Author: Sister Bridget Corfield

  • Belleau Wood.

     

    Happy New Year!

    I may be a bit early with my wishes where you are – and a little late where some other are. But wherever you are, I hope you are with loved ones, and enjoying the last of this holiday season.

    I recently came across this song by Garth Brooks again, after kind of having it slip my mind. It really is lovely, and tho it is about something that happened at Christmas time during WWI, the message fits New Year's as well. The lyrics of this song are really poetic – but my favorite are really the last 2 lines.

    Enjoy, and I wish for next year to be the best ever for all!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

  • Happy Thanksgiving!

    Hello!

    Here we are, the day of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, football and parades 🙂 As I am in the kitchen, chopping and prepping, I look back on this year with much gratitude.  It has been, by all standards, a year of great sorrow. And yet, those we have lost in my family, are not really lost at all. They are still here, just in another form, and I am very grateful for their continued presence in my life.  While they may not be able to help in the preparations or such, they surely will have a seat at the table today 🙂

    HappyThanksgiving to all — to my family, my wondeful clients and friends. I wish you all a lovely day with those you love, here and gone, but not really.

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

                                                             Thanksgiving
    Prayer

    We return thanks
    to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.

    We return thanks
    to the rivers and streams, which supply us with
    water.

    We return thanks
    to all herbs, which furnish medicines for the cure of our
    diseases.

    We return thanks
    to the moon and stars, which have given to us their light
    when the sun was gone.

    We return thanks
    to the sun, that has looked upon the earth with a beneficent
    eye.

    Lastly, we
    return thanks to the Great Spirit, in Whom is embodied all
    goodness, and Who directs all things for the good of Her
    children.

    Iroquois Prayer,
    adapted by    Sisters of St.
    Joseph of Peace

     

  • Get Ready for a Walk through the Chakras.

    Hello All!

    I hope you all have been enjoying your Autumn. I just returned home last week from a visit with Mambo Sam and Parran Matt for Fet Ghede and more 🙂 It was a really wonderful ten days, and even though it was a whole ten days, boy it went by fast! I have alot to report, and alot of photos to share, including a really awesome trip to a local New Mexico cemetary which included a big sign from my dearly departed Dad. Lots of new posts to come!

    As I get back into the swing of things here, I would like to start off with some information about the Chakras, and how they influence our life and our well being – both physically and emotionally. I have a series of articles ready, which will walk us through each chakra, it's associations, and also the life issues which may be manifesting if we have a chakra that is a little "out of whack." This will be something that we can discuss over a few weeks, and I really do welcome questions and comments. Please feel free to post a comment here on typepad, or on facebook, or even email me directly at bridget@spellmaker.com

    Chakras are energy centers within the body that affect our physical,
    emotional, mental and physical well-being. Chakras come from the
    Sanskrit word meaning "wheels of light." Chakras are like a blueprint of
    energy for individuality. These energy centers hold a vibration and
    color, like a human rainbow.

    There are many ways that can help balance your chakras (and we will get to this!) 
    But first, do you know if you're out of balance?

    When you work on
    the chakras that are closed or weak, you'll be directly influencing that
    particular area of your life, for example, finances, sex life,
    self-esteem, compassion, expression, intuition and spirituality.

    Are
    your finances in trouble? Are you feeling insecure? Do you need to
    perform better at work and get that raise or promotion? Strengthen your
    Root or 1st Chakra.

    Do you want to spice up your sex life or feel more passionate and creative? Unblock your Sacral or 2nd Chakra.

    Want to feel more self-confident and powerful in achieving your goals? Strengthen your Solar Plexus or 3rd Chakra.

    Want
    to feel more love, be able to forgive past grievances, and connect
    better with your spouse, kids, friends and co-workers? Work on your 4th
    or Heart Chakra.

    Afraid of public speaking? Want to be able to express your truth and be understood? Balance your 5th or Throat Chakra.

    Want
    more inspiration on which path you should take in life? Want to
    increase your intuition and psychic abilities? Open your 6th or Third
    Eye Chakra.

    Want to feel at one with all there is? Have more peace, harmony and connection to spirit? Work on your 7th or Crown Chakra.

    If
    you want to get balanced, get centered, get energized, get relaxed, get
    inspired, get clear, get connected, get going… chakra healing can be
    your answer. When your chakras are balanced, your life will also feel
    balanced.

    When we learn to balance our chakras, we learn to craft
    our lives the way we want them to be, rather than living in constant
    reaction to forces outside of us.

    These spirals of energy are
    wheels that heal, feeding the body good energy and relieving it of that
    we do not want. Chakras cannot be held, stroked or bottled up like a
    genie, yet our physical bodies soak them up thirstily and they
    profoundly affect our metabolism, emotions, sensations and behaviors. In
    addition to their roles in the physical realm, chakras work on a higher
    plane, waking us to the realization that our body, mind and spirit are
    forever and inextricably linked.

    Ok, that is enough for one day! Please look for more new posts to come, and even some new products in the works as well!

    Hope you all have a wonderful day!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

    www.spellmaker.com/bridget.htm

    bridget@spellmaker.com

  • On the death of a Beloved.

    Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for Sister Candelaria.  To me, these past few weeks seem quite surreal. I am very grateful that Sister's suffering is no more, and that she is in the arms of other departed loved ones. Still, the hole left is a great one. Words are very difficult at this time. I feel the poem below begins to say a bit how things are feeling now. In the days to come, there will be celebrations of Sister's life and tears for her loss. For now, rest well, Sweet Sister.

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

    On the Loss of a Beloved by John O'Donoghue

    Though we need to weep your loss,
    You dwell in that safe place in our hearts,
    Where no storm or might or pain can reach you.

    Your love was like the dawn
    Brightening over our lives
    Awakening beneath the dark
    A further adventure of colour.

    The sound of your voice
    Found for us
    A new music
    That brightened everything.

    Whatever you enfolded in your gaze
    Quickened in the joy of its being;
    You placed smiles like flowers
    On the altar of the heart.
    Your mind always sparkled
    With wonder at things.

    Though your days here were brief,
    Your spirit was live, awake, complete.

    We look towards each other no longer
    From the old distance of our names;
    Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath,
    As close to us as we are to ourselves.

    Though we cannot see you with outward eyes,
    We know our soul's gaze is upon your face,
    Smiling back at us from within everything
    To which we bring our best refinement.

    Let us not look for you only in memory,
    Where we would grow lonely without you.
    You would want us to find you in presence,
    Beside us when beauty brightens,
    When kindness glows
    And music echoes eternal tones.

    When orchids brighten the earth,
    Darkest winter has turned to spring;
    May this dark grief flower with hope
    In every heart that loves you.

    May you continue to inspire us:

    To enter each day with a generous heart.
    To serve the call of courage and love
    Until we see your beautiful face again
    In that land where there is no more separation,
    Where all tears will be wiped from our mind,
    And where we will never lose you again.

  • Voodoo and Rock & Roll.

    Hello!

    I hope you all are doing well, and are enjoying the last few weeks of summer! I spent a truly perfect, late summer evening recently at a Bruce Springsteen concert. The weather was perfect, the show was awesome! Really, truly a night to remember.

    During the show, Bruce spent a few minutes remembering band members who were no longer with him, but were very present in Spirit. During the introduction to “My City of Ruin” he explained how he wrote this song with Ghosts in mind. Bruce talked about how, when we are young, we are made to be afraid of ghosts. That ghosts are about unknown and frightening things. Things we feared in the dark, and wished would go away. Now, as we are older, we find the ghosts that walk with us to be comforting, familiar, and a rememberance of good times, love, and how precious every moment of life is. How we welcome the ghosts of our past, and welcome them to walk along side us.

    I hope you enjoy this video of Bruce singing City of Ruins.

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

     

     

    Lyrics – My City of Ruins

    There’s a blood red circle

    on the cold dark ground

    and the rain is falling down

    The church doors blown open

    I can hear the organ’s song

    But the congregation’s gone

    My city of ruins

    My city of ruins

    Now the sweet veils of mercy

    drift through the evening trees

    Young men on the corner

    like scattered leaves

    The boarded up windows

    The hustlers and thieves

    While my brother’s down on his knees

    My city of ruins

    My city of ruins

    Come on rise up!

    Come on rise up!

    Now there’s tears on the pillow

    darling where we slept

    and you took my heart when you left

    without your sweet kiss

    my soul is lost, my friend

    Now tell me how do I begin again?

    My city’s in ruins

    My city’s in ruins

    Now with these hands

    I pray Lord

    with these hands

    for the strength Lord

    with these hands

    for the faith Lord

    with these hands

    I pray Lord

    with these hands

    for the strength Lord

    with these hands

    for the faith Lord

    with these hands

    Come on rise up!

    Come on rise up!

    Rise up

  • Happy Father’s Day! 2012

    Happy Father's Day to fathers near and far! Here is hoping your day is full of family and happiness 🙂

    I would like to take a moment here to make a big shout out to Parran Matt, our Spiritual Father! Parran works tirelessly, day in and day out, to keep the wheels of Spellmaker and our House turning. He is a great hero to us all, and we love him!!!! Happy Father's Day, Parran!

    On another note, this is the first Father's Day I am spending with my familial father in spirit. I found this poem below, and would like to share it with others, who might be feeling the same.

    Best to all.

    Love

    Sister Bridget

    You Never
    You never said I'm leaving
    You never said goodbye
    You were gone before I knew it,
    And only God knew why
    A million times I needed you,
    A million times I cried
    If Love alone could have saved you,
    You never would have died
    In Life I loved you dearly
    In death I love you still
    In my heart you hold a place,
    That no one could ever fill
    It broke my heart to lose you,
    But you didn't go alone
    For part of me went with you,
    The day God took you home.
    Author Unknown

  • Coconut Fun!

    LampsJune12 014

    Hi There!

    With all of the Spellmaker Family  Papa Legba Festivities going on this month, I have been looking for some new and different Coconut items that Papa might enjoy. On my last trip out, I came across these three.

    Trader Joe's Toasted Coconut Cookie Thins — these cookies smell divine! They look incredibly scruptious!

    Coconut Water with Pulp — I found this at the local health food store for less than $1! It has real pieces of coconut in the bottle. I always seem a bit clumsy when I try and cut open a fresh coconut myself, so I think this is a neater option for me 🙂

    Voorman's Coconut Cookies — found these at the dollar store! It is a rather large bag, and these cookies are chock full of coconut and also smell heavenly.

    These are just some examples of new coconut items I thought Papa might like. He also like Mounds bars, rum, coffee, all of the usual suspects! We have a bit more information about Papa here, in our Information Board. Remember, anything offered with a grateful heart is fanstastic 🙂

    For more information about the monthlong rituals to Papa Legba, please see www.spellmaker.com/legba.htm 

    Also, our Spiritual Power Magick Prayer Group is focusing on Papa as well this month! Please join us on June 27th!

    Enjoy!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

  • Memorial Day.

    Hi There!
    With Memorial Day here this weekend, it got me to thinking about the real meaning of the holiday. I mean, where I live Memorial Day for alot of folks its the big summer kick off weekend, have a picnic, do some yard work, go to the local parade. If anyone is interested in a nice summary of the real history of Memorial Day, I found this site : www.usmemorialday.org 

    Memorial Day is about honoring the dead (not something unfamiliar to Voodooisants!) The fallen that have given their lives so that every day  our lives can be better ones.

    There are lots of things someone can do to honor these fallen heroes. It can be as simple as going to a local cemetery and placing an American Flag on a veteran's grave. The Memorial Day Foundation
    will do this for people (for a small fee) that cant get out and do it themselves. The bouquets are very nice and quite reasonable.   Going to the local VFW or American Legion ceremonies that will be happening this Monday is something else we can do to show our support.  Very often at these ceremonies, "Taps" is played.

    These are the words to "Taps." Often, a shorter version, shown here in italics, is played:

    Fading light dims the sight,
                And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
                From afar drawing nigh. Falls the night.
    Day is done, gone the sun,
                From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
                All is well, safely rest. God is nigh.
                Then good night, peaceful night,
                Till the light of the dawn shineth bright,
                God is near, do not fear. Friend, good night.

    ~~~~~~

    So, I encourage you all to get out and do something to honor our fallen Heroes this weekend. Also, a nod to our own wonderful General Ogoun could be in order!

    Imagess

     

    Thanks for reading this far! I will leave you with this prayer:

    Each year we give this tribute
    Out of thankfulness and love
    For your loyalty and courage
    Virtues that set you above.

    We’ll never forget you gave your all
    That others can be free
    You paid the ultimate earthly price
    Immortal you will ever be.

    We walk the byways, streets of towns
    Country lanes, through parks
    At ease, at peace, possible because
    Of missions upon which you embarked.

    When there is no setting sun
    And tides stretch out o'er all the land
    No birds to fly, no songs to sing
    Then we'll come and take your hand. 

    For now we won't forget
    An emptiness your parting left
    You gave your life in freedom's call
    In God’s eyes you're ever blessed.


    Have a safe and wonderful holiday!

    Light and love
    Sister Bridget

    Images

  • Products for Money and Luck!

    Hi there!

    Happy Spring! Spring to me always means projects at home, and planning for summer vacation 🙂 Maybe your tax refund was less than you expected, or your had some unexpected car repairs, or  maybe you are tired of waiting to take that dream vacation…whatever your reason, Spellmaker.com has a large selection of products to assist you with Money, Luck, and Career issues. Right now, our Big Money Spell kit and casting services are on sale! Take a look today!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

    1661481

  • Spellmaker Spiritual Power Group Ritual May 24th 9pm EST.

    Be there for this very special Spiritual Power Group Ritual to our dear Gran Bwa!

    May 24th at 9pm EST — it will be a very powerful time!

    Love,

    Sister Bridget

     

    ABQ102010 125

    Sleeping In The Forest
    ~~~~~by Mary Oliver
    I thought the earth remembered me,
    she took me back so tenderly,
    arranging her dark skirts, her pockets
    full of lichens and seeds.
    I slept as never before, a stone on the river bed,
    nothing between me and the white fire of the stars
    but my thoughts, and they floated light as moths
    among the branches of the perfect trees.
    All night I heard the small kingdoms
    breathing around me, the insects,
    and the birds who do their work in the darkness.
    All night I rose and fell, as if in water,
    grappling with a luminous doom. By morning
    I had vanished at least a dozen times
    into something better.