Sister Bridget's Blog

Make an Ancestor Altar Cloth!

Make an Ancestor Altar Cloth

 

An ancestor altar cloth is something you can make any time of the year, although it can come in particularly handy for Samhain/Fet Ghede, when many people choose to perform ancestor-focused rituals. This project can be as simple or as complex as you like, depending on your time constraints, creativity, and crafting skills.

You’ll need:

• A plain white or cream-colored tablecloth, or other piece of fabric
• Fabric pencil
• Embroidery floss and hoop, or fabric markers
• A genealogy of your ancestors

A few notes here, before you get started. There’s no hard and fast rule about how to do this — it’s a craft idea that is very personalized. Do what works best for you. If you’re handy with a needle and thread, you can embroider the cloth - it will definitely last longer that way. If you’re not confident about your stitching abilities, you can use fine-tipped fabric markers (keep in mind that this option may limit your ability to wash the altar cloth if it gets dirty or stained during ritual).

As to your genealogy, you can keep it simple if you like, or if you’ve never done any genealogy research. You’ll need the names of your parents, of their parents, their grandparents, and so on. If you want to include your children, you can do that too.

Start by putting yourself in the center, and writing your name carefully with a lightweight fabric pencil — these wash or brush off easily when you’re done. Branch out, including your parents’ names above you, one on each side. Using lines to connect everyone, gradually add the names of your ancestors. You can even include dates of birth and death, or place names if you have the room.

It’s best to do all of this in pencil first — or better yet, use Post-It Notes, one for each ancestor’s name - to position people around the cloth. If you know the names of lots of ancestors on one side, but only a few on the other, it can start looking lopsided pretty quickly, unless you’re able to rearrange people (this is why sticky notes are great).

Once you’ve figured out everyone’s placement, add the names in fabric pencil until you’ve included as many people as you like. If you’re going to embroider the names, work from one side to the other, just to keep things simple — you may even want to do different branches of the family, or different generations, in alternating colors. If you opt to use fabric markers for the final work, be careful! Stitches can always be picked out, but markers are permanent.

Keep in mind that the very act of creation is a magical one, and you can utilize the crafting of this altar cloth as a ritual in and of itself. Particularly if you're stitching, there's a very meditative aspect to the creative process. After you’ve put everyone’s names on the fabric, use it as an altar cloth for rituals involving ancestor work.

Readings during castings? Why not?

Hey there!

Below are some very wise words from our dear, dear late Sister Candelaria. This is a topic we see come up from time to time, and every once in a while, I think it bears repeating.  This is not directed at any one in particular (as Sister says below).  But it is important information everyone should know :)

***Begin post****

The reason why we ask you not to have readings while you are casting, is quite simple. When you are actually casting a spell on someone or having one cast for you, the energy surrounding that person and the entire situation is all stirred up. Any time you read the energy around spellwork, during the casting process, you will get a turmoil of emotion. Spellwork stirs the pot, so to speak, and shakes things up. That's what it's crafted to do! Because of this, any time you get a reading during spellwork the reading will not be accurate. It's just a simple fact. I have had some people tell me recently (I'm not pointing fingers, I've heard this more than once.) that they got a reading during spellwork and it was accurate because they were told what they expected to hear, such as "your HD is blocking" or "your HD has no emotion toward you." Even though you were willing to take that as an accurate answer, I'm here to tell you that it was NOT AN ACCURATE ANSWER, because that person was in the midst of receiving your spellwork, thus their emotions were all twisted and  turned around!! Now, those are pretty mild for a reading during spellwork. Other examples of readings during spellwork are "your HD doesn't like you," or "your HD wants you to just go away and leave  im alone,"or even "I don't think you and your HD will be together." THOSE ARE NOT ACCURATE READINGS EITHER, yet if someone tells you that about your HD, you are going to believe it!! So you would take that information, thinking it was correct, and you would process it over and over again in your heart and in your mind and you would start to have negative (hurt) feelings about your HD and it would basically break your heart. This in turn will cause real damage to your case, simply because you are putting negative energy toward it. But here's the kicker...THAT INFORMATION WAS NOT TRUE, YET YOU TOOK IT TO HEART, AND YOUR SPELLWORK IS NOT EVEN FINISHED YET!!! You've taken a step toward destroying something that you have not even completed yet. That's not constructive, my friends! In fact, that's destructive and I have seen it hurt cases that could have had a swift and successful end. So basically what I'm saying is, that even though it sounds like a good idea, GETTING A PSYCHIC READING DURING SPELLWORK IS NEVER AN OPTION. It's not fair to you, it's not fair to your HD, and it's not fair to your case. It's destructive, and it really can do serious damage to your case. Mambo has set down these rules to help you. I know it's hard, but I can tell you that if you play by the rules Mambo has set forth, you have much greater chance of getting your Heart's Desire, and isn't that why you are here in the first place.:-) So, as far as getting psychic readings during spellwork...Please DON'T DO IT!! We want you all to get your HD! Help us, help you.

***End Post***

Love

Sister Bridget

Earthing.

Have you ever heard of “Earthing”? Up until 2 days ago, I had not. I happened to notice a link to an article as I scrolled through my Twitter feed.  Turns out, it is basically the practice of connecting with the Earth, and feeling better.  Sounds pretty simple, right? Admittedly, when time and weather permit, and I get to spend time in my back yard, sitting on the ground under my favorite tree, I do feel happier, calmer, more relaxed. And naps under said tree, well, they are the best. I got to wondering if there might be any evidence to back up the article I had read, and I did uncover some interesting reading. I tried to provide links to full text articles, so you could read for yourselves if you so desired.

This is a link to a pdf of an introductory article on Earthing  co-authored by Dr Oschman.

http://74.63.154.231/here/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/understanding_earthing.pdf The conclusions

”Earthing reduces every measure of stress we have used in our studies.”

’The most important health benefit of Earthing is providing the body with abundant electrons from the Earth. The scientific research and hypotheses related to Earthing point to a major impact on the inflammatory process as a result of this electron transfer.”

“We do not describe Earthing as a "treatment" or a "cure" for any disease or disorder. Instead, it can be said without any equivocation that the human body evolved in contact with the Earth and needs to maintain this natural contact in order to function properly.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3576907/ Links to a study which you can read for free on Pub Med Central that states there “were measurable decreases in cardiovascular risk factors after 2 hours of grounding.” However, for you science minded folks, the sample size for this study was 10.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15650465 “Results indicate that grounding the human body to earth ("earthing") during sleep reduces night-time levels of cortisol and resynchronizes cortisol hormone secretion more in alignment with the natural 24-hour circadian rhythm profile. Changes were most apparent in females. Furthermore, subjective reporting indicates that grounding the human body to earth during sleep improves sleep and reduces pain and stress.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/ A pretty comprehensive review article on the subject, not terribly long and the full text is available for free. The conclusion ---  “The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or Earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21856083 “Earthing generates immediate changes in electroencephalography (EEG), surface electromyography (SEMG), and somato-sensory evoked potentials …..Earthing significantly influences on the electrical activity of the brain. “

I think the statement that struck me most was this:

“the human body evolved in contact with the Earth and needs to maintain this natural contact in order to function properly”

Seems so simple and so true.  Naturally, there is a commercial element that has cropped up to help “promote” this practice. Earthing shoes, sheets, chairs, matts, etc. To me, adding more “stuff” seems to defeat the whole idea, which seems pretty simple – Go out and connect with the Earth!  

I am glad that I clicked on that link in my Twitter feed J I think I know a little more than I did a couple days ago. And the next time I nap under my favorite tree, I will feel a little less guilty when I wake up.

Love

Sister Bridget

How do you deal with Frustration?

Good Morning!!!

Hope you all are doing well and are enjoying this lovely summer! 

As some of you know, I have been working at times to settle some matters dealing with my father's estate. Estate stuff, at least in this situation, tends not to be very simple. I often have an idea or thought or plan of how things will go with a certain issue, and then, well, God Laughs! 

Driving home yesterday, I certainly was feeling rather frustrated. I got to thinking alot about this feeling, and I really don not like it! It sucks, basically. And I think I would really rather not feel it so much anymore. I did a little surfing when I got home, to see if there are some tips on dealing with frustration. I would like to share with you what I have learned....

First, just to help clarify - Frustration is a feeling that arises when something occurs which keeps us from reaching a goal or expectation. There are other feelings which can occur as well, such as disappointment. BUT mix a little anger with your disappointment, and you have frustration.

"Expectation is the mother of all frustration"

                ...... Antonio Banderas 

Second, we can experience different levels of frustration in different parts of our lives. Some folks are more easily frustrated in the work enviornment, some with family, some in more social settings. It seems to be the more intense a situation, the more important the goal is to us, the more easily we can become frustrated.

Anyone out there working on a love situation? How important is it to you that it resolve successfully? 

Third, how we handle our frustration can definitely directly influence how much frustration we could be feeling in the future! Huh, you say? I said that the first time I read this as well. But look at it this way....if we learn to handle our frustration productively, and that leads to a positive resolution to our situation, then there will be nothing to get frustrated about in the future! 

Of course, frustration is not always a bad thing. It can be quite motivating and can help us figure out steps so that we can reach our goals. But it is how we choose to express our frustration may cause more stress in our life and the lives of others.

So, how do we handle our frustration? What are some good tips to practice or skills to develop? 

I found this wonderful article by Judith Orloff about Frustration, and ways to handle it. Dr Orloff has 4 tips for handiing frustration with people. Here is an exerpt: 

Tip #1. Focus on a specific issue—don't escalate or mount a personal attack.
For instance, "I feel frustrated when you promise to do something but there is no follow-through." No resorting to threats or insults. In an even, non-blaming tone, lead with how the behavior makes you feel rather than how you think the other person is wrong.

Tip #2. Listen non-defensively without reacting or interrupting.
It's a sign of respect to hear a person's point of view, even if you disagree. Avoid an aggressive tone or body language. Try not to squirm with discomfort or to judge.

Tip #3. Intuit the feelings behind the words.
When you can appreciate someone's motivation, it's easier to be patient. Try to sense if this person is frightened, insecure, up against a negative part of themselves they've never confronted. If so, realize this can be painful. See what change they're open to.

Tip #4. Respond with clarity and compassion.
This attitude takes others off the defensive so they're more comfortable admitting their part in causing frustration. Describe everything in terms of remedies to a specific task, rather then generalizing. State your needs. For instance, "I'd really appreciate you not shouting at me even if I disappoint you." If the person is willing to try, show how pleased you are. Validate their efforts: "Thanks for not yelling at me. I really value your understanding" See if the behavior improves. 

(end exerpt) 

I will be trying some of these techniques with the various realtors, inspectors, lawyers, etc associated with my dad's Estate and let you know which ones I have found helpful. If you try any of these tips out, I would love to hear how they worked for you :-) 

Love

Sister Bridget

 

 

 

 

 

Fet Ghede Potion Follow Up :-)

Hey there

A few weeks ago, Mambo Sam announced a very special offering of a unique potion. Fet Ghede Potion was made by Mambo, Parran, myself and a few special members of our Voodoo House. You can read the details about the potion and the process here, of course, but I mostly wanted to relay my experiences with the potion, and hope others will join in as well :-)

I started using my bottle a bit last week. As with everything Mambo Sam makes, this stuff is simply awesome in power and vibration! I have used the potion in a bit of candlework, some doll work, and with my meditations and prayers. I have to say, my experiences meditating while wearing just a drop of this potion are amazing. There are times when I have much difficulty quieting my mind to meditate - I have not had that problem when I use this potion. I sometimes have a little trouble remembering specific guidance I get during meditation - again, not so when I have used this potion. My meditations are much more clear, peaceful, and I want to use the word "vibrant" here. Now, that may not make much sense as far as meditating goes to some of you, but that is the best word I have to describe what I am experiencing.  Really Amazing.

I hope some of you who already have some of this wonderful stuff will chime in with your experiences too!

For those of you who are still considering getting yourself a bottle, remember supplies are limited! (Well, at least until next Fet Ghede). If you have any questions about the potion use, the potion does some with full instructions, as well as a free 10 minute consult with Mambo Sam for any questions you may have.

Hope to see your feedback soon!

Love

Sister Bridget

 

Happy Friday the 13th!

Happy Friday the 13th!

Belief that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day is believed to be the most widespread superstition in the US.  According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in North Carolina, about 17 million people fear Friday the 13th.

This year, there are THREE of them!   Each, exactly 13 weeks apart.

Where did all of this fear stem from? It can be hard to tell. There is the basic idea that Friday is considered an unlucky day, and 13 is considered an unlucky number, put the two together, and you have a very unlucky day.

Folklorists think the dread goes back at least a few centuries, and may well trace its roots all the way to Biblical times, when the 13th guest at the Last Supper betrayed Jesus and caused his Crucifixion, which was held on a Friday. Whatever the origin, by the late Middle Ages both Friday and the number 13 were considered bearers of misfortune. That potent combo, more than any specific association with the date, is what has deemed Friday the 13th unlucky.

One study in the UK  showed that the actual amount of cars on the road was lower than normal, yet the accident rate was  much higher than normal.  Their conclusion - "Friday 13th is unlucky for some. The risk of hospital admission as a result of a transport accident may be increased by as much as 52 percent. Staying at home is recommended."

Some folks believe this superstition to be hype and urban legend. Some folks choose to stay home and read a good book. However you choose to spend your Fridays the 13th this year, I wish you luck!

Love

Sister Bridget

At the Crossroads.....

Hi there-

I found this lovely poem the otherday by happenstance (um....NOT!) and read it during a ritual to Papa Legba.  It felt really good when I read it, and I believe I will be using it again. I wanted to share it with you, incase it appeals to you as well. To me, this poem really grabs the heart of what Lebga is about- showing us the way to success and happiness ;-)
Love,

Sister Bridget

At the Crossroads  ~~by Sadie Tiller Crawley

He stood at the crossroads all alone,
The sunlight in his face;
He had no thought for an evil course,
He was set for a manly race.
But the road stretched east and the
road stretched west,
And he did not know which road
was the best;
So he took the wrong road and it lead
him down,
And he lost the race and the
victor's crown.
He was caught at last in an
angry snare
Because no one stood at the
crossroads there
To show him the better road.
Another day at the self-same place
A boy with high hopes stood;
He, too, was set for a manly race
He was seeking the things that
were good.
And one was there who the roads
did know,
And that one showed him the
way to go;
So he turned away from the road
leading down,
And he won the race and the
victor's crown;
He walks today on the highways fair
Because one stood at the
crossroads there
To show him a better road.

 

 

Sobo photos posted!

Hi there-

New photo album has been posted here.

Hope you are all having a great week!

Light and Love

Sister Bridget

 

Fet Ghede Altar Photos Updated!

See here:

http://voodooboutique.typepad.com/photos/altar_photos_/

Light and Love

Sister Bridget

Dollar Store Find!

Hi there!

Those of you who were at our recent Video Conference saw the Dollar Store Voodoo presentation by Mambo Sam and myself. These two little fellows are my most recent dollar store find, just before Fet Ghede. Arent they adorable? They were 2 for a dollar! I used them on my Fet Ghede altar this year :-)

Light and Love

Sister Bridget

Fall and Winter Service to Gran Bwa!

 

Just because the leaves are off the trees, doesn't mean we can't continue to serve Gran Bwa! Feeding the birds is a wonderful way to serve Gran Bwa in the colder months. Here is a bird feeder I found at the siore that reminded me of Ogoun as well :-)

Light and Love,

Sister Bridget