Deities, Angels, Spirits, Saints: Questions and Answers

Unread post by **Doctor Hob** » Thu May 24, 2012 5:47 pm

You're welcome. I would be remiss to presume to tell anybody else what to believe, or how to practice, but this is my understanding. If it works for you, I'm glad I could share it.

Unread post by **aura** » Fri May 25, 2012 3:37 am

I find your understanding both beautiful and succinct Mister Hob. Thank you for sharing it

Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Fri May 25, 2012 9:48 am

Also, the longer you work with specific herbs, roots, curios, etc the more you will come to be familiar with their spirits and how to work with them. It takes time, but is VERY rewarding.

Unread post by **aura** » Fri May 25, 2012 10:07 am

Both the root doctor and the herbalist in me heartily, very much, über support that statement Joseph. They have a language, presence and personalities all their own.

Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Fri May 25, 2012 11:59 am

Thank you, aura. At first I read your response quickly and thought it said "hardly support." I was crestfallen! LOL

This simple statement has helped me more than any other: spend time with the items you will be working in tandem with and they WILL reveal themselves/spirit to you. This takes time, patience, and an open heart/mind. The time spent is worth more than 100 books on the subject, though. Real magic, folks!

Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Fri May 25, 2012 12:07 pm

Spirits of candles: The way I look at this is that the candles are wax which very easily absorb your intent and thoughts just as easy as the will almost immediately pick up one of my fingerprints. That is why I love using proper oils for my candles because they have the essential oils of the herbs, etc in them and I can speak directly to that. I also love to roll my candles in the appropriate herbs as well as sometimes circling the candles with an herb or herbal mixture directly related to the situation. The candle is a symbol and conduit for you petition, prayer, or "command."

Unread post by **Doctor Hob** » Fri May 25, 2012 12:57 pm

Heh...I read aura's reply the same way the first couple of times, Joseph.

I agree with you completely about candles. They strike me as the most willing of assistants.

Unread post by **aura** » Fri May 25, 2012 1:03 pm

Pardon the confusion

I'll go back and edit that last post! Your advice is always on par Joseph

Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Sat May 26, 2012 11:44 am

Aw, thank you aura! You edited it to make it very, very clear!

phonehappy · Unread post by **phonehappy** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 5:16 pm

How would one work with Saints in conjunction with their spells?

For example, last night I lit a red candle next to my st.expedite framed photo and a glass of water, then proceeded to my skull candle ritual, when I was done with that I turned back to St.Expedite and prayed to him to help expedite what I just tried to get from my skull candle.

Would that be correct?
Do I pray to the saints before , during or after my rituals?

Is praying to a saint candle magic all in itself?

Do you think the saints you have on your alter see you doing your rituals and already know what you are asking from them or do you need to repeat what you want when directly praying to them?

Let's say I wanted to ask two saints for help, would I light a candle for both saints and then proceed to my skull candle?

And finally which Saint would be most helpful for bringing back my friend who is angry with me? I need a miracle lol. All I'm asking is for a accidental run in with him so we can talk.

And yes, I'm waiting for my email response regarding this matter from an Airr reader that I should get this weekend

Unread post by **jwmcclin** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 6:28 pm

I would petition Saint Anthony ( http://www.luckymojo.com/saintanthony.html )

Unread post by **Miss Tammie Lee** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 6:41 pm

Ditto jwmcclin, Saint Anthony.

I ask Saint Anthony openly for help. Saint Anthony is one of the Saints I work with on a daily basis. At any given time, I am giving thanks to Saint Anthony, All three Saints and Arch Angels Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel, Saint Cyprian, Saint Jude and the list goes on and on. When you are working with the Saint, you can feel the Saint. Saint Anthony is gentle and you can feel the interaction when you are working.

http://www.luckymojo.com/saintanthony.html
http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatoils.html
http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatstatuary.html

Good luck and take care!

phonehappy · Unread post by **phonehappy** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 12:37 am

Thanks for helping me decifer which saint woud be best to work with

Now that my skull candle burned down should I still continue to pray to the saints?

Any insight on my other questions?

Was the way I went about my prayers okay? I have been working my skull candle and praying to the saint I chose after???

Unread post by **jwmcclin** » Sun Jun 10, 2012 4:56 pm

Its your choice in terms of in what order... although some Saints may take offense. Saint Anthony is very approachable, so working after is fine, if you feel the need to continue the prayer... follow your intuition.
We all know the power of prayer, for additional support in your prayers; post a prayer at the Crystal Silence League for the return of your friend. http://crystalsilenceleague.org/prayerrequests.html

Unread post by **starsinthesky7** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 7:18 pm

[quote="phonehappy"]How would one work with Saints in conjunction with their spells?

I simply do as you did below with st.expedite. I will write them a simple petition and ask them to help me in what I need their help on. So for example, if I am doing money work and want additional help from St. Expedite, I write him a petition to help bring it to me quickly. You can put that work before the saint you choose to work with.

For example, last night I lit a red candle next to my st.expedite framed photo and a glass of water, then proceeded to my skull candle ritual, when I was done with that I turned back to St.Expedite and prayed to him to help expedite what I just tried to get from my skull candle.

Would that be correct? That is fine.
Do I pray to the saints before , during or after my rituals? This is a matter of preference. You can do it on their particular day, which in saint expedite case is Wednesday (some say Thursday). Or you can pray to them as long as you are working on the work OR you can continue to pray to them even after you complete the work. It is up to you.

Is praying to a saint candle magic all in itself? Yes. I know some people who work with saints alone to get movement in their situation. I know I have especially when it comes to protection.

Do you think the saints you have on your alter see you doing your rituals and already know what you are asking from them or do you need to repeat what you want when directly praying to them? I write a petition to them. I have them working on all sorts of things and for all kinds of clients. But in your case, I would take the time to write them a petition and ask them to aid you in your work.

Let's say I wanted to ask two saints for help, would I light a candle for both saints and then proceed to my skull candle? You can see above. Before working with saints you need to see if they want to aid you, and you need to build a relationship with them. And make sure you are properly petitioning them and thanking them.

And finally which Saint would be most helpful for bringing back my friend who is angry with me? I need a miracle lol. All I'm asking is for a accidental run in with him so we can talk.

You need to get a reading to see if any saint wants to aid you in this situation. I would go with Saint Anthony as well in this case.

phonehappy · Unread post by **phonehappy** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 11:17 am

Thanks for the info Stars! I can always count on you for a great answer

Jwmcclin- Thanks so much for telling me about the Crystal silence League, I went there and asked for prayers. Not about this situation but another situation and I have been getting emails telling me that people are praying for me. I honestly think It's helping me feel better

Thanks to everyone else who took the time to answer

Desertman · Unread post by **Desertman** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 2:27 pm

Hello, any of you may answer this...

There is a lot of Great information above in this particular topic, as I have been interested in Summoning Spirits for a long time and read a few very good books one can find on Amazon etc. Evocation types.
Although......................
I wish to take a more "milder" and less hassle approach than erecting a room with circles, Solomon seals and other apparatus as most of you are well familiar with and use my Black mirror , incense, and dressed candle approach which a few of you have so generously given above. Keep it simple, Huh?
Which type of Incense and dressing should I use for skrying those "neutral to dark nature" spirits (OK Goetia types) and which ones are best for the more benevolent spirit guide and Enochian type angels.

Oh, I WAS once at your LuckyMojo Store in California and spent some money and a few wonderful hours there. Great place! Hope to return soon!

Thanks
Desertman

Unread post by **Miss Tammie Lee** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 9:16 pm

See above again and see this link:
http://www.luckymojo.com/spells/purple/pactspells.html

silverspoon22 · Unread post by **silverspoon22** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 3:51 pm

Hi, am still a little confused, some one please answer this question when offering a gift to saint Anthony do i do it during the work or after the request has been granted? and is the coffee offered in liquid form as a drink or placed as with the use of tobacco in court cases?

Unread post by **Papa Newt** » Sat Jul 07, 2012 8:28 pm

Usually the gifts are given after the spirit has come through for you (especially if that is the payment you promised once the work is done) and use liquid coffee. Just a regular mug full will do.

Awarewolf · Unread post by **Awarewolf** » Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:52 pm

I've been dealing with depression issues for most of my life. While I am in no danger of harming myself or others, I recently had a revelation of sorts. It's the type of feeling that I can only equate with what must feel like a spiritual awakening or "call" to others of the more Western Southern Baptist faith (in which I was raised, but it terrified me).

I now carry a self-made gris-gris and have felt and seen the benefits to a large extent. Others have also noted the change, saying that the "old/real me" is back. This is also coming at a time during my life in which my marriage is somewhat "on the rocks", largely due to a new-found sense of confidence.

In researching the hoodoo traditions, I came across a latter-day loa known as Dr. John or Father John, who is known for his ability to heal. This loa calls to me and, while this is a time of great spiritual re-awakening for me, it feels good and right in a way that I haven't felt for years.

I've been unable, however, to find any sigil or graphical representation of this loa. I'd like to pay tribute, but want to know more about this guiding force.

Might anyone be able to help? Has anyone had a similar experience?

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Wed Aug 15, 2012 6:45 pm

Sorry, this forum is about hoodoo, not Voodoo loas.

You may have us confused with another forum or another tradition. There have been several root workers called Doctor John. One lived in New Orleans. But root doctors don't have "sigils."

I think either you are unfamiliar with African American folk magic or you have been reading fantasy-magic on the internet. I wish i could help, but the best i can do is to recommend that you stop reading web sites for a while and if hoodoo attracts you, you can read some books on the actual folklore of Black Americans that were written before the internet existed. For starters, try "Folk Beliefs of the Southern Negro" by Newbell Niles Puckket. Also, try listening to older blues music about conjure. I have a whole pile of such material at my Blues Lyrics and Hoodoo web site, along with mp3s for some of the public domain material, here:

http://luckymojo.com/blues.html

On the other hand, you might actually think you are being called to hoodoo but are really being called to Haitian Voodoo -- in fact, your Baron Samedi avatar and your mention of loas with sigils (called veves in Voodoo) seems to point in that direction.. In that case, do a web search for the old-time material on Voodoo from before the internet fantastists got into it, like, for instance the book "Secrets of Voodoo" by Milo Rigaud, or films like "Divine Horsemen - Voodoo Gods of Haiti" by Maya Deren (portions are on youtube for free). After you get deeply enough into those, you will be better educated and will also be immune to internet fantasies of faux Voodoo and "latter day loas", and most particularly the false belief that either the Voodoo of Benin, Africa, or the Voodoo of Haiti has a direct impact upon the folk magic of African American people, which is called hoodoo, conjure, rootwork, tricking, witchcraft, and other similar terms.

Good luck.

MidsouthGuy · Unread post by **MidsouthGuy** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 3:33 pm

I'm beginning to explore Haitian Vodou, and would like some advice on how I should approach "hot" spirits, particularly Met Kalfou and Baron Kriminel. I know they aren't spirits to be approached lightly or on a whim, but I would like to know what to do should I ever have cause to seek them out, or if they approach me.

Thank you in advance to anyone and everyone who responds!

Unread post by **Mary Bee** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 4:00 pm

This is a forum for the use of Lucky Mojo products in hoodoo. Hoodoo is a magical practice based in Afro American Protestant Christianity. It has nothing to do with Haitian Vodou. I would suggest that you go to a Houngan (priest) or Mambo (priestess) for a reading as to which lwa walk with you, and learn how to serve them that way.

Good luck,
Mary Bee

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 10:19 pm

I am merging this into the long thread on random Deities, Angels, Spirits, and Saints. No offense, but this is probably not the forum you want to be in if studying and practicing Voodoo is your goal. We are all about Protestant Christianity here, with no apologies and with plenty of historical tradition to back us up.

Devil_Artist · Unread post by **Devil_Artist** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 8:14 pm

I was wondering what to do with a spirit I captured in a bottle. Said spirit was bothering a friend of mine, causing him accidents and to mess him up at work. I managed to coax it into a bottle filled with Spanish moss, rusty nails, devil shoestring, and whiskey, which I topped and bound with a length of copper chain. I don't feel it's a particularly powerful spirit since it went into the bottle so easilly, nor do it feel that it is a really evil spirit. I was contemplating releasing it in lieu of burying it as a cemetary. This is my first time using a spirit trap. Any thoughts? Please and thank you.

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 5:16 pm

Bury it in a graveyard or toss into a river.

MidsouthGuy · Unread post by **MidsouthGuy** » Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:51 am

Will saints work with people who are not Christian? I'm not Christian, but I'll work with any spirit that will work with me. I admire great people of faith, whatever that faith may be, and would hate to be disrespectful toward them.

Unread post by **aura** » Tue Sep 04, 2012 12:16 pm

Hi MidsouthGuy,

Other than a couple of particular cases, most Saints don't seem to have a problem working with non-Christians in my own limited experience. Some will even work quite well with Deities of other faiths. Begin by establishing a relationship with the ones which interest you, as you would a friend, and then migrate to work when you feel that a good connection has been established.

Blessings.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Tue Sep 04, 2012 4:40 pm

MidSouthGuy,

In your introduction, elsewhere in the Forum, you wrote,

"I have experience with Wicca, Asatru, Natib Qadish, have worked with some Catholic saints, and have a working knowledge of La Regla Lukumi. Right now I'm [...] exploring Haitian Vodou, Palo Mayombe, and various religions of the ancient world."

Later, in this thread, you wrote,

"I'm beginning to explore Haitian Vodou, and would like some advice on how I should approach 'hot' spirits, particularly Met Kalfou and Baron Kriminel."

Now you ask,

"Will saints work with people who are not Christian? I'm not Christian, but I'll work with any spirit that will work with me."

Your interest in comparative religion is admirable, but this forum may be the wrong place to come for answers in that regard. However, i will try to answer your question as best i can, although i am fairly certain that what follows will neither be the reply you sought nor will it be of much use to you in your spiritual journey toward African Diasporic religions.

However, here we go...

In order to understand what it means to "work with saints" one needs to know what a saint is, or, more precisely, who the saints are.

In Christian usage, the word "saints" means different things to different people depending upon the doctrines of their denominations.

To Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Lutherans, saints are beings who are either Jewish archangels (e.g. Saint Michael) or people now dead who have been officially canonized by the church hierarchy (e.g.Saint Nicholas).

To many Protestants, saints is a term that refers to members of the church, both those who are currently living and those who have died in a state of faith and grace, as described in this old Baptist hymn. Please play the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-pf-Jx19Lc

Shall We Gather At The River
Words & Music: Robert Lowry 1864

Shall we gather at the river
Where bright angel feet have trod
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?

Yes, we'll gather at the river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God

On the margin of the river
Washing up its silver spray
We will talk and worship ever
All the happy golden day

Ere we reach the shining river
Lay we every burden down
Grace our spirits will deliver
And provide a robe and crown

At the shining of the river
Mirror of the Saviour's face
Saints, whom death will never sever
Lift their songs of saving grace

Soon we'll reach the silver river
Soon our pilgrimage will cease
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace

Now, as you can see, the idea of "canonized" saints is not present in this Baptist concept of sainthood. Basically, the believer or adherent understands the word "saint" on its original terms, being derived from sanctus, Latin for "sacred" or "holy." The Saints are the spirits of the blessed ones, those whose will gather in God's presence after death.

In addition to this Baptist sense of the term "saint" to mean a living or dead person who has been or will be taken to Heaven, there is an entire branch of Protestant Christianity, popularly called the Sanctified Churches, in which all members are considered saints (remember, "saint" comes from "sanctus" as in "holy" or "sanctified"). These Sanctified Churches are particularly well known in the Black community in the USA and Jamaica, among Holiness, Pentecostal, Apostolic, Church of God in Christ, and other denominations. I want you to watch these five youtube videos:

The Sanctified Church Preacher's in praise Holy Convocation 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73lu3rOUqqI

WHAT TYPE OF CHURCH IS THIS? A HOLY GHOST, SANCTIFIED CHURCH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73z2VMLbeDw

Elder Mark Moore Preaching In A SANCTIFIED Church
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stOqj_28mUo

I Go To A Sanctified Church
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGYlUstBQoI

Ignited Praise Dance/Shouting in church, Jewell Dominion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg9556BioF4

In Sanctified Churches, all of the members are saints, as is noted in the commentary to the fourth video above.

In the following lyrics, popular in the Jewell Dominion churches of the USA, as well as in the Sanctified churches of Barbados and Jamaica (see video #2 above), you will see the same idea expressed in an extremely direct manner:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFeKUdGvEcE
"What Kind of Church is This?" by the Living Waters Praise Team

What kind of church is this?
This is a Holy Ghost church!
What kind of church is this"?
This is a Sanctified Church!
What kind of church is this?
This is a Holy Ghost church!
It is a hand-clapping, foott-stompning,
Body-rocking, devil chasing,
True blue, red hot,
Holy Ghost Sanctified Church!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcGWkpUgp7o
Dr Carolyn Showell Singing - What Kind Of Church Is This?

What kind of church is this"?
This is a Sanctified Church!
What kind of church is this"?
This is a Sanctified Church!
This is a hand-clapping, foot-stompning,
Tongue-talking church of the Living God

What kind of saint are you?
A Sanctified Saint!
What kind of saint are you?
A Sanctified Saint!
A hand-clapping, foot-stompning,
Tongue-talking saint of the Living God!

With that definition of "saint" now firmly in mind, i would like you next to understand that hoodoo is the folk-magic of a group of people who are primarily Protestant, and not Catholic or Orthodox, hence the idea of "working with saints" (in the sense of "canonized" saints) is extremely uncommon in hoodoo practice. Working with ancestors and other spirits of the dead -- some of whom are "saints" in the Baptist and/or in Sanctified Church sense -- is more common, obviously.

The idea of "working with (canonized) (Roman Catholic) saints" has entered this Forum through the open door of the internet. About 1/4 of the inhabitants of the USA are Catholics, and many of them think that hoodoo is a universal form of magic accessible to all, which, despite its origins among Protestant African Americans, they think they can modify to suit their own religious traditions.

In a sense they are right. They can do this. There are no "hoodoo police" stopping them from working with Catholic Church approved spirits.

But in another sense they are wrong -- because in hoodoo, there is no ecclesiastical system of canonization and thus no set traditions of working with Catholic theological concepts at all.

What kind of saint are you?
A Sanctified Saint!
What kind of saint are you?
A Sanctified Saint!
A hand-clapping, foot-stompning,
Tongue-talking saint of the Living God!

Any Catholic Church traditions you see here in the Forum -- and they do appear on this Forum with great regularity -- are being brought in by people who grew up outside the traditional hoodoo and conjure practices of Black Protestant America. Many of these newcomers, in my experience with them as customers and clients, are actually unaware that hoodoo is the folk-magic of a primarily Protestant group of people.

Now you come into the mix and ask if you, as a "non-Christian," can work with a class or group of spiritual entities whom you define as "saints" but who are actually, historically and traditionally and contemporaneously outside the mainstream of hoodoo theology.

Sure. Go ahead. You can also work with Hindu deities, Taoist immortals, Hindu devas, Haitian loas, Lukumi orishas, and Shamanic animal spirits. It's your world, ultimately, that you live in, not mine or anyone else's

Now, because this Forum is about hoodoo, not about religion, your latest question, like your previous question, is being merged into the long and meandering thread about spirits, saints, deities, and all.

Devil_Artist · Unread post by **Devil_Artist** » Wed Sep 05, 2012 12:41 pm

Thank you Conjureman Ali.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:21 pm

Just an additional note: In hoodoo practice it is the custom to return home over water -- crossing a river or at least a little stream. The spirit cannot easily cross and is likely to stay behind.

magictinkerbell · Unread post by **magictinkerbell** » Sat Sep 08, 2012 2:48 am

Working with a Saint over a 9 Novena
Just need to bounce this off to you guys, for a bigger insight really... (I can get wrapped up in my own little 'healer-worker-world' & I feel LM is great for a bigger perspective than just my little perspective

If I am conducting a '9 day Novena' to a Saint, with a LM honey Jar Kit / on a petition paper, but I know that realistically it will take a lot longer than 9 days, for that Saint to grant the petition to reality, the petition is very much a possibility, and the 9 day novena shows my dedication, love and trust to want to work with that Saint.
Also I have said IN my prayers that... > "As I know this may take longer, so I will give some of what I've pledged to the Saint after 9days... but on granting my petition.. I will give all of the pledge completely" Soooo:-

Whats the best way to continue after the 9 days ?... maybe burn a candle on the jar Mon Wed Fri or once a week ?

Or maybe none of the above ? Any insight much appreciated ?
MagicTinkerbell

Unread post by **aura** » Sun Sep 09, 2012 4:03 am

Hi magictinkerbell,

Continuing the burning of candles on the honey jar until your petition is met is quite traditional. Some honey jars are worked for years and you can't even see the jar anymore due to all the wax on them!

For the petition to the Saint, no problem working the way you did although you don't actually have to give anything until you start getting results. You could also strike a deal and ask for certain signs at regular intervals with ''partial payment'' due at each milestone. Another alternative is to do a novena every month until you have petition granted. That way you consistently reinforce the work and prayer. Go with what feels right or use divination to ascertain what is best suited to work with the Saint in question.

Blessings.

magictinkerbell · Unread post by **magictinkerbell** » Sun Sep 09, 2012 10:24 am

Thank you Aura, that is most excellent ! Great ideas, insight and help!! Especially doing it once a month to re-inforce the work

Will definitely follow all you've said

Love and blessings to you

MagicTink

Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Sun Sep 09, 2012 1:01 pm

...and that is *always* a good thing to remember!

MidsouthGuy · Unread post by **MidsouthGuy** » Wed Sep 12, 2012 8:14 pm

Grigori Rasputin has become a folk saint in parts of Russia, and I plan on working with him in the near future, particularly with healing and finding the sacred in unsavory places.

I know some suggested offerings for him and can easily find an image, but I get the feeling that something is missing.

If anyone here has experience working with Rasputin, could you please point me in the right direction?

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Wed Sep 12, 2012 11:33 pm

Despite how far off the norm working with a Russian Orthodox faith-healer would seem to be for African American folk-magic, working with a personal spirit guide is part of hoodoo culture. However, i am curious, in which parts of Russia is Grigori Rasputin a folk saint? I know of him as a mystic, a healer who drew on shamanic methodologies, and a supporter of civil rights for the poor, but not as a saint.

Unread post by **Mama Micki** » Thu Sep 13, 2012 8:40 am

There is a four-page entry on Rasputin in Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints, and Sages by Judika Illes. Some pray to him for protection and healing, since he helped the Tsarevich (Prince) with his hemophilia. In death, he went through the four elements: he drowned (water), was buried (earth), his body was exhumed and burned (fire), and the ashes scattered to the winds (air).

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Thu Sep 13, 2012 8:56 am

Thank you, Mama Micki -- but that's an American book by an author who compiled data from unsourced and often web-based texts. I am actually hoping for a response to MidSouthGuy's statement that "in parts of Russia" Rasputin is a folk-saint. The term "folk-saint" has specific meaning to ethnologists, and the word "folk" implies something more indigenous than a listing in an American book by an American author, no matter what her sources may have been.

As a folklorist interested in the material culture of religion and magic -- and a board member of YIPPIE (the Yronwode Institution for the Preservation and Popularization of Indigenous Ethnomagicology), i was asking for guidelines that would allow me to search for and to see "indigenous" (in this case Russian) home shrines, statuary, icons, amulets, ex votos, and the like -- whatever can be shown to be Russian in origin and which places Rasputin at the center of a Russian cultus of folk-saint veneration.

What i am asking for is a way to acquaint myself with the Russian equivalnt to the Santa Muerte or Jesus Malverde or El Nino Fidencio artifacts, songs, videos,and fiesta photos coming out of Mexico, or the Maximon artifacts, songs, videos,and fiesta photos coming out of Guatemala, or the Dr. Jose Gregorio artifacts, songs, videos,and fiesta photos coming out of Nicaragua.

Tristan · Unread post by **Tristan** » Thu Sep 13, 2012 10:58 pm

Information on the veneration of Grigori Rasputin is a bit tricky to get, both because of the dearth of English information, as well as the novelty of the cultus. Not unlike Santa Muerte, the number of devotees of Rasputin has increased primarily in the last two decades, although to a much lesser extent than that of Holy Death. When the Royal Romanov Martyrs were canonized as Passion Bearers by the Moscow Patriarchate in 2000 in particular, calls were made to also recognize Rasputin as a saint.

A number of publications have been made (in Russian) that describe Rasputin as a prophet, myrrh-bearer, wonder-worker, etc. Icons and prayer cards of Rasputin have been made, and are available for purchase in stores and even some churches in Moscow and throughout Russia. The Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta published an article on Feb. 8, 2001 that describes one such icon of Rasputin in the Church of St. Nicholas, in Moscow. It should be noted that the icon is not part of the iconostasis. One interesting form of these icons depicts Rasputin with the Tsarevich Alexei, whom he was reputed to have healed of his hemophilia.

The very well-respected Orthodox starets and priest Elder Nikolay Guryanov (to whom miracles and healings are attributed in his own right) is even depicted holding such an icon of Rasputin. There is a clip on YouTube of Elder Guryanov prior to his death with his pictures and icons of Rasputin, but unfortunately I cannot understand what's being said. He does, however, take the icon and bless the interviewer with it. Elder Guryanov venerated both Rasputin and Tsar Ivan Grozny (Ivan the Terrible), neither of whom are recognized as saints by the Russian Orthodox Church.

A document available on the website of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church from the Synodal Commission for the Causes of Saints (sorry for that mouthful) did not find Rasputin (or Ivan the Terrible) to be recognizable as saints. The desire to canonize Rasputin persists among some and seems to have connections with some of the more Monarchist members of the Russian Orthodox Church.

There are at least two Akathists (hymns) to "Elder Grigori", which are available online in Russian. He is considered to be a miracle worker, healer, and Fool for Christ among his devotees, and there are a few authors who have written about him as such. There are photos online of prayer processions that show the faithful carrying their icons of Rasputin, and you can check out some of these great icons through Google Image. Searching for "Икона Распутин" had good results for me.

Cheers,
Tristan

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Thu Sep 13, 2012 11:50 pm

Tristan -- WOW! Thank you! That was a great deal of information and i am going to follow it up.The AIRR member Madame Nadia is a native Russian speaker. (Many of you know her through her Lenormand card divination blog or through the chat-room at the Lucky Mojo Hoodoo Rootwork Hour, or because she has been a guest on the show.) I am going to get her involved in this. Translations are on the horizon!

Tristan · Unread post by **Tristan** » Fri Sep 14, 2012 9:56 am

You're very welcome Miss Cat, I hope it gave you some good leads. Keep us updated!

MidSouthGuy - A few of my favourite Lucky Mojo formulae make great offerings to saints, both "official" and "unofficial". The All Saints, Blessing, 7-11 Holy Type Oil, and Holy Trinity lines are all wonderful. The oils can be used to dress candle offerings or a few drops can be included in a vigil lamp, which is very traditional of an Orthodox icon corner in one's home. Frankincense and Myrrh make great incense offerings and you can add some in to any of Lucky Mojo's self-lighting incense powders. I also like to offer saints Rose Water and Peace Water. I hope you're able to use some of these suggestions.

MidsouthGuy · Unread post by **MidsouthGuy** » Fri Sep 14, 2012 11:11 am

Thank you, that should be very helpful!

Devil_Artist · Unread post by **Devil_Artist** » Sun Sep 16, 2012 1:00 pm

Tahnk you miss cat.

I've read about a superstition that vampires, demons, and other supernatural beings cannot cross running water as well. Is it because rivers are considered spiritually charged elements? Or is it because it represents cleansing and baptism?

Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Sun Sep 16, 2012 2:04 pm

Thanks go to Tristan for the insight shared within this thread! Thank you very much.

MidsouthGuy: I am very curious about Grigori Rsputin as folk-Saint and was wondering where you first heard of him!? Thank you.

MidsouthGuy · Unread post by **MidsouthGuy** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 12:11 pm

I first heard about this when I Googled something about Eastern Orthodoxy (I don't remember what) and saw an article about some people wanting to make Rasputin a saint.

Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 4:02 pm

Thank you for that, MidsouthGuy. I will look further into it/him.

Unread post by **Mama Micki** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 8:17 pm

I first read about Rasputin when I did a book report on Nicholas and Alexandra in school. Apparently, he had quite a following with the society ladies in Russia. The author of the book inferred that he was at least partly responsible for the downfall of the Romanovs (the Russian royal family) because there were rumors of Empress Alexandra having an affair with Rasputin, although she was probably just trying desperately to get healing for her son.

Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 6:17 pm

Seems to be running water in particular. I have been looking for books written about this, or even mentioning it and its origins.

Some people state that it is the action of crossing running water that keeps spirits from gaining free passage.

MidsouthGuy · Unread post by **MidsouthGuy** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 8:27 pm

I've heard the same stories, and I seriously doubt Rasputin was having an affair with the Tsarina. He definitely loved the ladies, but he doesn't come off as the type of person who would have mixed business and pleasure. If nothing else he would have known the results of getting caught, and Rasputin was not stupid enough to risk it.

Unread post by **Inox** » Fri Sep 28, 2012 6:50 am

Running (fresh) water creates negative ions. If you have the negatively charged particles moving, and you introduce slower-moving (or still) positively charged particles, you could generate a magnetic field.

Just some food for thought.

YouTube · Unread post by **Miss Bri** » Fri Sep 28, 2012 8:09 am

Hey all!
I am creating an altar and feast for Archangel Michael's feast day (tomorrow!)

I am accepting petitions, intentions and prayers to Archangel Michael today and tomorrow-if you have clients, friends, or family members that you feel would benefit from this FREE service please just have them email me at this address with their petition. And of course, I am happy to place any petitions from my AIRR colleagues before the feet of Blessed Michael!

Blessings,

Bri

--

Bri Saussy
Spiritual Counselor, Root Magic Ritualist & Self-Inquiry Sorceress

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Fri Sep 28, 2012 5:03 pm

Sounds awesome, Bri! I just finished my work for Saint Cyprian's feast day.

Hope everything goes beautifully.

best,
ConjureMan

Unread post by **Momma Hen** » Sat Sep 29, 2012 3:12 am

Honey please for Brittany a job.

YouTube · Unread post by **Miss Bri** » Sat Sep 29, 2012 6:44 am

ConjureMan --this is so awesome! I love how you perform charitable magical work for the month in St. Cyprian's honor!

xoxo

Bri

Unread post by **Odessa** » Sat Sep 29, 2012 7:33 am

Inox, I like that... Very interesting thought on the matter.

VioletW · Unread post by **VioletW** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 7:36 am

I'm not quite sure where to begin with this......I will do my best to keep things concise. Please bear with me as I organize my thoughts as best I can.

I think I may have two jinni attached to me. This is a recent happening. The manner in which they approached me was very unusual. While I am not afraid of them, I do find their energy to be rather overwhelming at this time. I am honestly not sure what to do about this.....

Context & pertinent details:
1) There is quite a bit going on in my life right now. I am approaching a couple of major spiritual workings in the next few weeks, having just concluded nearly a decade of academic study. It is time for a lifestyle change, cleansing, and removal of the old/ushering in the new. My physical energy is low, my concentration isn't all there (I'm experiencing MAJOR burnout), and I really had to pare down my emotional and social life in order to get through graduate school, which can be an exhausting experience. So, I am tired and in need of renewal. I am already planning appropriate magical workings to help me through this transition.
2) I have always had a strong affinity for the aesthetic and culture of the greater Mediterranean region, and I naturally gravitate toward artifacts from the cultures in this area of the world. It feels intensely familiar to me. I have collected jewelry from Africa and the Near East for many years. After meeting these two jinni, I realized that this happening may (or may not) be related to my recent acquisition of a wonderful pair of vintage Tuareg (Berber) earrings. These are not the kind of earrings made for tourists; they are the real thing. So there is that.

Because of my low energy and feelings of general burnout, I am not getting a very clear impression of what (if anything) should be done about these two rather overwhelming new spirits I feel around me. Normally, when I am feeling better and have more energy, I have strong clairvoyance and my magical ability is very good. Right now though.......I'm really exhausted mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I am having a lot of confusion about this issue......not sure if I should do some one-on-one work with a practitioner, perhaps sending the earrings to them for a proper cleansing - or if that might anger these two spirits which really don't seem malevolent at this time. I am only assuming that these are jinni spirits, because of a particular feeling of spiritual nostalgia I get when I sense their energy (see pertinent detail #2).

The reason I am even posting is because after work today, the spirit energy was so overwhelming I needed to take a long nap I told the two jinni they could speak with me in my dreams if they wanted to. Instead, I had an elaborate dream about deception and things not being what they seem to be. This has only added to the confusion. Whew.....I need a freaking vacation.

(Edited for clarification)

Unread post by **Doctor Hob** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 1:57 pm

I would contact ConjureMan Ali, regarding this matter. He is adept at working with djinn, and may be best suited to helping you:

http://readersandrootworkers.org/index. ... ureMan_Ali

VioletW · Unread post by **VioletW** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 5:40 pm

Thank you. I was considering doing just that. Thought I would post here first.

Things are better this evening.......I have managed to shut out some of the overwhelming energy, thank goodness.