Deities, Angels, Spirits, Saints: Questions and Answers

shanetf · Unread post by **shanetf** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 4:43 am

i know the spirit guide oild will be a postive expierence thank u for showing me the signs to look for i imagine i will see a bunch of diffrent looking spirits so that part will be cool i hop i get to communicate with one that will be freinds me

Jacob Zuma · Unread post by **Jacob Zuma** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:46 am

Not so certain if this is in order to ask here.

My late 'grandfather' was a famouse root doctor. When I was around 30 years old I opened up to him and wanted him to assist me with his powers. That same night he appeared to me in my bedroom. We had a chat. I never told anyone about it. The relationship continued until 2006. After that he just dissapeared. I can no longer feel him. I then went to my father's grave and spoke to him. I had some challenges of life then. After being on my father's grave the challenges eased up. Only to come back later. I continued going to my father's grave and things will ease up only to come back until going to his grave became a futile exercise.

Now, I am looking for roots or herbs or oils or anything that any of you can recommend for raising the spirit of the dead. I am refering to the actual physical raising and communicating with the spirit of the dead, just like my first encounter with my grandfather wherein we had a physical talk, not a dream or talking to a shade.

Anyone out there?

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:05 pm

You might want to start out with a reading to find out why the communication has lapsed. There could be a variety of reasons. This will help you, especially if there is a reason why your granfather has remained silent.

Acacia and Althaea are great herbs for communication with friendly spirits. You might want to look into Spirit Guide oil as well.

Good luck.

Aariadne · Unread post by **Aariadne** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 12:23 pm

In case I wasn't clear in my other posts I am a practising Catholic although I don't slavishly obey the Church. Right now I'm in serious financial trouble. I won't bore everybody with the full details but I was robbed of $800 by someone,

the phone company is demanding a $616 payment before they'll reconnect me and I can't get in touch with my employer.

I did use a drop-in phone but she never called me back. Anyways I also have to pay for hydro and cable. My bills this month add up to one and half times more than my entire paycheck. Not to mention here in Ontario the provincial government is stealing $200 off people on Disabilty starting in July by removing our special dietary needs allowance.
I've lit a candle to St. Jude and have been praying a novena rosary but I'm as close to despair as I've ever been. I don't gamble and the simple truth is I can't bear to spend a dollar on a lottery ticket when that dollar could buy me a can of tuna at the discount store. Is there any kind of religious rite I could perform which won't seem to mock God or contradict my beliefs as a Catholic?
Thanks so much for your anticiapted help.

Lunaislight · Unread post by **Lunaislight** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 5:53 pm

Anything you do in hoodoo will not contradict your Catholic Beliefs... with that aside I suggest Petitioning St. Expedite heres the link to learn more about him and also suggestions on how to petition him.
http://www.luckymojo.com/saintexpedite.html
since you are short on cash heres what I suggest :
Buy a Red Candle Print out a Picture of St. Expedite Have a Glass or water and some flowers or Pound Cake Make the offering before you petition and Write your Prayer or request out on a piece of Paper, place it under the candle . I'd also if you do not have and Lucky mojo oils sprinkle a little cinnamon in the candle Cinnamon is really good for money request. Good luck

Tristan · Unread post by **Tristan** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 7:40 pm

Although I’ve never worked with St Expedite, I’ve only heard positive things about petitioning him. I definitely second what Lunaislight said.

You might also consider dressing a white candle with Our Lady of Grace oil (OIL-CAT-VIGR) or Our Lady of Mount Carmel oil (OIL-CAT-VIMT). Light it and pray the Memorare, you probably already know it. It’s the one that goes, “Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help or sought Thine intercession, was left unaided...” Sometimes people will say something like, “Blessed Virgin, if you help me with this, I promise to pray the Memorare X (amount of times) by X (date).” I think Mother Teresa promised to pray it 100,000 times in a week for a problem she was facing.

As well, since you’re a practising Catholic you might phone the parish offices and see if they have a programme or fund that could help with your situation.

Unread post by **duchess** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 7:46 pm

Hi Aariadne,

St. Expedite is indeed a wonderful Saint to call on in times of great need. I haven't worked with him much but there are certainly plenty of other members of the board who have. I suggest a forum search. You will find ample testimonies of his aid and efficacy. I do feel obligated, however, to clear up a small point of misconception (apologies LunaisLight). To quote the LM page "When Saint Expedite grants your request, his statue, holy card, or empty candle-glass is given a gift of flowers or flowers and a slice of pound cake." When you petition St. Expedite, normally, you provide the offering after he has come through. When I've worked with him in the past, I spoke to him, told him of my need and promised him some poundcake. He delivered, was very kind, and I gave him the poundcake he asked for. He was very specific!

working-with-st-expedite-t5531s150.html

None of the supplies that Lucky Mojo sells are prohibitively expensive. Indeed, I marvel that they charge so little for spiritual supplies that are made with such love and care. You may consider looking into buying just one oil, a vigil light, or any one of their endless goodies which are incredibly economical. Believe me, I understand what it is like to be on a fixed income but when you commit to taking care of yourself spiritually--the dividends pay off. The soul needs food too. If your needs are so dire that you cannot scrape together the money to buy supplies and/or get a reading at present the Missionary Independent Spiritual Church will set small lights on your behalf that burn for an hour, I believe. http://www.missionary-independent.org/c ... vices.html. Once you get the immediate relief, then you can start working toward your goals.

As for your concern for performing a religious rite that doesn't contradict your faith, it is probably important that you understand a bit more about the tradition. I, myself, come from a Irish Catholic/Anglican/Southern Baptist background and I assure you there is nothing in heartfelt prayer and intent that goes against God. Others, however, will have much more to say on this topic and it has been covered in-depth in the forum.

I think it is important to understand that neither hoodoo nor anything else is a quick fix. If you have no money at present, look at this as a chance to commit to doing something differently and learn about a spiritual practice and a committment to yourself that can and will pay off for you in the long run.

Best of luck!

Lunaislight · Unread post by **Lunaislight** » Fri Jan 14, 2011 6:30 am

sorry About the Mess up .Duchess is right It is after your petition /prayer is answered

I think I was thinking that was what I was typing but obviously thats not what came out .

Aariadne · Unread post by **Aariadne** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 11:56 am

I don't know if I'm doing this correctly: I couldn't find a St. Expedite Candle so I bought a glass encased red offeratory candle and I printed a picture of St. Expedite from the web. I have the pic on a red tray next to a glass of water on the left and the red candle at the back. The offer candle is burning very quickly. Today I added a white candle & green candle enraved with my name (as advised by St. Expedite.org) but I wonder if the shortcuts I've been forced to take are having a slowing or negative effect.

Unread post by **starsinthesky7** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:03 pm

That is correct. However, this forum is for the discussion of lucky mojo products. So we can't give general advice. BUT I would back up my work with a candle lit by the missionary independent spiritual church. Or you can have an AIRR worker that works with saints light a candle on your behalf as well.

http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatcandleservices.html
www.readersandrootworkers.com

trish76 · Unread post by **trish76** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 7:31 pm

I prayed to St. Jude for wrongly withheld money from my paycheck and got speedy results. Got all my money back in a few short days.

ariela · Unread post by **ariela** » Mon Feb 14, 2011 6:11 pm

I petitioned St. Expedite to help me get some money as well as a new apartment......also St. Anthony. I did get some money but the apartment not yet, completely. I'm wondering, should I give the flowers and cake to the saint (I leave it in the garden of a local church) or wait til I find a place? Also, strange question, but is there a time limit on when to give the gift, like should I do it immediately or wait a day or week? Curious. Help much appreciated.

Thank you St. Expedite!
Thank you St. Anthony!
Thank you St. Jude

Unread post by **starsinthesky7** » Mon Feb 14, 2011 6:41 pm

Saint expedite is a saint not a spirit. You are suppose to give him a gift IMMEDIATELY after he grants your wish or he will take away what he gave you and more. Give the saint what you promised. Yes you should give him the payment for the money, and then let him know you will pay him again when you get the new apartment.

www.luckymojo.com/saintexpedite.html

ariela · Unread post by **ariela** » Mon Feb 14, 2011 6:55 pm

capishe thanks

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 10:25 pm

In conjure we strongly believe that the dead can and do remain a regular part of our lives who are as real as our neighbors. Now, it is true that not everyone is suited for this type of work and there are certain risks when it comes to working with the spirits of the dead, but they are very much part of the world we live in.

In conjure and hoodoo there isn't a dichotomy between the "spirit world" and "this" world. Instead we see things as interconnected in such a fundamental level that the physical and the spirit are integral to one another. Take for example the physical rose and the spirit of the Rose. Spirit within form.

Similarly the dead do not reside in another distant plane, but rather they reside close to home. It simply takes the skill to listen and learn. We dream of our dearly departed, they guide us, we petition them, and in a variety of ways they remained linked to us and very much alive.

Can everyone work with spirits of the dead, no. It is a skill that you need to have and develop. That said, if they were so distant and removed then we wouldn't be working with these spirits on such important matters. We turn to them because they still are able to effect this world.

Just my two cents.

suzyparker · Unread post by **suzyparker** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 6:59 am

Working with the dead requires a lot of patience, time and energy but is very rewarding. Some suggestions.. why not set up an altar for the deceased person you are trying to contact. you can put a picture of the person on it (if you have one), some of their graveyard dirt, a small bowl of water. I also would recommend a white candle that has been annointed with LM 7-11 Holy Oil and I would suggest using any of LM's spirit guide products (oil, incense, etc). There are also herbs (althea, wormwood, acacia, star anise) that you can burn. Don't be discouraged if you are only able to make contact through visions and/or dreams, sometimes that is how the dead choose to reach us. Send lots of love and pray a lot when doing this. Good luck.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 8:11 am

Jacob Zuma, do you have an altar-space for the spirits of the dead whom you wish to contact (photos, graveyard dirt, favourite items, foods, flowers, etc.? If you do not, you may wish to start with these simple ways of encouraging contact.

ConjureMan Ali, that was an excellent post. You have a good, level head. Thanks.

I have edited this thread about communication with spirits of the dead, especially the spirits of ancestors, in order to remove distracting polemics and personal opinions. I have also merged it with the ongoing thread that deals with ways to communicate and work with a wider variety of spirits, deities, saints.

Unread post by **jwmcclin** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 3:25 am

As noted here, Saint Jude, "It is customary to publish a notice of Thanks in the newspaper"

Saint Anthony donations are in comparison to what you ask, read further details >>>>Saint Anthony

BerthaB · Unread post by **BerthaB** » Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:46 pm

Hi! I really need to know how I should Thank Saint Martin Caballero and Saint Michael for work they have done for me?
I also wanted to know if it was ok to place candies/sweets on their altars?

Unread post by **Miss Tammie Lee** » Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:07 pm

Read this thread BerthaB:
what-does-it-mean-to-"pay-the-saints"--t9160.html

Unread post by **jwmcclin** » Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:21 pm

Read further about Saint Martin Caballero and Archangel Michael. Good advise Triplethreat.

Michael B · Unread post by **Michael B** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 2:37 am

Seeing this thread, I'm now wondering about planetary influences. I haven't found a reference to it yet anywhere, but is it also customary to thank or pay the planets - Jupiter, in my case ?

Thanks !

Michael

Unread post by **Turnsteel** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:46 am

Michael B wrote:Seeing this thread, I'm now wondering about planetary influences. I haven't found a reference to it yet anywhere, but is it also customary to thank or pay the planets - Jupiter, in my case ?

Thanks !

Michael

Not as such,no. If you call up the archangel of Jupiter that might be different.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 9:54 am

I would say that if you call upon the planets in their classical forms as Greek/Roman/Norse deities -- e.g. Moon/Luna/Diana/Artemis -- then you should indeed offer them thanks.

If you view the planets as Jewish Arechangels / Chricistian saints, then you would indicate thanks-offerings be made to those entities.

Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:00 am

catherineyronwode wrote:I would say that if you call upon the planets in their classical forms as Greek/Roman/Norse deities -- e.g. Moon/Luna/Diana/Artemis -- then you should indeed offer them thanks.

If you view the planets as Jewish Arechangels / Chricistian saints, then you would indicate thanks-offerings be made to those entities.

Thank you for this quick(but thorough) answer! I have learned more about working with the planets in the last week than I have for years! Great thread/post...

-Joseph M

Unread post by **Dr Johannes** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:02 am

Building a church or a chapel in their name would be a proper way to thank them.
If you are a bad cook, allergic to flowers or too shy to publish your thanks the good old pilgrimage is also a nice way of thanking a Saint.
Look up a church or alike bearing their name in your area or the world and walk to it. Once there you give a threefold sum to charity, thank the saint and go home.

/Johannes

ariela · Unread post by **ariela** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 3:29 pm

actually I bought two bouquets of flowers and pound cake.....then accidentally left them somewhere. I did state as I was buying them they were for St. Expedite. Maybe it sounds silly, but I hope this means he got them.

Thank you St. Expedite
Thank you St. Jude
Thank you St. Anthony

DrXTheRebirth · Unread post by **DrXTheRebirth** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 12:35 am

Are there any angels or saints that are good for removing any romantic feelings left for an ex-lover?

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 12:51 am

Well in traditional conjure saints weren't called upon that commonly. If you want to remove feelings I suggest the Cut and Clear rite created by Miss cat specifically for this reason:

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

Saints that can help with heartbreak would be Immaculate Heart of Mary, Saint Raphael the Healer of God and associated with love, and Saint Helen.

You could also petition Sacred Heart Jesus.

DrXTheRebirth · Unread post by **DrXTheRebirth** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 1:03 am

Thank you. Another question: After you do a cut and clear on your romantic emotions for that person, is it possible to remain friends or does this sever any feelings of friendship?

Unread post by **Devi Spring** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 4:55 am

I would actually call on St. MIchael for a Cut and Clear if you wanted to involve a saint. He is absolutely superlative at cutting energetic ties and bindings away from people with his fiery sword. St. Michael was considered a healer as well, even though that attribute of his got pushed to the wayside as his warrior/protective nature became more and more emphasized.

His brand of healing is more "destructive" - meaning concerned with eliminating and taking away/releasing the problem at hand, as opposed to the more "regenerative" energies of some other healer spirits such as Raphael. They can be used together in a VERY complementary manner, of course. For instance: calling St. Michael to cut the ties that bind, destroy the hurtful emotions and connections, and then calling in St. Raphael to provide a healing balm if you need soothing. Though, because of my personal temperment, after asking St. Michael to cut the ties, I would ask him to fill me with fiery will-power, confidence, and the strength of a warrior as a way to build myself up after letting go. Neither is better than the other, it's just that one may be better suited to a person or situation than another.

That has been my experience with those archangels, and how their energy functions in healing work. I do work as a professional energy healer, and often invoke the aid of St. Michael &/or St. Raphael depending on what the client is in need of.

Hope that helps.

Unread post by **Miss Tammie Lee** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 8:14 am

There was a very bad situation recently that did not involve a love relationship but a toxic, hateful, cruel, person in a high place ruining a someone's life. The situation had to stop. Emotional detachment was needed and it was time to move on for this person. The only way to detach from that person and the situation was Cut and Clear. I had a long testimony written about this but had been having computer issues. I'll post a more detailed share about Cut and Clear, other Lucky Mojo products, and the Saints soon. I really like Devi's advice and ConjurmanAli's in this thread and I agree.
Many people are under the impression that Cut and Clear is only for "love breakup" situations--not true. Read the description. Out of all of the Lucky Mojo Products I have worked with, and (while having faith in my work) I went into this (project) "hopeful, faithful and challenged". It worked!!! "... Cut and Clear to break your ties from the past and to bring about a new desirable future." from the descriptive line:
http://www.luckymojo.com/cutandclear.html
This product is truely amazing.
I worked with a combination of several Lucky Mojo products, including Cut and Clear, several Saints, and believing that the impossible IS possible.
All things are possible with God.

Unread post by **Devi Spring** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 8:45 am

Absolutely right, Triple. It can be used for all kinds of relationships that are no longer healthy, or maintain a harmful connection with us.

Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 1:18 pm

Thank you Devi, Thriplethreat and ConjureManAli... a trove of information, all of it smart and on point! Very beneficial to me...

Always remember, these will be the amazing threads that come up when someone in the future searches the forums for this kind of help! Thank you!

-Joseph M.

Unread post by **corazon** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 2:14 pm

This post is something I need right now - thank you for your wisdom ConjureMan Ali, TripleThreat, and Devi Spring.

I'm waiting for my cut and clear supplies, and I will use the advice given by the lovely Devi to help me in my time of need. Thank you thank you.

Wonderful advice from wonderful people!!

Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 3:05 pm

corazon: That's my previous posts' thoughts exactly! Very cool...luck to you in your time of need!

-Joseph M

Conjuremoon · Unread post by **Conjuremoon** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 11:29 am

This isn't a conjure idea. But it is a good idea for people in tight spaces. I live in a small apt. with little to no room. I have a small altar and on different days or depending on the work , I set it up for different things. Tuesday is for St. Martha. I couldn't buy 10 saint statues and have no room for them. So a good idea was to go to the local dollar store. I bought small little ornate metal frames. They were $1 each. Then I printed out SAint pics from the internet and framed them. Then I purchased all purpose white little votives. I use my Lucky Mojo Special #20 oil to annoint the candle. And for my Saint petitions I put their framed picture on the altar with a white annointed votive in front of it. I have on for each st.!!

(There have always been a number of Catholic or Spiritualist conjures who work with saints, so, yeah, this is on topic. A good idea, too. -- Miss Michaele)

Unread post by **jwmcclin** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 12:25 pm

Timely information, this question has been asked several times on the forum and your post provides valuable information to those with small spaces.

Unread post by **Devi Spring** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:26 pm

I do something very similar myself - using frames rather than statues for most saints that I work with. I will usually only invest in a statue if it's a saint that has worked with me successfully several times and who I know I will continue to work with often in the future. I also have some space issues.

Conjuremoon · Unread post by **Conjuremoon** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 4:45 pm

Thank you so much guys for your support. I always like to look for creative not too expensive ways to do the work. I may also glue little rhinestones (not too tacky though) maybe like green & purple for St. Martha or glue little flowers around them.

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 7:11 pm

Catholicism's influence has always been a regional influence with saint work being relatively new to conjure but in today's growing interest in the saints this is a very helpful suggestion for those who wish to partake in the phenomenon but have little space.

I would however recommend lucky mojo's prayer cards and prints for the saint. They would be a great thing to place in a frame.

Unread post by **starsinthesky7** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:56 pm

I like your idea! I know some people who decorate and make their own frames out of nice card stock paper or construction paper with symbols that are associated with the saint. They decorate with glitter and such. Wonderful Idea which I think shows more of wanting to build a relationship to the saint especially as a thank you. In addition, rather than by a large statue lucky mojo sells small car statues that I have bought as they help to conserve issue. They are like small 4 to 6 inch statues if you have space issues on an altar. But I like your idea, and thank you for sharing!

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

siren · Unread post by **siren** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 1:03 pm

I'll recap my situation: I was in a longterm relationship with a married man for 3.5 years. He confessed the affair and left his wife for me. His teenage children boycotted him completely and refused to see or speak to him. This tore him apart and sent him into depression. After 6 months he went back to his marital home in fear of losing his children. Readers have given me hope that he could very possibly return if he can work stuff out with his children and that he loves me enough to perhaps come back..(but not in the near future.)

At first I was nervous to work with Saints because I wasn't religious but I had such good experience with St Joseph I thought perhaps I would also petition a Saint. Would any Saint have sympathy for me even though the relationship all started with years of infedility? I was thinking St Martha to bring him back? Or perhaps another Saint to help ease the riff between he and his boys or perhaps bring more understanding to his situation with them?

Unread post by **starsinthesky7** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 1:15 pm

I think you need to get a reading to see if anything will help.I can tell you that it is going to be a battle to keep this man as it i may be time to move on. I think his children are more important and perhaps more important than the bond he has with you. I mean you may want to get a reading to see if there is anything that can be done for him to leave her, and then keep the children around. But I really just think this is the type of relationship that would not last. He may come back but it may only be for short periods of time, hence why I said it may not last forever.

So I think the best thing to do is to see the best course of action through a reading. I mean Saint Martha may help, but she may only be able to help so much considering the circumstances.

siren · Unread post by **siren** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 1:35 pm

I did have several readings. Two of them were extremely hopefuly that he would come back. One was less positive and said he would want to come back to me but wouldn't come back until problems with the children were resolved. I have been given advice about spellwork but none of them recommended a saint so I thought I'd ask.

I do agree, I think his bond with his children is more important than his love for me or he wouldn't have gone home after 6 months. And I love the fact that he loves his children so passionately. He did say exactly this. "I love you so much but I need more children more than you." He risked everything, confessed and left for me, but when faced with the reality of his sons shunning him and missing out on daily interaction with them, ran right back home after 6months.

But part of me is hopeful that his bond with his children might not be enough to savage his relationship with his wife. Maybe staying together for the kids' sakes, won't work out....Who knows...

I do not think he will waffle back and forth any more. He will either put his nose to the grindstone, do family therapy and work it out for the long haul or have so many problems reconcilating with his wife after the affair, that he will come back. None of us can take anymore see-sawing.

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 2:25 pm

Saints are spiritual entities that are considered elevated or close to God due to their piety and devout lifestyles. While not all saints are sunshine and rainbows, there are not going to be many that will work for the "other woman" and work outside the confines of holy matrimony. It would be one thing if he was just dating someone else, but he's married and that makes a difference for saints. Even the female dominating saints like Santa Martha and Saint Helen may help a little, but in regards to removing him from his marriage to come to you it may not be feasible.

That said, saints are not a common feature of conjure and hoodoo. If you feel uncomfortable with them then don't work with them. There are plenty of traditional and time-tested ways of doing this work. Working with saints is a small regional variation that's been blown out of proportion by workers who come from a more "polytheistic" background. There were some catholic workers, but relatively small.

In your instance you may be better off calling on a friendly ancestor.

siren · Unread post by **siren** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 2:43 pm

That makes sense Conjureman. I'll skip the saints on this one.

Done1 · Unread post by **Done1** » Sun Apr 10, 2011 8:47 pm

Hey folks..Ok I havnt seen many answers to the questions I'm about to ask,but I figured why not. Ok, now when working with the saints, what do you do when they dont answer your prayers after the candles have burned out? Do you keep on praying by repeating the whole prayer and paying them their dues ,or do you with hold paymen (Like Saint expedite expects pound cake and flowers). Also, how do you pay these Saints the proper homage on their specific days? (like Saint Jude is Sunday I believe). Now lastly, what exactly is a Novena, and how do you do them properly?? This may sound like nonsense to some but i feel this serious need to clarify all this. Please list as much info as possible... thank you.

Unread post by **starsinthesky7** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:20 am

1. No, you would not pay them if they do not answer your prayers, and I would not keep petitioning them about it. It really depends on A) on the circumstances of your situation B)how much time has passed, and C)I would get a reading to see if they are working on your behalf, and how the candle burned. Now if the candle burned clean, and a reading and/or you see signs they are working on your behalf, then you can keep petitioning them.

Now in the case of Saint Expedite, some petitions state when this candle burns out...some of his other prayers are not as clear. So I like to state Saint Expedite please help me within my needs within two weeks. This way if your petition so happens to come true then you arent stuck in a situation of should you pay saint expedite. But really a reading can clarify to see if they are helping and if you should continue to keep petitioning, but if they are not you dont have to pay them.

2. Well, I was taught that some saints work better for you and on your behalf when you give them the payment after. Some saints have former payments like Saint expedite with pound cake, flower, and spreading his name. Saint Jude likes for his payments in the forum of publishing where a lot of people are going to see such as a newspaper, magazine, website, etc. Now if you are going to work with a folk saint such as Dr. Jose Hernandez who helps with healing, and health problems you can make a donation to a hospital. There are some saints I have learned do better when you give them an offering first before you work with them. But if they dont have a formal payment like saint expedite or saint jude then you can simply donate towards a charity that they are the patron of. For example, Archangel Michael does not have a formal payment but he is a very protective saint, and he is the patron saint of policemen so I would donate to perhaps a police department or a hospital or church in his name. I mean you can promise them whatever you want to give them, but just make sure you come through. Some people state a simple thank you even through this forum in the testimonial section, and I have given Saint Martha and other saints their own statue to thank them. So I highly advise that you do your research when it comes to saints as some have formal payments that are specific and others do not, but you should still thank them.

A novena is a prayer that is said over nine days....novena means 9 day prayer in spanish. Typically, you say the prayer for 9 days some people knock on the altar while calling out the name of the saint, and close with an Amen. There are some more formal typical prayers, and then there are prayers that come from the heart, or that others have written.

I think a GREAT resource when it comes to saints is the book

The Magical Power of the Saints: Evocation and Candle Rituals
By Ray T. Malbrough

It is sold through lucky mojo, and is a very well known book.

For the most part, I like to say their prayer on their particular day of the week, and offer them a dish of water next to their candle along with their picture or prayer card. And depending upon who I am working with I will give them an offering beforehand.

Here are a few good pages
http://www.luckymojo.com/patronsaints.html

You can go on this page and click on the various saints pages. You can see saints have more than one kind of prayer.

You can also go on google and see various novena and/or prayers. There is a wealth of info but I would start with the book I mentioned above

http://www.readersandrootworkers.org/in ... _Tradition

This is a great page as well on the various saints that are frequently worked with.

In addition, if there is a particular saint you want to work with then you can ask the help of an AIRR worker to help you and guide you. Off the top of my head, Miss Bri, Momma Starr (she has a course where she will spend time to teach you about saints...I highly advise taking it!),Dr. E, Karma Zain, and I am sure there are a few more which you can look up on the AIRR page.

Hope this helps!

Unread post by **aura** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 3:43 am

Hi Stars,

that book will definitely be on my next order

in the past I've only ever prayed and had shrines to saints (...being an avid collector of Catholic Statuary which was really popular in the households of the province of Québec where I'm from - although that is neither here nor there...). So in petitionning saints, when you leave an offering of food or water: what do you do with the water, food and/or flowers once they've faded

There are cartoon images of mouldy pound cake in my mind that are less than flattering to the said Saint having been so kind as to help LOL! Just throwing it out seems kind of rude to me...

Blessings and thank-you for elucidating

Unread post by **Dr Johannes** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 3:58 am

When thing go bad you remove them from the altar.
Some, like me, only leave it for 24 hours, 3 days or alike before they are removed and thrown away.

//Dr. Johannes

Unread post by **starsinthesky7** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 4:17 am

I agree with Johannes. I only leave them on the altar (depending on what it is) for only a certain period of time. Flowers I will remove after about a week and a half. Food I will leave for a day or two. Water and/drink offerings I will leave for the next time I pay tribute to them. I dispose of their offerings in my front yard, the water goes to a potted plant, or I will splash it around my front door step if it is a liquid. Some flowers I will work with and put them in spells geared towards the same purpose and/or where I have asked the saints assistance.

Unread post by **Dr Johannes** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 5:29 am

Besides offerings I think shrinebuilding and pilgrimages is an underestimated way of thanking a Saint as well. Including that as a promise when doing the votive petition might turn the tables if the Saint seems reluctant.

//Dr. Johannes

Unread post by **aura** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 5:57 am

Thank you both Johannes and Stars for your responses

Blessings

Done1 · Unread post by **Done1** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 8:52 am

Starsinthesky, I actually own that book, and for some reason...I just cant see anywhere giving the advice you listed above. Thanks for all the info you've given and I'm certainly on it!

Done1 · Unread post by **Done1** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 8:58 am

Thank you all for all the info given and time taken to provide me with so much info. Thank you!

Unread post by **starsinthesky7** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:50 am

All the advice I have given you is not listed in the book. I have learned that from my own research, and from other rootworkers. But the book is a great resource about saints as well as the other things i have listed.

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 12:44 pm

Amen, Johannes. People more familiar with Catholic folk-traditions will recall pilgrimages as a way of offering.

Remember all that saints come from a specific cultural and religious background and should be approached within that frame. Your best source of info is from people who work with them within those traditions. In conjure what little saint work that has been adopted comes specifically from the Spiritualist Church and Latin American Folk Magical traditions.

Before approaching any saint, do a divination to see if they will be willing to help you. Some saints are willing to hand out their favors, others want you to become their devotees. In either case, approach them with a prayerful heart, and open mind, and listen to their wants. Some will tell you quite specifically what they desire and others will stick to time-tested age-old methods. Light a candle, leave a glass of water and listen to what they have to say.

Also try and learn the prayers for the saint that you wish to approach, if available. It is not uncommon to pray the rosary, say a novena, or repeat special prayers to the saint and these often will illicit strong responses from saints as they are recognizable as the religious framework that these saints exist in. If you are uncomfortable with Catholic forms of worship, working with saints may not be for you.

Finally, be wary about what you read online. There is a great deal of bunk, so check your sources, and turn to people who actually work with saints to know more about them.

Unread post by **Jibrael** » Thu Apr 14, 2011 11:24 am

I know that Hoodoo is primarily Christian in its overall theology, but I've been reading the various articles on LM about good luck Gods and Saints, and the spirits of the dead,so it got me wondering: is there within Hoodoo any recognition of nature spirits, such as the Faeries, Dryads, Gnomes, etc.? Given Hoodoo's roots in both Native American and African folk magic, along with bits of Irish, its hard for me to believe nature spirits aren't in there somewhere, but I haven't seen them in the articles. Just asking. The Fae are very important to my personal belief system, but as I start studying Hoodoo I want to be sure I don't water it down with foreign elements.

Unread post by **Devi Spring** » Thu Apr 14, 2011 12:34 pm

In conjure all things are believed to be endowed with a spirit that can be called upon for aid - the spirit of the herbs, roots, flowers, the spirit of the crossroads, the spirit of the river, the spirit of a place, etc. They are not called "fae" in rootwork, just generally spirits. I'm sure there may be some regional variations, and since each practitioner is an individual some personal variations. But mostly you'll just see reference to spirits within the hoodoo tradition.

I'm sure Miss Cat or ConjureMan Ali or some of the real academic hard-hitters can provide more specific details.