The botanicas, or spiritual supply houses, in Spanish Harlem light candles, sell incense, and perform ceremonies for the Three Kings, or Wise Men ( Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar,) who finally made it to the Christ Child on January 6 to deliver their gifts. The sacred gifts were Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. In the Lucumi (Santeria) tradition the feast is a celebration of great fortune. Read more
It is the time of year when practitioners of La Regla Lucumi, Ifa, and traditions referred to as Santeria receive their reading or letter of the year. As always, it is important to follow the reading of the year for your own spiritual house. The teachings of your godparents are always the most important instructions for an individual to follow. Some, however, also value letters from particular houses, such as the Letter of the year from the renowned Yoruba Association of Cuba. Read more
Before Gold was a gift for a child, it was an offering worthy of the Goddess. Read more
I will continue to watch the mainstream media, with a hopefully eye, a scratchy head, and a prayer we don't get anymore roaches. Read more
The etymology of the word come from Olde English and literally (like many other toasts) translates to “well health.” These are the words of our ancestors. The term began appearing as early as the 8th century, even the poem Beowulf speaks of a "Warriors' Wassail." Read more
Magickally Frankincense has many uses. It is said to bring on peace, release stress, and connect one with the divine. Some believe it helps to connect the lower chakras with the solar plexis, and move the energy up to the higher realms. Read more
There are probably some who have wondered at my silence in the wake of recent events. As the parent of a murdered child it has been hard to find the words. My thoughts, prayers, and love go out to the mothers, from one mother to another, now and always. Read more
Like the Orisha Oya, the wind is one of the magickal tools he uses to accomplish his work. Various images depict Babalu Aye as being covered in wounds or sores, and in some cultures he is shown cloaked completely in raffia and straw. Read more
'Tis the season not to drown under the rampant consumerism of Yule. There are plenty of easy do it yourself gifts you can make this time of year. Most of these will take little to no investment and you might even have some of these ingredients and materials already on your pagan shelves. Read more
To finish it all off there was my favorite, an obligatory picture with Northside Skull and Bones gang. The oldest Mardi Gras Black Indian gang in New Orleans. They are a living inspiration to young and old alike. Read more
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