Category: Uncategorized

  Why you should never get the Crossroad Blues

 How it feels to chat with Papa Alegba 

Recently I had a conversation with someone about the practice of voodoo. I  answer a lot of questions about my practice of voodoo when people find out about it but this particular time I was faced with advising someone about where to start. So I really could think of no better place than  to put him into the capable hands of Papa legba. If you have ever attended one of our spellmaker. Com free online rituals you may realize that every service begins and ends with Papa because he is the GateKeeper between this world and the realm of the lwa. There is an excellent collection  of information on this site as well about Papa.

One misconception that I have dealt with a lot is the television portrayal of Papa legba. I can assure you that he does not steal the souls of babies or take people to  the underworld. Though he is not at all any kind of a demon or devil, Papa is absolutely associated with the crossroads. This is because he helps us navigate all of the crossroads through life. He helps us make decisions and choices and find the correct path if we are in need of that help. Papa’s presence is big and broad and buoyant. When I first began serving Papa I remember describing it as falling into a gigantic bright happy marshmallow. Papa has been unfailingly benevolent and wise whenever I ask for his intervention. He is not a trickster akin to the Norse god Loki as some writings on the internet have portrayed him but he is jovial and he wants us to keep lightness of heart and the exuberance of a child. Since Papa is always called upon to kick off a voodoo service, which generally involves a lot of dancing, singing and often drumming I suppose his opening line would be something like “laissez le bon temp roulez!” (let the good times roll!)

I know several people who are not practicing voudousaints who have made services to Papa Legba with great results! As Mambo Sam very succinctly put it “Papa definitely crosses party lines.” Truly, it does not matter what religion you are or what your particular belief set is, Papa is there to help!

 One of my favorite things to do with Papa is to drink my coffee with him in the morning. He is always glad to be a loving and kind companion and I find that his guidance then pervades my entire day and I really like that! Yes-Papa loves coffee. He is not particular about how he takes it but I do always sweeten it up for him. In my experience Papa has a little bit of a sweet tooth. He is a simple, gentle soul and yet he can speak every language and can easily transform misunderstandings into open communication. Papa is so humble and yet he is extremely visionary and inventive. Are you in a crowded parking lot and can’t find a parking space? Ask Papa. Are you trying to decide what the best move is for your next semester at college? Ask Papa. You’re having a hard time deciding what color to paint the living room? Again-ask Papa! You really truly cannot go wrong when you are serving Alegba. He will help you find your way and help you have fun doing it.

 Because Papa  is so beloved in the voodoo community spellmaker.com has many products blessed on the point of Papa Alegba. There is even a ritual kit with a dedicated oil, incense, candle and bath devoted to the service of Papa Legba. So, if you are new here-or even if you are not-and you are wondering how to start doing this amazing work on your own I urge you to give Papa Legba a try.  Go ahead and ask Papa to walk with you and guide you as you journey into this new decade. You will make a lifelong friend and amazing confidante in Papa!

 

Choose some path, however narrow or crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence-Henry David Thoreau

 

 In service,

Khouzhan Morgan

 

“ Love is all you need”-The Beatles

Songs to call upon the beautiful Pink Lady of Voudou-Erzulie Freda!

By Khouzhan Morgan

 Hello everyone! In honor of our resident lwa of love, I have compiled a playlist of songs I use when I serve the lovely, powerful, and- contrary to popular belief- extremely helpful and nurturing Erzulie Freda. 

As we always say about her-although she is undeniably the lwa of luxury and all things extravagant, she is all things feminine, warm and gracious as well.

 Her Services need not be expensive! But the more thoughtful and sincere your offerings and petitions to Erzulie Freda, the more benevolent and appreciative she will be. Freda is everything beautiful yet she cries tears for all that is sorrowful as well. She is embodied in the Mater Delarosa, or sorrowful mother. For although she loves the decadence of fragrant flowers, speaking en Francais, champagne, sweets and gilded tokens, she knows the gifts most longed for on our mortal plane are those things that with feel with our hearts.

She has received so much unfair criticism and endured a reputation for being lazy or even spoiled! But the truth is that she wisely shows us that material things can never buy us affection, connection, or love. She weeps in sadness at this harsh reality so we don’t have to. She endures our suffering with us and for us-for what greater gift could she give humankind?

So be honest and open and cry with her, should you need to, and know that her spirit has been through so much heartache that she can sweep your pain away with what seems like effortless aplomb. She is, after all, a lady, so that softness she possesses merely veils inimitable strength. It is not easy to endure suffering-Freda just makes it look like it is! On a more joyful note, here are some great tunes to get that Freda energy rolling…

 

Ave’ Marie-Marie Callas-(Any cradle Catholics will be familiar with this hauntingly reverent hymn!)

Ma Cherie Amour-Stevie Wonder (Leave it to Stevie-so endearing!)

I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl-Nina Simone (every girl deserves a little sweetness in her soul)

Hotel California-The Eagles ( The line about pink champagne on ice gets me every time!)

Gold Dust Woman-Stevie Nicks ( She loves ALL the gold- and what witchy playlist is complete without Stevie Nicks?)

 It’s a Man’s World-Joss Stone ( Freda plucked this from Ogoun’s playlist-listen closely,you’ll understand! Originally by the legendary James Brown!)

Song About a Girl- Eric Paslay (I am not a country music fan per se but this one says it all perfectly!)

It’s Raining Men-The Weather Girls (Pretty self explanatory I think ;))

Kiss From a Rose-Seal (she does ADORE roses)

La Vie en Rose- Edith Piaf ( Most famously a song that brings up images of Paris it translates to “Life in Pink” or seeing the world through rose colored glasses.Michael Buble’ has a great cover of this one.)

I hope you enjoy using some or all of these tunes in your services to Erzulie! Don’t miss out on The Erzulie Freda ritual kit, a pampering Rose de l’amour voudou bath our one of our carefully crafted Voudou Love Doll kits made and consecrated on the point of Erzulie Freda to really get those loving vibes going for Valentine’s Day and every day in between!

 Let us know what songs you like to use in your rituals! I wish you all healing and happiness on your path to love! Ayibobo! 

 

 

Llammas and Puppies and Snakes,oh my!

Animal signs and energies in Voodoo and beyond

So…what’s your sign? Today I would like to talk about the animal energies that surround us and how we can use this as a powerful spiritual tool.

Spirit animals are all the rage nowadays…but this concept isn’t new. Animals spirits have been used by many cultures since ancient times. The Greeks and Norseman, the Celts and the Native American Indians all held beliefs about animal energies and used them as omens, symbols of the divine and personal empowerment tools.

We don’t always think about how many times we reference animal energies. When you read the line “what’s your sign” -what came to mind? Likely an animal from the wheel of western astrology like a fish, like Pisces or a Ram, if you happen to be an Aries. And like astrology, voodoo lwa possess many energies from the animal kingdom. A ram also happens to symbolize Sobo who, with his lightening bound brother Bade,are central to the Spellmaker family’s annual St. Patrick’s day ritual for security and prosperity. (Sobo’s Wealth and Security Ritual can be used any time of year to boost your financial forecast and I highly recommend it!)

But it is not just Sobo-many of the lwa have animal energies that “mesh” with their energies and hold powerful symbolism when we see them in everday life. Pisces the two fish in modern astrology holds domain over psychic abilities and bring to mind our beautiful mermaid LaSirene,who along with her husband Capitain Agwe, graces us not just with guidance in the choppy waters of life and the riches and bountiful harvests of the sea, but also increased prowess in matters of intuition and divination. LaSirenes blue bath is a wonderful way to get to know her and ask her for blessings of wealth,psychic powers or even achievements in music (especially singing.) If you’ve ever attended one of our online rituals led by a handsome man with the voice of an angel, you have seen how La Sirene has blessed Brother Menfro with that very talent.

  Butterflies, those ethereal creatures of change, can mean Ogoun is near, Papa Legba loves dogs and can aid in finding a lost pet of any kind, and Erzulie Freda holds peaceful doves near and dear to her heart. I would also be remiss if I neglected to mention some of the mystical serpent Lwa including  Damballah. He offers us healing of the spirit and regeneration of the highest order with his Milk of Damballah white bath,and his spouse, the gentle Aida Ouido,gifts us with a beautiful rainbow after a cleansing rain. 

Truly, all animals have a lesson to teach us when they appear in our lives.  In Norse mythology, wolves were associated with warrior spirit, and Odin had two loyal wolf companions. ( Shout out to Game Of Thrones House Stark here! ) The Celts believed crows carried messages and even deoarted souls between this world and the spirit world. And owls-oh those lovely feathered familiars made popular by Harry Potter, are symbols of the Greek Goddess Athena, who was a deity of wisdom, learning and independence. Native American lore tells us that llammas-and this one is for our wonderful Mambo-llammas show us that we can bear great burdens with courage, strength and faith. I can think of no finer metaphor to describe the way Mambo Sam works for the betterment of so many individuals as if their goals are her own. Every spellmaker client is important to her and Mambo works hard to get the desired results for each and every one. That is an awful lot of responsibility! But truly, Mambo holds in her hands-and her heart-the hopes and dreams of many and does so with grace, grit and compassion.

Often I have seen a certain animal several times and looked into the meaning of the animal. Once I acknowledged the lesson and embraced what that particular creature had to tell me, my guide would no longer be around…making way for a new lesson. Life is full of learning as we all journey through this human life while striving to be in touch with spirit and allow our souls to bloom and flourish.

What animal is your spiritual guide? What creature great or small stirs your senses and intrigues your mind? What energies do you want to incorporate into your life in the present moment? What new experiences are calling to your heart and spirit? Pay attention-the magic of the non human inhabitants of Mother Earth are everywhere!  All you have to do is open your heart and listen!

Many blessings to all of you as you explore the wonders of the wild! May you gain wisdom, clarity and happiness as you travel your spiritual path. I sincerely wish for all of you that your dreams come true.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” -Anatole France

In Service,

Khouzhan Morgan

 

  

 

So this weekend we will get to see the full moon in the astrological sign of Aquarius. Sometimes referred to as the Ripe Corn Moon in Cherokee tradition or the Buck Moon by Algonquin tribes as young male deer are fast growing their majestic antlers around this time.

This full moon marks the second official full moon of summertime. But in the spirit of mother nature being beautiful, we bear witness to how she can be harrowing as well. 

The moon may take on an orangle glow due to the misfortune of wildfires in the western US and Canada. I hope and pray that the loss of life is minimized and the forests and human beings affected by these catastrophes receive as much love, support and assistance as possible from the humanitarian Aquarius vibrations that abound. 

My silly little blog post seems an insufficient way to say that I pray for the safety of fire victims and brave rescue personnel, but humbly I do hope that from my lips to God's ears those prayers, and those of the many, are heard. 

In Service, 

Khouzhan Morgan

 

 

 

Lately I seem to be getting lots of questions about how to contact deceased loved ones. For those of you that don't already know, honoring our ancestors is an extremely important part of New Orleans voudou.

To be honest, I wish it was more customary in American culture to acknowledge the presence of our dearly departed loved ones period. Ancestor service is a huge part of life in many places, such as Mexico, where Dios de la Meurtos or Day of the Dead is the norm each November, or Japan, where family shrines dating back centuries, are kept sacred by the each younger generation.

Speaking to your ancestors can be as simple as just talking to them about life, and ackowledging that their spirit is still with you. It can be polishing a table that belonged to your grandmother and now graces your home, leaving flowers on your Aunt Ella's grave, or making your dad's favorite pie recipe.

You can build a little shrine of your own with pictures, mementos, and even foods, beverages or items they enjoyed in life, such as cigars etc. and spend some time remeniscing or asking for your ancestors help or guidance on a particular matter.

There is nothing wrong or bad about doing this. Our loved ones remain beloved for the rest of our lives, ever living in our DNA and our hearts.

So I guess my 2 cents for today is this; If you would like to speak to your dear family members after death, it does not have to be something spooky, creepy or evil. It can be enourmously comforting, immensely helpful and to be certain, truly magical, on your journey through this thing we call life.

"To understand the living, you've gotta commune with the dead." – Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

In Service,

Khouzhan Morgan

                          

 Marie Laveau; A figure of fame, pop culture and the stuff of legend to people who visit New Orleans. Her tomb in St. Louis Cemetary #1 draws thousands of visitors to the Big Easy. She has been immortalized in song, shows and artwork. But who was this woman behind all the mystery?

Marie Laveau,also known as The Widow Paris, after her first husband departed on a sea voyage but never returned, or Marie Glapion,after she remarried, was in life a woman with an immoveable faith, a charitable soul, and the smarts of a hustler. She was a hairdresser by trade and served as a midwife, healer and also a nurse to yellow fever victims in the French Quarter during outbreaks. Marie was also known to pray long into the night with prisoners condemned to death before their execution.

But of course her most famous incarnation was that of a voodoo priestess. She led annual rites on June 23rd, or St. John’s Eve on the shores of Lake Ponchartrain and Sunday afternoon services for those of the voodoo faith in Congo Square. Marie would advise clients who needed her counsel and magical intervention in her home on St. Ann St. (Much like our dear Mambo Sam does for spellmaker.com clients!)

Laveau is still a prominent figure in New Orleans culture,and has a dedicated shrine at the New Orleans Healing Center where people also make requests for the voodoo queen’s intercession for problems. To ask for Marie Laveau’s assistance, it is customary to draw 3 red x’s (red likely being an homage to the red brick dust used to inscribe the wishes on her tomb, which Is no longer allowed) and the X because Laveau was said to sign her name this way),knock 3 times and leave an offering of some sort. Money,flowers,candy or an item of significance to the wisher are all acceptable offerings of thanks when she grants your request. 

Spellmaker.com offers you a unique way to invite Madame Marie’s help into your home with the Marie Laveau House Blessing kit. If you like there is also a free spell where you can see the actual photograph of Marie Laveau’s final resting place and make a wish on the voodoo queen’s tomb. 

In researching Marie Laveau for this article, I was inspired not just by her legendary skill as a voodoo practitioner and Spiritual Godmother to her many children. I was also very moved by her great faith (evidenced by the fact that she ministered to the sick with only the Parish Priest of St. Louis Cathedral during epidemics) and strength. Many credit Marie Laveau with the melding of Catholic Saints and the lwa of Haitian voodoo to give us the New Orleans Voodoo practice we have today. To be certain, her legacy and spirit live on today in the hearts of many. I wish you much love and many blessings if you choose to explore her life and legend. I truly hope you feel as touched by her iconic presence as much as I have been! Ayibobo!

 

      “ That the birds of worry fly above your head-this you cannot change. But that they build nests in your hair-this you can prevent” -Chinese Proverb

                                        

Hello there and thanks for allowing me another opportunity to share my thoughts! Oh worry-it has has been one of the most passionate pastimes in my life. So today I’m going to talk to you a little bit about it and some things I hope you will take the heart .I am an intrinsically anxious person. As a lifelong klutz I try to make sure I take every possible precaution to prevent me from falling or cutting myself or creating some other type of havoc (like catching my altar on fire) .Didn’t really see that one coming though. Thankfully I was able to put the fire out with no injury to self or property and I don’t recommend sprinkling Florida water on the open flame of a candle. 

I have obsessed over everything from finances to my jobs to my love life-and the thing is I realized that throughout the course of my life so many things were not changed by my anxiety or my worry. As a matter of fact I’m certain that I have choked the magic I worked so hard to create many many times through my tendency to obsessively think about it. 

Now- I really like to fancy myself a person of deep faith. I know there were certain spiritual things I was meant to do in this lifetime and so many circumstances have led me to this path I currently walk. 

I once heard that faith is the opposite of fear. And what is fear? It is imagining something that has not happened ye or nay never happen.  It is  worrying constantly  that  what I have done  in fact did nothing  and just didn’t . If you look in the spellmaker.com archives there is actually a wonderful article by the late great sister Candelaria about how there are really only two emotions -love and fear. I read this article years ago, but it has always inspired me. I tried to remember in my moments of greatest doubt that I can choose to approach and think about life with either love or fear. Sometimes the fear wins. But sometimes in those shining moments of clarity the love comes out on top and I can let go of a situation and its outcome and let things unfold. I don’t need to micromanage every single thing that seems to be happening to either help or hinder me in the situation. For me this is one of the greatest blessings in life. We are so very fortunate  to have the lwa to assist us. Our spirits and our dedicated spellmaker.com family is another. 

For me I know that if I’ve done the work and put my petitions out there those spirits will work out a way to help me that in a fashion that is also  meant for my greatest good. 

So many times situations have worked out after I’ve done a spell. Whether it was due to a nine-day kit, a session with the cosmic voodoo eggs or even a service, so many times problems have worked out in ways that I could never have possibly imagined. Things may not always work out in the way I wanted initially but still events unfold that will allow me  to understand why  things happened and things turned out even better. 

 There is one thing I know for absolute certain; for me, never trying and  not bothering to ask would be my greatest failure. When people lie on their deathbeds they usually regret the things that they didn’t do or the words that they never said. For me that regret would be the greatest tragedy. I came into this world fighting-and I always tell myself that I will only go out that same way. 

So I guess my point is this,really; You can do the work and you can worry less. Asking for something and trying your best really are two things that are well within your control. As for the rest, we have these wonderful gentle the benevolent  spirits who are willing to listen to our petitions and work on our behalf. And you have our wonderful Mambo Sam, Parran Matt, Sister Bridget and spellmaker family to guide you, support you and root for you every step of the way.

In service,

Khouzhan Morgann

 

So about those berries… 

Okay hear me out… I know I posted all poetic and stuff about strawberries and I DO love me some fresh summer strawberries. But this year I'm really diggin the blueberries. Oh and the watermelon…. Ok AND the corn. 

Like alot of you, there are foods that just scream summer to me.  Foods we maybe picked fresh, helped make (champion corn shucker here) or even caught (for all you avid fishermen out there). 

The organic and slow food movement that is so popular right now makes me grateful for this. I am glad that we are reminded that food does not come from a can, a box, or a freezer bag. Food comes from the ground, the trees and the life that bustles around us. 

And although I am eternally grateful for convenience there really is something to be said for knowing those tomatoes came from Aunt Doris's garden or that those zucchini were picked by that rosie cheeked old farmer at the outdoor market. 

Some of these things bring back memories of departed loved ones, or summers spent with childhood friends. 

Sun tea reminds me of my dear Nan's porch on a warm July evening, instilling the knowledge that the beautiful summer sunshine can brew better than any teapot or kettle. Cucumbers remind me of my Grammy and the rows of empty jars washed until they sparkled in the sunlight, waiting to be used for canning so we would have pickles all winter long. 

I guess what it boils down to is this- the bounty of summer reminds me that Mother Earth has ancient, nourishing, sacred roots that lovingly nurture our place in this world… and so do I. 

In Service, 

Khouzhan Morgan

 

Wow I cannot believe it's alread July! Time soon for my annual solar return and more importantly the month we celebrate the wonderful spirit General Ogoun!

Those of you who have worked with some of our products are likely familiar with this wonderful powerhouse of a lwa. The July 4th holiday, with its theme of Independence, fireworks and American flags lets me feel his presence in everything. 

Ogoun's love of flags, the color red, and energy of David v Goliath change seems to be everywhere right now. 

Just a reminder that Ogoun can be called on for immediate protection from physical harm and when you desire great change in a magical situation. That is why you will often see the image of a butterfly around Ogoun altars. He is often referred to as Papillion which is French for butterfly!

Ogoun is a great strategist and is above most everything else, a military man. So when I think of our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who keep us safe and keep the banners of freedom flying all around the globe, I always ask Ogoun to be with them❤️🤍💙.

Happy July, General Ogoun! Ayibobo! 

Recently we had a heat wave here in Pa. Having this kind of weather for several days in a row generally reduces my itty bitty little house to a stuffy little sauna/toaster oven.

The only indoor respite from this kind of weather is to retreat with a cold drink to a dark room with air conditioning and something fun to watch.

It got me thinking about how many movies and television shows contain magic nowadays. I feel like that wasn't always a thing-I mean-it was always my thing-but a thing for more mainstream stuff? Meh-not so much.

Besides that, seeing voodoo/hoodoo on screen is even more of a rarity. It is often portrayed in a bad light, or in a very exaggerated manner.

Still, sometimes the depictions get it right, or somewhat right, and it just makes my heart sing. It makes me happy that this wonderful practice is getting some acknowledgement and exposure. 

Here are some shows and movies that feature voodoo or voodoo themes, good, bad, or indifferent:

American Horror Story-Coven

The Princess and the Frog

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Angel Heart 

Skeleton Key

Criminal Minds-Corazon

Bones-The Man in the Morgue

Orange is the New Black-various episodes with Gloria's backstory

*This is by no means a complete list but just represents shows and movies that I have personally seen. 

I would love to hear about any other depictions of voodoo on screen at morgan@spellmaker.com

Happy Viewing! 

In Service

Khouzhan Morgan

Skeleton Key

Eve's Bayou

Angel Heart