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http://dancingonthedeluge.blogspot.com

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Each Day We are Born Again

I've gotten a few requests to go over a typical day for me...which really isn't glamorous...at all...but I realize it may be interesting to folks that are new to this or those who have not yet committed to practicing daily. Or perhaps those who aren't able to be open about it yet.

As many of you know, I have a 3 and a 4 year old. They go to school part of the week so much of my days are broken up with 6 strips back and forth to the school. My son only goes for a half a day so I have to pick him up then go back for my daughter.

And so it begins...

CLEANING! Cleaning is a huge part of any hoodoos house and daily ritual. Cleanliness, in my book, is next to Godliness. So, when I return home from taking the kids to school and running errands this puts the time about 10am. I put in a load of wash with Florida Water, clean up breakfast, make beads splashed with Florida Water, wash my dishes, clean all surfaces, and sweep the floor in my kitchen. I begin in a clockwise manner (to draw in, not push out what we have) with a lovely hand made broom. I then carry this on from the front door to the back, as to sweep luck in and I recite prayers and affirmations of what I am drawing in and what I am warding off. I then throw the dirt off of my property (not onto another's) or flush it down the toilet, as to get rid of any ill fortune that was in our home.

If I have a bit of extra time, I throw down a combination of ground High John, Little John, tobacco and sage to cleanse and protect. Then I sweep...again.

My candles are then lit and altars blessed with Florida Water and liquor. There is always one candle to Oya as I am one of her daughters (although alternated with Oshun when needed as they can not be fed together), one for steady work for my husband and I, any candles for any particular deity being petitioned at that time, and one for the welfare of my clients. This one is typically a Three Fates or Anima Sola candle. Each candle is dressed with an appropriate oil and I use a combination of oils to anoint myself with-mostly my hands as these are what I work with.

I then choose an incense for the day. This may correlate to something I am working on for a client, something a neighbor needs worked on, or a general blessing for my community and clients if nothing dire is present at the time. I also ask that those who I am meant to serve find me and to give me the strength to serve them to the best of my ability. This may be resin or hand-dipped sticks-either way, the incense is set outside to be carried throughout the neighborhood. It is believed that whoever smells or sees it will be blessed.

An offering of foodstuffs is then prepared-this typically consists of an orange (citrus for the dead), fresh baked bread, and other fruit, fresh water, a liquor, and maybe honey. This is also set outside with a prayer of gratitude.

NOW I can begin work! By now it is 11am and I have an hour to work before I pick up my son. So I get as much done as I can. Typically this hour is spent answering e-mails. I do this for another 2-3 hours at night-minimum. When I return home at 1 pm, I continue with my list of orders.

Occasionally I have a client prod me about the shipping of a order-it is clear they think it has been too long. Though most orders go out in 3-5 days, sometimes humans are impatient...imagine that:) And now you begin to see, why it may take a few extra days. For one, I a human. I buy groceries and gas, have appointments, and errands just like everyone else.

I often work until 6pm or later (if hubby grills out for us:) on orders and then sit down to a few more hours of private listings and e-mails while hubby puts the kids to bed.

I then take myself to bed, reading a bit and praying for constant work, food, and shelter for myself, community and clients. I read only spiritually based books-exclusively. This is something I have devoted myself to. I love to read (often a book a week) and these books are not only informative and enlightening, they are entertaining for me. It is a discipline I adopted many years ago to keep my mind focused. I also do not subject myself to violent imagery in TV, art, or movies. I find that these images leave impressions on the mind and spirit and that NO ONE needs them to live a full, healthy life. We see enough of this in everyday life.

Well, now you know what I do with ALL my time! You now also know where your items are created is a sacred space, that I live and breathe my work, and that lots of that work is done on the behalf of those who will never know. Each day is a day to begin again. What we did or did not get done yesterday doesn't matter-today is what we have and we start over again, in the now. Each day I strive to serve as many people as I can to the best of my ability and not hold myself to a number. To serve without limitations or quotas is liberating and the only way, I have found, that one can serve and not get burnt out.

Items for the Urban Shaman...

 Deer Toes

 Deer Hooves

 Coyote Teeth

 Raccoon Teeth

 Gator Claws

 Termite Wood

 Coyote Foot Bones

 Coon Dongs (raccoon penis bones)

 Gator Jaw Knives

Dirt Dauber Nests

I get a lot of questions about the animal curios I carry. Mostly about how to use them and how I acquired them. All animal parts are acquired through reputable sources, most are Native American or legal, ethical hunters not wanting any part of the animal's body to be wasted. Some, such as black cat bones and raccoon parts, are acquired from road kill. Nothing should be wasted, and if I can collect these items and share their symbolism and ashe' with others, then that animals life was not taken for granted or wasted in any way.

Animal gris gris is the most powerful form of sympathetic magick. Just as the Doctrine of Signatures applies to plants, we can apply this theory to claws, bones, teeth, and nests of animals. This theory is even easier to apply with animal gris gris since we do not have to guess what the item looks like, then associating a use with what we interpret it to resemble like we do with roots and leaves. A claw is a claw-it grabs what the animals needs. A tooth is a tooth-it helps the animal macerate it's food to sustain it's body. A foot bone has carried the animal to search for food, away from predators-enabled it survive. The ashe' in each part of an animals body is different and is a valuable resource.

Many practitioners are new to using animals parts. Many practitioners (and people in general) see it as well, kind of gross or macabre. It has been so long since any of us, or even our elders, actually hunted, killed, and prepared our own food. So now, we get grossed out by an animal part unless it's an 8 pack of chicken breasts in the grocery store.

But as Pagans, aren't we all about spirits, nature, worship, honor, respect, resources, and re-purposing? Then why not become familiar with the animals around us by learning their spirits, their purpose, their ashe'. Even urban animals like rats, pigeons, and raccoon have worth, purpose, and meaning.

Now, I'm not telling you to go out and forage for road kill BUT taking a walk in the woods is a great place to start. You will be surprised at what you can find. It may take several trips, or maybe even reading a book or two to learn about the signs and markings animals make so you know where and what to look for. But why not? We are Pagans-we love learning and adding new facets to our practices!

If you are not afraid to eat it or co-exist with it-then learn it's spirit and respect it's vessel.

Working the Psalms

My experience with spiritualism began with a Gideon bible when I was about 10 years old. I had taken it from a nightstand in a motel that my grandpa and grandpa and I stayed in while traveling back home to the Gulf. It had a green plastic cover textured to look like leather-and I kept it. I remember asking my grandma if it was free and her replying "I'm sure they won't mind". I still have it to this day. It was the first bible I had ever had or read, and it felt weird keeping it. It was something sort of new and secret. Anything that small must be for putting away in a special place.




The bible were not pushed in my household as I was raised to choose a belief for myself and without the need of doctrines in worship. This gave me confidence a practitioner as I only had myself to answer to and there were no doubts of doing anything "wrong" in my worship.




Several years later I found a pamphlet about using the Psalms in magical workings...and the pieces began to fall together. It all just melted together...




The word psalms is derived from the Greek Ψαλμοί (Psalmoi), perhaps originally meaning "music of the lyre" or "songs sung to a harp" and then to any piece of music. From psallein "play upon a stringed instrument" and then to "make music in any fashion".




The Psalms are poetry, songs to be used as praise, worship, and affirmation of goals and aspirations. By incorporating them in your practice you obtain extremely detailed help in many areas. They fit in wonderfully with spiritual practices and the art of hoodoo, as well as many other magical systems. They can be easily used by the beginner or novice and provide a tremendous amount of energy and aid to workings. Simply set an altar with two appropriate colored candles for your intent, dress them with a corresponding oil, and recite the proper Psalm for your concern. You can begin on the corresponding day as well and I recommend doing this same ritual each day for a week at least. I have recited Pslams for months before with remarkable results.




Below is a list of each Psalm, in order from 1-150 and each of their uses.




1 - Dangerous confinement, Premature delivery
2 - Storm at sea, Life threatened by water
3 - Severe headache, Severe backache
4 - Good luck
5 - Fortune in business
6 - All eye diseases
7 - Defense against your enemies
8 - Love and goodwill of others in business
9 - Restoration of male childs health
10 - Protection against unclean spirits
11 - Safe from persecution\fear
12 - Safe from persecution
13 - 24 hr from unnatural death\suffering punishments
14 - Favor with all men, freedom from slander
15 - Against presence of evil spirit\insanity\melancholy
16 - Sorrows to joy\enemies to friends\name of thief
17 - Protect from evil for 24hrs.
18 - Protect Against theft
19 - Assist in dangerous delivery
20 - Free from danger and suffering
21 - Storm at sea
22 - Against misfortune
23 - Receive instruction in dreams
24\25 - Danger and flood
26 - Danger from land or water, severe imprisonment
27 - Kindly received in a strange city
28 - Reconcile a enemy
29 - Cast out an evil spirit
30 - Free from evil
31 - Escape slander
32 - Receive grace, love, mercy
33 - Protect children from death
34 - To receive friends favorably
35 - Lawsuit in which you are opposed by unrighteous people
36 - Against evil and slanderous libel
37 - Against loss of reason by drink
38\39 - Slander
40 - Free from evil spirits
41\43 - Against enemies that cause loss
44 - Safe from enemies
45\46 - To make peace between man and wife
47 - To be beloved, respected, by fellow men
48 - Stop enemies from harming you
49\50 - Against severe or incurable fever
51 - If burdened with heavy sin
52 - Against slander
53-55 - To quiet open or secret enemies
56 - To free ones self from passion
57 - For fortune in undertakings
58 - Protect From attack of vicious dog
59 - To prevent sinful passions which can overcome
60 - Safety for soldiers
61 - Blessings before occupying a new dwelling
62 - Pardon of sins
63 - Against unfair business partners
64 - To complete voyage in good health--water
65 - Fortune in all undertakings
66 - Driving out evil spirit
67\68 - Against fever \ evil spirit
69\70 - Against slavery to sinful passions
71 - Freedom from a prison
72 - To become universal favorite\ never suffer poverty
73 - Not to be induced to deny faith
74 - Defeat persecutions by embittered enemies
75 - To effect forgiveness of sins
76 - Protection against fire and water
77 - Against want or danger
78 - For respect
79 - Fatal to enemies
80\81 - To save friends from errors
82 - Assist to attract business
83 - Abide safely in war, avoid captivity
84 - Against bad odor
85 - Reconcile an old friend
86-88 ------------------
89 - Recovery of patient
90 - Against deception, evil spirits or ghosts, or being cheated
91 W\90 - Against incurable disease or evil spirit
92 - To attain high honors
96\97 - Bring contentment and happiness to your family
98 - Establish peace and unity between families
99 - To become pious
100 - To overcome all enemies
101 W\68 - to secure from persecution against evil spirits\ persons
102\3 - That barren women may find favor
104 - Destroy influence of the devil
105-7 105 cures 3 day fever---107 cures one day fever
108 - Secure great success in business - coming and going is blessed
109 - Against mighty enemy
110\1 - Compel enemies and oppressors to beg
112\3 - To increase in might and power
114 - Success in business
115 - To dispute with infidels
116 - Safe from violent or unexpected death
117 - If you failed to perform an act of charity that was promised
118 - To silence heretics
119 -To keep promises
120 - Find favor from a judge
121 - Travel alone by night
122 - To address superiors
123 - Retrieve a slave
124 - Journey by water
125 - Travel in enemy country
126 - So an infant will live
127 - Prevent evil to a newborn
128 - For a fortunate pregnancy
129 - To live piously and virtuously
130 - to Escape besieged city
131 - Protection against the sin of pride
132 - Punctuality
133 - Love and friendship of your friends
134 - Increase of intelligence
135 - Repenting from sin
136 - Penitent confessions
137 - Against hate envy and malice
138 - Produce love and friendship
139 - Increase and preserve love among married people
140 - To remove a growing hatred between man and wife
141 - To remove heartfelt fears
142\3 2 - pain in thighs 3- pain in arms
144 - To cure broken arm
145 - Against fear of ghosts and evil spirits
146 - Restoration from wounds
147 - Wounds bites and stings--Scorpion, salamander
148\49 - Prevent fire
150 - Thanksgiving for escaping danger

Workin' a Thurible

The word "thurible" comes from the Old French thurible, which in turn is derived from the Latin term "thuribulum". The Latin word thuribulum has the root "thur", meaning incense. The Latin "thur" is an alteration of the Greek word "thuos", which is derived from the term "thein", meaning to sacrifice.

Today we know a thurible as the actual metal censer (incense burner) used in churches, and in our pagan rituals, to purify and cleanse a sacred space.

Thuribles are the best way to really rid a space of negativity. They call for the use of flammable substances, so please exercise caution.

Thuribles should be done in iron cauldrons as there is no chance of the extreme heat shattering it. You can use any heat proof container but most clay and glass bowls will crack due to the intense heat. The ratios of ingredients stay the same no matter what size vessel you use. The surface area is what will allow it to burn the same in any vessel, though in very small diameter vessels (3-4 inches) the flames will be very high, so use these with extreme caution.

Ingredients-

-2 tbls. of rubbing alcohol *Do NOT use spirits (rum, vodka, etc.) Rubbing alcohol is only 70% alcohol and does not burn as hot as these spirits will.

-1 tsp. of Epsom salts or sea salt

-½ tsp. of herbs, seeds, roots, or resin incense such as; cardamom, juniper berries, frankincense, myrrh, copal, benzoin, allspice, cloves, coriander, orange peel, etc.

-Light the rubbing alcohol by throwing a match in the cauldron, then toss in your herbs, then your salts. Lots of popping equals lots of negativity being burned, minimal popping equals a positive space.

Try this ancient practice of space clearing in your home or area of worship, just use caution, as with any working that involves heat or fire.

Building a Foundation.

It makes sense that any time you try something new, you want to learn how to do it correctly and struggle not to make any mistakes. I think most of us want to be good at something and will strive to reach that goal. Many of us, devote our lives to something- raising our children, our work, organizations, causes. We may not be the "best" at what we devoted our lives to, but indeed, we were "devoted". Devoted has much more worth in the scheme and scales of life than being "the best".

Often, many of us find ourselves on paths differing from organized religion because the beliefs did not coincide with ours. We simply could not LIVE these paths without lying to ourselves-which is a huge problem and something there is no room for in spirituality. So we begin to seek parallel paths. I dislike the term "alternative path" because there is no alternative to wanting live right. Either you want to or you don't. And even this changes at certain points in our lives. Just because we do not necessarily put effort into living right when we are youths, doesn't mean we never will. So, treat those teenagers and twenty-somethings you know that are "fuck-ups" with respect and care-who knows who they will become?

So where do we begin on our new found parallel path of spirituality? It's so deep and vast...and overwhelming. But that in itself is the beauty. Our paths are so deep and vast that we can all fit in regardless of color, sexual preference, origin, and previous creed. Why? Well, many of us, as Pagans, follow and work with traditions that we may not belong to as a ethnic group. For example, I know many Pagans who worship Egyptian, Celtic, or Norse pantheons, just to name a few. Do they have Egyptian, Celtic or Norse bloodlines-most likely not. If we borrow and use traditions from all over the world making us an accepting group of religious folks, steeped in traditions, cultures, and history, then why do we get so pissed when Christianity borrows some of the traditions as well? It's not really fair is it? And we, as Pagans, pride ourselves on our equal treatment of other paths and religions don't we?

My point is that we need to look at the vastness and depths of these paths as welcoming and accepting. Once you change your viewpoint and start looking at things another way, we can see that what we fear, is also why we love these paths.

Where to start though? With new students who are often unfamiliar with working with deity or rituals, I encourage them to discover their roots. To find out the heritage of their parents and what countries their great grandparents came from. The traditions were practiced by them and only need reawakening by you.
Awaken your roots, your culture. Trace your family tree. Find out who you will become by finding out where you came from. Often the cultures we find will strike memories or chords within us. they will resonate, as if they are somehow genetically imprinted within us. And, in ways, they are.

The next step is the hardest; DON'T OVER-THINK IT. There are hundreds of thousands of metaphysical and new age books out there-too many in fact-and most are worthless. It seems anyone is qualified to tell someone how to practice, which is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I love following a good old traditional ritual, I lead one every month with my sisters when we celebrate the sabbats and esbats. And some are even from books I really care for, books that changed my life. However, I know that if I miss a step or word, that everything is going to work just fine.

How do I know? I know because our paths do not have deities that will punish you if you forget a word. In fact, that is why a lot of you left your Christian upbringings-because of the wrathful God full of punishment you were taught to fear. A God who did not accept your sexuality or choices in life. A God, who could not possibly be there for you because you were not good enough the way you were. You had to repent and change.

 I know for a fact, any worship is better than no worship. So, if you forget to say this or do that-who cares?! Not the Gods. A lightening bolt will not come out of the sky and strike you down. You left that kind of fear, right? So make sure you have truly done that-left your fear-and practice fearlessly! Spirituality and fear belong no where near each other. It is better to try than to not. And really, what is the worst that could happen if you "mess up"?

How can what is in your heart be wrong? Many of use have had our intuition and gut instincts preached out of us. Or so we feel. But feelings aren't always correct, are they? Your intuition still exists and it will only get stronger as you acknowledge it. This is what will guide you down your path.

What is necessary? Calling the quadrants? Casting the circle? Spell work?

What is necessary is that you DO something every day that has to do with your spirituality. Often, many of us won't even try because we are so overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. Again, fear. Start with the basics in order to build your confidence and remember to be aware and listen. When you wake up say a gratitude prayer for what you have in your life. "I am thankful for...." You may not believe you have anything. Then you are right, and that is all you will ever have if you keep thinking that way. If keep doing the same things, you will always get the same results. If you have food in your refrigerator, you have more than most people in the world. Start with that.

If you already work with particular deities speak to them-then LISTEN. What is the use of speaking if you do make time to hear the reply? When you pray, send out only what you want or are grateful for and then watch and listen. Do not say " I am broke" because then you truly will be. Words have power and we often screw ourselves with our own words. Instead try "Please let me find a way to better care for my family". Turn off your computer, shut off the TV. Light a candle or incense and listen for a few minutes. EACH DAY.

You have the time.

Be aware. In this age we can be aware and educated of anything we want with a push of a button and a click of a mouse. If you have enough time to share all those stupid FB posts then you have time to invest in reading some spiritual writings or looking up deities or saints to get to know. A perfect example of this is when people say things like "Oh, I didn't know so and so had fallen on hard times and were short on food, or I would have helped". Really? How often did you stop by their house? If you would have stopped by, perhaps you would have seen that they were in need.

Did you really make an effort to be aware? Leading a spiritual life just doesn't happen, it's work. In turn, if a deity is sending us a message and we don't take the time to stop by with prayer, how will we receive the message they have? You've asked all those time for signs and then never slowed down to read them.

Correct ritual sequence, when, where, what to say, is pretty irrelevant to actual worship. Worship must always come before learning any complicated ritual or working. A ritual is pointless without prayer, power, and heart behind it. It can be fun to learn these things, and it is important to learn how to write a ritual so you have the ability to rely on yourself when you need something rather than crappy new age books. For that you do need to know correct ritual sequence. BUT, for right now, just get in the habit of taking time each day, saying a prayer-not only for yourself, but for others-learning to be grateful for what you have, educating yourself about your path, and being aware.

Your confidence will grow and you will be taking on new workings and bigger rituals because you are ready for them. Build your foundation, simple and strong. Then you will be confident enough to pick up the bricks to lay your own path.

Altars and Workings