Last updated on: August 31, 2018 at 5:10 am By Lilith Dorsey
The Book of Flower Spells photo by Lilith Dorsey. All rights reserved.
The Book of Flower Spellsby Cheralyn Darcey begins like any good spell book should. It has a description of various components that go into the making of a successful spell. It talks about the attributes of the days of the week, crystals, and the stuff this this book is about… Flowers. Flowers are magical, intoxicating, the stuff of life.
The spells in this book are numerous, and they’re not the usual once you see everywhere either. One of my favorites is the frangipani self-confidence spell. This talks about one of my favorite flowers. It even goes into some of the folklore surrounding this magical bloom. Darcy writes that “in Malaysia at the scent is said to accompany the appearance of the Pontianak – a female vampire.”
One interesting thing about The Book of Flower Spells is that the author give substitutes if you can’t find the flower you need for a spell. Magnolia is replaced by corn flour, lilacs are replaced by lemon blossom, and daffodils are replaced by petunias. As many of us know sometimes it’s hard to find the exact right ingredients for a spell, especially when the flower or herb is not in season. Fortunately Darcy provide solutions for us.
This spell book is well thought out and would be a useful addition to any beginner or experts library. The authors bio tells us that she is a “botanical explore, organic gardener, independent natural history scholar, artist, educator, and the author of several books and oracle decks. For more information see www.cheralyndarcey.com
In case you missed it, this blog also contains much more information about using flowers in your magick. Please see our Herbal Magick posts featuring : Hibiscus, Dandelion, Lily of the Valley, Primrose, and more. We hope to feature more of these in the future so please let us know which flowers and herbs you would like to see.
As always if you have enjoyed what you read here please please please remember to like, comment, and share.
Last updated on: December 30, 2016 at 8:14 am By Lilith Dorsey
2016 Voodoo Universe Top Ten posts photo by Lilith Dorsey. All rights reserved.
2016 had a lot of lows and not too many highs, but I think we are all doing our best to remain positive. So in the spirit of optimism here are Voodoo Universe’s Top Ten posts of 2016.
Vodou vs. Hoodoo infographic by Lilith Dorsey. All rights reserved.
difficult to understand. This infographic helps to break down the basics for you in way way that is easy to comprehend.
Simple Samhain Crafts for All Ages – Crafting is my passion. It wasn’t easy, but it was a lot of fun coming up with crafts that will work for people from 3 to 93. See this post for ways to make your own skeleton fairies and dark pumpkin houses.
Interview with Voudon Gnosis Author David Beth – It was a serious honor and a privilege to interview author David Beth on Voodoo Universe. This author is both a legend and a visionary in the discipline of Voudon. The in-depth interview gives serious insight into the man and his magicks.
#Beyonce Pours Out Oshun’s Honey and Lemonade – Leave it to pop diva Beyonce to get the eyes of the world focusing on the beautiful Orisha Oshun. She does this elegantly with music and dance.
The Dirt on Magickal Dirt – Magick is a dirty business.
Dirt on Dirt photo by Lilith Dorsey. All rights reserved.
Many different types of magick use dirt as an ingredient in spells and potions. Every different dirt carries different energy. Like dirt from a footprint which the post says “is used when you are doing a working on a specific person, namely whoever’s footprint you have. I’ve seen this as an ingredient in love spells, and also spells of commanding and compelling. Gather up the footprint dirt and place in a paper bag.”
La Santa Muerte– This goddess of death has a long history. In the post I talk about how “researchers theorize that the origins of Santa Muerte go back through history to an Aztec goddess of death and the underworld. Next she blended with some of the early European myths and legends about death, and became what and who we see today.”
Herbal Magick: Rosemary – I’m proud to say that one of the posts in our new Herbal Magick series made it into this years top ten. Rosemary is one of the more popular herbs to use for protection, healing, and success.
Video: Love Magic Unleashed – Love makes the world go around… we hope so at least. This is the new video for my new book Love Magic. The book is available now to order wherever books and ebooks are sold. It contains over 250 magical spells for getting love, keeping love, loving yourself, spreading the love and more. There are spells to honor the Goddess in all her glorious forms. Spells to connect with your ancestor’s wisdom for guidance, and much more.
Thanks for reading, sharing, and commenting ! Here’s to 2017 !
Last updated on: September 13, 2016 at 5:09 am By Lilith Dorsey
Blogiversary top ten 2016 photo by Lilith Dorsey.
I’m guilty. In the first part of this post , published a few days ago, I said I would write the posts that won’t die. I’m guilty of not being honest. If I’m honest these are the posts that won’t live. That can’t live. A good friend of mine told me recently that in a heated breakup ( of anyone- friends, lovers, colleagues, families, etc.) society at large leaves you two choices- to keep silent, or to speak out and risk sounding like a lunatic. That’s the way I feel about these posts I wanted to write for you, as I think back on this, my three year blogiversary. I’d love to write about the Mambo (Vodou priestess) who abandoned her students at the airport with a bunch of human bones. And for years I’ve wanted to write about a former member of my spiritual family who just couldn’t shake her past sexual abuse trauma and confused her abusers with the Orisha themselves. I feel for her, but she needs help first before she takes on a congregation of followers. I even started to write the post about the professor (an award winning director) who gave me a bad grade in film school and then years later apologized, saying he truly came to understand and appreciate my work. I told him it was too late to change the grade, but thanks… maybe? A few times I have thought about writing about a fellow blogger who threw me out of her house in a rainstorm only because I was crying over my dead daughter, or my ex-boyfriend who abused his power in the Pagan community and sexually manipulated his students. I’m part Sicilian, and I do hold a grudge, but for now I’ll keep holding it. The world is too much with us as they say, and maybe some people, have their own lessons to learn. Instead I have decided to accentuate the positive and continue to share with you some of my favorite videos Voodoo Universe has featured over the years.
Top Ten Videos Continued (In no particular order)
Legba Veve -This is one of the more popular videos we have featured on youtube. It features the creation of veve, or ritual ground drawing, for Papa Legba. Legba is the guardian of the crossroads, and helps with transitions and direction.
Tarot, Jodorowsky, and Questions From A Crippled Hand (Tarot, Jodorowsky e Interrogantes de una Mano Lisiada) -Anyone who knows me is aware of my deep and abiding reverence for Alejandro Jodorowsky – author, filmmaker, magician, master. I was honored to shake his hand, and deeply moved when he later choose to retweet this short film I made in honor of him.
Hyperdome – Many know me as a blogger, tarot reader, author and filmmaker, way fewer know me as the official priestess of the Hyperdome – A pvc geodesic dome created as a mobile, transformable, and transitional sacred space created and conceived by my friend Ivan Wetzel. Watch and see what we can do.
In conversation with … I’ve had a lot of conversations over the years. Here are some of the best, including a wonderful piece with two of my favorite priestesses Goddess Rhonda and Goddess Starr.
Please watch these videos if you will, subscribe and like the channel if you want, and stay tuned for more exciting posts ! In the works are an interview with the late Ms. Cleo, more on Voodoo and herbal magick, and more ! If you have enjoyed what you read here please remember to share, share, share !
There a hundred of species of plant that are known by the name indigo and the history of them is intricately tied to the history of the Southern United States. The oldest known evidence of the dye plant dates back to a discovery in Peru which is over 6,000 years old.
Here in the Southern U.S. we have our own native indigo that was used by indigenous people for dyeing and medicinal purposes before the imports came on the scene. Referred to as wild or false blue indigo, rattleweed, or horse fly weed, actually the botanical name is Baptisia australis. It grows easily throughout most of the country in zones 3-9. Wild Indigo reaches sizes of up to four feet high and three feet wide. The plant can be propagated from seed, but will take up to three years to begin blooming. The plant is a special favorite of pollinators and the flowers make a good dye plant. All things considered be sure to place the plant in a spot with full sun, and good drainage.
It’s use in the state of Louisiana goes back to the early 1700s. Evidence exists that French planters were utilizing wild indigo as a dye plant. This existed until the introduction of other types of indigo and the enslaved laborers to care for it happened later in the century.
Magical Uses of Indigo
Make a weak infusion by pouring boiling water over the dried flowers. Let cool and then strain. You can then add a splash of this to your magickal floorwash to bless and protect your home. Additionally you can also place some in a spray bottle to spray the corners of rooms and under the bed.
The dried flowers can also be added to an herbal gris-gris bag, which is then carried or placed in the home to remove negativity.
Plant some indigo near the door of your home to stop unwanted energy from entering.
A small sprig placed in your pocket will help with psychic knowledge and intuition
As always if you have enjoyed what you find here please remember to like, comment, and share this blog.
Last updated on: October 21, 2021 at 8:01 am By Lilith Dorsey
Ogun shrine photo courtesy of wikimedia. Licensed under CC 4.0
Ogun’s machete is his most powerful tool. Forged in fire it is a weapon used in many ways. For those unaware Ogun is a divinity revered in many of the African Traditional Religions. In Haiti he is known as Ogou. Here he is known to have been an instrumental force guiding those who were responsible for the Haitian revolution and the country’s subsequent independence. La Regla Lucumi, more commonly known as Santeria, honors this energy as an Orisha called Ogun who focuses his energy on iron and the forge. In my book Voodoo and African Traditional Religion I write about how Ogun among the Yoruba in West Africa, “he is the owner of the gun, the knife, the razor, the police and the law, metal, driving, and more. Even swords are called gu or gubasa after Ogun.” His power of protection and necessary healing are celebrated worldwide.
Wild Man in Solitude
Many of the sacred stories, also known as patakis, that talk about this Orisha tell of his time spent alone in the forest with his dogs. It is here he forges his tools and weapons. My post on this Orisha explains ” some view him as the archetypal “wild man of the woods.” For this reason, shrines to Ogun are often located outdoors, at the base of trees or near a forge. A sacred shrine may also be located on the floor behind the front door. It all depends on which tradition one is honoring. The forced migration of the middle passage is perhaps the most important explanation for the multiple incarnations of the Ogun spirit.” It is said that even though this is where this Orisha does his work, it can also be the place where he indulges in self-reflection. The religion cautions us however, that these times must not turn to inaction and depression, because Ogun is also needed to protect the community in his role as warrior.
“He has heart who knows fear, but vanquishes it; who sees the abyss, but with pride.
He who sees the abyss, but with eagle’s eyes,- he who with eagle’s talons grasps the abyss: he has courage.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra
It is a delicate balance that takes place in this solitude, and I included the above quote, which illustrates the strength and courage Ogun can pull out of this abyss. I recently participated in the Intimate Partner Violence Awareness TeleConference organized by Phoenix Coffin-Williams. Here I spoke about this solitude, this abyss that can both harm and heal. The entirety of my talk can be seen here.
Ogun Mural located in Spanish Harlem, NYC. Photo by Lilith Dorsey. All rights reserved.
Ogun as Soldier and Healer
There are many dualistic aspects to Ogun. This plays out very often in his roles as both warrior and healer. His machete is a necessary tool both for agriculture and protection. In Haitian Vodou, and also 21 divisions, there is an avatar of Ogun known as Ogun Balendjo, who is seen as both a physician and a military man. He is often syncretized with St. James and honored on July 25 in accordance with the saint’s day. It is important to remember that a scalpel can be a weapon or a healing tool, it all depends on how you use it. The same is true for the Ashe or sacred power and energy of Ogun. Approach it wisely and carefully.
Ogun Offerings
Many people have heard me speak about my dear friend Santero Luis Manuel Nunez. He was an integral participant in the early days of the Voodoo Spiritual Temple here in New Orleans. He has risen up to join the ancestors, but fortunately he took the time and effort to write Santeria: A practical Guide to Afro-Caribbean Magic. In it he talks extensively about Ogun and lists his herbal/food offerings as follows: “palo vencedor, rabo de piedra, palo bomba, escandon, pincha de gato, Eucalyptus, sasparilla, boneset, blessed thistle, restharrow, senna, datura, carpenter ants, guao (comocladia dentada), tree native to Cuba, sweet soursop, guamao (Lonchocarpus sericeus),Cuban timber tree, red pepper, black pepper, mastic tree, castor oil plant, oak leaves, and indigo plant among others.” Ogun’s sacred energy or Ashe runs through these offerings which are given frequently. Please honor this ashe respectfully.
As always if you have enjoyed what you find here please remember to like, comment, and share !
Last updated on: April 30, 2020 at 3:15 pm By Lilith Dorsey
Brooklyn Bridge photo by Lilith Dorsey
I’m a native New Yorker. I was born in Manhattan, brought home to Brooklyn, and lived here most of my life. It is here I sit as I write this today. Living in New York is not easy right now. Due to the sheer volume of people, living here and trying to social distance is difficult if not impossible. For more vulnerable members of society trying to get food and necessities has been challenging. There are bodies on rental trucks, and too few tests, gloves, and masks.
Many of my dear friends reside in farther parts of the U.S., or even the wider world. My social media news feed is full of dance parties, dj sets, classes and livestreams. Lately, it’s been very hard to keep up my role as a content creator. The world is heavy and most of the eloquent words escape me. It’s too raw, raw like a wound, raw like a surreal nightmare, raw like a scream or a primal wail. It hard to write thru the tears.
In this New York Story which is a reality, I’ve lost family, friends, and so much more in the past few months. In this New York Story, I miss dancing in the cherry blossoms, frolicking in the beltane fields, and folks I will never see again. Yet, I light another candle and do my best to keep the darkness at bay. I know it’s not easy, but I will be okay. I want to thank everyone for their kindness and support during these difficult times. You truly mean more to me than you will ever know. In the mean time please check out the over 600 posts on this blog Voodoo Universe, my youtube channel, and my new book Orishas, Goddesses and Voodoo Queens.
As always if you have benefited from what you read here today please remember to like, comment and share !
Last updated on: December 27, 2017 at 9:20 am By Lilith Dorsey
Who knows what Voodoo videos you’ll find in the Voodoo Universe !
The Voodoo Universe blog is going strong. I want to thank everyone for all their support. What many of you may not know is that the Voodoo Universe blog also has a youtube channel for all it’s videos. There we feature spells, recipes, events, special series like Tarot Every Witch Way :Food, and much more. Here are our top ten voodoo videos on our channel.
Top Ten Voodoo Videos On Voodoo Universe
10.Make Your Own Magickal Healing Shower Bombs – Everyone seems to be coming down with a touch of the sickness these days, these shower bombs featuring essential oils and a touch of magick are just the thing to help you feel better. Easy to make, and even easier to use, you can find the how-to information in this video.
9.Priestess Miriam Blows the Conch Shell to the Wind. – It has been a serious honor and privilege to be part of Priestess Miriam’s Voodoo Spiritual Temple in New Orleans since I first began the religion almost 25 years ago. It makes me smile that this video that I shot of her at the Mississippi river is one of the most popular ones we have.
8. Make Your Own Herbal Gris-Gris Spell for Maman Brigitte – Maman Brigitte is one of the most contraversial and also the most popular Lwa in the Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo pantheon. She is Mistress of the Cemetery and is in charge of supreme justice.
7.Voodoo Universe Explores Babalu Aye and Ricky Ricardo– When people listen to 1950’s icon Desi Arnaz do his drum chant for the Orisha Babalu Aye, many wonder what his connection to the Santeria (Lucumi) religion is. In this video we go to the Lucy Desi Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY to try and discover the truth for ourselves.
6. Tarot Every Witch Way: Food – The High Priestess – One of the things I am most proud of is my new video series titled Tarot Every Witch Way Food. In it we explore Tarot cards and their meanings through the sensual delights of food. Each week we make a new recipe and discuss how you can use these foods and ingredients to both better understand the tarot cards, and also bring about positive change in your life. If you haven’t seen it yet please take a look.
5. Fire Fire Fireside Chats : Voodoo and Santeria Possession – Possession is one of the most feared and least understood aspects of religion. This video helps to sort out some of the mystery surrounding this divine happening.
4.Voodoo vs. Hoodoo– When people are new to African Traditional religions one of the first questions that they ask are what are the differences between the different branches of the religion. This Voodoo video helps sort out some of these answers by describing the traditions of New Orleans Voodoo, Vodou, and Hoodoo.
3.Make Your Own Yule Protection Mojo Bag – Everyone loves the holidays, or holidaze as I call them, not really. The most wonderful time of the year can be stressful, depressing and difficult for many of us. This video shows instruction on how to make a mojo bag to help deal with all of these things, and the best part is you can use it anytime.
2.Voodoo Spiritual Temple Benefit Concert– If you are doing things right, out of adversity can come strength,… this is one of the most important lessons there is to learn. Many of you know that in 2016 the Voodoo Spiritual Temple suffered a fire. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes it has come back better than ever, and one of the beautiful steps on that journey was this benefit concert. Watch this voodoo video to see the Temple members in all their glory.
1. Legba Veve at the Crossroads– This is by far the most popular video we have done. It features the creation of a veve, or ritual ground drawing done with cornmeal to honor and welcome the Lwa. In this video we pay tribute to Legba the guardian of the crossroads, the opener of doors, the wise father guiding us down the proper path.
Thanks so much for watching ! Please remember to like and subscribe to our channel, maybe even comment about what videos you would like to see in the future ! Please continue checking out this blog, who knows what the future may hold !
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