just so important to take care of yourself during this time.  In fact, when you are stressed is when you should be the most diligent about taking care of yourself.  So, please do try this and see how it works for you!  And if you do try it, I would love to hear from you.  Write to me at candelaria@spellmaker.com or post to my section of the Spellmaker Spirits Forum and let me know how it went for you.  I'm sure you will really be happy with the results! ;-)

    

Happy Soaking!!  

   

Light and much love,

Sister Candelaria   

www.spellmaker.com

Sending Pink Light

Hello My Dears,

    

Here is a visualization technique for you to try.  I've been doing this for a few years now, and it really works!  Plus, it's simple and you can do it from just about anywhere...the comforts of your own home, in your car, or even the restroom at work.  Its extremely portable! ;-)

    

This technique, called Sending Pink Light, actually ties in with your love spell work very well, however, if you are doing other work you can most definitely use it for other things, too.  For instance, if you are going on a job interview you can use this to throw some pink light at the person you will be interviewing with, or if you are going into a court situation, throw some pink light at the judge, so that he or she feels some sympathy towards you...that sort of thing. You can also send white light for healing.  I've tried this many times and it does wonders!  So for those of you that are doing healing work in your love cases to rid your target or HD of blockages or barriers from past pain or trauma, send some white light their way.  Do the same technique, but everywhere you see "pink" insert the work "white" instead. 

    

You can also send pink or white light to a situation.  So, for instance if you are going to see your HD and let's say you are meeting them for coffee at our old friend Starbucks, before you go in try this technique in your car and picture the two of you sitting at a table sipping coffee and getting along like gang busters!  You can even send pink light to someone before you place a phone call to them, or when sending them an email.  Just visualize them on the other end, receiving your communication with a happy and open heart! 

    

Hey, it's free and it's easy.  What have you got to lose?!  Give it a try! ;-)

    

Light and so much love,

Sister Candelaria

http://www.spellmaker.com/

    

Sending Pink Light

         

   Close your eyes.  Rub the center of your chest and imagine a pink rose within your heart.

    

   Put your hands up, with bent elbows, facing forward (as if in a lower push-up position).

    

   Visualize pink energy or light coming from your heart and through your hands to the person or situation .  Image that a pink cloud envelopes them, and they send it back to you.  Think of sending pink cotton candy back and forth.

    

   Envision the situation exactly as you want it to occur with everyone smiling; keep wrapping the whole scene with pink light from your heart.

    

   Say to yourself, "I'm sending pink light to this person or situation.  May they be blessed with love and sweetness.  I'm so grateful that this situation (meeting, phone call, etc.) has worked out in the best way possible."  You can continue to say your own words.  The more specific the better.

    

Sending Pink Light by Jayme Barrett, 2003

So, What Are You Waiting For???

Hi Everyone,

      

Here's a little scenario you might be familiar with, so I wanted to take a few moments to talk about it:

       

Alrightie, so you've been doing spell work.  You cast the spells and you worked really, really hard on them. You put all that you could of your own personal power into them, to bring about the final outcome you desire.  So, when the last spell was completed, after all that hard work, you thought, "WHEW!  Finally, I'm done!  Now what?"  So, you emailed your caseworker only to be informed that you are in what we call "the waiting period," which is the time after all spells are completed, when you are waiting for your spells to manifest on the physical plane.  During this time, many of our clients do chose to continue working on their cases with adjunct work, to add to the energy that was already put out there with the spell work, and to help things along, which is perfectly fine and in most cases encouraged.  There's nothing wrong with wanting your spell work to manifest as quickly as possible, and adjunct work can give it a little kick in the pants! ;-)

      

However, this can also be such a special time with much to offer you while you wait for your goals to manifest.  You see, spell casting, as much as it might be done by some for purely magickal reasons and as a means to a desired end, is also a spiritual endeavor.  "HUH?  WHAT???!"  Yep, that's right!  Just the act of engaging in spell work helps to open you up more spiritually and if you welcome it, it can bring so many blessings into your life.  However, what many of us do during this delicate time is chose a different path.  Instead of looking inward and reflecting on the spell work and all that it has caused to manifest within us, as the spell caster, and instead of looking toward all of the blessings it has already brought to us, many become so strongly focused on the spell work and on the goal they petitioned for, that nothing else in their life seems to matter.  They can think of nothing but waiting for their spell work to manifest. 

      

For instance, if love spells were cast and your ultimate goal is to be in a loving relationship with the target of your spell work (or your HD/Heart's Desire) then often times you can become so fixated on the other person that nothing else in your life holds any meaning for you.  I know that sounds strange, but it is such an easy trap to fall into!  You must know what that person is thinking, feeling, and doing at all times.  You have multiple readings with Sister Bridget and consultations with Mambo Sam, because you simply can't stand for one second not to know what's going on with the other person.  You engage in drive-bys (never a good idea!), study their myspace and facebook pages as if they hold the exact location of the holy grail, and you ask anyone you have contact with that might be in the know, what's going on with them.  It's like all you can think about is your goal and how close you are to achieving it.  You become so fixated on this person and on your desire to have a relationship with this person, that nothing else in life matters...your job, your family, your friends...nothing else holds meaning but this person and realizing the manifestation of your spell work.  WHEW!  Boy Howdy, that's intense!!  And, it's an easy enough trap to fall into, especially when emotions are running so high and the stakes are even higher! 

      

I've seen this happen to many clients over the years, so I've come to recognize the signs.  Now, while this kind of behavior is not necessarily always bad, it certainly isn't good!  You need to have a life outside of your HD and outside of your spell work.  You still need to be present in your own life.  Your life is not put on hold because of the spell work (even though I know it feels like that sometimes).  The spell work is meant to augment your life with something or someone that can lend a little extra to it, but that person and having that person in your life, should not BE your life!!  That's simply not how it was meant to be and it's just plain unhealthy!  You were meant to embrace each day of this human experience and all that it has to bring to you.  You were not meant to fixate on one person or one event or one thing so much so that all the days up until having that person or that thing come into your life are just empty moments spent waiting for it all to begin.  That is not what you intended for this human experience to be at all!! 

    

Now, some of you may say, "yes, I get what you're saying Sister Candi, but I can't let go for one second.  If I don't hang on to what I want this tightly then there will be less chance that I will get it!"  Weeeeelll, I get what you're saying, but that's not really true.  There is such a thing as strangling the situation.  Its sort of like wanting and fixating on the other person so much that you're putting out this forceful energy that then can sometimes cause them to withdraw from you.  It's human nature to withdraw from something you think is being imposed upon you, and putting forth that kind of energy toward your HD and the situation, can cause that person to back up a bit from all of it.  Now, I'm not saying that always happens, but I have seen it happen quite a few times and if this is allowed to continue it can put your goal further out of reach.  YIKES!!  That's not what you want to do at all!

       

So, why do I bring all of this up?  Well, basically to tell you that it's OK to let up on your goal a bit.  Just because you aren't living, eating and breathing your ultimate goal 24/7 doesn't mean you won't have that goal.  In fact, there is definitely something to be said for putting out that energy and putting forth to the lwa what you want to have happen, and then stepping back and letting it breathe.  It can sometimes be a very good thing!!  So, does this mean you shouldn't be doing adjunct work toward your goal?  Absolutely not!  Adjunct work is very important in many cases, but once you've done the work, don't just sit back analyzing every little thing to see if it's working.  You've done the work (spell work, candle magick, love doll work, whatever it may be.), so do a session and then go and do something else for a bit that's non-case related. 

   

A very dear friend, who was my caseworker when I began this journey, our precious Orleanna, used to say of spell work, "Set it and forget it."  I know you've all heard us say that phrase a million times, and I'm not sure if she coined it, but she was the first one I heard it from, so in my book it's hers.  LOL  And you know what? She was right!  So, yes, cast the spells, ask for the help of the lwa, put your personal power into your goal.  Do all the adjunct work you want and keep working with your gris-gris bags toward your goal, BUT PLEASE CONTINUE TO LIVE YOUR LIFE.  Have fun, Go out with friends.  Enjoy your family.  Get involved in a volunteer organization or take a class at the local college.  Go out and enjoy a sunny day!  Not only will it be better and more healthy for you, but it's better for your HD and your spell work as well.  Plus, when that person does ultimately come to you in the name of love, you will be a well-rounded interesting person with so much to offer them.  They will have to marvel at what an amazing person you are and how much you have to bring to the relationship.  It will make them want you all the more!!  (not such a bad thing, huh?!) ;-)

          

OK, so that's the deal.  Hey, I know this is difficult.  The stuff that really matters in this life always is!  If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. ;-) 

         

In closing, I want to share with you a quote from Abraham (a group of spiritual beings who come to us as teachers through Esther and Jerry Hicks). Abraham often has some interesting things to say about how we make things manifest in our lives and I think this quote is particularly good for those among us waiting for the results of spell work to manifest.  I bring it to you with much love, in the hopes that it will speak to you as much as it did to me...

            

"Could I think too little about my desire, for it to manifest?" Actually, no, because as the contrast launches the desire, and then you do not offer any opposing thought, then you're letting it in, and it will manifest. Many of our physical friends really believe that they must find a desire and then hold tenaciously to it. And we say, you do not need to do that. Let the variety of your life keep balance in your life. You just concentrate more on holding yourself in the good-feeling place where you're letting it in."  -Abraham, as channeled through Esther Hicks. 

            

Light and so very much love,

Sister Candelaria

http://www.spellmaker.com/

Movies For Spell Casters

Hello my dears!

      

You've all gotten a glimpse of DJ Sistah Candi, right?  Well, I also happen to love movies and I have a bachelors degree in film and television.  So, for as long as I can remember movies have been a large part of my life!

       

I've always loved Hollywood's ability to capture art, as life (sometimes they get it right and sometimes they don't, but when they get it right, it's right!).  One of my favorite movies, and one that captures exactly the essence of what love spell work is about, is Cold Mountain based on the book by Charles Frazier and starring Jude Law and Nicole Kidman.  It's a few years old, but its a good one, and it so strongly tells the story of two people who meet briefly and connect and then have to wait for each other. It's such a beautiful tale, exceptionally written and flawlessly directed!  So, if you haven't seen it, please rent Cold Mountain, directed by and screenplay written by Antony Minghella (who passed into the care of Baron Samedi this past week).  It's such an amazing representation of love that transcends time and circumstances, and barriers that most of us can't even imagine.  It represents true love.

         

Once you see what Inman and Ada went through to get to each other, casting a few spells and the waiting period afterward, seem like not such a big deal. True love is worth the wait.  :-)

         

Light and very much love,

Sister Candelaria

www.spellmaker.com

What Are You Thinking About???

Hi Folks,

One by-product of being a caseworker and getting to know our clients is that I come to love you all so much and I so want you to get what you want and what you deserve in this life, including those you are doing spell work on (your Heart's Desire or HD) and all the happiness that comes with being in a loving and secure relationship.  I know it's hard sometimes to keep the faith, but I've been at this whole Magickal/Voodoo thing and been a practicing Vodouisant for quite a while now and I can tell you that this process does work!  Frankly, I wouldn't be here if it didn't.  I also know that this is not an easy process.  In fact it's downright hard, draining, frustrating, and can have it's heartbreaking moments along the way, as well.  I get all of that because I've sat right where you all are.  I've been through the process, so I know how all of this feels.  It ain't easy, but the rewards are soooo great!

               

Sister Bridget and I have a saying, "Voodoo is not for the weak."  It's completely true.  It takes some big ones to go through this process, that's for sure, but what you get on the other side of it is a far greater spiritual understanding, a greater understanding of yourself and your place in this big universe, AND the love you are seeking, and that's just for starters!  However, you have to do your part too, and that doesn't include just doing the spell work and then sitting there and pining for what you want to happen while you wait for results.  Yes, it's easy to fall into that "Woe Is Me" place, but you do have to have a certain amount of strength and intestinal fortitude to keep yourself from going there.  Why?  Well, basically because of what we have all talked about before.  Your attitude matters, and it has a direct effect on your spell work.

            

I know you all have heard of the Universal Law of Attraction.  We've all mentioned it at one point or another and several of the books on Mambo Sam's book list (http://www.spellmaker.com/books.htm) talk about it in detail.  Basically what it says is that whatever you put your attention to will manifest for you.  Sounds like a pretty good deal, doesn't it?  I just think about something and turn my attention toward it and it's mine, right?  Weeeeeell, right, BUT it can also be a bit difficult to navigate, at first.  Yes, the Universal Law of Attraction will help bring to you the things that you so want in life, BUT there is a trick to making it work for you.  You see, we human beings are a strange and funny lot.  We have a tendency to dwell on the negative, to always expect the other shoe to drop, and to frequently go to "the dark, bad place" about things, no matter what it may be.  For some reason, more often than not, we tend to think of the bad in things first.

            

For example, if your HD or Heart's Desire is out on a Saturday night without you, what do you think about?  If you're like most folks, it bothers you at first, but you know that there's nothing you can do about it, so you wish him/her well and hope they have fun going out with the boys or out with the girls and try to push it out of your mind.  Then, as the night goes on, you start to wonder where he/she is and what they're doing.  You brush that off as silly, and try to concentrate on something else for the moment to get your mind off of it.  Your mind, however, seems to be it's own boss on this particular evening, so you keep going back to it and before you know it, you HAVE TO KNOW what your HD is doing.  You start to think about it more and more.  You think about how much you love your HD and how attractive and charming he/she is and how you are just certain that everyone wants your HD, because you want them so badly you can taste it, so it must be the same for everyone they meet, right?!  But wait!  They are at a club with friends, so that means that right now, your HD is probably charming the socks off of everyone he/she comes in contact with and that OF COURSE means that your HD is with someone else...someone they like better than you and someone they will no doubt hook up with and have a one night stand with that will turn into so much more and before you know it, you will be left even more in the cold, simply because your HD is out on this very night without you.  THAT BASTARD! (OR BITCH)  HOW DARE THEY!?  Don't they know that you are here, just thinking about them and wanting them and why aren't they with you, spending time with you?!  How dare they disrespect you and your feeling for them like this!!!  Sound familiar?  That's what I call, 'Creating Monsters in Your Head," and it's easy enough to do, especially when you love this person so much and your feelings are running high for them.  We've all fallen into this trap.
         
Now, let's go back to the Universal Law of Attraction.  What have you just spent the evening turning your attention to?  Wait for it...     wait for it....     Ah, there it is!  See what I'm getting at?  You have just spent the night creating this scenario in your head where your HD is happily with someone else, thus, you are helping to manifest that more into reality and pushing your spell work that you've worked so frickin' hard on, even further away from manifestation!  RATS!  I DIDN'T MEAN TO DO THAT!!  Well, yeah...see that's the thing...the Universal Law of Attraction works both ways.  It will bring the positive and lovely things all filled with rainbows, unicorns and warm fuzzy puppies into your world, BUT it will also bring to you the things you are pushing against and the things you don't want, if you turn your attention toward them.  Wait, let me repeat that...IT WILL BRING TO YOU THE THINGS YOU ARE PUSHING AGAINST, IF YOU TURN YOUR ATTENTION TOWARD THEM!

         

"Oh, great!!  I can't win!  Sister Candi!  Thanks for the heads up, but now I'm completely depressed and there's nothing I can do about it!  How in the hell do I come against that?!"  Well, honestly, it's easier than you think.  The trick is to, in your own mind and in your own heart, act like what you want has already manifest for you.  The trouble is that since we humans are so damn silly and are always concentrating on the negative aspect of things, you sort of have to retrain yourself to think differently and only concentrate on the positive things that you desire.  Only think of your goal and think of it as already being a done deal and already manifesting for you, instead of concentrating on the things that work against your goal, think of only the things that work toward your goal. This, combined with your spell work and the help of les lois (the lwa) can be an unbeatable combination!  It's just a matter of refocusing your energy and working toward your goal in a positive light, instead of going to that dark, bad place we all have a tendency to visit.

         

Now, we all have our down days and no one expects you to be super human, BUT we do expect you to take a certain amount of responsibility for your cases (yes, just like with everything in life, there is accountability in spell work).  So, it is your job through this process, to remain as positive as you can and to concentrate on what you want.  Getting down in the dumps and wallowing in it is not the way to get what you want.  However, if you turn that around, pull yourself up by your boot straps (as my grandmother used to say), and work at accentuating the positive manifestation of your goal, then you've just taken a HUGE step toward making what you want come into being.  Do this, and continue to work on your case with your gris-gris bags or talisman and any adjunct work you're presently working on and you have a far greater chance of getting what you desire.  This is much more effective than the sitting and wallowing in it method (believe me, I've tried both the spell work/positive thinking approach and the wallowing in your fears and depression approach and the spell work/positive thinking approach works MUUUUUUCH better! ;-)  )  I know it's hard and we all do have our down days (yep, even me!), but this is something to keep in mind.  It's a matter of making up your mind about who is in charge of the situation and putting yourself in the driver's seat in your own life.  Are you going to work for your goal or against your goal?  It's your life, help yourself to make it what you want it to be.

         

Just something for you all to THINK about.  :-)

         

Light and much love,

Sister Candelaria

http://www.spellmaker.com/ 

 

The Wise and Wonderful Damballah

    

Hi Everyone,

I'm so sorry that I've been away from the blogging areana for such a long time!  Unfortunately, I had some nasty health issues that would not clear up, and I've been traveling a lot the past few months as well with not much computer access.  I'm back online now though and feeling much better!  Thanks to everyone for all of your kind words and positive energy.  It helped immensely!! :-)

    

So, I thought I would take a few minutes to remind you that St. Patrick's Day is coming up and it's the perfect day to celebrate with Damballah and to ask him to bestow some extra luck and wisdom upon you.  You can also ask Damballah to bring you comfort for those moments when you're feeling a bit down and out of things...and let's face it, we all have "those days," don't we?!  Damballah is a wise and benevolent father figure, and he can be of great help and great comfort to anyone in their time of need.  Just ask him to wrap his warm comforting coils around you and he will envelope you and take away your sorrows. 

    

Damballah, the beautiful serpent lwa, is married to the lovely Aida Wedo, and although he is known to make a hissing noise to let you know he is there, it is said that his children (those who have Damballah as their met tet) are the only ones that can hear him speak.  Damballah is synchronized with St. Patrick and thus St. Paddy's Day is his big day!  YIPPEEEE!!  To celebrate this day with Damballah, you might want to take the time to look at our luck and money page for possible products you can use to serve him.  ( http://www.spellmaker.com/money.htm )  Lighting a candle or saying a prayer is fine, but it is also a good time to cast the Lots A Luck spell, which is a nine day Voodoo spell where you can petition Damballah for luck in up to SEVEN areas of your life.  Not too shabby, huh?!  This would also be a good day to use our Milk of Damballah White Bath for helping and comfort!  ( http://www.spellmaker.com/cleanseyou.htm )  Of course anything you want to do towards giving service to the great Damballah on St. Patrick's Day is appreciated.  He likes anything white...milk, flour, eggs...you get the picture!;-)  Damballah is the father of all lwa, associated with creation, and it is often said that he is so ancient that he was here "before the troubles began."  I just love working with Damballah and serving him, and I know you will, too!  In fact, there is a chair in the corner by my altar that is especially reserved for Damballah. I keep it there, just for him, so that he knows he always has a special place in my home. :-)

    

Sooooo, this year, don't just think of green beer and Irish limericks.  St. Patrick's Day means so much more to the practicing Vodouisant.  Take this year to celebrate with the great and wise Damballah and bring some luck, wisdom and comfort into your life!

    

Happy St. Patrick's Day, my dears!!

    

Light and so much love,

Sister Candelaria

    

http://www.spellmaker.com/