Divination Space Station : DJ Martin

Last updated on: September 11, 2017 at 6:53 am By Lilith Dorsey

Author DJ Martin. Photo provided by Author. All rights reserved.

Divination Space Station is the place where we stop to interview authors, psychics, and diviners from around the world. This time I am so excited to feature Author DJ Martin. DJ’s books include: Herbs, Medicinal, Magical, Marvelous; A Green Witch’s Formulary; Baneful! 95 of the World’s Worst Herbs; and A Green Witch’s Cupboard as well as the Ogre’s Assistant urban fantasy series.

When did you start divining? With what method?

Oh, heavens. I don’t remember when. A teenager? I started out with something-hanging-from-a-string a very long time ago for yes/no questions (which is all I knew about then).

Perhaps 20 years ago, I was attracted to runes. (Don’t remember the impetus for it.) So, I bought a cheap set of runes and started learning by reading books, rote memorization of the figures and meanings, and casting the stones. Once I decided I liked the method and that it worked for me, I purchased stones and made my own.

Which method do you use most often now?

I still use a “pendulum” (which is actually just one of the necklaces I wear). My life is settled enough that yes/no is usually all I need. If it’s more complicated, or if I’m doing a reading for someone else, then I use runes.

How important is the choice/phrasing of the question?

I think it’s important to be as precise as possible when asking a question. The more vague the question, the more vague the answer. On the other hand, a quick “what do I need to know for today/this week/this month”, while vague, will give you something to think about.

Depending on the querent’s issue(s), sometimes it has to be one question at a time. Other times, the questions sort of lead into one another and you can rephrase them all into one.

Do you have a yes/no method of divining you recommend?

I still use my necklace. Or you can use a purchased pendulum that has been cleansed. Or, a small stone tied to a string. You just need something weighted that can dangle freely. Hold it over your palm, get it to still, then ask it which direction is ‘yes’ and which is ‘no’. If you feel it necessary, test it by asking a question you know the answer to. Then ask your question.

This method requires a steady hand. If you don’t have one, there are stands specifically made to hold a pendulum. Otherwise:

I know some people use tarot cards. They ask their question then draw a card from the deck. When they flip it face-up, if it’s upright, the answer is ‘yes’; if reversed, the answer is ‘no’. That would work, too. (Too many playing cards are identical either direction to make those an easy use.)

Is there any advice you have for newcomers when using divination?

Keep an open mind. A lot of time, you won’t get the answer you were expecting, or the answer you wanted. But isn’t that why we ask questions in the first place?

Also, the answers runes give aren’t as detailed as those of tarot. To me, they require more thought on the matter. But to my way of thinking, any divination method is a guide, not a step-by-step instruction manual. So, making you think about the situation is no bad thing.

Are there any new projects you are developing?

Divination-wise? No. I’m comfortable with what I have. (Although, it’s getting time to re-mark my stones. They’re getting worn.) Writing? I’m in the final stages of research for another herb book and have the third book of my urban fantasy series in the back of my mind. I hope to have both of those out sometime next year.

Herbs Medicinal, Magical, Marvelous ! cover photo provided by publisher. All rights reserved.

Deborah J. Martin has practiced magical and medicinal herbalism for over thirty years, earning her Master Herbalist diploma from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. DJ Martin’s next appearance will be at the Hoot Owl Attic Metaphysical store in Atlanta, Georgia on September 23, 2017. If you would like to learn more about DJ Martin please check out her website www.authordjmartin.com

Healing Herbs Omelette Recipe

Last updated on: January 13, 2017 at 5:30 am By Lilith Dorsey

Omlette photo courtesy of Wikimedia commons.

Herbs can be powerful. Herbs can be magickal. Herbs can be healing. The following recipe uses healing herbs to help fight colds, flu, and other types of illness. Each of these herbs combine artfully to create delicious magick.

Parsley is said to keep away death, and as been a healing ingredient in things like Chicken soup since the beginning of time. Astrologically Rosemary is associated with the radiant Sun, and the sign of Leo. From a magickal standpoint Rosemary is said to bring protection, healing, purification, strength, clarity, and love. The eggs in the recipe are representative of new beginnings. Basil is reported to chase away demons, and offers strong protection from illness and negativity. Prepare this recipe in your home focusing your energy and concentration on healing while it cooks. Feel free to add more of you favorite ingredients if you like: peppers, cheese, onions, whatever you wish. You can serve this when you need a little pick me up, or just as a way to invite good health onto your table.

Healing Herbs Omelette Recipe

3 Eggs

1 Tbs. Half and Half

1 tsp. Chopped Parsley, fresh

1 tsp. Chopped Basil, fresh

1 tsp. Minced Chives, fresh

1/2 tsp. Chopped Rosemary, fresh

1 cup Chopped Spinach, fresh

1 clove Garlic, minced

1/2 Tbs. butter or oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large bowl mix together eggs and half and half until well combined. Add the herbs and spinach. Mix well. Heat frying pan over medium heat and add butter or oil. Add egg mixture all at once. Stir the mix in the pan quickly with a fork for one minute. Then let set. As the omelette begins to get solid get ready to turn it over. Flip and cook for one minute more. Serve and enjoy. Makes 1-2 servings.

For more great recipes please see my African-American Ritual Cookbook. Thanks for reading and remember to share !

Who Was Graman Quacy ? Another Forgotten African Hero !

Last updated on: February 20, 2016 at 7:32 am By Lilith Dorsey

Graman Quacy drawing by William Blake. From NYPL digital collections.

Many times Africans who make a difference are lost to the pages of history. This is particularly true if the individual practiced an alternative spiritual path. Humanity, and the lives of many of you reading this, have benefited from the monumental contributions of a man named Graman Quassi, also known as Graman Kwesi or Quacy. Born Kwesi Mukamba, this man was an 18th century leader, healer, botanist, and innovator. The blog Trip Down Memory Lane fills us in on some of the background of this lost history saying :

Quassie was named Graman Quassi, which means Great man Kwasi (Quacy) by his admirer and unofficial biographer, Lieutenant John Stedman. Quassi was a scout and negotiator for the Dutch, and he lost his right ear during the fighting. For this reason the Surinamese maroons remember him as a traitor. But the most important angle of my analysis on Graman Quassi was his success in the field of botany and medicine in which Carl Linnaeus (Carl von Linné) popularly known as “the father of modern taxonomy” and the famous Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist, who laid the foundations for the modern biological naming scheme of binomial nomenclature- honored him for using the back of Quassia tree in Surinam to cure fever. A discovery that has enabled scientists to use Quassia in medicines like Bitter tonic and vermifuge.

As famous as Quacy was for his medical achievements, he was even more renowned for his accomplishments as a magickal practitioner. Called a “Witch Doctor” and a “Sorcerer,” he was immortalized by the image created by William Blake for the John Gabriel Stedman’s Narrative Of A Five Years’ Expedition Against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam. Stedman referred to him as “one of the most Extraordinary Black men in Surinam and Perhaps in the World….By his insinnuating temper and industry this negro not only Obtained his Freedom from a State of Slavery . . . but by his Wonderful artifice & ingenuity has found the means of Acquiring a very Competant Subsistance.” Quacy had become famous for his herbal knowledge and charms, also called Obeahs or Obias. He sold these to the fighting free people of color, Stedman comments about this that, “he not only has done a Deal of Good to the Colony but fill’d his Pockets with no inconsiderable Profits Also. ” His knowledge and skill also gained him an audience with the Prince of Orange in The Hague, where he was gifted with a gold-lined coat, gold-tipped cane, and a gold medal. Quacy in later days would proclaim that his trip was the impetus for the Dutch law that granted any person of color brought to Holland as a slave their freedom after six months. So maybe next time you order a Gin and Tonic, turn your minds to Graman Quacy one magic man who truly left his mark.

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Video: Gris-Gris Bag For Damballa La Flambeau

Last updated on: November 19, 2015 at 9:58 am By Lilith Dorsey

Gris Gris Bag for Damballa La Flambeau. photo by Lilith Dorsey. All rights reserved

In the past I have published many recipes for Gris-Gris. They are some of my favorite magickal creations. Similar to Native American medicine bundles, they are little packets of magick that you can carry with you and use to draw strength, energy, and success in all your chosen areas. Here you will find instructions to wake your own gris-gris herbal mix for Damballa La Flambeau. Damballa La Flambeau is one of the serpent creators of New Orleans Voodoo and Haitian Vodou. He embodies fire and movement, and this Gris-Gris mixture will help you maximize those forces in your life.

Thanks for watching and please remember to share!

The Search for Samo: Voodoo Universe’s Pilgrimage to Basquiat

Last updated on: June 2, 2015 at 8:48 am By Lilith Dorsey

Basquiat's Grave photo by Lilith Dorsey 2015. All rights reserved. — Basquiat’s Grave photo by Lilith Dorsey 2015. All rights reserved.

On numerous occasions I have set out to find the grave of Jean Michel Basquiat. There are many famous dead buried here in my hometown of Brooklyn, but none I admire as much as Basquiat. Many say his work references Haitian Vodou, but there is no evidence Basquiat truly embraced these connections. He did however do things differently, there is tell that towards the end of his life he traveled to New Orleans for the world famous Jazzfest, and there bought himself some gris-gris powder (herbal spell.)

His art itself is magick, power, and invocation writ both large and small. In Widow Basquiat his partner Jennifer Clement recalls that Jean-Michel sprinkled water around MOMA once which she refers to as one of his “Voodoo tricks.” Robert Farris Thompson, Yale professor and author of Flash of the Spirit told me once that Basquiat was his favorite artist, however he believes the artist knew little about traditional Haitian Vodou practices.

In any case this past Memorial Day weekend we travelled to the source itself to leave offerings and honor his spirit.

Review: Planets for Pagans

Last updated on: January 22, 2015 at 2:20 pm By Lilith Dorsey

Planets for Pagans by Renna Shesso. All rights reserved.

I was a bit skeptical when I got this book to review, I feel like I say that about every Pagan book but it’s kind of true. Most Pagans have a working or better knowledge of astrology and sacred sites. This book Planets for Pagans, by Rena Shesso, attempts to expand this knowledge and make useful connections and insights. The main reason I was wary is that this a a reprint of an earlier work. But I guess we all need an upgrade for a new era, so I checked it out.

Planets for Pagans covers many interesting topics. It’s foundation is obviously astrology. Now, I’m not a consummate expert, but I have taught and studied astrology for several years. Every magickal person should have a decent comprehension of the planets and how they affect our lives and the world around us. This book has information for beginners and experts alike, it not only details each of the celestial bodies and their properties, but also gives us new and exciting ways to explore their energies. Ms. Shesso gives practical information, and then thoughtfully reminds you to trust your own instincts. There are many references to other types of magicks and the eclectic Pagan should welcome the connections to Tarot, Animals, Mythology and Spellcrafting. I just wish there was more of this in the book.

Entrance to Newgrange, Boyne Valley, Ireland. Photo by Lilith Dorsey, all rights reserved.

Regular readers here at Voodoo Universe know I hold a degree in anthropology, and studied with one of the staff archaeologists from Stonehenge. I was especially excited to see the Planets for Pagans section talking about Newgrange (3100- 2900 BCE.) Newgrange, located in the Boyne valley in Ireland, is a magickal place and no work about sacred sites would be complete without it. For many of us Pagans, especially those with Celtic ancestry, it serves as a place of pilgrimage. Newgrange is an ancestral tomb celebrating the divine interplay of dark and light. Architecturally, it is a Solstice marvel and on those special days we can truly see the light. Shesso also tells us of lesser known astrological sites as well, from Rosaring, Sweden to Serpent Mound, Ohio. All worthy of note.

Rena Shesso’s magickal background comes from her ancestors, specifically her grandparents- a gardener/lapidary and herbalist/astrologer . Her biography tells of a life long passion for “spiritual, artistic, and goddess-infused topics.” Ms. Shesso is also the author of Math for Mystics. To hear things in her own words listen to this interesting interview with her from Witchtalk, titled A Magickal Tour of the Night Sky.

If you are fortunate enough to catch her in person she will be making public appearances in Colorado during February 2015. Her schedule can be found here. There are many exciting astrological events coming up, as always remember to look out and look up !

Lilith The Dark Goddess Of Your Dreams

Last updated on: December 11, 2014 at 7:03 am By Lilith Dorsey

Lilith and Eve photo by new !lluminati. Text added. Licensed under CC 2.0

Referred to as an enchantress, hag, witch, demon, harlot, succubus, and murderer…, she is the dark goddess of your dreams and her name is Lilith. Many believe that Lilith may be the related to the early goddesses Inanna and Ishtar, but no matter what you call her, or who she stands next to- she is fierce. Probably due to this fierceness the goddess Lilith gets some screwed up publicity everywhere from the popular HBO series True Blood to the historical record of ancient traditions.

Felt Angel by Thyago. Licensed under CC 2.0

Barbara Black Koltuv’s Book of Lilith was one of the first texts to explore this ancient feminine force in all her sacred glory. The first surviving record of Lilith’s name comes from the Sumerian poem “Gilgamesh and the Huluppu-Tree” which dates to 2,000 BCE. In this work she is depicted as a dark demoness. The name Lilith is even in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Famous witch Fiona Horne, whose coven honors Lilith as one of their patrons, tells of how this sacred goddess resides in mirrors. Mirrors are the ultimate space of in-between, appearance, reflection, and magick. Here people can access their own “dark” side and unleash the sacred feminine within. I have spoken to Fiona about this, and we have shared much insight on this topic.

Lilith is my given name which probably gives me a very unique take of the topic. Every once and awhile I run into another Pagan that raises a hairy eyebrow and asks for my real name , and honestly I probably wouldn’t have chosen it myself. It makes for an interesting time when dealing with Orthodox Jews and others. When you are trying to sort out myth from reality when you are dealing with a 4,000 year old goddess truth can get very slippery. James Joyce, literary legend, refers to Lilith as a patroness of abortions in his great work Ulysses. Even Biblical sources cast her as a demon representing chaos and unholiness. Lilith is said to have been the original spouse of Adam who refused to lie beneath him.

She Will Not Lie Beneath

Modern day however, has seen feminism take up the ancient banner of Lilith and facilitated a transformation from demon to dark goddess. Lilith reminds us what is truly and primally feminine in all forms. These are the old places where darkness lets in light, and where coal turns to diamond, through constant and sustained pressure and power. Very often she is associated with the Owl, an animal of night, a predator, an unseen warrior of the darkness. Lilith has been a chosen champion by many Lesbians and feminists, and most know her name now as associated with the world renowned music Lilith Fair started by Sarah McLachlan.

Herbal Offerings for Lilith

Lilith by John Collier -1892. Photo by Rami Sedhom. Licensed under CC 2.0

Patchouly – for passionate attraction
Musk- for sexual desire
Mandrake- to balance sexual and physical energy
Mugwort – blessing and protection
Amber – love and healing
Sandalwood – healing and protection
Strawberry – joy and love
Caraway – banishing and protection from evil
Wormwood – protection
Wisteria – love and wisdom
Vanilla – healing and love
These can be ground together and added to candles, or oil spells for Lilith. She is a goddess of the moon, so be sure to create any special magicks for her in correspondences with the current moon phase energy.

Lilith is powerful and strong, one of the many female figures that history has portrayed as a demon but the truth may be something altogether different. For many today she is a beacon of light, as opposed to a dubious harbinger of darkness.

For more information on understanding and honoring Lilith and all the other forms of the Goddess please check out my book 55 Ways to Connect to Goddess.