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The Benefits of Ancestor Service

Reflections on Learning About Ancestor Veneration

As a student of Mambo Sam's, my journey into the practice of ancestor veneration has been both enlightening and deeply fulfilling. Through this sacred practice, I have found a profound connection to my roots and the spirits of my ancestors. We sometimes forget in the study of Vodou/Voodoo that our Ancestors come first right under Bon Dye' (God). We tend to run straight to the lwa. There is nothing wrong with that. But it goes like this, Bon Dye', Ancestors, Lwa. Of course you aren't doing anything wrong to go straight to the lwa when you need to, but adding in Ancestor service will greatly enhance any work you are doing.

"Learning about ancestor veneration has enriched my life in ways I never imagined. The rituals and ceremonies have brought me closer to my heritage and provided a sense of belonging and guidance. It has been an incredible experience to honor my ancestors and feel their presence and support in my daily life."

The process of setting up an altar, offering prayers, and making offerings has taught me the importance of respect, gratitude, and continuity. It is a powerful reminder that we are never truly alone and that our ancestors are always with us, providing wisdom and protection.

I have also enjoyed learning about the various customs and traditions associated with ancestor veneration in Vodou. Each practice holds its own unique significance and beauty, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of our spiritual heritage.

Through this journey, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the cycles of life and death, and the ongoing relationship between the living and the departed. It has been a transformative experience, and I am grateful for the knowledge and spiritual growth that ancestor veneration has brought into my life.

In conclusion, my studies in ancestor veneration have been immensely rewarding. I look forward to continuing this sacred practice and further deepening my connection with the spirits of my ancestors.

Harnessing the Energ of the Remaining Moon Phases of 2024

Harnessing the Energy of the Remaining Moon Phases in 2024

As we progress through 2024, the moon continues its celestial dance, offering unique energies during each phase. Understanding these phases allows us to harness their power for personal growth, manifestation, and spiritual work. Here’s how you can make the most of the remaining moon phases this year.

June: Full Moon in Sagittarius (June 17)

The Full Moon in Sagittarius brings a burst of adventurous and optimistic energy. It's an ideal time for expanding your horizons, whether through travel, education, or new experiences. Use this period to set intentions for personal growth and explore new philosophies or spiritual practices.

July: New Moon in Cancer (July 8)

The New Moon in Cancer is a time for nurturing and self-care. This is the perfect moment to set intentions related to home, family, and emotional well-being. Create a sacred space in your home, start a self-care routine, or connect with loved ones to deepen your relationships.

August: Full Moon in Aquarius (August 12)

Aquarius energy is innovative and community-focused. The Full Moon in Aquarius encourages you to think outside the box and engage with your social circles. It's a great time for group activities, brainstorming sessions, and working on humanitarian projects. Use this energy to foster connections and promote progressive change.

September: New Moon in Virgo (September 6)

Virgo’s meticulous and practical energy is highlighted during this New Moon. Focus on setting goals related to health, work, and organization. Begin a new health regimen, declutter your space, or plan a detailed schedule to enhance productivity. This phase supports all efforts towards self-improvement and efficiency.

October: Full Moon in Aries (October 5)

The Full Moon in Aries brings a surge of confidence and initiative. It's an excellent time to take bold actions and pursue personal ambitions. Harness this dynamic energy to start new projects, assert yourself in challenging situations, and embrace your leadership qualities.

November: New Moon in Scorpio (November 4)

Scorpio’s transformative energy during the New Moon is perfect for deep introspection and renewal. This is a powerful time for setting intentions related to personal transformation, healing, and uncovering hidden truths. Engage in shadow work, start a new spiritual practice, or delve into research that requires deep focus.

December: Full Moon in Gemini (December 3)

The Full Moon in Gemini encourages communication and curiosity. It's a great time for socializing, learning, and sharing ideas. Use this phase to strengthen your relationships through open dialogue, start a new course, or engage in activities that stimulate your mind.

Tips for Working with Moon Phases:

• Set Intentions: Each New Moon, write down your goals and what you wish to manifest. Review and refine them during the Full Moon.
• Rituals: Perform simple rituals such as lighting candles, meditating, or creating vision boards aligned with the moon’s energy.
• Reflection: Use the waning phases to reflect, release what no longer serves you, and prepare for new beginnings.
• Nature Connection: Spend time in nature during moon phases to ground yourself and absorb the lunar energy.

By aligning your actions with the moon’s phases, you can enhance your spiritual practice and bring a sense of rhythm and purpose to your life. Embrace the remaining moon phases of 2024 to unlock their transformative potential.

Diet, Ancestors, and Ritual

While visiting family in another country, a friend observed his father-in-law take a glob of bacon grease out of the drippings can and spread it on his toast. It doesn’t sound appetizing to most of us 21st century westerners, but he was not going to let those calories go to waste. Something we forget is that, for centuries, most people’s food was simple fuel. The different cuisines and flavors that we enjoy today were a luxury.

Today there is a distance from the source; food appears in the grocery store, sometimes in forms our ancestors would not recognize. Much labor used to be spent on food production, time people put to different uses as farming became more efficient. We do still have starvation on our earth, sometimes caused by natural disasters, wars, or poor management of resources. There are also abuses and unhealthy effects of large-scale agriculture that we have become aware of. Some people try to avoid this by knowing their source, shopping at farmer’s markets or from small businesses, and those reliable in their labeling.

On the other hand, some formerly special foods are now easy to get. Caribbean sugar cultivation of the 17th and 18th centuries brought the much desired sweetener to the world. Rationing during WWII made it a rare treat for our close ancestors, but now we think nothing of getting a candy bar or a package of cookies any time. Everything that we have available to eat began in the kitchen of a home, including cakes and candies.

A while ago, I reminded my mom that her traditional New Year’s Eve food was something we used to have on a regular basis. If it takes work to make, these days we either buy it or make it only occasionally. Many ethnic foods have gone from everyday meals to special occasion treats, and can even be found in the freezer section of the store. Time is money, and convenience has become an important feature.

We have given up our food rituals. Making roux, kneading dough, pickling, brewing, baking, making sauces, and spending hours cooking, have been reduced to holiday or purchased processes. These are all things we can do, though, to honor our ancestors at any time. Repeating their actions is a way to deepen our connection with them. Even if we make something that is not of our own culture, the act of food preparation is common to everyone.

Another reason some of the foods have been lessened or abandoned by people today is the view that they are unhealthy. Starches were a staple of the peasant diet, with fats and meats as they could get them. We can substitute ingredients for health, but we can also make less of a particular dish. Our ancestors would not be able to afford the large portions that we are blessed with today. Some foods can be easily preserved or frozen, or shared with other people. I confess, too, that some processes need practice and thus multiple batches. It’s usually my third try of pralines that really look good.

We have lots of seasons and holidays with traditional foods. I ask you to be mindful of the process, and to honor your ancestors as you work. Get back to the source by growing some food of your own, even if it’s a few herbs on the windowsill. Share your traditions with friends and family, and share with those who are less fortunate.

 

Love, Khouzhan Lucy

www.spellmaker.com

 

Image courtesy of lemonade at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Taking Things for Granted; the Importance of Saying Thank You

My husband recently became very ill and ended up in the hospital in ICU for nearly a month. In a blink of an eye, my world had flipped upside down, and I was faced with losing the love of my life. He is recovering now, and he will make a full recovery, but this experience made me realize how much I take things for granted. Important things, such as a beloved husband, wonderful family and friends, good health, a stable job, pets that love me, and a safe and happy home. I am thankful for all of these things, plus many more not mentioned above, and so it is important that I also say thank you.

Mambo Sam wrote a blog called, "The Five Minute Service". This little 5 minute service is a great way to be able to ask for something in particular from a Lwa, but it is also a great way to honor and thank a Lwa for something they may have helped you with or given you. I have a few Lwa to thank, and this will be a great way for me to let them know I'm thankful for their help.

Love and Light,

Khouzhan Dedi
www.spellmaker.com

 

detoxing is like spellwork

Detoxing...that never sounds fun. But it can be! Kind of like the spellmaker journey!

I have since begun a food detox. I had some small things I noticed coming up that I wanted to nip in the bud (no worries, I am under the supervision of a practitioner). And it occurred to me a few days ago as I cried over my avocado, that this journey is pretty similar to the spellmaker journey.

Let me back up. Basically I am cutting a lot out of my diet for a little while. Such a shock to the system can cause some interesting reactions. I was warned that I was going to be even more emotional than I usually am. Is that even possible? I was also warned that things were most likely going to get worse before they got better.  The closing words my practitioner said to me was to "have fun with it." I started off so well! So motivated! But then I got into the thick of it. And I got pissed off. Mainly I was annoyed because I had to do this. I was annoyed because I wasn't instantly feeling better. In fact, I felt worse! 

I got emotional. I cried over my avocado not being ripe enough. I cried because I wanted mashed potatoes and gravy  with a veggies burger and a soft pretzel..all at the same time (detox cravings are weird!). I questioned my sanity and why ANYONE would want to do this!! And then.....

......I started to feel better. Like, really really good! The first day I woke up with energy as soon as I got out of bed was something that I haven't felt in a looooong time. I didn't want to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon. I can go without wearing deodorant because I know have a sweet smell.

I know when I was going through times of processing, I have had all the same questions; why am I doing this, why do I have to do this, is it worth it, do I need my head examined.

I had a lot of people tell me when I started detox "wow, that seems like a lot of work." Maybe...but what is the alternative? I can work hard and do this for a bit OR i can keep going the way I was, and feel like crap. 

It comes down to what is important to you?  Do you think its worth it? Are you willing to carry on even though you are crying over an avocado that isn't ripe??

 

Love and Light,

Khouzhan Delilah

Weddings

Is there anything that invokes ancestors more than a wedding? Especially as a member of the family, I could feel their presence. There were some of the same traditions at the wedding of the bride’s parents, three decades before.

 

Despite the stories of family friction and ‘zillas, I hope more families have the opportunity to get together for such a happy occasion. It might be their day, but many generations are celebrated: those gone before and those to come afterward.

 

Love, Khouzhan Lucy

www.spellmaker.com

 

Health in our culture

 

Health in your Hands

Khouzhan Lucy shared a wonderful article about health. You can read that article here.

This is something that has been resonating in me a lot lately. I have always been into holistic health. Sometimes I am better at preaching than practicing. A few months ago, I stumbled onto something called "functional medicine." Basically, a trained MD specializes in a holistic approach to your health. I found one in my area, and here is how it is going so far:

A week ago I went and had labs drawn. When they check labs, they check much more than most other doctors. They also do genetic testing to see what you might be predisposed to. Just because you have the gene for something, it does not mean that you are going to get it. It means that you could get it, and your environment plays a huge role in that. So, you see what you are at risk for, and start working to prevent that. There have also been numerous functional doctors writing about treatment of autoimmune diseases. One doctor lectures around the country after she was diagnosed with progressive MS and wheelchair bound. She now rides her bike 18 miles a day. Does this sound impossible? Maybe...but what our doctors have neglected to tell us is that our gut health is the most important thing we can do for ourselves.

Almost all of your immune system is in your gut. The american diet promotes a complete breakdown of that gut flora. 

But back to me....getting my hormome/vitamin/mineral levels checked...and it turned out that almost all my levels were low (minus Vitamin C, because it eat the supplements like candy). And it all stems from adrenal fatigue and poor gut health. 

Now we are working on how to fix this. Luckily, I decided to take charge of my health while I am young. If I kept going the way I was, I would probably develop a thyroid issue as well as have fertility problems (yes, my hormones are that out of wack). It also involves a diet change. I will now be on a Paleo diet. Basically, cutting out all the junk. No gluten, no sugar, no processed foods, not dairy, and no legumes. Grass-fed meat. Will it be hard? Yes..  Is it worth it? Absolutely. 

I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. My thyroid levels that an endocrinologist would check showed up as completely normal, but the levels my doctor checked showed that the hormones were not being converted properly. Wow. I struggle to get out of bed in the morning, despite getting at least 8 hours of sleep.

I truly encourage all of you to take your health into your own hands. Investigate...there are other options out there to make you feel the best that you can!

Love and Light,

Khouzhan Delilah

www.spellmaker.com

Papa Legba, the Gateway Lwa

June is Papa Legba month! Here at Spellmaker, we love Legba so much that we offer a special free ritual. Send your intentions in to [email protected] to have them included in the prayers. This is done by Mambo Sam, not to be confused with the monthly ritual where you may join us, Sunday, June 26th at 2:00 PM Eastern (1 PM Central, 12 PM Mountain, 11 AM Pacific).  You can get double the prayer energy this month!

What do I mean by the Gateway Lwa? In a literal sense, Papa opens doors and gates and clears paths for us. This includes paths of communication and information. He is the one we ask to open the gate so we may communicate with other Lwa.

This makes Papa the “starter” Lwa when exploring an interest in Voodoo. I know that often people feel drawn to a particular Lwa, perhaps because their realm, colors, or symbols are appealing. Besides opening the gate, Papa Legba can help you learn more about the Lwa, where you might get to know other Lwa who are good for you.

Legba himself needs love, too! The Legba page has information on how to serve him and also some wonderful products dedicated to him.

 

Love, Khouzhan Lucy

www.spellmaker.com

Self-medicating

Yes, I’m on about Prince again. News stories say he most likely overdosed on painkillers. Strained from the extreme dance moves of his younger days, Prince danced on his own grave — but he did live a life of magnificent creativity and performance.

Years ago a co-worker told of her views on self-medicating, that she would not do it, not even aspirin. To me, there are times we need to help ourselves and have the means to do so immediately.

I found an article with a different point of view, that “difficult” patients had the best chance of success and survival. They meant people who did not simply cooperate with the doctor, but questioned everything. They come at their condition from a great deal of knowledge from various sources.

A friend of mine became gravely ill when her pharmacist gave her the wrong pills for her prescription. She told me that there are resources online where you can double check based on what they look like. Now that I know about that, I check it, too.

As with many things, there is a balance needed between trusting doctors, trusting your own gut, and the need to take care of yourself. If something does not feel right about treatment, you can get a second opinion. Many people have coping methods that are addictive, which can include drugs, alcohol, work, food, and sex. For most of these, we expect to have them in our lives.

People are different, including the amount of something it takes to cause damage, and tolerance of pain. Some of it can depend on how we were raised, some is genetic, and sometimes it’s the combination of diseases and environment that we’re in. What works for one person, even for the majority, fails for others.

My point with all of this is to ask that you be kind and forgiving when you hear what people are going through. Look up Spoon Theory to understand what they are living with. Don’t presume to “take over” the management of someone else’s condition, but assist when asked. I never liked to have my identity defined by whatever condition I had, when there was so much more about myself to share.

I do recommend the Healing Egg and also the Self Improvement Doll from Spellmaker. They are not a substitute for medical care, but can help in so many ways, including guiding to the best course of treatment or professionals who are good partners for healing.

 

Love, Khouzhan Lucy

www.spellmaker.com

Spring

 

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. 

~Margaret Atwood

 

Cousin Azacca and Gran Bwa are the Lwa of agriculture and of trees. Offer up your gardening work to them and they will help you grow!

 

Love, Khouzhan Lucy

www.spellmaker.com

 

 

Image courtesy of kdshutterman at FreeDigitalPhotos.net