Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Saint Cyprian of Anitoch-Patron Saint of Witches


Oh, how I live this Saint! A saint for witches, conjurers, magicians, and occultists? How paradoxical, how perfect!

Saint Cyprian of Antioch dwells in a shadowy, occult world of lore and legend, for he is said to have been a renowned Pagan conjurer, sorcerer, and magician who worked with and defended others from demons and the devil.

Desiring a relationship with a virtuous young Christian woman named Justina, he called up demons to attack her (not how I'd go about winning someone over, wtf?) but she repelled them by making the sign of the cross with her fingers. Seeing this, Cyprian too made the sign of the cross and was instantly converted to Christianity. He was baptized, became a deacon, then a priest, and finally a bishop -- while Justina, now his platonic friend, became the leader of a convent of nuns. Both Cyprian and Justina were persecuted by the Roman emperor Diocletian, who had them tortured in Damascus and finally beheaded in Nicomedia on the banks of the river Gallus. It always happens to the good ones...;)

The story does not end there. In his days as an occultist and sorcerer, Cyprian had written a powerful book of magic spells, which he failed to destroy upon his conversion, and which has appeared in many editions (and in various languages) for hundreds of years. Thus Saint Cyprian has the unusual reputation of being the Patron Saint of witches, conjurers, root doctors, magicians, sorcerers, occultists, demonologists, necromancers, spiritualists, and spiritual workers.

I have found St. Cyprian to be of immense help when dealing with spirits, seances, or any communication with the dead. He provides a sense of control and safety, with wisdom and experience. A good saint to get to know if you live in a dwelling plagued by spirits such as poltergeists, bothersome dwelling familiars, or any spiritual happenings.

This oil is lovingly made with oils and resins of myrrh and dragon's blood, two resins I find Mr. Cyprian appreciates;)

Monday, March 15, 2010

Spring Cleaning-Hoodoo Style




I love spring! the energy is immense, powerful, flowing, ebbing, growing, changing, fresh and abundant! If you want to attack a new endeavor, spring is the time! But to prepare for all those new ideas and to make room for growth...we need to clean house...seriously.
Spiritually and physically cleaning a house should not be exclusive from each other but inclusive. After all, we pagans believe in many realms and many forces and when we utilize all of them in balance and harmony we can create positive and destroy negative. Life is all about creating, balancing, and controlling forces. This balance and and respect is what sets us apart from others.
I like to start with dusting, refreshing, decorating, and cleaning my altars. My Ogun altar is featured in this post. His cauldron got a good rub down with a cotton cloth, the old 7 African Powers oil was wiped out and his coins were cleaned. Unexpectedly, there is a lovely green ring on all of his coins. Not sure why this would happen as his pot is filled with iron and silver not copper? It was a beautiful gesture and a little secret to let me know he is there.
His obsidian arrowhead got a good shine (not that it needs it!) his railroad spikes got a good rub and distribution of oil. His roots and nuts got replaced (new palo santa, ginseng, nutmegs, galangal slice, and high john) and I gave him a new piece of specular hematite, bloodstone, malachite, and tiger iron. A new batch of Ogun oil whipped up to fill his bottle (yes, he has his OWN bottle) He's happy.
His prayer candle was rubbed down with oil and a new, alchemical prosperity candle inserted. A lovely seller on etsy, BovedaBeads.etsy.com, sent me a beautiful holy card for him (which is funny because I had JUST sent a holy card of him to a customer for her Ogun altar!)
Once cleaned he was put back behind the front door, where an Ogun altar should be, his corner dusted and him feeling so fresh and so clean-clean.
On to the house. A good sweep from front to back (to draw in good luck) and flush the dirt (to throw it out it to throw out good luck). A wash with 4 Thieves vineegar to combat negativity and dissinfect-walls then floors. Next a floor sweep with lavender, high john, sage, and rose. To bring friendship, love, success, and harmony.
Light incense outside to carry blessings through out the community, and meditate on what I want for my family and neighbors, what I want for this city.
Hang out diapers to dry in that first warmed ( I say warmed because it's in the 40's) spring air, beat the rugs, wash the windows...now onto a regluar day of readings, potions, and notions. Ah, the blessed life of a a full-time witch!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Photos for Missy

www.mazawi.com

Our good friend Missy has been diagnosed with a rare (1 in 200,000 adults) auto-immune blood disease, Langerhans Histiocytosis.She has been referred to the mayo clinic, but needs $5000 up front. Missy needs help.

If you could please take a moment to purchase some her phenomenal photography, make a donation, and most importantly, share her website on your social networks, it would be greatly appreciated.

Missy must reach her $5000 goal before March 15th. If you've ever needed a hand, please check out her site and share her link.

Love,
Sarah

Monday, March 1, 2010

"They're not a REAL witch"

Have you ever heard anyone say this?
I've been hearing it a lot lately, too much in fact. I hear it at conventions, I read it in blogs, status updates, and
it makes me feel embarrassed of my fellow pagans. Isn't it
nice to know that your fellow pagans are out there judging
you, just like everyone else does?
One of the beautiful things about paganism, and one of it's facets that attract many people who were previously
Christian, is the fact we don't have an almighty power
judging us from above. No one telling us what we can and can not do, and who we are and are not supposed to be. So why is
it, so many other pagans take it upon themselves to fill
this position, when it's exactly what they are/were escaping
to begin with?
I can't answer this question because I have no idea what makes another person judge one of their own. I have never in
my life uttered the phrase "they're not a REAL witch"because how the hell would I know if someone is a real witch or not? I don't know every pagan or witch in the world, and
I find that people who do say things like this, are speaking about a person they have never even met! So what are they
basing this on then?
I've done my fair share of workshops, retreats, and conventions, and I do run across young people who are just beginning to discover their spirituality. Hell, I was one of
those teenagers, and I was even raised pagan! We all go through that corny, awkward, witch phase, and it's okay because this path is about self discovery and self
expression. Their rebellion, attitudes, and innocence make
me smile, are they "REAL witches"? Maybe they are, maybe
they aren't, maybe they are the most powerful, devoted witch you will ever see, they just don't know it yet. Will you be the one standing and judging whether or not they are "real"
or will you go introduce yourself and see what you can learn
and/or teach?
Another venue I hear this in is in classes, workshops, or
stores that are geared towards pagans/witches. You have the
people who insist their ideas are being stolen and their
work copied by people who aren't even "real witches". Get over yourself. Witchcraft has been around thousands of years, sorry to tell you, but you're not the first to do
anything. Who's to say that two people didn't come up with
the same idea at the same time? Or maybe one had it first
but didn't use it in a class or a design right away. My
point is, you can't possibly know. There is room for all of us here. How would you feel if someone was talking or writing about you saying you are not "real" when they've
never even met you? Or that you stole their witchy idea,
even though you've been teaching that way or making that
item for a decade. It's not right to treat others like this, no matter what belief system you are. By doing this, you're only hurting your own connections, business, spirituality, and relationships. Be descent and treat others how you would like to be treated, all religions agree
on that, so why can't witches?

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

7 African Power-Orisha Oils


I have worked very hard on these oils. When I began to work with the 7 African Powers, there were virtually no oils available to use. What was available was mass produced junk full of dyes and with no actual correspondences to the Orisha themselves. So what made it "7 African Power" oil then? Nothing.
It has taken me nearly 5 years to perfect the herbs, numbers, saints, colours, gemstones, and scents I use for these oils. A lot of research went into this oil and I believe it to be far superior than any other Orisha oils you will find. Information can be collected about these Orisha, but I experimented and tested each correspondence so I know they work!
You will receive all 7 oils in this set, each 2 fluid ounces each, in a charming glass vial with natural cork. Each vial is labeled with the Orisha's name and the saint they correspond to. While this infomration differs from region to region, these are the saints I feel work best and are most compatible with the Orisha named. Each oil contains the corresponding gemstone and numbers (ie. # of gemstones and drops used to create oil) to that particular Orisha.
Save some money! I sell these oils separately for $8.88 per bottle, you're saving over $20.00 it's like getting 2.5 oils free! A perfect way to stock your magickal cupboard and start working with these deities the right way!
Some practitioners use "9 African Powers" including Oya and Babalu Aye. These oils are also available and can be included in this set for an additional charge. I will also sell these oils individually. So if you have a patron Orisha and just want the oil for him/her please convo me and I will reserve a listing just for you and your Orisha!

Let me introduce you!

Eleggua (Legba, Exu, Eshu, St. Michael) is the Orisha of crossroads, doorways, and gates. He is the messenger of the gods- no Orisha can be contacted except through him, and his dress and conflicting mannerisms reflect this double-sided nature (he is sometimes depicted with two faces, especially in Yoruban art). Eleggua is also the guardian of the doorway between the earthly and divine realms. He has been compared to the Greek God Hermes, with whom he shares many attributes, and to the Hindu Ganesha. In Brazil, he is sometimes equated with Baphomet, and his symbol is a pitchfork. In Lukumi, he is a guardian of doorways, and effigies of Eleggua are used to protect homes. Oil contains sandalwood, musk, cinnamon, patchouli, patchouli leaf and 3 smoky quartz.

Ogun (Ogoun, St George)) is the chief of the warriors, the God of War, blood, and iron. He is the guardian of the forge, and the patron of civilization and technology. Not just a martial deity, Ogun is the archetypal force that drives technology. He is responsible for tools of progress like farming implements and surgeon’s knives. He is movement, impetus, force. Because of this, Ogun is associated with locomotives, and offerings are often made to him at railroad tracks. In Candomble, he is associated with St. George, the dragon slayer; in Lukumi, he is associated with St. peter. Because of his association with blood, Ogun is often petitioned for aid with blood diseases. However, because Ogun enjoys blood offerings, it is considered inadvisable to petition Ogun while menstruating or with a bleeding wound. Oil contains musk, frankincense, crushed nutmeg and 3 malachite stones.

Chango (Xango, Shango) is a warrior, the Orisha of lightning, dance, and passion. He is the epitome of all things masculine, and the dispenser of vengeance on behalf of the wronged. Shango was likely once a Yoruban King. He is associated with St. Barbara. His colors are red and white, and his best known symbol is the oshe, a double bladed axe. He is sometimes associated with Vodoun’s Petro Loa, Erzulie Dantor. oil contains Honeysuckle, cinnamon, and sandalwood, honeysuckle flowers and 6 garnets.

Obatala (virgin mercedes)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. Obatalah’s counterpart in Vodoun, Damballah, takes the form of the primeval serpent. Obatala is considered to be beyond the sphere of direct communication; however, Damballah does possess his followers in Vodou rites. Damballah and his wife Ayida-Wedo, the rainbow serpent, are often compared to alchemical and yogic concepts of kundalini. Oil contains frangipani, ylang ylang, amber, lily of the valley, hibiscus flower, and 8 amethyst.

Yemaya (Yemoja, Iemanja) is associated with the Virgin Mary, virgin regla and the goddess Isis, and the most beloved Orisha in Lukumi. She is the Goddess of the Ocean and the moon, guardian of women, childbirth, fertility, and witchcraft. She rules the subconscious and creative endeavors. Yemaya’s counterpart in Vodoun is called Lasiren, the mermaid. She is related to Mamiwata (Mama Water), the African water-spirit. Lasiren’s symbols are a mirror and comb, giving her an odd similarity to the Pictish sea goddess. There is a common legend about Yemaya choosing her own students- that occasionally someone will disappear, sometimes for seven years, and return with tales of having learned the ways of magick and healing in her undersea abode. This trope appears in many cultures’ legends of sea goddesses. In Lukumi, Yemaya’s colors are blue and white; in Vodou, blue and green. Her offerings are often doves, but never fish. Oil contains lavender, lily of the valley, rose, lavender buds and 7 stones of blue topaz and clear quartz.

Oshun (known as Oxum in Brazil, Lady of caridad) rules the ’sweet’ waters- rivers, brooks, and streams. Oshun is closely related to Yemaya, and their aspects sometimes overlap. She is the goddess of love, passion, and sensuality, as well as money and prosperity. Her preferred offerings are honey, copper jewelry or coins (usually in multiples of five). She is most often associated with St. Cecilia, and in Lukumi, she is Our Lady of La Caridad del Cobre, the protectress of Cuba. Her colors are yellow and gold. In Vodoun, Oshun is known as Erzulie. Erzulie’s colors are shades of pink. While Erzulie and Ochun are very much alike, Erzulie has a vengeful, implacable aspect when angered. Her aspect Erzulie Dantor is a fierce protector of women, an avenger of domestic violence, and a patron of lesbians. Contains jasmine, neroli, cinnamon, anise seed and 5 coral pieces.

Orunla (st. Francis)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 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. sandalwood, musk, neroli, red sandalwood chips, and 4 citrine stones.

***NOT INCLUDED IN THIS SET but are available for purchase-
Oya (Yansa) is the Goddess of Storms, Lightning, and cemeteries. She is a warrior, the wife of Chango. Her color is maroon. She epitomizes female power and righteous anger. In Vodou, Oya is called Manman Brigitte, the swaggering, rum drinking wife of Baron. She may be directly related to the Greek warrior goddess Minerva, through her Irish counterpart Brighid.

Babalu Aye (st. lazarus) is the Orisha who governs epidemics and heals infectious diseases. Though originally associated with smallpox, many of today's worshippers appeal to BabaluAye for healing from HIV/AIDs. Call upon his for any health matter, ut leave him an offering as he is overworked! His colors are brown, black, and purple. His number is 17. His symbols are two dogs and crutches. He is portrayed dressed in burlap. He is offered white wine, popcorn, sesame seed candy, and a variety of grains, beans, and seeds.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Luisah Teish's book "Jambalaya"

http://luisahteish.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Luisah Teish's book Jambalaya blew my mind when I discovered it. It came at a time when I was discovering my own ancestry, my ties to new orleans and how closely I felt to voodoo and hoodoo practices. It deepened my spirituality on so many levels, as a woman and a witch. It is a book I can not wait to pass onto my daughter. Each time I pick it up (probablly once a year) I discover something new inside. A wealth of hard to find information and practices. It has made me who I am today and has inspired me and rooted my realationships with the orixa. I wish every book I invested in gave back this much. Check it out!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

NEW Saint Oils, Alchemical Candles, and Jerusalem Rose Water!


In the works for my hoodoo hunnies! More oils, waters, and magickal goodies tomorrow! Stayed tuned to ConjuredCardea.etsy.com