Deities, Angels, Spirits, Saints: Questions and Answers

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 9:06 am

Hearing a spirit speak to you as a voice is common. Those of us who identify as Spiritualists do, however, offer a few cautions to those who are just recently developing the gift of mediumship:

* If you do not recognize the spirit (for instance if you have no vision of it, only a voice or a feeling) and it does not say who it is, do ask the spirit its name.

* If the name it gives is not familiar, ask it if it comes from God, or if it is an ancestor, or if it acknowledges Jesus -- in some way, learn both its name and its intentions.

* If a spirit tells you to think, feel, or do anything harmful, dangerous, or frightening, send the spirit away by dismissing it from your presence; you may call on the name of Jesus to do this.

There are many positive and extremely beneficial spirits who help us in our lives -- but when you asked that extremely basic question, i felt that you are newly exploring the realm of Spiritualist mediumship and should get a heads up on how to handle difficulties.

Have i ever contacted negative spirits? Yes i have. Not many, but they are out there.

The Association of Independent Readers and Rootworks (AIRR) has prepared hundreds of free instructional pages to help you as you learn to connect with spirits. Each of the following hub pages connects to dozens of other detail pages, and if you read them all, you will have received a great basic foundation in this amazing form of work.

Read an introduction to the various forms of Spirit Work here:
http://www.readersandrootworkers.org/wi ... pirit_Work

Read more about the Spiritualist Tradition here:
http://www.readersandrootworkers.org/wi ... _Tradition

Find links to read more about specific popular Spirits and Spirit Guides here:
http://www.readersandrootworkers.org/wi ... rit_Guides

Good luck.

Sana · Unread post by **Sana** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 9:46 am

Thank you so much for the information! Really appreciate it

Yes, I realise my question was pretty basic. I've worked with candles before, but I have never had such experiences. And although I read a lot of what people wrote on this forum, I never realised I could communicate in such ways with the Spirit.

Thank you for sharing those pointers with me, I will certainly keep them in mind.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 12:04 pm

Sana,

Best of wishes to you as you open the way to spirit mediumship.

Canon2099 · Unread post by **Canon2099** » Sat May 20, 2017 6:17 am

Hi There

I need some advice basically my friend summoned some female goddess as you call it a deitie by mistake theirs no name for her he does not know any information about her he is also scared and confused but she has a kind of crush on him and she calls him her husband is that a bad thing?

What precautions should be taken if a women goddess wants a love relationship with you and trying to attach her self to you my friend told me she is a goddess and she two male deity's by her side can someone give me some clarification what my friend going through and dealing with and who is this goddess

Every-time he mentions he is leaving the house for good she gets very very upset would she hurt my friend ? he is thinking of giving her a food and drink offering such as rum chicken dishes Indian curry meals to please her could he build up solid relationship with her.

When she comes through we both can feel her very strong presence in his room i get very dizzy that i want to collapse i blacked out a few times doe.. on the floor but strange thing is the dizziness and collapsing does not effect him for some reason can someone explain why is this ??

P.S if she has love for him could she help him with his love life like make other women love him where ever he goes theirs no information about her such as name he just summoned something he read from a book out came a female goddess bam!

Thanks

Unread post by **Sister Jean** » Sat May 20, 2017 10:42 am

Hello Canon2099,

No offense, but this sounds small-time for an actual goddess. Maybe a lonely female spirit is liking the attention from your friend? But I think before you two get ahead of yourselves, I think your friend should get a reading to find out what's really going on. You can find reputable readers here:

http://hoodoopsychics.com/
http://www.readersandrootworkers.org

From reading your post, I get conflicting goals about what you and your friend want to do about this situation. You say you're scared of this entity, yet you want to leave her offerings, which would strengthen her. Yet another reason why I think you need to speak to a reader and get some no-nonsense advice as well as find out what/who you're dealing with.

Good luck.

Canon2099 · Unread post by **Canon2099** » Sat May 20, 2017 11:08 am

Thanks

Lucky123 · Unread post by **Lucky123** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 4:26 pm

Hello,
A friend pointed out to me that, if I light a white candle in my home, in honor of "the spirits of the house," it can help bring peace, particularly when neighbors are being loud. Thankfully, it has worked very well. So now, when people outside play loud music or something, I light a candle in honor of the spirits of my home and ask the spirits to please make the ruckus stop.... and it stops.
My question is:
1) how do I pay the spirits when they help? Ive asked what they want but do not see the answer.
2) i am guessing these "house spirits" like to be honored since I light the candle in their honor each time I ask them to quiet the noise. How else can I honor these spirits, besides lighting candles?

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 8:07 pm

Hello, Lucky123 ,

Just to name a few: A fresh glass of water, white flowers, candy, etc.

By the way, that is good to know for all of us!!

Thanks for sharing

take care

Lucky123 · Unread post by **Lucky123** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 8:30 pm

Thank you. Yes, I give them water. Haven't tried candy but love the idea.
Are these things that can be done IN LIEU of candles? I worry about having open flames sometimes. Safety First!

Unread post by **Sister Jean** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 2:25 pm

Hello Lucky123,

If you're that worried about lighting candles, you could just put out the candy, water, etc. But if you're going to be at home to supervise the candle, why not light one?

Take care.

Sadpanda · Unread post by **Sadpanda** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 12:04 am

Hello Dear Friends,

I have a question regarding how to communicate with a spirit i have in my room. It's a graveyard dirt i collected and the spirit happily agreed to help me. I was adviced to set up an altar which I did. I offer cup of water and change it everyday. sometimes i offer sweets.

Pardon me, coming to my question. How can i effectively communicate with her, given that i am not an experienced practitioner like you guys?

Shall i get a pendulum or a deck of tarot cards?

I believe she is a lovely person. I would really like to talk to her and send her messages that i want her to deliver to the person we r working with.

Unread post by **Sister Jean** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 11:26 am

Hello Sadpanda,

I was suggest starting by scrolling up through the four pages of this thread and read the other posts. I think you'll find them very informative! If you have other questions after that, feel free to let us know.

Take care.

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 11:01 pm

Hello, Sadpanda ,

These type of questions make me very nervous.

One of my client's children was taking to a "Very KIND "ANGEL" " (I believe it had even displayed wings) and was instructed by someone else (She didn't speak to e on the issue as I was not immediately available) to feed it ad give it water, etc.

When the story finally got to me, based on what the dialogues had been, it was more than obvious that the entity was demonic. It took a lot to get that thing out of her house. AND it was on the verge of bringing in more demonic entities!!!

So, my advice to you is to protect yourself and your home: www.luckymojo.com/protectionspells.html

and buy the book: Communing With Spirits

www.luckymojo.com/mojocatbooks.html

And, then discussing this with an EXPERIENCED AIRR member before doing anything.

It is better to be safe than sorry.

I just don't trust any entity unless I know EXACTLY what I am dealing with. And I NEVER invite any entity in my home unless I am 10000000% sure that I know what it is.

Take care

Asturias · Unread post by **Asturias** » Thu Jun 29, 2017 2:02 pm

Hello!

On the may 1st 2016 Lucky Mojo Hoodoo Rootwork Hour, Miss Cat advices one of the callers, based on some divination she was getting, to make offerings and begin a spiritual connection with a local spirit. Namely, a river spirit, that was located nearby the premisses of where the consultant wanted to open a healthcare facility, if I'm not mistaken, and it was an Ace of Cups that had shown up in the reading.

What is the precedent for this in hoodoo? is there somewhere I can read more about this? I found it so touching as she mentioned the Grace of Baptism. I could identify some of the spiritual foundation to this - as in John 3:3-8. Quite beautiful indeed -, but I would like to know precisely how to approach this river spirit by means of the hoodoo spiritual practice.

I apologise if this is too specific for this forum, but since she mentioned it, I figured it was ok to ask. I have been thinking of this for about an year, now, since I first heard it

What type of offering would be suitable for a river spirit in the hoodoo tradition? I was thinking, maybe honey. Spirits in general do like sweets, right? I would like to know what is traditional, though. And also, are there any articles - herbs, oils - carried by LM that would be fit for this, or to assist me in this work?

Please let me know!

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Thu Jun 29, 2017 8:39 pm

Hello, asturias ,

Unfortunately, this is too complex for the forum

There is a book, Communing With The Spirits, that could help you a lot

Find it here:

www.luckymojo.com/mojocatbooks.html

And not all Spirits like sweets. So, that is not true.

If you are going to the river, wear Psychic Vision oil and try to make some sort of contact.

www.luckymojo.com/psychicvision.html

That would be the first step.

You could also bring flowers and a dime as offerings to start with

Lie I had said, a little too involved for the forum

Wishing you success with this endeavor

take care

Asturias · Unread post by **Asturias** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 12:08 am

Dear Miss Aida,

Martin Coleman's "Communing with the spirits"? I have read it, ma'am. It foccuses on necromancy, though. Would this be the case here?

Anyhow. Thank you, Miss Aida. Perhaps I'll get in touch with Cat by means of paid consultation and ask her myself, then.

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 7:24 pm

Hello, asturias ,

You know, I am going to be perfectly frank here: I have no idea where water spirits come from or if they are deceased people, etc.

If they are anything like Water Fairies, then, NO, necromancy would not be the answer (I don't think)

You are right: your best bet would be to ask Miss cat because I am at a loss here.

I am so sorry!

Take care

Canon2099 · Unread post by **Canon2099** » Sat Jul 08, 2017 12:36 pm

Hello Miss Aida

I was doing graveyard work today and i was looking for a good spirit to do my bidding spirit of a man told me that he was a trickster spirit what does he mean by that ?

i had a long conversation with him talking about his life he told me that he was a bad man in life and he liked rape and he was a womanizer and he tried to pretend that he was a good spirit but he told me i can drive your enemy's crazy in return for some whisky and will indeed do your bidding. but i want do anything good

my personal view

I don't really trust this guy would he do the job or take my offering and play me like a fool? he told me to leave the area and don't come back if you want to do business come back to me if not don't come to this specific area or else there will be trouble because i am very dangerous and bad to the bone

should i avoid him at all cost ?

Thanks

Unread post by **Sister Jean** » Sun Jul 09, 2017 12:13 pm

Canon2099,

If he is a trickster spirit, you really can't trust anything he says. Turn around, walk away, and do not look back. You already said in your post that you don't trust him, so follow that gut feeling. Don't work with him.

Canon2099 · Unread post by **Canon2099** » Sun Jul 09, 2017 3:07 pm

Hi Sister Jean

Thanks for the information i really appreciate it

ruby1127 · Unread post by **ruby1127** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 2:21 pm

Hello,

How important is concentrated prayer, or, to put it another way, is heartfelt conversation with saints as effective as dedicated invocation?

Lately I have been having a difficult time focusing my attention on things that don't involve physical activity (side effect of depression, I'm working on it) so the easiest, most genuine way for me to appeal to a saint is to talk to them like I would my therapist and sometimes that involves engaging in something artistic while I'm talking (like drawing or coloring).

I'm trying to re-establish relationships with St. Joseph and St. Martha, I have candles, oil and prayer cards for each but that's all. For the past week I have been talking to them daily, but the timing is inconsistent, it's whenever I feel the time is right so of course that varies. Also, I don't have a special place devoted to "prayer" because I live in a tiny studio so right now I have their candles on my desk. I used to keep candles on the windowsill but I stopped when I got room darkening curtains that covered them up at night.

Is it okay to have casual chats or will they take offense to this? Also, is okay to talk to both at the same time? So far I haven't been, but I never know what direction my thoughts are going to go in so sometimes there is topical crossover. There are specific goals I'd like to meet with St. Joseph's help while St. Martha is a saint I've always had a strong affinity for and would like to reconnect with.

Thanks!

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Fri Jul 21, 2017 5:12 pm

Hello, ruby1127 ,

AS long as you talk to them from your heart, it's all that matters. Just continue doing what you're doing and be humble.

Also, I would talk to them one at a time.

Wishing you the best

take care

ruby1127 · Unread post by **ruby1127** » Sun Jul 23, 2017 2:48 am

Thank you, Miss Aida.

MysticTieya · Unread post by **MysticTieya** » Wed Jul 26, 2017 6:21 pm

Hello,

I just want to say thank you to all of the Lucky Mojo gang for being so awesome and sharing so much information.
I enjoy listening to you all on my phone weekly.

Speaking of which I was listening to a podcast featuring Madame Pamita about Black Hawk and working with him.
I am still a bit confused about where to start... maybe confused isn't the right word. I think a better word might be intimidated.

I did as she suggested and ask politely if he was willing to work with me. I received several signs in the form of hawks, one was in a kids movie and the other was from a "spirit animal" quiz on Facebook, etc. My question is how do I go forward? Since he has so kindly responded do I need to make a Black Hawk bucket?

Also, Kali Mata seems to be calling me. I am not sure how to respond. When I say She is calling me, I mean she spoke to me. I was meditating on who my spirit guides are and the name Kali Mata came through. I was in disbelief because She is a Goddess. I don't mean any disrespect to her but I am an African American woman with no Hindu ties (as far as I know). Are there any suggestions regarding how I should proceed here.

I also had a visual of two people who might be ancestors but I am not sure. They appeared when I was meditating years ago and they have reappeared now that I have gotten back into spirituality, Hoodoo, magick, and similar topics.

One was an African woman with what looks like white paint or clay on her face and she is wearing white and she seems pretty friendly and generally happy; and the other is a Native American man wearing a headdress and what looks like a breast plate made of bones and beads. He always seems to be standing with his arms folded with a set expression on his face. He doesn't seem angry but he does not seem happy either. I call her the Queen and him the Chief.

The odd thing about her is she always seems to go from a crouched position to a standing position multiple times or at least she did when I first met her.

I'm a newbie here so any advice would be appreciated.

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Wed Jul 26, 2017 8:29 pm

Hello, MysticTieya ,

I am so sorry but I am not familiar with this radio show.

And, these type questions require a reading

Your best bet would be a consultation with Madame Pamita. She's a VERY nice lady and you would love her!

Wishing you the best

Take care

Lifeliving · Unread post by **Lifeliving** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 5:13 am

I hope this is the appropriate place to ask ~
I have been praying to Saint Joseph using vigil candles from lucky mojo to obtain a promotion at work. My petition regarded achieving the higher position.

When the first vigil candle burned out, I got offered an interview. I lit the second vigil for this request last night, but I just wanted to confirm if I needed to give st Joseph his pound cake and flowers for helping me get an interview, or wait until I have actually been offered the job (or both?) I would like to pay my respects as appropriate

Unread post by **Sister Jean** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 9:37 am

Hello amjoy0,

Pound cake is more traditionally an offering for St. Expedite, not St. Joseph, but if you've already promised him pound cake, don't go back on that promise. Just be aware for next time. I would say to just wait until you get the job to give him the offerings.

Take care.

Lifeliving · Unread post by **Lifeliving** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 1:26 pm

Hi Sister Jean
Thanks for your response

Well the thing is, when I was going to the site I read my Saint Joseph prayers from, a popup came up every time for sponsoring children in Africa, which I took as a sign from Saint Joseph that if I get the promotion I should give back some of my funds to those who need it most - which would make sense if he doesn't usually want cake! Would you say that is a fair assumption?

Perhaps I should give him the promised offerings as well as sponsor a child

?

Kind regards

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Sat Jul 29, 2017 9:07 pm

Hello, amjoy0 ,

That could just be a website pop up that everybody gets who visits that site.

I'm a little suspicious of that one.

But, do what's in your heart. That's what matters

Take care

Perennial · Unread post by **Perennial** » Thu Aug 03, 2017 6:12 pm

Hello asturias,

I actually am working on a bottle to communicate with a river. I had post where I inquired about communication herbs here: catholic-saint-painted-bottle-spells-qu ... 24849.html

My main goal with it (and I'm almost done considering the entire picture, yay!) is to honor it and occasionally petition the river. Part of my additions to the bottle will be river water. My plan is to go to the river and request its aid, much the way you would when you collect specific graveyard dirt. As a part of that, I will likely offer three dimes, some tobacco ( which I often offer when I take something from the land around me), and sweetgrass. These herbs are all things that are considered sacred in the area that I am located in. I would consider your surroundings and the practices of the people that live close to the body of water you are interested in to help you determine what would be the best offering for the river you are interested in.

glad I'm not the only one feeling a draw to rivers lately

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Thu Aug 03, 2017 8:07 pm

Hello, HanSkaWin ,

Thank you for this information

Please keep us posted on your rituals and progress.

This is what I love about this forum. We all learn from each other. And, right now, I am learning from you!

Take care

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Thu Aug 03, 2017 8:47 pm

Spirit Guide Oil

Use in Magic:
Spirit Guide is a spiritual concoction that enncourages the coming-forth of helpful, beneficent spirits.

Spell Methods:
Use oils to fix candles, prepare magical amulets, anoint the body and hair, add to bath water and floor wash, and dress furniture and rooms, according to folk magic spell lore.

Product Details:
Hand-made, faith-based, perfumed hoodoo dressing oil with herbs and roots included, in a 1/2 oz. glass bottle with a colourful label.

OIL-HOO-SPIR
Spirit Guide Oil
$10.00

You can order right here in the Forum by clicking on the blue Add To Cart button.

For more information, see:
http://www.luckymojo.com/spiritguide.html

and also

Indian Spirit Guide Oil

Use in Magic:
Use Indian Spirit Guide to call upon Blackhawk or other Native ancestor spirits.

Spell Methods:
Use oils to fix candles, prepare magical amulets, anoint the body and hair, add to bath water and floor wash, and dress furniture and rooms, according to folk magic spell lore.

Product Details:
Hand-made, faith-based, perfumed hoodoo dressing oil with herbs and roots included, in a 1/2 oz. glass bottle with a colourful label.

OIL-HOO-INDI
Indian Spirit Guide Oil
$10.00

You can order right here in the Forum by clicking on the blue Add To Cart button.

For more information, see:
http://www.luckymojo.com/indianspiritguide.html

Perennial · Unread post by **Perennial** » Sat Aug 05, 2017 7:09 pm

I will, Miss Aida. Thanks!

Unread post by **Honeybeelight** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 11:14 am

Hello: I may have mentioned that I am burning candles on a honey jar for Reconciliation. I feel good about this work so far. My question had to do with the candle. I was burning today's candle (I am temporarily working it every day, and will resume M, W, F next week). I was in the same room, fooling around on the computer, when I heard some sharp "pops" and crackling from the candle. Nothing seems to be wrong with it: it is burning clean, with a nice, high flame, and not super fast. I looked up the candle divination page, and it said something about a "noisy" candle meaning something is trying to get through, perhaps a spirit, and to "pay attention." Problem is, I don't really know how to do that.

A few weeks ago, I pulled out a cross candle I happened to have and started talking to my deceased grandma. In some ways, she's not the greatest on Reconciliation, but she absolutely loved me, so at least I know she would want to help. I also have a Guardian Angel candle which I'm burning for general spiritual guidance and help, and I ordered some spiritual baths (13 herb) and St. Dymphna supplies from Lucky Mojo to work on myself and my bipolar and anxiety disorders.

How precisely can I "pay attention?" What am I supposed to be paying attention to?

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Thu Aug 24, 2017 7:07 pm

Hello, Honeybeelight ,

That is an EXCELLENT question

Usually, I will try to stare at the candle when it's behaving this way, then ask out loud to communicate the message in another manner.

What will happen to me is that I will get a thought. The very first thought is what they are saying. Or a feeling (of good if the answer is "yes" or of uneasiness if the answer is "no"). If I still don't get a message right then and there, I will say that I didn't understand. What will usually happen is you will get some sort of sign after that.

Now, if I get an "uneasy" feeling, I immediately check the candle because sometimes they will forewarn me that the candle needs "doctoring". Or something might be off with the candle. If it's a positive feeling, I will thank them out loud.

it takes a little practice but once you get it, then you'll understand!

Wishing you the best

take care

AJxoxo · Unread post by **AJxoxo** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 7:43 am

Hello all!

I am looking to maybe petition a saint for aid in my music career and I wanted to know if anyone had any information on working with Saint Cecilia. I understand that she is the proper saint to petition for singers. Thank you!

Unread post by **Sister Jean** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 9:21 am

Hello AJxoxo,

I personally haven't worked with her, but you could do a search for "Cecilia" by typing her name into the search box in the green area of your screen at top right and find all the mentions of her on this forum. You could also check out this thread, which is about spellwork for creatives and mentions Cecilia:

spells-for-success-in-art-music-dance-p ... 17466.html

Good luck!

AJxoxo · Unread post by **AJxoxo** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 10:54 pm

Sister Jean,

Unfortunately, it seems that no one has mentioned her. That's why I asked because I can't find any information on how to petition her sadly and I want to do it the right way. Thanks anyway though!

Unread post by **Dr Darensbourg** » Fri Sep 29, 2017 4:47 pm

AJxoxo

I would petition St Cecilia without a doubt . I too am an industry professional and I use her often, keep a pendant of her, and keep a statue of her on my altar

Lifeliving · Unread post by **Lifeliving** » Sat Nov 25, 2017 2:24 am

Hi Miss Aida and Sister Jean
As I posted earlier this year, I was petitioning Saint Joseph to help me obtain a promotion in my team. I unfortunately did not get this promotion. Due to this, I worked very hard to apply and interview for another job at this higher level, which I got last week. I am unsure whether I owe Saint Joseph an offering for this job, can you please advise? Just for reference, I was very specific in what I was asking (a job at this particular level within my current team) which was not granted - hence my confusion

Many thanks for your time and advice

Unread post by **Honeybeelight** » Sat Nov 25, 2017 2:52 am

Just as a human who loves the saints, I would say yes. Just to clarify, you asked for something and he gave you a better job in slightly different circumstances? Just for me, I’d thank him and then ask him for insights, maybe using Clarity oil. Maybe your team is about to get itself into trouble. You don’t know that, but St. Joseph is way ahead of you and looking out for you. Anyway, just a thought until the real people who know what they’re doing weigh in.

Unread post by **Sister Jean** » Sat Nov 25, 2017 7:24 pm

Hello amjoy0,

You may find some helpful information here:

working-with-saint-joseph-t10709.html

And here:

http://www.luckymojo.com/saintjoseph.html

Take care.

sag97 · Unread post by **sag97** » Mon Dec 04, 2017 12:27 pm

Hello!
I’m sorry if it’s the wrong place for my question, but:
I am lost in life right now, I don’t know if I should drop out of college or not. The thing is, it’s destroying my overall health but also my parents paid a lot of money for me to study. Maybe you could recommend me a saint that could help me make this decision? That would mean a lot to me.

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Tue Dec 05, 2017 9:53 pm

Hello, sag97

Please take a look at this comprehensive webpage:

And let the Saint call to you

www.luckymojo.com/patronsaints.html

I pray that things work out for you

take care

Asturias · Unread post by **Asturias** » Thu Dec 28, 2017 3:24 am

Hello there.

I have recently been told of a spell which consists in hiring a spirit from the graveyard to assist you. It was referred to me as "buying the spirit". It says one is supposed to buy a certain amount of graveyard dirt from a certain grave, and mix it with sulphur and salt.

My questions are:

I. to what purpose the salt and sulphur would serve in this context? Is it to enhance protective purposes? I was also given to understand that it was mixed with the dirt to keep the spirit strong. Would that be the case? If so, it leads me to my second question.

II. isn't salt considered to be aggressive to spirits in general? Many people in this forum refer to Martin Coleman's necromancy manual "communing with the spirits", even when it comes to getting in details about their own personal spiritual practice, and it clearly states that salt prevents spirits from being able to feed. Even in a hoodoo context, I was told one must never place salt in their ancestor altar or offer it to them, as it could be potentially harmful and offensive to the spirit. Is that a valid concept within the hoodoo tradition, that salt and spirits don't mix? if so, to what purpose would it serve to mix the graveyard dirt with sulphur and salt?

III. Could I alternatively mix the graveyard dirt with althaea and angelica? this is a mixture that has both protective purposes and of enhancing positive spiritual contact.

Please let me know! I don't enjoy "winging it" - as it could be the case if I decided to use the aforementioned mixture of herbs instead of what was originally recommended - but I prefer to understand these traditional practices before attempting them, particularly when they seem to be conflictant with established concepts of spiritual practice. But perhaps I am not seeing whole picture here. Please enlighten me.

Cordially,
Asturias.

Asturias · Unread post by **Asturias** » Thu Dec 28, 2017 6:23 am

Dear HanSkaWin,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! so interesting that have this in common!

I apologise for the delay, and do so hope that you read this, eventually. As it turns out, a short time after posting that question I came across just how to approach this subject from the perspective of a spiritual tradition I'm connected to - namely romnjasa, gipsy witchcraft. I've learned how the spirit is given offerings and just what it is petitioned for.

Curiously, the prescribed usage for sand collected from the riverside - which is a way of placing this influence into spiritual work - has a lot to do with how it is used in hoodoo, from what I could read in a southern-spirits interview of a hoodoo doctor. Here's the link to it: http://www.southern-spirits.com/owen-ho ... balls.html

It reads, from the editor's notes: "(...) dirt from where the river sand meets the clay bank (see below) to run off or blind enemies".

Furthermore, I would love to know more of how you've been putting that bottle together. Seems fascinating. Such a pitty that we don't have the private message resource anymore, we have so much to discuss.

Again, thank you for repplying!

Love,
Asturias

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Thu Dec 28, 2017 9:56 am

Hello, asturias ,

You can find answers here in regards to using graveyard dirt

http://www.luckymojo.com/graveyarddirt.html

Please keep in mind that this forum is to help Lucky Mojo clients with their Lucky Mojo products.

We don't mind helping with general spell questions at all, but you just stated that someone told you something so please ask the person who is directing you

Asturias · Unread post by **Asturias** » Thu Dec 28, 2017 2:14 pm

Hello Miss Aida.

Yes, I do understand. I am sorry if it offended forum policy somehow and Lord knows I am grateful for your consideration in answering to my questions.

What I simply meant to ask was: can graveyard dirt be mixed with salt, when using it in spells? That is the instrucion in several spells, and that always left me stunned because I was taught that spirits of the dead cannot be associated with salt.

Disconsidering the "paying for the dirt" bit, and this very spell, for that matter, there are other protective spells that call for mixing graveyard dirt and salt - both carried by LM, if I am not mistaken. So my question remains. Are they ok to mix? Please enlighten me.

Love,
Asturias.

Unread post by **Sister Jean** » Fri Dec 29, 2017 9:21 am

Hello asturias,

We can't explain what other people tell you, and we can only direct you to refer you questions back to them

Asturias · Unread post by **Asturias** » Fri Dec 29, 2017 12:44 pm

Dear Sister Jean,

I do understand it, now. I apologise for the faux pas.

It is just that I have seen dozens of references to mixing graveyard dirt with sulphur and salt, in Hyatt, and since I know that the interviewed parts did not always knew what they were talking about.

I meant to ask if that was actually valid from the tradition's point of view, particularly since it seemed to contradict something that was outlined to me as a fundamental value when dealing with the spirits - namely, that spirits dislike salt.

But I do so appreciate the enlightenment. I'll learn from my mistakes and use the forum wisely.

Cordially,
Asturias.

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Fri Dec 29, 2017 4:21 pm

Hello, Asturias,

I have read a lot of the Hyatt Informants' spells and some do utilize these ingredients for malice. But for buying a Spirit? I don't know.

You said (and I quote you): ".. is just that I have seen dozens of references to mixing graveyard dirt with sulphur and salt, in Hyatt, and since I know that the interviewed parts did not always knew what they were talking about..."

The Hyatt Informants are THE experts and know EXACTLY what they are talking about. I only wish that I had been around in those days to talk to them myself. They are the world's foremost experts. And they know EXACTLY what they are talking about. There are over 1,600 Hoodoo Informants in the Hyatt interviews.

Asturias · Unread post by **Asturias** » Fri Dec 29, 2017 9:05 pm

Dear Miss Aida,

I am deeply sorry for the misunderstanding!

When I say "they did not always knew what they were talking about" it is because I have seen comments - by airr members and scholars in this matter, that a *small* (please notice the "small") contingent of the informants, say 10 per cent or less of the total number of interviewees,

I. did not always have a consistent opinion on things,

II. Were coersed, during the interviews, to fit their concepts into what Hyatt expected them to be (miss cat mentions this several times, as she also warns us not to do this while conducting our own interviews, particularly since the interviewees may inevitably try to please the interviewer)

III. And even some that had some vague ideas but did not know exactly what they were talking about (which would make sense, since there were thousands of interviews).

Personally, I think Hyatt is great and would gladly take all the information collected on his work as golden rule. But upon those observations from people who have been at it for longer than I have, who have studied Hyatt and folk magic for several years, whenever I see something that seems to contradict whatever I had personally as a established concept - such as "spirits and salt don't mix" - from what I have learned from you or from works that you make frequent reference to - such as "communing with the spirits" - I turn to you, lovely hoodoo professionals, who know the spiritual work and have been at it for far longer than I have, so that my doubt may be enlightened.

If any of these considerations seem inacurrate I may refer to text from Miss Cat which has led me to such impression. If I misunderstood any of that, I am sorry. I will gladly hear and pay attention to what you, the kind people who have been teaching me - whether by direct consultation or by written work - have to say about these matters, as I do for everything else.

So sorry sorry sorry, I am deeply sorry, mea culpa if I am wrong at this or if I wasn't clear enough as to what I meant to say and offended someone in my prior posts. Furthermore, I love hoodoo very deeply and it pains me a little that one would suggest that I don't belong in a place where it is being discussed and taught. I try my best, Miss Aida, my very best. But it's all good, I'll try not to take it personally.

I am also a bit disappointed at myself to learn that my english is so clearly that of a foreigner. But hey. I can't be too hard on myself, I've never even lived in an english-speaking country.

I hope it is abundantly evident now that I respect Hyatt, that I try really hard at understanding it, to the very best of my ability, and that, well, I overall do my very best at studying hoodoo. I am not an author, I am not an influencer. I am a private worker, but it still means the world to me. If I am wrong I want to know, that is precisely why I am here asking these questions and placing myself constantly at the mercy of your wisdom and criteria.

Cordially,
Lucas Nichols (asturias).

Asturias · Unread post by **Asturias** » Fri Dec 29, 2017 9:38 pm

P.s. that "buying the spirit" trick I came here to ask about was taken from Hyatt. There are several others. I am typing from my phone, right now, but I may refer to these entries later on, if you wish.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Fri Dec 29, 2017 10:03 pm

Asturias,

I know a person online who wrote (and teaches) that the 1,600 African American men and women whom Rev. Harry Hyatt interviewed -- many of them professional root doctors in their 50, 60s, 70s, and 80s -- were "drunk" or "lying" ... and i know that there are people who believe her.

They choose to believe a pseudonymous person on the internet over the words and testimonies of 1,600 black root doctors in 13 different states who shared 13,458 separate magic spells from 1936 - 1970, a period of 34 years.

They go on and on about "Hyatt" this and "Hyatt" that, as if that was our only source of knowledge about root work, and by discrediting "Hyatt," they can fill the void they have created. But great though the Hyatt collection is, students of hoodoo do not need to limit themselves to only those people whom Harry Hyatt interviewed, and they can find confirmations, parallels, variants, and even contradictions to the spells he collected in many other primary sources.

As for me, in addition to coming up under teachers like Matthew Murray, Leroy "Hurkey" Thomas, Fred Staten, and West Leland, i also follow the written tradition that includes the 50 workers interviewed by Alice Bacon and Leonora Herron, the 400 people interviewed by Newbell Niles Puckett, the 1,600 people interviewed by Harry M. Hyatt, the 50 people interviewed by Zora Neale Hurston, the 20 workers interviewed by Jim Haskins, the many short interviews collected in the Ex-Slave narratives by the US government, and the accounts of hoodoo published during the 19th and 20th centuries that can be found within autobiographical memoirs. Yes, i will choose 2,000-plus people interviewed between 1865 and 1995 over some power-seeking internet expert.

There are dozens of hoodoo spells given by professional root doctors in which salt is mixed with graveyard dirt. And i am telling you, flat out and for real, that person on the internet was never one of those professional African American workers.

As for the statement that "spirits and salt don't mix," that is some sort of rule-making. In my experience, if folks are telling you about what is "forbidden," they probably have a religious or cultural agenda that is rule-based. They may be sincere!

Ask them why they say that and what religion they follow. Ask them who taught them that. Ask them what culture they come from. I am not saying they are "wrong" -- because there are hundreds of religious, cultural, and individual, personal beliefs about magic -- and it is not imperative that their beliefs accord with the majority tradition of hoodoo, nor is it imperative that all hoodoo workers work according to such rules.

FOLK MUSIC

FOLK DANCE

FOLK SONG

FOLK ART

Those words mean something, Astruias. FOLK arts are the work of PEOPLE taken as a whole, not of "leaders."

Look at it this way: Not everyone sings the same verses to the song "Stagolee" -- or even spells the song's title the same (some write it as "Stagger Lee," some as "Stag-O-Lee") --- but no student or practitioner of folk song would be dumb enough to go online and say, "It was a ten dollar Stetson hat, a weak but sickly wife, and two little children ... and don't you DARE sing, 'a five dollar John B. hat, a weakly loving wife, and three little children' because anybody who sings that is DRUNK and LYING."

It is the same with ...

FOLK MAGIC.

See, you got hung up on the MAGIC part, but you forgot the FOLK part.

Lots of leader and guru types forget about the FOLK part, and their followers also have done so.

Idiosyncratic rule making is a way for leaders to seize control of a knowledge base, to be the "One," the gateway, the teacher. Memorizing a leader's rules is a way for followers to feel secure in their work, to avoid contact with the folk community, and to progress in their studies without experimentation, comparison, or mistakes.

However, it is my belief that phrases like "use only this product," "use only as directed," "none genuine without this signature," and "accept no substitutes" come from the world of commercial, mercantile competition -- and since that kind of thinking is not used when distributing folk songs, why should it be used when distributing folk magic?

The thing is, in order to make hard and fast rules for their followers, the gurus have to discredit the PEOPLE, the FOLK -- for instance, by calling them drunk and foolish. 'Cause, maybe, if they speak loudly and fiercely enough on the internet, and call the old-time, down-home spells "the Hyatt Material" instead of using the informants' REAL NAMES -- their REAL NAMES, like John Bidgood, Frank Hall, Myrtle Collins, Jerry Williams, John A. Douglas, Laura Mills, Purnell Dennis, Delia Dennis, Gladys White, Melvin White, Walter J. Maddox, Joshua Wilson, Joe Dorman, Mary Williams, Benjamin Gavin, Carrie Gavin, Edward Bufford, Eugene Love, Samuel Nelson, E. W. Lindsay, Paul Bowles, George Larkin, Mary L. Griffin, William Scott, Arthur C. Foster, Mack Berryhill, Henry L. Timmons, and on and on and on! --- then they can be a big old Expert and displace the contributions of folk practitioners, and make rules for you to follow.

Think for yourself, Asturias.

As to your questions:

Sulphur (Brimstone) is a highly inflammable infernal substance and it is an ingredient in gunpowder. Therefore it may be used to add explosive or aggressive qualities to mixtures of an infernal nature. It is also a skin salve and a fungicide, so in that way it is protective.

Salt "does what you tell it." It is a natural preservative. It can be used protectively or aggressively.

Ancestor altars are not a widespread tradition in hoodoo, so this information seems to be coming from an African or Afro-Caribbean religious viewpoint and i have no comment about that except to note that such beliefs will vary from religion to religion, and although ancestor veneration in a cryptic form is found in hoodoo, it was never considered a specific term of use in the tradition until the seeking of hoodoo Afro-Caribbean religious practitioners began. If you do not believe me, and you may chose not to, read the 6,000-plus pages of the books of interviews collected by the authors cited above.

Martin Coleman is a great necromantic author with a wide knowledge base, but he is not an African American folk magic worker. Again, you may choose to follow him or not, but as a folk magic practitioner myself, i tend to let his rule-making pass me by. ("It was a fifteen dollar hat, a very loving wife, and five little children.")

I see no reason to mess with an old spell that instructs you to mix sulphur and salt with graveyard dirt. The herbal ingredients you named -- Althaea and Angelica -- are of European tradition and such herbology is certainly part of hoodoo, but you have a perfectly fine African American spell there, all minerals, and quite well known. Sure, go ahead and sing about "a Paris chapeau, a consumptive common-law companion, and two frozen embryos" -- but you are drifting pretty far away from the song i know, and i may not be able to sing along with you.

By the way, i have written two flyers that consist of an introduction to Harry Hyatt's life and work as a folklorist and a logical defense of the people whom he interviewed against accusations in a published book in which their contributions to folk magic were said to be for the most part worthless. These are currently available as flyers for free from the Lucky Mojo Curio Co. if you place an order and request them. Just ask for "Voices of Hyatt" and "How Can we Remember" -- those are the names of the flyers. They will be reprinted in full in The Red Folder in 2019.

Good luck.

Asturias · Unread post by **Asturias** » Fri Dec 29, 2017 11:08 pm

Dear Miss Cat,

To sum it up? I was told to read from Hyatt with a grain of salt. I thought to myself that when a doubt came up I could enlighten it through your generous assistance, and that of your associates. It was a honest mistake. I apologise. I will learn from it.

Furthermore, I have never heard Hyatt's informants being referred to as "drunk or lying", nor did I form this notion of caution based upon a former airr member. I have seen a coment by Miss Michaele on her personal blog - which I will gladly refer to you through facebook's private message, if you'll allow it (as soon as I can find it. Lord) - that one of the informants on a certain subject seemed a bit vague or inconsistent, and that it sometimes happened. Other than that, there was your comment here in the forum - and in one of the pages about Hyatt - that one should be very careful when conducting an interview, in order not to taint the collected information with one's own preconceptions. You said that were isolated occasions in which Hyatt did just that.

In knowledge of these remarks, I thought to myself that I would consult with professionals when there were any doubts regarding Hyatt, anything that seemed out of place or that I did not quite understand. In fact, I do the very same thing with what I read from southern-spirits or any other material that to me would seem slightly obscure. As to questioning Hyatt, this is the first occasion in which it happened to me personally- and I have been reading it for a while, now - and it was caused by an error which you now have ellucidated.

What I have in fact learned from an a former airr member was that salt and spirits do not mix. But not just from that former associate this sort of affirmation comes from. Moderators often refer to "communing spirits," in this forum , as a further reading on spirit work, and it clearly states that salt hinders spirits from feeding.

It is abundantly clear now, after your generous clarification and further lesson in folk magic, that graveyard dirt and salt can be mixed, and that there is no such rule to prohibit it within the hoodo tradition.

Thank you for repplying to me in such length. I look up to you and that I am trying my best to learn, here. Please pardon my mistake.

Cordially,
Asturias.

Asturias · Unread post by **Asturias** » Fri Dec 29, 2017 11:16 pm

P.s. I just read your update, answering to my questions. Thank you so much! Of course I take your word for every bit of it, for God's sake lol

I admire your instruction and repertoire as well as your logical ordainment. And you're ever so gracious in your willingness to teach. I am very grateful, Miss Cat!

Love,
Asturias.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Fri Dec 29, 2017 11:29 pm

You're welcome, Asturias.

If you were "told to read from Hyatt with grain of salt," ask the one who told you that -- WHY?

Yes, Harry Hyatt sometimes asked leading questions or heard things incorrectly -- but he admitted it in print, often in the published interview transcriptions themselves. The fact that he was honest about his errors means a lot, and his honesty seems to have been taken very incorrectly by some people.

Also, it is true that some of the people Harry Hyatt interviewed knew more, had more professional experience, were older, or were better thinkers or speakers than others. Some were unclear or became distracted and repeated themselves or made mistakes while describing an action.

Some interviews went more seamlessly than others -- my God, he interviewed 1,600 people! That's life.

If you read all five volumes of "Hoodoo - Conjure - Witchcraft - Rootwork," plus both editions of "Folk-Lore from Adams County Illinois" (which are different in content) and the all other books i mentioned, and the material archived at Southern Spirits, you will have a good sense of the variety available and be able to make your own decisions on who you find reliable. For instance, i personally am very attuned to the workers Myrtle Collins, Mary L. Griffin, "Informant 1520," Madame Wiley, and all of the members of the extended Gavin / Dennis family.

Again, as to Martin Coleman's book, "Communing with Spirits" -- yes, it refers to spirits feeding at altars. Very nice. But that is not something often done in conjure. It is a religious tradition. It is not folk magic.

Magic in general is domestic and distributive, while religion in general is ecclesiastical and hierarchical. Family members and neighbors share magic. Clerics and gurus administer religion.

sag97 · Unread post by **sag97** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 11:53 am

Hello, it’s me again.
So I decided to drop out of the University that I’m in now and apply to a university in London. The problem is, I’m not sure my parents will be fine with this, because London is far away from my country and I’m sure they’ll be worried about the money (which I’ll get covered somehow). So what I need is a Saint that could help me convince my parents that everything will be fine and that they have nothing to worry about.. Maybe I should petition Saint Thomas Aquinas? As he is the patron saint of students. Or Saint Martha, as she dominates people?
Thank you for your help.

Unread post by **RevJames** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 12:15 pm

Hey Sag97,

I think you answered your own question

. I believe St. Aquinas would be a great person to start developing a relationship with now, if you two get a long well I'm sure he'd help you in your studies as well!

As for St. Martha, I wouldn't want to dominate them If I were you, seems a bit heavy handed and counter-intuitive for just getting them to understand you'll be safe. You want to comfort them and ease their minds, not beat them into submission and let you go.

If you already work with Mother Mary, or St. Joseph, being the parents of Christ who gave the ultimate sacrifice I believe they are the patrons of their roles, mothers and fathers and help those understand what is best and for the highest good for those involved.

Good luck on your new academic journey!

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 6:25 pm

Great advice from RevJames

Thanks!