Neo-Paganism’s Evil Goddess Ireada

Last updated on: November 30, 2014 at 10:54 am By Lilith Dorsey

Hansel and Gretel with the Witch photo by Jon Seidman. Text added. Licensed under CC 2.0

Do you know the goddess Ireada? Ireada is evil, ignorance and arrogance all wrapped up into one. She is narcissism and disrespect, and if you haven’t guessed already she isn’t a goddess at all. Ireada stands for I read a … book.

Everyone wants to be an expert these days, about life, love, religion, everything. We have drifted into a post-modern sense of entitlement that instead of empowering people has created a sad state of elitism that hurts us all. Among the Yoruba people there is a saying “You can’t get Awo from a book.” Awo is spiritual knowledge, insight and experience. No, you can’t get that from a book. Paganism by definition is a religion based on nature and the natural forces around us. There is a huge difference between reading about a rock and placing a quartz crystal on your heart chakra and feeling the healing connection. A person can read about a tree, or truly feel and understand the joy that comes from planting a memorial tree for your ancestors which will provide shade and more for generations to come.

Books are great. There are hundreds of them here in my home, at least five times my weight in words. However Paganism, spirituality and religion are so much more than just words. In my tradition of New Orleans Voodoo there is a lot to read, the bulk of it created in the past 15 years and frankly a lot of it is a bunch of crap. Today we live in a world of Wiki-idiocy where collective belief has become truth. This kind of thinking has gotten us into trouble and created atrocities such as cultural genocide for hundreds of years. Part of the problem is that these Pagan religions were cloistered under secrecy for hundreds of years. Books and other material goods were not things afforded to slaves and other oppressed classes. Not just New Orleans Voodoo but Haitian Vodou and La Regla Lucumi (Santeria) were practiced under cover of secrecy because laws and oppressive regimes made the thought of doing otherwise a deadly proposition. People found a way to keep the traditions alive despite impossible odds. Knowledge was passed down from Godparent to Godchild, the same way it is done today. Anyone who has played the childhood game of telephone knows that passing along information this way can be interesting. Then there is the fact that these traditions don’t have one standard set of rules. The same holds true for other varieties of Paganism as well.

Temple of Isis photo by Irene Soto. Licensed under CC 2.0

The are many divine and sacred forms of Goddess out there. Traditional knowledge must walk hand in hand with practice. There is no need to follow Ireada only. Let’s take her down a few notches in favor of the true beauty and knowledge that comes from direct contact with the Goddess. This can be done through song, dance, art, ritual, and most importantly interconnectedness with others as part of a spiritual house. Even if you aren’t able to join a group, you can learn about Isis, goddess of the moon by saying her sacred chants or travelling to her holy places. Afro-Caribbean goddesses like Oshun can be honored through a butternut squash soup recipe or a sacred song. The possibilities are endless, so grasp the opportunity to expand your knowledge beyond the printed page whenever you have the chance. May your journeys be blessed ! If you agree with these words please do us all a favor and share this post- Thanks!

Meaning and Use of Cowrie Shells

Last updated on: July 7, 2022 at 4:34 pm By Lilith Dorsey

Meaning and use of Cowrie Shells photo by Daniel Oines. Text added. Licensed under CC 2.0.

This is a story of a simple shell that is used as money, a tribute, and a way to know the future. Some historians believe the Cowrie shell was one of the first systems of money used, and it’s importance is wide reaching. Fertility, ease of use, and blessings of all kinds can be found in this little package. These are the prized treasures of our ancestors, and we can still benefit from them today. Cowries are used everywhere from Ancient Egypt to New Orleans Voodoo and Hoodoo.

Been All Around the World….

In Ancient Egypt Cowrie shells were prized as great magickal tools. Certain cultures believe that the magic comes from its resemblance to a half-open eye. Other groups see a similarity between the Cowrie and female genitalia, and consequently they have become symbolic of fertility. The age old issue of love walking hand in hand with money comes to light again. Mesolithic jewelry in Scotland features Cowrie shells, according to Jane McIntosh in Handbook to Life in Prehistoric Europe. Clearly their powerful importance goes back thousands of years.

From the Watery Depths…Comes the Cowrie Shell

The shell from the watery depths is actually part of a tropical marine mollusk. It forms spiral shapes evoking its own natural magick in a simple yet complex way. John Scarborough’s Medical and Biological Terminologies theorizes that the word Cowrie is an alteration of the Hindi word Kauri. In Africa the Cyprea Moneta was the species most widely used for financial exchange.

There is an interesting post called “The Gift of the Cowrie” by Latranei Gaibole. It speaks of the connection between the cowrie shell and a mother goddess called “Mote,” whose description seems to evoke the divinity Mami Wata. During ritual Mami Wata appears as the primal feminine, both powerful and strong. These shells come from the ancient depths of the waters of Mother Earth and bless us with their sacred gifts.

Find the Future

Kuba hat photo by Rachel Biel. Licensed under CC 2.0

Devotees of African Traditional Religions will recognize these blessed shells as the divine tools of Ifa. For those who are unfamiliar with these practices it can be a bit complicated. Ifa is the word used to refer to the deity in charge of divination, the system of divination, and even sometimes the religion as a whole. The ritual to tell the future involves throwing the cowrie shells on a tray and recording the series of patterns that begin to emerge. Each pattern corresponds to a specific answer.

For additional information about Ifa readings and Orunmila, check out Divination Space Station with Awo Robert Ogbe Di. While the book Diffusion of Cowries and Egyptian Culture by M.D.W. Jeffries talks about cowries and cosmology saying that “Among the Ewe is the story that cowries were found in a basket sent from Heaven by (the divinity) Mawu “In New Orleans Voodoo the shells are often used for offering, blessing, and healing. Anyone wishing to connect with their energy can simply put one in their pocket or wallet to attract insight and financial success. Cowries can also be thrown into a moving body of water such as a river or ocean while a wish is being made. There are obviously many other uses and associations for Cowrie shells; I would love to hear your favorites in the comments below.

If you enjoyed what you have read here, please remember to share- Thanks and Blessings!

So You Want a Real Voodoo Spell? Here’s the Problem

Last updated on: September 24, 2014 at 7:48 pm By Lilith Dorsey

It’s understandable you want a Voodoo spell,

who wouldn’t want one?

Voodoo can do anything, or can it?

I’d love to tell you Voodoo spells were cheap and easy. Think for a minute however, when was the last time something you did that was cheap and easy brought you satisfaction or success? There are over 5 millions results when someone searches the internet for a voodoo spell. That’s a whole lot of Voodoo. The first problem is we have no way of finding out how successful these people are. I can honestly say as a Voodoo priestess and psychic reader for over two decades most people who contact me for spellwork don’t even really want or know what they are asking for. They want they same faulty person they just got free of back in their lives. They want money over success or security. They want passion over stability. Needless to say they don’t really want those situations. I met a psychic once who wore a tinfoil hat who conveniently also majored in psychology, she told me

Psychic advisor photo by Somjuan. Photo cropped. Licensed under CC 2.0

“all psychic readings were just therapy sessions. “ They definitely can be. So when we judge someone success what are we judging: their staying power, their financial status, their client list, or something else. Now in Santeria also known as Lucumi, as in New Orleans Voodoo and Haitian Vodou staying power certainly gives a practitioner credentials. Who initiated them and where are also factors. I also believe everyone has a specialty. Not every priest or priestess is going to be good at everything, that is why these systems operate within larger networks. To become part of these networks is a lifelong process. Most of these online spellworkers do not list their training. That should be your first clue that something might be problematic when you are searching for someone to perform spiritual work. Client list or recommendations, could be a reasonable thing to check out. The problem with this is many people like to keep these consultations secret. For years there have been rumors about J-Lo practicing Santeria and I recently found a picture of D’Angelo wearing a set of Lucumi elekes. Wyclef Jean has said he is related to a Vodou priest, but many celebrities are still private about these matters. While famous clients may mean someone is successful, but ultimately all it proves is you knew enough to get yourself in front of the right people. Now you could check out who you’re working with, their years, time, training, and associations but that is only half the equation. Please check in next time there is much more to say on this topic, and I’d love to hear your comments below.

Nigeria’s World Sango Festival 2014

Last updated on: August 31, 2014 at 8:15 am By Lilith Dorsey

Bowl with lid, Yoruba people, Nigeria photo by Cliff. Text added. Licensed under CC 2.0

Sango is a king, a god, a warrior. This year’s World Sango festival was held in Oyo Nigeria on August 21-30. Created to celebrate African cultural heritage, the event features performances from different Orisha worshiping groups from around the globe. Last year’s event was attended by a million followers. This is truly a blessing to behold. Those, like myself, who were unable to attend should check out the website for photos and more information about the cultural history and legacy of the Yoruba people and the Ifa religion.

The video of Otunba Ajiboye on Sango Festival 2013 tells of the event, the great king’s connection to his father Aggayu, his double-headed axe of judgement, and much more. The issue of cultural preservation is also highlighted which is something that all too often gets forgotten in the more modern manifestations of the Afro-diasporic religions.

The amazing ritual drama performed for King Sango during the 2013 event is also worth viewing.

To see fantastic photos of the 2014 festivities please check out the event’s Facebook page. If you are interested in reading more about the myth, the man, the king that was Sango I would recommend Sango in African and the African Diaspora.

Ase Sango!

Divination Space Station RoundUp

Last updated on: August 29, 2014 at 8:52 am By Lilith Dorsey

Tarot by Slipp D. Thompson. Licensed under CC 2.0

We are coming up on the one year anniversary of Voodoo Universe and it’s been a year of ups, downs, and inside outs. It only makes sense to talk about our ongoing series Divination Space Station, where we profile the top psychic readers from around the globe. I am proud and humbled at the amazing information that has unfolded in this series, if you missed any of it please take some time to check it out now. One of the things that amazes me about divination is that there is always something more to learn. The following information is invaluable for newbie and veteran readers alike, please consume, share and enjoy !

Dorothy Morrison reminds us that “readings only tell you what’s likely to occur if you continue your current path – and you can change that path at any point. So, nothing’s cut and dried, or carved in stone. Regardless of the question, the outcome is still your call.”

Oseaana December says “Don’t be influenced by what others say is the right method or the better divination system. Be open to finding what works for you and then build upon that.”

Tehron Gillis gives the advice to “sleep with your oracle(for at least three nights) and individual cards or runes or whatever, record your dreams, meditate with them. Become familiar with them and most importantly have fun!”

Orion Foxwood makes the point “always cleanse the tools and space before and after each reading and be sure to bless them through the spirit of some higher power (angelic, deific, ancestral, faery, orisa, loa or other.)”

Taylor Ellwood tells us “Throw away the little booklets that come with whatever divinatory tool you are using and get to know the tool. Work with it. Do meditations with each of the cards, runes, etc and get to know them through experience.”

Vinnie Russo says “when learning a new system, it is incredibly valuable to keep a record of your progress. Review your hits as well as your misses. Both can be helpful in building your confidence in how a system traditionally works and how you can work with the system.”

Bernadette Montana tells us she ” sometimes thinks of the tarot as a doorway. Once that doorway has opened all sorts of information comes in ! ”

Raven Moon's Oracle, wonderful wares ! — Raven Moon’s Oracle, wonderful wares !

Raven Moon’s Oracle states “Knowledge is power. Read, practice, read, practice. And after that read and practice some more. ”

Awo Robert Ogbe Di informs us that “Even the most naturally skilled person is only able to divine reliably if they have been practicing and using their tools for long enough to learn them.”

Lilith Dorsey explains “I consult the tarot, cocos, divining rods, astrological influences almost daily. I feel that’s it’s similar to checking the weather, although I realize this may sound reductionist. I am not diminishing the power of divination, I am just making an analogy about taking one’s spiritual umbrella when needed.”

Check out the full text of these articles if you can, there is a wealth of information here. I’d like to thank everyone for their contributions, comments and for taking time to see what we have to say here on Voodoo Universe so I am offering half- price psychic readings with me, Lilith Dorsey, during the month of September in honor of our Blogiversary!!! To book an appointment email [email protected] and be sure to mention this post !

Divination Space Station: Oseaana December

Last updated on: August 8, 2014 at 11:56 am By Lilith Dorsey

Oseaana photo provided by subject, all rights reserved.

It’s been awhile since the Voodoo Universe has stopped at the divination space station, but this go around we are pleased to talk with Oseaana December. You can find out more about her on the website Oseaana.com

When did you start divining?

I started divining about 25 years ago. I was working in a business office at a state facility and my supervisor and I would read for each other during lunch breaks. I mostly used the Tarot and oracle decks for many years and then was introduced to shell and bone readings about 13 years ago.

With what method?

My first divination method was the Tarot. Someone gave me the Motherpeace Tarot by Vicki Noble and Karen Vogel and I fell in love with it. I was taught by a couple different women how to read intuitively using this deck so I didn’t start my journey through the Tarot using a traditional deck like the Rider-Waite or learning the traditional meanings of the cards.

What method do you use most often now?

I still use the Motherpeace deck on a constant basis. I also throw the bones and do a lot of bone readings. When I was introduced to shell and bone readings many years ago I fell in love with the methods that were shared with me because they had deep African roots and it felt like a direction connection to my ancestry. I have been fortunate to find amazing teachers who not only shared their wisdom but also taught me the importance of reading intuitively from the heart. The method of bone reading I do now is one I created from a few different traditions I have learned and studied as well as channeled through me by the Spirits. It’s a highly intuitive system that has a specific throwing mat layout that can give insight in all areas of a person’s life within different realms such as physical, emotional, and spiritual. I teach this system through my website to those that want to learn it. The system has a basic 13 bone and other curios kit that can be used with the basic reading style I teach, then the student is encouraged to add to the basic kit and further develop the system to make it uniquely their own.

How important is the choice/phrasing of the question?

I prefer when a client has a specific question or area of concern. The phrasing doesn’t need to be precise however if they are in-tune with what they are seeking to know it helps the reading go more smoothly. When a client wants a general reading or isn’t quite sure of a specific area they want to be read on, I start the reading process by asking my Spirit Guides what they want the client to know. Usually what comes through triggers the client to realize that they do need help in that area. After that point they start zoning in on specific questions they may have. When I do bone readings the insight from the Spirits and the clients Ancestors comes through almost immediately.

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

Yes, I have a couple different methods for yes/no answers. I was taught to read the Obi, Yoruba four cowrie shell method, many years back by a Ifa Priest. I still use that method to get a yes/no answer. A wonderful book I highly recommend if folks want to know more about this method is called, Obi Divination by Afolabi A. Epega. Baba Epega taught the Ifa Priest I learned from.I also was taught how to use the Tarot to get a yes/no answer. I believe this method came from the creators of the Motherpeace deck but I am not sure. Basically you use a tarot deck and what you are looking for is an Ace. If the Ace is upright the answer is yes. If the Ace is reversed the answer is no. If you do not get an Ace the answer is unclear. You start a pile by counting out thirteen cards or until you get an Ace. If you get to the thirteenth card with no Ace then you start a second pile, count out thirteen or stop when you get an Ace. If no Ace in the second pile move on to a third pile and do the same thing. It does sound more complicated then it really is. I did a video about it on my Youtube channel.

http://youtu.be/wyT1yF0uFHU?list=UUwbtn91rJW9jOTQBdZ26aew

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

Because I was taught how to read intuitively rather than from a book I would suggest this approach. You have to get know any divination system personally. If it calls to you then work on a regular basis without the aid of a book and develop a relationship with it. Learning the basics is important however to truly connect with it and get the guidance you seek then it is important to make it part of who you are and the only way to do that is to connect with it on a personal spiritual level. Many folks approach divination with the mindset that they can’t do it or don’t know how to do it. Just remember divination tools are just that…tools. They are aids to assist the process. The insight comes from Spirit and if you are an open channel with no preconceived notions about the process or the outcome your reading with be clear. Don’t be influenced by what others say is the right method or the better divination system. Be open to finding what works for you and then build upon that.

More from Oseaana ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ )O( ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ http://www.TheMoonlitSea.net – the crafts http://www.PumpkinCottageConjure.com – the conjure http://www.talkingspiritpodcast.com – the podcast http://www.ScarletandAmethyst.com – the temple

Juneteenth History, Herstory, and Some Stuff in Between

Last updated on: May 22, 2021 at 10:55 am By Lilith Dorsey

juneteenthreenact — Photo by Laura Blanchard. Text added. Licensed under CC 2.0

Many people have never heard of the holiday Juneteenth. On June 19^th 1865 the slaves in Texas finally heard the news that they were free from their chains. This occurred years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation on January 1^st 1863. The late news came from Major General Gordon Granger and his Union soldiers upon their arrival in the city of Galveston. You can read the full text stating “all slaves are free,” at Notions Capital. Juneteenth celebrations today are a reality, a reminder and a time for remembrance. For a long time this event was a primarily Texas affair. For it was in Texas that the whole thing started.

juneteenthorders — Juneteenth General Orders by Mike Licht. Licensed under CC 2.0

There is quite a bunch of speculation as to why the news took so long to reach the state of Texas. The organization Juneteenth.com gives a few theories. One being “ the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas. Another is that the news was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force…and reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest.”

Are We Free Yet?

The U.S. is really fond of freedom celebrations. I think about religious and cultural freedoms, especially for those of us who practice religions outside the big three. Many states have laws in the books against psychic reading, public drumming, and other behaviors that are central to many pagan religions. I recently profiled a case in Brazil where Afro-Caribbean religion’s validity was called into question. I think about the personal freedoms of Pagans, Voodoo, Vodou and Santeria practitioners like myself, and know that these beliefs are very often stereotyped and challenged. Still we have come a long way, we don’t all need to hide under the bed, or in the proverbial Broom closet like we once did. That will always be a thing to celebrate.

Celebrate Good Times Come On!

cornmaquechoux — Corn Maque Choux photo by Lilith Dorsey. Copyright 2014.

Like many celebrations of our ancestors there has been a modern revival of this event called Juneteenth. There are BBQ’s, parades, festival, and a variety of things in commemoration of this historic event. I would like to celebrate with you this week by sharing some of my special heritage recipes for the ancestors. Some possible dishes to prepare are Corn Maque Choux, Fortitude Fried Chicken, Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon and Pecans , or any of the selections from my African-American Ritual Cookbook. What are your favorite Juneteenth heritage traditions and recipes, I love to see you post them below. Always remember to enjoy your freedoms !