The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Zulu is New Orleans' first and best-known African-American Carnival organization, formally known as the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. The club was founded in 1909 by African-Americans excluded from the city's mainline Carnival krewes, which were often lampooned in Zulu's satirical antics. Zulu began to parade in 1916, featuring characters such as King Zulu, Big Shot and the Witch Doctor who are city favorites to this day. While Rex rules Carnival with a golden scepter and jeweled crown, King Zulu carries a banana stalk and wears a lard can on his head. And all of the krewe's maskers - now including men and women of all races - wear black face and Afro wigs to turn the tables on racial stereotypes! The prize of the Zulu parade is a painted coconut; they used to be thrown from the floats but are now handed out because of high liability insurance costs due to the risk of injury to spectators. When you purchase a Zulu Witchdoctor from the Mystic Voodoo, he will come with his own little painted coconut to pass on to you in the spirit of Mardi Gras.



Use your Zulu Witchdoctor as a focusing tool for creating the change you seek. He is particularly useful for improving luck, happiness, financial situations, and sex. Your Zulu Witchdoctor comes with a set of 7 pins that you can use to achieve your desired outcome. The pin colors and their meanings are as follows: 1) yellow – success, 2) white positive, 3) red – power, 4) purple – spirituality, 5) green – money, 6) blue – love, 7) black – repelling negativity or transformation. Concentrate on the outcome you wish to occur and ask him for assistance in creating this change. Make an offering for three days following your request. Your Zulu Witchdoctor likes to be indulged, so make sure you offer him candy, rum, or food of any kind. Be creative!The most important concept in Voodoo is reverence to ancestors. Always be sure to remember those who have gone on before you. It is the single most important thing you can do to insure success in your ritualistic endeavors.

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shelian
19:53 Jan 19 2010

cool this is usefull

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Yemayá is the Mother of the Seven Seas, the Santeria Orisha of fertility and motherhood. She offers protection to women. She is likened to the patron saints Lady of Regla, and Mary, Star of the Sea.



According to legend, Yemayá originated in Egypt as the Goddess Isis. It is thought by some that the Nubian slaves who returned to different parts of Africa may have brought Isis with them under the new name of Yemayá



Myth has it that Yemayá gave birth to the 14 Yoruban Goddesses and Gods. When her uterine waters broke, it caused a great flood creating the oceans. The first human man and woman were borne from her womb.



Yemaya is the Creation Goddess, and is often depicted as a mermaid. She is associated with the moon, ocean, and female mysteries. As such, she is the governess of the household and the matters of women including childbirth, conception, childhood safety, love, and healing. Extremely compassionate and merciful, Yemaya rules the dreamtime, oversees the Moon, deep secrets, ancient wisdom, salt water, sea shells, and the collective unconscious.



Yemayá goes by a number of different names including Queen of Witches, Mother of Fishes, The Constantly Changing Woman, The Ocean Mother, Mother of Dreams and Secrets, Mother of Pearl, Mama Watta (Mother of Waters), and Yemaya-Olokun (powerful dream aspect

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shelian
19:55 Jan 19 2010

wow really?

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Legba has his origins with the Fon people of Dahomey (Benin) Africa and is said to be the guardian and trickster of the crossroads and entrances. He is one of the most widely worshipped loas and is known by several names. In Surinam in Brazil he is known as Exu, in Trinidad, in Cuba he is known as Elegua, and in Haiti and New Orleans he is known as Papa Legba. Papa Legba is the master linguist, the trickster, warrior, and the personal messenger of destiny. He has the power to remove obstacles and he provides opportunities. All ceremonies begin and end with Papa Legba, and there can be no communication with any of the other loas without consulting him first. His gift for linguistics enables him to translate the requests of humans into the languages of the spirits and loas.Papa Legba voodoo dolls can be used as a focusing tool for gaining clarity on the current obstacles in your life. First, you must prepare your altar. To show respect, place some of Legba’s favorite foods and some red and black cloth on your altar,. Your Legba comes with three stones; place them along with a crooked stick on your alter. Place Papa Legba on the cloth on your altar. Sit quietly and meditate on the task you wish to accomplish. Acknowledge the barriers that get in your way. Once this is clear, ask Papa Legba to exert his influence over the matter at hand. Begin with a call to greet him:



Odu Legba, Papa Legba, open the door, Your children are waiting. Papa Legba, open the door, your children await.



Sit quietly and meditate on the task you wish to accomplish. Acknowledge the barriers that get in your way. Once this is clear ask Legba to exert his influence over the matter at hand. Make your request by simply talking to him as if he were a person in the room with you. When you are done, place him behind your front door so he can clear the path and help you accomplish the goals that you seek. This ritual is best done on a Monday, at 3:00 am, on the third day of the week, the third week of the month, or the third month of the year. The number three is his favorite number, so be sure to incorporate it in some fashion in your ritual. In the days and weeks following, pay attention to the stories that come your way through your dreams, other people, books, or the media. Contemplate on the truth inherent in each. In this way, you will gain wisdom from Legba on an ongoing basis in your everyday life. By doing so, you are allowing the doors to open and obstacles to vanish.The most important concept in Voodoo is reverence to ancestors. Always be sure to remember those who have gone on before you. It is the single most important thing you can do to insure success in your ritualistic endeavors

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shelian
19:56 Jan 19 2010

i like this one...ill try it

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Oya is the Mistress of the marketplace and the one who rules over the winds and the hurricanes. She is very powerful and is likened to St. Theresa and St. Catherine. Her purpose is for ancestral connection and success in the marketplace, and is called upon when a great change is needed. She can be placed in the library or office of your home. She likes red wine, grapes, plums, and eggplant, so make sure you make these available to her as an offering for what you ask of her.



Use Oya as a focusing tool for change. Oya is particularly useful for improving business affairs. Concentrate on the outcome you wish to occur and ask Oya for assistance in creating this change. Make an offering for three days following your request. Appropriate offerings for Oya include red wine, grapes, plums, eggplant, black horsehair, and graveyard dust or dirt

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shelian
19:59 Jan 19 2010

thats cool

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Oshun is the Santeria goddess of love, art, and dance. Her greatest attribute is her ability to provide the emotions a solid foundation upon which to reside and grow. Oshun also provides gifts of money and material riches, sex, love, creativity, fertility, compassion, beauty, and laughter.



To construct an altar for Oshun, use a gold altar cloth. Place 5 peacock feathers in a crystal vase, and a bowl of river water on the altar. Arrange five cowrie shells on the surface along with five pieces of amber. A single yellow candle can be placed towards the back. You can also make a special jar for her that contains honey, five cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and a handful of pumpkin seeds. Any prayers you wish Oshun to answer should be repeated for 5 nights. But first, you will need to ask Papa Legba to open the gates to the spirit world so that you can ask Oshun for a favor. To do so, recite the following three times:



Odu Legba, Papa Legba, open the door, Your children are waiting. Papa Legba, open the door, your children await.



You can now use your Voodoo doll as a focusing tool for creating the change you seek. Oshun Voodoo dolls are particularly useful for improving love, happiness, and emotional strength. Concentrate on the outcome you wish to occur and greet Oshun with the appropriate ritual greeting:



Ori Ye Ye O



Then you may use the following prayer to Oshun



African Chant For Oshun

Oshun, I bow to you!

You are very rich,

digging in the sand

To hide money there.

Oshun, I bow to you!

You are very beautiful,

With your coral hair combs

And your cast-copper jewelry.

Oshun, I bow to you!

You are very powerful.

You have seized the crown.

Look at you,dancing with it!

You may now ask Oshun for assistance in creating the change you seek. You may write a petition if you wish. Make an offering for five days following your request. Appropriate offerings include lighting a special candle, placing a small plate of food from your dinner on her altar, or flowers. Oshun is particularly fond of cinnamon, honey, oranges, pumpkins, gold, mirrors, and French pastries. Her favorite colors are yellow, green, and coral, her favorite day is Thursday, and her favorite number is the number 5. Be creative!



When you are finished, place Oshun in your kitchen or in the bedroom as these are the best places in the home for her.The most important concept in Voodoo is reverence to ancestors. Always be sure to remember those who have gone on before you. It is the single most important thing you can do to insure success in your ritualistic endeavors

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shelian
20:01 Jan 19 2010

dude i soooo have to try that.

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Orunla is the Santeria God of Fate, owner of divination, and giver of wisdom to find solutions to all of life's problems. Orunala is likened to St. Francis of Asisi because of their simialr humbleness and simplicity.



Orunla works through the table of IFA, transmitting the will of Olofi to those of us here on earth. All major decisions of the religion must have the approval of Orunla and an individual's guardian angel must be determined by Orunla though a specialized ritual consulting the Oracle.







Orunla is the great benefactor of humanity and its principal adviser. He reveals the future through the secret of Ifa, the supreme oracle. Orunla is also a great healer. Whoever ignores his advice may suffer the curse of Echu (not a good thing).



Orunla's favorite animals and objects include kola nuts, palm nuts, and crocodiles. His power object is the ifa board, which is a percussion instrument used in ceremony. A whisk of horse hair is also used to drive away evil. Offerings to Orunla should include yams and black chickens.The most important concept in Voodoo is reverence to ancestors. Always be sure to remember those who have gone on before you. It is the single most important thing you can do to insure success in your ritualistic endeavors.

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shelian
20:02 Jan 19 2010

damn imma remember that.

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Ochosi is the Santeria Orisha that represents the forces of nature and justice. He is the patron of justice, hunters, prisoners and the accused. Ochosi is a great magician and seer; as well as a warrior, hunter and fisherman. He symbolizes balance, judgment, and reason. Ochosi's colors are blue and orange, or blue and yellow, and his numbers are three and seven. His power symbol is a bow and arrow. He is described as a beautiful, wild hunter who wears skins.



Ochosi "owns" all things associated with hunting and fishing. As such, his altar should include deer antlers, three arrows, three dog figurines, and a small mirror. Offerings should consist of smoked fish, deer, and game birds. He is the son of Yemaya, and brother of Eleggua and Ogun. He is a great tracker and provides men with meat and medicine from the forest but he does not live with them. Ochosi is prayed to when looking for justice or something such as a job or a house. He is also the patron of those who work with animals, and in particular, with dogs.



Ochosi is likened to several saints, including Saint Norbert in Cuba, Saint Sebastian in the Rio de Janeiro area of Brazil, and Saint George in the Bahia region.

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shelian
20:04 Jan 19 2010

i have hered that one before my mother told me this story. i'm fasinated with it.

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Obatala is the creator God, of whom all of the Orishas are but aspects. His color is white, containing all the colors of the rainbow. He rules the mind and intellect, cosmic equilibrium, male and female.







Obatala is the supreme deity of the Yoruba pantheon, the great African tradition from which much of New Orleans Voodoo originates. As the Creator god, all of the other Orishas are but aspects of Obatala. Always male and female, Obatala rules the head, keeps the peace, and is the highest deity concerned with the daily lives of humans. Her/His color is white, containing all the colors of the rainbow. Ruler of the mind and intellect, cosmic equilibrium, male and female, s/he carries the gifts of benevolence, wisdom, and power.

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shelian
20:06 Jan 19 2010

verry cool

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The Masa doll represents a spirit of the air; the connector of the earthly world and the celestial world. The Masa are the carriers and givers of life-giving water, grace, and power. The power in which they carry is not theirs to use, but only to give away. They can transform themselves into vessels in order to carry the amount of power that they have to give. The primary attributes of the Masa are transport and connection.



Use: Ideally, you will begin at your altar. It is advisable to have altar candles and spiritual incense burning at the time of use. Use your Masa doll as a focusing tool for creating the change you seek. Masa dolls are particularly useful for improving spiritual connection and protection. Concentrate on the outcome you wish to occur and ask your Masa doll for assistance in creating this change. You may write a petition if you wish. Make an offering for three days following your request. Appropriate offerings include lighting a special candle, a small plate of food from your dinner, or flowers. Always provide water for your Masa. Be creative!



Divination: As a recipient of a Masa spirit, you may soon experience a change of residence, receive an unexpected gift, either good or bad, or a messenger may intervene in your life in some fashion. Use the gifts of the Masa (drink lots of water, react with grace, and be extremely prudent in your use of power) to respond accordingly. This is your empowerment.



The most important concept in Voodoo is reverence to ancestors. Always be sure to remember those who have gone on before you. It is the single most important thing you can do to insure success in your ritualistic endeavors.

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shelian
20:07 Jan 19 2010

this is in my spell book.

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The wise old woman of the swamp; she has experience of the ancient, the oldest of old, beyond memory, in the roots of the beginning of time. This is the Gran Ibo, most commonly known as the Swamp Witch, so called because the bayou swamp is the place she calls home.







Gran Ibo is a goddess/loa of wisdom and patience. She sits and waits, watching and embracing the heart of the swamp. She holds the secrets of the mysteries that lie therein. She is the one who knows the magic and the medicine found within her little sisters who are the healing plants and herbs of the forest. She knows the power of the water. Through her, the roots, plants, herbs, and flowers of the swamp communicate to the voodooist.





This goddess is a hermit. She is ancient and wise. Her home is in the solitude of nature away from prying eyes. Her sacred animal is the yellow canary who whispers secrets of the mysteries into her ears. Canaries lead the soul to the ancestral realm. Give Gran Ibo and her canary food, blue-gray candles, swamp plants, plants with healing properties, seeds, and love and respect.



Gran Ibo is excellent with oils and incenses. She has inner peace and bliss. She has foresight into things. She is not rash nor is she impulsive. She understands and hears all the languages of life forms around her. If you lie she will see right through you. She is the Loa of the Vodun tradition called Congo.

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shelian
20:09 Jan 19 2010

i have herd of her. she is one of my favorites.

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The Gran Bois (Big Wood) is the Master of the Sacred Forest of the Island Below the Waters, which is the place where the loa call home. This is the land to where the newly dead travel. He is the protector of all wild animals, knows the secrets of herbal medicine, and the secrets of magic hidden in the herbs. He is likened to Saint Sebastian and Saint Christopher in the Catholic tradition.



Gran Bois is a very loving loa with a great sense of humor and full of advice. He is apparently proud of the fact that he has a big stiff penis. Gran Bois can be petitioned for healing and prosperity and general advice.



Use: Ideally, you will begin at your altar. It is advisable to have white and green altar candles and spiritual incense burning at the time of use. Use a red altar cloth for Gran Bois as he is a petro loa, and use a lot of leaves, sticks, herbs, and flowers and things you collect from the forest to adorn his altar. Add strips of green satin and a picture of his veve (symbol). Add your Gran Bois Voodoo doll as a focusing tool for creating the change you seek. Voodoo dolls are particularly useful for improving spiritual connection and protection. First, ask Papa Legba to open the door so that you may speak to Gran Bois:



Papa Legba, open the door for me



Atibon Legba, open the gate



Open the door for me Papa Legba so that I can pass



When I return, I will thank the loa!



Concentrate on the outcome you wish to occur and ask your Gran Bois for assistance in creating this change. You may write a petition if you wish. Make an offering in a wooden bowl and place the green candle in the bowl. Light the candle and ask Gran Bois for his help. Sing songs for him or dance or do both. Make it a festive time! Let the candle burn down, and when it is done, take the bowl and food and put it in a paper bag. take it deep in the woods and place it beneath a big tree. Tell Gran Bois again what it is you need. Then thank him and thank Papa Legba for copening the door to him.



Some of Gran Bois' favorote things include sweet potatoes, yams, green bananas, black pigs, goats, distilled rum, wild berries, acorns, any type of food from the woods.



Here are a couple of songs for Gran Bois:



I.



M al nan Gran Bwa, al chache fey

Le mwen rive mwen jwen twa zom O!

Al nan Gran Bwa, al chache fey

Le mwen rive mwen jwen twa zom O!

Premye a, yon boutey nwa,

Dezyem nan, yon tet san ko,

Twazyem nan, yon asson nan men!

Se li ke wa, se li kap komande.



I go to Big Woods, go looking for leaves.

When I get there, I find three men, O!

I go to Big Woods, go looking for leaves.

When I get there, I find three men, O!

The first, a black bottle,

The second, a head without a body,

The third, an asson in hand!

It is king, it commands.



II.



Se nan bwa, fey nan bwa ye,

Se nan bwa, fey nan bwa ye,

Se mwen menm Gran Bwa,

M pap montre moun kay mwen,

Si m pral montre moun kay mwen,

Yap di se nan bwa m rete.



It's in the woods, the leaves are,

It's in the woods, the leaves are,

It is I Gran Bwa,

I won't show people my house,

If I go and show people my house,

They will say I live in the woods.The most important concept in Voodoo is reverence to ancestors. Always be sure to remember those who have gone on before you. It is the single most important thing you can do to insure success in your ritualistic endeavors

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shelian
20:12 Jan 19 2010

thats awesome.

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In the Voodoo Pantheon, there is an important group of female loa (goddesses) whose first name



is Erzulie. While all of them share in their role as Goddess of love, art, and sex, each has additional areas of life which is theirs to defend and assist. Erzulie is three in aspect: she can be Erzulie Freda, a virgin goddess likened to the Virgin Mary; Erzulie Dantor, loa of jealousy and passion; or La Siren, a personification of the sea and goddess of motherhood. Her color is pink, her animal a white dove. She is associated with the Lukumi Orisha Oshun, and sometimes Chango (as Erzulie Dantor).



Erzulie Dantor



Erzulie Dantor is the Voodoo goddess of love, romance, art, jealousy, passion, & sex. Erzulie Dantor is the patron loa of lesbian women, fierce protector of women experiencing domestic violence and patron loa of New Orleans. Beauty, love, and sensuality are her Creations. Emotions are what link her to the endless reservoir of universal creativity. Erzulie Dantor offers to you protection and possibilities beyond the imagination. Erzulie Dantor is a mulatto woman who is often portrayed as the Black Madonna, or the Roman Catholic "Saint Barbara Africana". She has tribal scars on her cheek, and is considered heterosexual because she has children, but she is also the patron loa of lesbian women. Thus, she loves women fiercely, and will defend them to the death. She loves knives and is considered the protector of newly consecrated Voodoo priests and priestesses, as well as of women and children who are victims of domestic violence, and women who have been betrayed by a lover. She is highly respected and much feared due to her Woman Power. Most Haitian women serve Dantor, and she is also the patron loa of New Orleans and so she is served by many there as well. She also supports independent business women and is the patron of women's finances. Many women invoked Erzulie Dantor against their partners (male or female) should they become violent. And enlightened men also serve Dantor, especially men who honor, love and respect women.







Erzulie’s personal story is a tragedy. She was a warrioress who fought with her people during the Haitian revolution. However, her own people cut out her tongue so that she would not tell their secrets should she be captured. Thus, she is mute and can only speak a stammering monosyllable, "ke-ke-ke-ke-ke!" This is the sound of her tongue clicking on the roof of her mouth. She is often pictured with her daughter Anais, who serves as her translator and interpreter. To use an Erzulie Dantor Voodoo doll



Ideally, you will begin at your altar. It is advisable to have altar candles and spiritual incense burning at the time of use.







To begin, you will need to ask Papa Legba to open the gates to the spirit world so that you can ask Erzulie Dantor for a favor. To do so, recite the following three times:







Odu Legba, Papa Legba, open the door, Your children are waiting. Papa Legba, open the door, your children



await!







You can now use your Voodoo doll as a focusing tool for creating the change you seek. Erzulie is particularly useful for improving love, happiness, and emotional strength. Concentrate on the outcome you wish to occur.







You may now ask her for assistance in creating the change you seek. You may write a petition if you wish. Make an offering for three days following your request. Appropriate offerings include lighting a special pink candle, placing a small plate of food from your dinner on her altar, or flowers. Erzulie is particularly fond of French perfumes, honey, oranges, pumpkins, gold, mirrors, and French pastries. Her favorite color is pink, and her favorite animal is the white dove. Be creative!







When you are finished, place Erzulie Dantor in your kitchen or in the bedroom as these are the best places in the home for her. Finally, be sure to thank her for the favor, and be sure to thank Papa Legba for connecting you to her. Erzulie Dantor's colors are navy blue and golden yellow. She is represented



by the image of Santa Barbara Africana (not the Santa Barbara used to



represent Chango in the Lukumi tradition). She is depicted as a black woman



with tribal scars on her cheeks, a boy child in one arm, rich robes and a



crown.







Dantor loves silver chains and other items of silver jewelry, Creme de Cacao,



black female pigs, Reve d'Or perfume, and daggers. When she possesses a



person she is all but mute - she points at what she wants and she says



"Ke-ke-ke-ke-ke-ke!" and "Te-te-te-te-te-te!"







Here is a song about Dantor which describes her affinity for knives and her



indestructibility:







Set kout kouto, set kout pwenya,



Prete m dedin a pou m al vomi sang mwen,



Set kout kouto, set kout pwenya,



Prete m dedin a pou m al vomi sang mwen,



Sang mwen ape koule.







Seven stabs of the knife, seven stabs of the dagger,



Lend me the basin so I can vomit my blood,



Seven stabs of the knife, seven stabs of the dagger,



Lend me the basin so I can vomit my blood,



My blood is pouring down.







She is a Petro lwa, but she is not served with red. Erzulie Dantor offers her



devotees her protection, but more than that she is a capital magician! She



has two husbands, Simbi Makaya and Ti-Jean Petro, both important magicians in



their own right. Because of her fierce nature, although she is a lwa of



orthodox Vodou, she is frequently referred to as a "djab".







Here is another song for Dantor which points to her magical abilities:







Erzulie fanm Ti-Jean metres kay la,



Erzulie fanm Ti-Jean metres kay la,



Pa rele, se ou pote Houngan nivo,



Pa rele, so ou pote wanga pi fo,



Erzulie fanm Ti-Jean metres kay la,



Paket mwen a tout mare.







Erzulie Ti-Jean's woman, mistress of the house,



Erzulie Ti-Jean's woman, mistress of the house,



Don't cry out, it's you who carries the new Houngan,



Don't cry out, it's you who carries the strongest spells,



Erzulie Ti-Jean's woman, mistress of the house,



My paket is all tied up.







A paket is a power object made during the bat guerre, the opening ceremony of



Vodou initiation. Interestingly, pakets are among the very few Petro-related



objects permitted in the initiatory djevo.







Most Haitian women serve Dantor. She is the patron of women's finances, and



supports independant businesswomen. She is also the defender of women



against violence by men, so Haitian women invoke her against their domestic



partners should they become violent. Lesbian women in particular are



considered to be under the patronage of Dantor, but of course one need not be



a lesbian woman to serve her. And men also serve Dantor, especially men who



really love to be with women.







To serve Erzulie Dantor, here is what to do:







Prepare an altar draped in navy blue and yellow. Provide offerings of Creme



de Cacao and cooked pork. You can offer her cooked sweet potatos as well.



Put the food offerings in bowls or plates that you only use for Dantor. In



each food offering place a small dark blue or yellow candle. If you have



more than one food offering, use both colors.







You may also place on your altar silver chains, daggers, and rich perfumes



such as Amarige, since Reve d'Or is unavailable in the USA except in Haitian



botanicas. If you are an initiate, do NOT use your asson, Erzulie Dantor is



a Petro lwa and is therefore served with a maraca, which even non-initiates



may use.







Light a dark blue or golden yellow candle, spray yourself and the altar with



perfume. Say the Lord's Prayer or some other appropriate prayer. Then



invoke the lwa Legba in the Petro branch with the following words:



Legba, Papa Legba, open the gate for the lwa!



Open the gate for the djab, Papa Legba!



Open the gate for the lwa!



We have arrived, we wait for them.







Let us go, Papa Legba, let us go!



Let us go, Papa Legba, let us go!



We will go see what is happening in that house,



We will go see where Legba commands.







Now call on Dantor! If you know the songs for Dantor above, sing them, if



not, repeat the words. Shake your maraca and call Dantor. Say this:







"Erzulie Dantor, strong and fierce! Make magic for me. I offer you these



things to eat and drink, these beautiful objects for you." At this point,



present each thing you offer Dantor to the four directions, that is, lift



them to the east, west, north and south.







"Erzulie Dantor, wife of Ti-Jean, wife of Simbi Makaya, mother of a child, be



my mother too! Help me, protect me, fight for me!" Then name your specific



requests. If there is a person or a problem which is particularly bothering



you, write down the person's name or a description of the problem on a piece



of rich paper decorated in blue and gold. Fold the paper several times.



When you fold it, fold it away from you, rather than towards you. Then place



the paper on the altar and STAB IT! Stab it seven times, and say, "I win! I



overcome! You can't beat me, you have no power over me! Erzulie Dantor is



my mother, and you can't hurt me any more! Down with you! DOWN WITH YOU!"







After this is done, sit quietly in front of your altar for a time, then leave



the room and let the candles in the food offerings burn out. Watch and see



what happens, and especially pay attention to your dreams and to your



relationships with other women.







...do this ceremony alone in your own house or together with others.







Peace and love,







Bon Mambo Racine Sans Bout Sa Te La Daginen







"Se bon ki ra",



Good is rare - Haitian Proverb

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shelian
20:16 Jan 19 2010

i believe i have a new woman i look up to.

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Wise and loving Father of the Loas.



Loa of new life, transformation, and fertility.



Damballah Wedo is one of the most revered of the African gods, the loa of peace and purity, of platinum and silver, and the one who grants riches and sustains the world. Optimism emanatesfrom his presence and it is he who is the original servant to the Creator.



Long ago, the serpent spirit Dambala created the world. He used his 7,000 coils to form the stars and the planets in the heavens and to shape the hills and valleys on earth. He used lightning bolts to forge metals and make the sacred rocks and stones. When he shed his skin he created all the waters on the earth. And when the sun showed through mist settling on the plants and trees a rainbow was born. Her name was Ayida Wedo. Dambala loved her and made her his wife. They are still together today, the serpent and the rainbow. Dambala and Ayida Wedo.







Some of the chief attributes of Damballah Wedo is his lack of human speech and an affinity for water. He has many aspects, one of which Damballah la Flambeau, where he appears in fire form and pure active energy. In this form he melds with the attributes of the Dragon, and represents the outward manifestation of Kundalini of the East rising.







Purpose: To bring wealth, happiness, optimism, and purity of thought to his possessor.







Use: To use this Voodoo Doll, light a white candle and tell Damballah Wedo your wishes in a sacred place. Appropriate offerings for Damballah Wedo include white eggs, white wine, cabbage, and white flowers. His color is white and his day is Sunday.



The most important concept in Voodoo is reverence to ancestors. Always be sure to remember those who have gone on before you. It is the single most important thing you can do to insure success in your ritualistic endeavors.

Chango is the god of fire, thunder, power, and sensuality. He has the power to help you win wars, defeat your enemies, and can help you gain power over others. He will ensure you are victorious over all of your difficulties. Chango is believed to have once been a Yoruban king; thus, he must be treated as such.



This Chango Voodoo doll is created out of Spanish moss and sticks, with a hand-sculpted face that is painted. He wears his favorite colors, and his necklace is made with consideration to his favorite number, colors, stones, and cowrie shells. The red stones are red jasper, which has special metaphysical properties. Jasper is a power and protection stone. Once known as the Warrior stone, jasper has the ability to influence justice and fair play, and can help to rectify unjust situations. In addition, jasper has healing qualities and will give you the courage you need to stand up for what you believe in and overcome your difficulties.



To serve Chango, you should construct an altar for him. He prefers to be on a fireplace mantel, on your business desk, or anywhere you choose. His altar should be constructed using the following elements:Saint Barbara



Patron saint: St. Barbara, St. Jerome



Day and number: Friday, 6



Country and owned places: Trinidad, sky, trees



Cloth and Bead colors: Red and white



Favorite animals and objects: Horses, rams, turtles, pheasants, machete, wood, double axe



Favorite food: apples, yams, corn, and peppers



Planet: Sun and Mars



Place in the house: Fireplace, business desk



Ritual greeting: Kaguo, Kabiosile



Use Chango as a focusing tool for the purpose you seek. First, light a white candle. Concentrate on the outcome you wish to occur and ask Chango for assistance in creating this change. Make an offering for three days following your request. Appropriate offerings for Chango include any of his favorite foods, animals, and objects.



The most important concept in Voodoo is reverence to ancestors. Always be sure to remember those who have gone on before you. It is the single most important thing you can do to insure success in your ritualistic endeavors.

Baron Samedi is one of the Guédés, or spirits of Death, related to Baron Cimitère and Baron La Croix. Like Papa Legba, he is a guardian of the crossroads, the place where spirits cross over into our world. If the intercessions desired are with the loa, then Legba is saluted and asked to allow the loa to participate. If the intercessions are with the dead, then Guédé is the intercessor. The first burial in a cemetery is dedicated to Baron Samedi.











Maya Deren retells the story of many Guédés dressed in top hat and smoked glasses descending on the presidential palace.







It seems that some years ago, under the regime of President Borno, there suddenly appeared in the streets of Port-au-Prince a crowd of Ghedes (all of them houngans possessed by Ghede) wearing the "formal" costume of the lord: the tall top-hats, long black tail-coats, smokedBaron Cimitere glasses, cigarettes or cigars, and canes. An enormous crowd naturally collected about them, and joined them in their march to the National Palace. They all took the guards by surprise, and, singing, swerved through the gates and up the drive and to the door itself, where they demanded money of the President. President Borno, who is reputed to have been sympathetic to Voudoun ritual (secretly so) and yet feared bourgeois opinion was in great dilemma. He finally gave in, ostensibly merely to quiet the mob, and the Ghedes with their supporters left the grounds. But Ghede had made his point. Death, who has consumed so many heroes, bows before no man and will remind even the most illustrious that one day he too will be consumed. So Ghede had gotten his money and went off to gorge himself, singing... Zora Neale Hurston recounts that when you make a request of Baron Samedi, you use a cow's foot extended in place of your hand. When the Baron is ready to leave, he takes with him whatever he's holding. By substituting the cow foreleg, you don't loose your arm!



Here's a simple ritual for Baron Samedi:

You should dress in purple, white and black for this ritual.



Start with a primarily purple or white with purple. A smaller cloth of black can be placed atop the purple or white cloth. A goblet of water should be in the center of your altar. His number is nine so you could incorporate that into the ritual somehow. His special days of service and Monday and Saturday. Offer him black coffee, a cup with sugar, and a cup without sugar. You can also place crosses, a deck of cards, the death card from the tarot, and pictures of your ancestors on the altar. The altar should have a picture of the saint associated with him (St, Gerard, St. Marin de Porres, or La Candelaria) or his veve pinned on the front of the altar. Place one white candle on the altar, followed by as many purple and white as you wish. This will make him happy.



You start by lighting the white candle, then petitioning Legba to open the gate:



Papa Legba open the gate for me!

Atibon Legba open the gate for me!

Open the gate for me Papa, so that I can pass,

When I return, I will thank the loa!



Now you can talk to Baron Samedi. This is where you can get creative. Dance, sing spiritual songs or anything that makes you feel happy. After you tell him what you need, let the candles burn down. Sleep in white or purple pajamas. Throw away any food offerings the next morning in the woods under a bush.You can tell Papa Legba he can close the gate now and that you thank him and all of the other loas for listening to you and helping you. Keep the other items on the altar

Baron La Croix is the spirit of one of the Guédé Barons, Baron La Croix. He is the ultimate suave and sophisticated spirit of Death - quite cultured and debonair. He has an existential philosophy about death, finding death's reason for being both humorous and absurd. Baron La Croix is the extreme expression of individuality, and offers to you the reminder of delighting in life's pleasures. Live happy and live well, for even the most rich and talented, or the most poor and resourceful people are not spared the ultimate universal experience - Death.



Use: Use Baron La Croix as a focusing tool for coping with extreme change. He is ever the humorist, and will help you through your situation, reminding you to keep your sense of humor. The Guedeh Barons like to dress well, favoring long black coat tails and top hats, smoked glasses, and canes. You may emulate this to capture their essence and enhance your connection if you wish. Baron La Croix is particularly useful for improving love, sex, and happiness, so be sure to tell him specifically what you need. First, light a white candle. Concentrate on the outcome you wish to occur and ask Baron La Croix for assistance in creating this change. Make an offering for three days following your request. Appropriate offerings for Baron La Croix include cigarettes, cigars, food, and money.



Warning: The Guédé Barons are extremely powerful spirits. Although Baron La Croix is a Spirit of Death Voodoo doll, he is not intended to be used for self-harm or to harm others. If you choose to use him in this fashion, I am not responsible for any negative outcome as a result of that choice.

This is the story of Oshun & Ogun, a retelling of a fable (a pataki) based on West African Yoruba culture. It is a love story, a Santeria/Voodoo love story, if you can believe there is such a thing.



The fact of the matter is that Voodoo is full of love and life, and this story is proof of that.



First, I must give you some background. I live in the upper Midwest in a century plus old home. Built in 1875, my home is one of the original homesteads in the small town in which I reside. There is a lot of history in this old home, and a lot of Spirit here.



Now, I haven’t always lived here. I was born and raised in New Orleans, and spent most of my life there in the Deep South. New Orleans is a unique and mysterious city with a haunting blend of slavery and Voodoo in its history. Haunted houses are commonplace there and a favorite pastime as a teenager was to frequent some of these infamous old hauntings. It was great, albeit macabre, fun.



As a Voodoo artist, I form intimate relationships with the spirits that I create in magickal art form. This is especially true when creating Voodoo dolls. Through the process of their creation, the spirit becomes infused into the doll form, the dolls are charged with their energy, and become alive. This energy is especially pronounced when the doll is consecrated and resides on my altar for seven or more days.



Sometimes the Spirit makes their presence known in subtle ways; other times, in more obvious ways. Such was the case with Ogun and Oshun, the two Voodoo dolls pictured.



Without going into too much detail, I have several altars. One altar is for the Voodoo dolls that are in the process of becoming and for consecration. It was on this altar that something quite astonishing happened.



On the altar for Voodoo dolls in progress, I placed Oshun, who was as pictured with the gold face. Oshun loves gold, so I made her face out of gold clay. At this point, I was not finished with her. She was leaned up against a container of incense. I also placed Ogun on this altar, although he was placed in front of several tarot decks that are kept there. They were approximately 6 inches apart on the same altar.



My son and I told them goodnight, turned off the lights for the evening and went to bed. When I woke up in the morning and went downstairs to my altar, Oshun and Ogun were together, as in the picture. It seemed as thought they were snuggling up to each other. When I looked at their faces, I could tell they were completely energized, they were content and peaceful, happy to be together, and deeply in love.



If you don’t believe me, just look at the pictures. As the saying goes “a picture says a thousand words”…or something like that.



Now I have to mention at this point that I absolutely abhor those “haunted” auctions that are listed where the seller apparently has an unlimited supply of items that come from some ancient lineage or estate sale associated with some infamous witch or psychic. In my opinion, most of those auctions use simple trick photography to “prove” their item is really haunted. There are a couple of excellent reviews written by reputable folks about this…you should take a look if you are interested in not being ripped off.



While I have used the term haunted on a couple of my auctions, I use the term sparingly, as an attention-getter, to identify the kinds of phenomenon that I experience through the process of creating sacred art and developing intimate relationships with the Mysteries. I have no proof but my word and a few unaltered pictures. Where I come from, a person’s word is everything.



I speak the truth, and my pictures are my corroboration. Look at the pictures; Ogun and Oshun will tell you themselves, if you allow them to.



According to legend, Ogun is the traditional warrior, a fiery spirit, similar to the spirit of Ares in Greek mythology. As such, he is mighty and powerful; yet, he can also exhibit rage and destructiveness if disrespected. He is not a deity to play around with. He is associated with blood and is often called upon to cure diseases of the blood. Ogun gives strength through prophecy and magic. It is Ogun who is said to have planted the idea, led, and given power to the slaves for the Haitian Revolution of 1804. Ogun played a vital role in the process of creating the world as we know it. Without Ogun’s ache (essence), there would be no evolution.



Ogun brought technology such as iron and steel to Humans to help them improve their society. A fierce and hard-working blacksmith, Ogun withdrew from the creation of the world and retreated into the forest when he saw Humans use technology for war and oppression. When he left the world, creation stopped. Without Ogun, the Orishas and Humans lacked the technology they needed for planting new fields and they could not flourish. Society became stagnant. Despite the best efforts of numerous other Orishas, Ogun would not emerge from the bush...Finally Oshun, the Santeria goddess of love, art, dance, and the river, went into the woods with her five scarves and her gourd of honey. She found a clearing in the woods and began a beautiful and sensuous dance, which caught Ogun’s attention. With every seductive movement, Ogun was drawn closer and closer to Oshun. When he was upon her, she smeared his lips with her honey and continued to dance and lure Ogun out of the forest. Of course, Ogun followed her, and resumed his work. This story is a testament to the awesome beauty, and power of Oshun, who is the only one who can renew the process of creation.



Ogun and Oshun were not married. Oshun was in love with Shangó, but Shangó married Oya. Ogun was in love with Oya, but Shangó stole Oya from Ogun. Ogun and Shangó, though they are said to be brothers, are arch enemies as a result. Ogun and Shangó should never share the same altar.



Ogun is the family provider. He hunts so that his family will not go hungry. Oshun is stability. Her greatest attribute is her ability to provide the emotions a solid foundation upon which to reside and grow. That being said, these two Voodoo dolls must be sold as a pair. They would not have it any other way. And I sure as hell don’t want to piss them off!

The loas and orishas are the goddesses, gods, and spirits that comprise the Voodoo and Santería pantheons. To learn more about a particular loa, orisha, or spiritBaron La Croix







Baron Samedi



Chango



Damballah Wedo



Erzulie



Gran Bois



Gran Ibo



Masa Spirits



Obatala



Ochosi



Ogun



Orunla



Oshun



Oya



Papa Legba



Yemaya



Zulu Witchdoctor

Voodoo Doll Supplies



Skeletal structure - Traditionally, twigs from local trees are used, but you may find scrap wood or Popsicle sticks. pencils or dowels.



Binding -rope, yarn, twine, string, thread, strips of fabric, or ribbon.



Stuffing - moss, raffia, cotton, batting, cloth or paper.



Decorations - buttons, feathers, glitter, pompoms, sequins, braids and or jewelery.



Fabric of your choosing to cloth it in. Many try to get clothing of the person you intend to hex. Personal garments are best.



Fabric pen or metallic paint markers to draw a face. Some use caly and more adventurist people wil sew and soft sculpt the face as doll makers do.



Glue-gun (optional)



Masking Tape (optional)







Make Your Own Voodoo Doll Directions



1. First, create a simple cross with the twigs or sticks. Tie with twine or glue until somewhat sturdy.



2. Cover the "skeleton Voodoo doll cross" with some type of stuffing.



3. Next, cut a piece of fabric large enough to cover it completely. Lay it over the doll in a diamond shape--one corner at the bottom, one at the top, etc.



4. Wrap the fabric around the doll with one hand, tying ribbon or twine around the torso area with the other. To make it look more body-like, tie it in an x-like shape, as in this example). Also, be sure to tie around the "arms" and the base or "foot" area.



5. Now embellish it with your chosen decorations.



Heart Lyrics



Voodoo Doll



You haunt my room in the dead of night

I see your face in the firelight

Your hungry kiss I can’t forget- but I won’t give it to you yet



You got moves that make a good girl sweat

You won’t catch me in your net

You work your magic on my blues,

but I’m no slave for you to use

I won’t beg and I won’t crawl

I won’t be your voodoo doll



Baby I won’t be your voodoo doll



Stirring up a potion of colors make me crazy

You got something I can’t leave alone.

Shaking me, making me tremble,

you’re calling me baby

Heaven help me turn my heart to stone.



Yeah, Yeah, Yeah,



Hey moon man, don’t shine on me.

You are dangerous company.

I got treasure in my chest and the price is high for all the rest

Ain’t no snake inside my wall.

I won’t be your voodoo doll



Baby, I won’t be your voodoo doll

COMMENTS

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jasmyne
23:02 Jan 18 2010

that's the most poetic incantation i have ever read.......

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