Back From New Orleans!

I spent a fabulous 5 days in New Orleans where I attended the 2nd annual Folk Magic Festival . I only took a few of the workshops available, but certainly gained some knowledge from them. I particularly enjoyed the graveyard magic workshop with Orion Foxwood. I also learned a lot by just communicating with the spirits of the city. Collected a some of moss from Bayou St. John, so look for some crafts utilizing that soon. Also got some clay from the bank of the Mississippi that I plan on using in a Jack Ball that I will be certainly be blogging about. I have been inspired by this trip and have so much to share with you all. So stay tuned for a lot of blogs coming your way. Going to to my best to go weekly from now until the end of the year.

I have some spirits that I need to thank here as well.

Thank you Santisima Muerte for your assistance in providing the means for me to take this trip. There is no questioning your power.

Thank You St. Christopher for protecting me in my travels.

Last but not least, thank you Marie Laveau for your answering my call. The first day there, I went to her tomb to leave offerings and ask her to lead me to a teacher or someone that could answer a very important question. A few hours later I was walking toward Dumaine with plans of going to Voodoo museum. I suddenly got the feeling that I should go right instead of left and ended up at Voodoo Authentica which I had not planned on visiting this time out in the city. I found Mama Lola in their doing readings. She took one look at me, laid down the cards, and answered my question without me saying a word. It is going to lead to a major change in my spiritual path.

I can't wait to go back next year!

Thank You Saint Expedite!

Thank you Saint Expedite for once again honoring me with your fast assistance.

I don't work with saints all that often but Expedite has been a great ally for me and my clients for sure. He is known as the unofficial patron saint of emergencies, dealers,examinees,schoolboys,sailors, navigators, shopkeepers, and anyone who needs a quick solution for their problem. This great saint has amassed a following from both Catholics and non-Catholics alike for one simple reason, he gets results. Petitioning Saint Expedite is quite simple, you will need:

• A Saint Expedite prayer card or printed out image of the saint.
• A Expedite class encased novena candle or a red candle
• A glass of water
• Fast Luck Oil or Powder (Optional) 

 Petitioning Saint Expedite doesn't require anything elaborate. Simply set up a space for his image, the candle and a glass of water. If you are so inclined you can write out your petition on a name paper, and dress it and the candle with fast luck oil, or powder. I prefer a seven day candle for my petitions and I repeat my prayer each day as the candle burns. I have started using a plate and tracing forming a circle with a cross in the center using fast luck powder. I then set the name paper and fixed candle on the plate. As long as you have his image on hand, and offer a sincere prayer you have his attention and if your need be genuine he will offer assistance. There are many prayers offered to him, you can find plenty on Saintexpedite.org or just speak from the heart. Here is the prayer that I use the most:

For quick help...

Pray to Saint Expedite

Saint Expedite, you lay in rest.
I come to you and ask that this wish be granted.

____________ (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to
find a way to get it to you.)

Expedite now what I ask of you.
Expedite now what I want of you, this very second.
Don't waste another day.
Grant me what I ask for.
I know your power, I know you because of your work.
I know you can help me.
Do this for me and I will spread your name with love and honor
so that it will be invoked again and again.
Expedite this wish with speed, love, honor, and goodness.
Glory to you, Saint Expedite!

 You recite your prayer until your request is granted. Once Saint Expedites work is done he expects to be "paid" just as fast. One of the main ways that he is thanked for his work is by making public announcements in his honor and letting others know of his great deeds. Hence why this particular post started out the way that it did. He is also offered a slice of pound cake (some say it has to be sara lee cake, but I don't think so), fresh flowers, and a glass of water. I always give him a slice of pound cake, a glass of fresh water, and a red rose as thanks. I use the glass from the candle as the vase for the rose and let the offerings sit on the altar for a week,  That's pretty much it in a nutshell. May Saint Expedite be as good to you as he has to me.

Review: Kenaz Filan's "The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook".

With the “New Orleans Voodoo Handbook” Kenaz Filan gives readers a guide not only to Voodoo as it is practiced in the city, but also the culture and history that has shaped it. Someone looking for a simple cookbook of spells and formulas will be sorely disappointed. The author being an initiate of Haitian Voudon knows that the way the religion is truly taught is through its stories, and this book has plenty of them. Part 1 of the book uses the first six chapters to cover the colorful history of Louisiana, and New Orleans. Beginning with La Salles Expedition, and covering topics such as the beginning of the industrial revolution, Jim Crow laws, and Hurricane Katrina along the way. This section also details the works of writers that have contributed to the study and preservation of local Voodoo lore, like Zora Neal Hurston with her seminal work “ Of Mules and Men”, and Robert Tallant author of “Voodoo in New Orleans”, and the novelization of Marie Laveau’s life, “Voodoo Queen”. The author manages to pack a lot of information into the first 56 pages of this book, and gives the reader a real feel for the roots of Voodoo in the Crescent City.

Part 2 of the handbook covers the various colorful traditions of New Orleans. There is a great primer on Mardi Gras, the party that the city has become famous (or infamous) for. You’ll learn not only the Roman and pagan history of the festival, but also how the celebration as we know it today has come to be. From there, Filan moves on to music with great stories about Dixie Land Jazz, Delta Blues, and Zydeco. Of course no book about New Orleans, Voodoo or otherwise would complete without discussing the cuisine that is made there. Covering local fare such as Pralines, Crawfish, Coffee with Chicory, and my personal favorite Gumbo, you really get a taste (bad pun intended) for the local flavor. The food many not seem to have much to do with Voodoo on the surface, but dig a little deeper and there is a correlation. Much like the rootwork that took shape in the city, the food of Louisiana took whatever they had available and made magic not only for the individual, but for the community as well. To this day, even though I learned some of my conjure formulas from my mother she is still more proud of, and secretive about her Gumbo recipe. That should tell you something right there. This part of the book also acts a guide to many of the local businesses and institutions that help preserve the local Voodoo customs and add character to the city. Included are places such as The Voodoo Spiritual Temple, Island of Salvation Botanica,and Boutique du Vampyre (if you look in the background of a documentary on “Real-life Vampires shot by ABC in 2009 you will see a certain conjurer standing in the background out front of the boutique). Part 2 ends with a section about “Priests, Priestesses, Houngans, Mambos, and Chicken Men” that have graced the city over the years. This includes the Legendary Dr. John, the Seven Sisters, and Fred “Chicken Man” Staten. I found the part about the Seven Sisters to be one of the best parts in this section as there is very little information on these legendary sisters that is readily available.

Parts 3 and 4 of this book cover the Spirits and practices of New Orleans respectively. While I was surprised at the omission of certain Lwa and spirits such as Ghede, I understand that this a book on Voodoo and it’s spirits that are unique to that region and not those that are also traditionally given service in Haiti. The Spirits sections give lore and details for petitioning and developing relationships with figures such as the Virgin Mary, Li Grand Zombi, Papa Labas, Black Hawk, and folk Saints like St. Expedite, and St. Marron. There is plenty of prayers, and information on offerings to get you started working with these powerful spirits. I already plan on making petitions to some of these spirits real soon myself. Even though the Ghede may have not been talked about, Importance of the dead, and the city’s cemeteries is covered. The practices section also briefly covers the use of oils, candles, creation of mojo/gris gris, and spirit dolls. The novice will find some useful recipes for oils and basic info on using candles but there isn’t much here for the experienced practitioner. Even still the information on the roots of these practices is as important to know as the how so I appreciated that aspect of this chapter. There is also a brief look at divination but with very little instruction. The book ends with a guide for those visiting the city, and stories of citizens of note that have called the city home. There are great tips for dining for those of expensive taste and others on a budget. Of course Music venues and the legendary cemeteries are covered for tourist as well.

Make no mistake about Kenaz Filan’s , ”The New Orleans Handbook” is the book that many have been waiting on in regards to the subject. It is a must have for anyone interested in New Orleans Voodoo either as a solitary practitioner or folklorist. I personally don’t think it quite hits the mark as a “handbook” but it is a great primer that his given a lot to go on, and more places to visit when I make my way to “N’awlins” this November for the Folk Magic Festival.

Thailand "Black Magic"

I have recently been trying to devour all of the information that I could find on Sak Yant magical tattoos and other uses of yantra in sorcery when came across this interesting documentary on Youtube. The film covers the making of various charms and forms of magic done by Buddhist in Thailand. I found the similarities to other forms of folk magic fascinating. When the sorcerer in the first part makes a name paper based on the husbands birth date, and then uses the as part of the petition along with wax poppets to reconcile a marriage and break up his love affair, I thought that's pretty much how I would do it too. I am also intrigued by the use of the "child ghost" as spirit helpers. I may just have to track one down. I believe that a trip to Thailand is in my future next year. Well here is the documentary, enjoy.

How to Write a Hoodoo Style Name Paper

Often in Hoodoo candle burning rituals a petition paper or name paper is made and set under the candle during the burning. Name papers are also used in mojo hands, and placed inside shoes for certain workings.  There are almost as many ways to make name papers as there are rootworkers. I am going to explain the basics of how I do it.

I was always taught that the name paper should be made from a brown paper bag. I do';t think this is a hard and fast rule however. You can use parchment, or blank white paper as well. I still use brown paper bags since I keep them on hand for other things such as disposing of items at crossroads. The paper should usually be torn by hand and not cut with scissors or a knife. The reason for this is that scissors and other blades being symbolic of weapons are usually used in enemy work or conjure meant to break up magical influence and bewitchment. So unless the name paper is being used for such a purpose then tear it by hand. I usually use a bone folder to get a good crease and then tear along that edge. You can find bone folders located in the scrap booking section of most craft stores for pretty cheap.

Using a Bone Folder to Crease the Paper

Tear along the creases as carefully as possible, It doesn't have to be perfect by any means. It should look something like this when you are done.

Next the name of the petitioner(s), and the condition that you want to bring about are written in the form of a cross on the paper. I was taught that the number of times the name(s) are written should always be an odd number such as 3,5,7,or 9. I use 3 for manifestation, 5 for domination and power, 7 for blessings and luck, and 9 for enemy work and cursing. If I am burning the candle for myself or a client I will write them name first and then cross the name with words representing their desire. If it is a working for one person to have power or influence over another I write the name of the target and then cover their name with the person who will be dominant in the situation. The following is an example of a name paper that I made for a steady work candle for a friend.

First I wrote her name seven times

Next I turned the paper twice clockwise and wrote the words "STEADY WORK". If you wish to bring or attract something the direction should be clockwise. If you wish to banish or repel with the working turn it counterclockwise.

Next you will want to write a short but precise petition phrase in a circle around the names. The name phrase should be written in one continuous motion going clockwise. You then go back and dot your I's and cross your T's. The phrase I used was "May Jane Doe obtain steady work with a wage sufficient enough to meet all of her financial needs". You will want to dress your name paper with an appropriate oil, powder or both before folding it. One traditional way of anointing the paper is by putting a dab of oil in each corner and then one in the center, this is known as a "5 spot". I personally anoint it in the form of a cross going top to bottom and then right to left. I will then anoint the circle of words going clockwise.

Next you will want to fold your name paper. The first fold should be toward you for drawing or away for repelling.  In this case the fold was toward me.

Next turn the paper once, again clockwise for drawing or counterclockwise for banishing.

Fold again the same direction you did before

Repeat this process a second time and you should end up with something that looks like this.

That's my method in a nutshell. I used different colors here to illustrate the various parts of the name paper, but one can be made using one color. They can  be written with pen, pencil, or quill and magical inks.

How To Fix a Seven Day Novena Candle

So I finally decided to upload something to my Youtube Channel. Here is a quick tutorial on how to fix a seven day novena candle. I will follow this up shortly with posts on how write petition/name papers and another on doing reading the glass after the candle has been burnt. So look forward to those soon.

Crafting Up A Storm

Here recently I have been crafting up a storm and  made quite a few handmade items I thought I would share. I am not a strict, make everything by hand kind of worker by any means. I do however feel that making certain things by hand, especially tools, or items that are meant to connect with a spirit puts the worker closer to the energies that they wish to work with during the process. So if you have the chance D.I.Y a few things, you and your work will be better for it.

Cleansing Broom: I was inspired to make a broom after reading a soon to be released work on Witchcraft that a friend of mine is wrote                                                  . The broom may not be a traditional hoodoo tool exactly but some practitioners utilize it. Also the symbolism of the broom straw has made it into spells and staple items such as Chinese Wash.  The broom part itself came from a dollar store, which is one of my favorite places to get craft supplies. The handle came from a branch that I found in the woods during one of the trials that I undertook for Cabal Fang Martial Arts. For some reason it just stood out to me so I picked it up at the beginning of the trial and carried it throughout.  Originally I was going to make a staff out of it so I stripped it of bark, sanded it a bit and oiled it. I had to cut it down some more to make a broom handle. I attached the handle by binding he straw around it with hemp rope and metal wire.

Closeup of Broom

Saint Cyprian of Antioch bracelet:  Made with wooden and metal beads. It is hard to tell from the pic but the round beads are purple which is the color associated with this saint. I also incorporated black beads in there as his day is Saturday. Cyprian of Antioch is known as the Patron Saint of Magicians, Rootworkers, Curanderos, and the like. He is also closely associated with the grimoire tradition so to honor that the purple and black beads total 11 on each side. In addition to the Cyprian charm I included a little bible charm to symbolize the link to Hoodoo.

 Closeup of Cyprian Bracelet

Ancestral Prayer Beads: I used to wear a Tibetan skull prayer bracelet that I got from a Tibetan store in the East Village. That served as my ancestral prayer beads until it broke one day. So recently I broke out the crafts box and made it into a new string of prayer beads that is more personal. Not really rooted in any one tradition. I am calling them the "Blood and Bones" prayer beads.

Ancestor Prayer Beads on the Altar.