After sending a client a photograph from the candle vigil service she had purchased, she wrote back with a very good question; "What do you do with the money offerings?"
This particular candle setting was one devoted to Marie Laveau and a
Laveaus Luck and Love Candle I had made was used.
I offered fresh flowers, cowrie shells, a cigar, fresh snow water, cornmeal, and a few coins.
Now, these particular coins were sent from my international clients who often send me coins from their countries as gifts. I choose to give these to my altars in offering. Money is it's own form of energy and has great symbolism. Spirits, who were once flesh and blood, still enjoy the things the living do; fresh flowers, clean, cold water, food, perfume, incense, money, etc.
However, when I use coins or dollars from the USA, where I live, this money is put into my Ganesh or Lakshmi pots after the working is finished. Donations from friends and neighbors, who often stop by for supplies, are also put into these pots or dishes. Friends and neighbors can never be charged for supplies, only donations (if they can afford them) will be accepted. By adding to the Lakshmi and
Ganesh pots, one blesses themselves in return.
So what happens when these dishes are full? What do the spirits spend money on?! Well, they never get full. We have two homeless men named Joe and Simi, a schizophrenic man named Rudy (who lives in a group home a few streets away) and young kids who come through looking for work (raking or shoveling snow) in exchange for a little money. Occasionally we have a new face who was sent by one of the above or heard about our home.The Ganesh and Lakshmi dishes are for them. Once the coins or dollars are placed into the dishes, the money belongs to whomever shows up in need. This money, along with an occasional cold glass of water on a hot day, a loaf of bread, a cigarette, a few cans of food, are all part of the dance. The exchange of energy in life. The only thing that keeps the dance flowing is movement or energy, which is to give freely of one's self, skills and possessions.
I believe these people who visit my home are the spirits in human form. I see the face of Eleggua in the children's eyes, I see Saint Dymphna in Rudy, I see Saint Margaret of Cortona in Joe and I see Saint Martin of Tours in Semi.
Who would I be if I turned them away? How could I call myself a servant? A vessel?
Now, let me be clear. I do not do this BECAUSE I see the spirits in them. I do this because it is right and I have always been called to. Only then do the spirits reveal themselves to me. You will be amazed what messages and signs you receive from the spirits once you make a concerted effort to serve others.
If you live in the city, like I do, and routinely see those in need I suggest you too start a Lakshmi or Ganesh pot. If you live in a rural area, I suggest you save your pocket change in a jar and take it to the shelter once a month and you will find your blessings adding up and overflowing. I promise that you will meet new spirits, receive guidance and messages and progress a little further down your spiritual path.
You must take the initiative to show that you want to be a vessel, for energy and spirit to pass through, in order to be filled and emptied. You can never be chosen if you do not step forward.
You must take the first step and begin to dance.
