Tag: Spellmaker.com

  • A new look at Ancestor Service.

    As Vodouisants, calling on, feeding, and honoring our ancestors is something we are very familiar with. Our Ancestors are a part of us; they are with us and around us always. Ancestors can be called on as a group, or individually. It is fairly traditional to hold an Ancestor service one a year, but they can be held anytime at all. Just yesterday I was at one of my favorite spots in a local cemetery, and came across this site***

    Partygrave1

      Partygrave2 copy

    The family and friends of this departed little boy had held his tenth birthday party for him. At first, a wave of sadness passed through me. But after a moment, I realized the people at this party were far from sad. I could see them decorating with streamers, laughing and joking, sharing stories about their little one, but also telling stories to him. I am certain there was a cake with candles, balloons, presents (which were left here with him) and punch. He was very much a participant in his own celebration. 

    Even though this young person passed before many of those in his family, he is still of their blood, and thus, now an Ancestor. The openness and joy in this birthday party was, for me, very moving.  It has given me much to consider (or reconsider) about the “routine” my own service has fallen into. I plan on shaking things up a bit next time around! 

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

    (***Names and dates have been photoshopped out)

     

  • Words of Wisdom from Mambo !

    Hi there-

    As I was hunting through some old files just now, looking for something completely different, I ran across this post by Mambo Sam from back on the old Yahoo! forum! (Remember when….. hee hee) Anyhow, it seemed relevent to a few folks I have spoken to this week, so I decided to dust it off and repost it 🙂

    Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy some warm summer sun!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

    Begin post:

    JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS, SELF SABOTAGE, AND MORE
     
    Hello everyone,
    I wanted to post a few words here (which I have done before) about
    certain people immediately jumping to conclusions about their heart's
    desire, self-sabotaging their own work, and not giving spell work its
    due time.
     
    Sorry, (Yahoo! forum name redacted!)  you get to be my guinea pig for this post, but
    believe me you are in excellent company! :-)
     
    So you saw your HD's car at her current boyfriend's house, or his at
    her's or whatever: So the immediate conclusion is that the spells
    aren't working (which are barely finished, by the way), they MUST be
    getting closer, I'm going to tell her off/cut her off from the one
    real contact I have with her (really bad idea), etc., etc. Folks,
    this is so common of a reaction that it isn't even funny anymore.
     
    I have posted many times about how spell work ebbs and flows, how the
    target of the spell work has to come to some conclusions on their
    own, how sometimes the couple you are trying to break up seems to get
    closer - because that is what needs to happen for them to see just
    how bad they are for each other.
     
    When you choose the path of spell work, you are choosing to do
    something proactive in your case. Additionally, you now carry the
    burden of knowledge and patience. YOU know about they spell work,
    THEY don't (hopefully, right?). With this knowledge comes
    responsibility of allowing the process to happen in the way that is
    best for all involved. This is a SPIRITUAL path, most of the rules
    of the PHYSICAL world no longer apply. Yes, I said "most" - because
    obviously some still do apply - we still live in the physical world,
    after all.
     
    However, too many of you are just very willing to shoot yourself in
    the foot! If you are lucky enough to have any kind of cordial
    contact with your heart's desire, why would you want to cut that off?
    Because it is too "painful" for you? Well, obviously it was too
    painful to be without them, thus you have embarked on a spiritual
    path to your goal. This brings the responsibility of being the
    bigger person. Spell work is not without responsibility to the spell
    caster. This means that you have chosen to do both the spiritual
    work and the physical work to try to obtain your goal.
     
    Is there the possibility of failure? Yes, of course. But this is
    true with any worthwhile endeavor - there is always the possibility
    of failure. But failure after having tried your best is no shame;
    with anything, if you have to walk away from it and you tried all you
    knew to do, then you have not really failed at all. You made the
    supreme effort.
     
    Therefore, if you were willing to make the supreme effort, please be
    willing to see it through. There is so much hyseteria over little
    things lately that I wonder what some of you are thinking. I have
    posted over and over again that there are ups and downs, there are
    times when things seem to regress, this is a natural part of the
    progress. Of course, it is normal to be disheartened or to feel
    bad, but some of you seem to allow that to permeate your very soul.
    Negativity is a very strong energy and as human beings, for whatever
    reason, we seem to gravitate to it more readily than we do to
    positive energy.
     
    It's like I have told a couple of you during consultations, humans
    will embrace the least little negative thing: Let's say you have a
    new outfit and go to a party wearing it. 19 people tell you that you
    look great in it; the 20th person you talk to says you look terrible
    in the outfit. You will never wear it again. The 19 peoples' good
    opinions are out the window; the 20th person's bad opinion sticks in
    your head. So, negative energy is easy to embrace and we all do it;
    it is a fight to embrace and stay positive. But, it is something you
    should all strive to do. Quit being so ready to sabotage yourself at
    every turn. Please.
     
    Love,
    Mambo Sam


    END POST!

     

  • Healthy Relationships begin with Ourselves!

    Hello there!

    I was just reading this article, and the LAST line really grabbed me – it says

    “It’s crucial to have a great relationship with ourselves because it’s the only relationship that you are guaranteed to have every day of your life!”

    Seems so simple, right? Yet, it came as a bit of a "Duh!" moment for me. I am posting a link here to the rest of the article. I hope some other folks out there find it helpful as well.

    6 Ways You Can Have a Healthy Relationship with Yourself

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

  • Relationship advice from the Harvard Business School!

    Well, sort of! I found  this short article published by the Harvard Business School which talks about how to avoid those pesky knee-jerk reactions we can have in tough situations or during tough conversations. And while we try really hard not to get into these tough conversations in the immediate post-casting period, sometimes, well, stuff happens! And sure, we are not in a "business" relationship with our HDs, we are still in a relationship and this advice seems very applicable. The actual HBR tips are at the bottom of this post. These 3 here have been modified for our particular situations:

    1 – Know yourself! Take some time and look back at how you have reacted in the past in difficult situations and how other people reacted. This can be the hardest thing of all to do! But we can not change what we are not aware of (Sorry for the Dr. Phil reference!) so even though it can be tough, spend some time in reflection on this topic.

    2- Have a plan! It is infinitely easier to come up with a plan when you are NOT in the heat of the moment. If things have been tense with your HD and there is a chance things might go sideways, thing ahead and have plan incase they do. If you are having trouble coming up with a plan, ask your caseworker.

    3- Its OK to say No! (Sometimes…) so this one I have  to put a caveat. Certainly, if you are feeling super emotional or sad or angry then for sure, it may not be the best time to see HD that day. Why set yourself (and your spellwork) up for failure? If you are just maybe in a snit because HD did not return your text fast enough, then sorry – Suck it up, Buttercup! Take the high road, be nice, polite and responsive 🙂 This one is a little tricky, and again, if you have any questions or need any guidance, by all means ask your caseworker. Oh – and avoid sarcasm. Trust me! When tensions are high, it is *always* misinterpreted!

    Strive for this –                   

    not this –

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

    Override Your Default Reactions in a Tough Conversation (From Harvard Business Review 7/3/14)

     
    In a difficult conversation, our default reactions can lead to unproductive outcomes. You’ll perform better in those tough moments if you’re conscious of how you want to react. Here’s how:

    • Know your defaults. Make a list of daily interpersonal situations, like meetings, conversations, negotiations, and conflicts. Then identify your default behaviors — interrupting, becoming aggressive, micromanaging, or jumping to conclusions.
    • Plan your overrides. Before these challenging moments arise, envision how you’d ideally like to respond. For instance, if you want to overcome your tendency to interrupt, rehearse being a more active, engaged listener.
    • Design your days. Self-control varies across a day and a workweek. Why schedule high-conflict conversations before lunch or at the end of the day? If your morning becomes unexpectedly difficult, reshuffle your afternoon to avoid letting a snide comment or criticism slip.

  • Hand of an Angel.

    Mikael2

     

    Hello there!

    Just a few days ago, I came across this statue of Saint Michael while browsing in a second hand store with Mambo Sam. There were several different statues. One was of Santo Nino de Atocha that I still may have to go back for! But, that day I left with Michael. I cleansed it a bit, and he has been sitting next to my computer when I am working for the past couple days. This morning, Mambo Sam tells me to get ready, that we are going to the cemetery to do some special work for a client. Just so happens that we were to be working with Archangel Michael! (No coincidences, right???) So, off we go to the cemetery, and about a third into the work, I feel this incredible pressure on the top of my head. Now, I often get funny feelings *in* my head when doing different things with the Lwa. I call it a "swimmy" kind of feeling – I bet a few of you out there know exactly what I am talking about 🙂 But today, this was quite different. This was outside, right on the top of my head, and it was heavy. As Mambo was wrapping up her working, I asked her if her how her head was feeling. I described what I was experiencing, and Mambo replied "That is the hand of Michael. You have the hand of an Angel on you" just like that – and continued wrapping up her work.  When we were finished, we sat for a few minutes before leaving. I can still feel a bit of an "echo" of that feeling even now, and when I think his name in my mind, the feeling intensifies again. There is so much about this world, and the next, that I have to hearn. I am so grateful that I have Mambo Sam and Parran Matt  to guide me though this time. I am not sure what is coming next, or what today's events ultimatley mean for me, but I will keep you posted!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

  • Happy Summer Solstice 2014!

    Hey all!

    Wishing each of you a very happy Summer Solstice today! It is the longest day of the year (and the shortest night!)  I hope each of you get to enjoy it in your own, unique way. There are many different things you can do to honor the day. If you do not have alot of time today, your celebration does not have to be elaborate. Or you can work it in to your already busy schedule! You can sit in the grass and meditate for a few minutes, or read a book in the sun, or have a cook out, go for a swim, water your plants, wash your car. You get the idea!  Get outside and feel the warmth of the sun on your face and breathe in the fresh air! Whether it is for a few moments or a few hours, enjoy the warmth and energy of this special day!

    I will be posting some pictures of the Spellmaker Solstice fun later on! Stay tuned!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

    Lionsun

  • New Product – Holy Spirit Psalm Oil!

    Psalm2

    Newly available! One full ounce of our Holy Spirit Psalm Oil. This very special oil has been hand mixed and consecrated by Mambo Sam and contains 9 ingredients found in Bible, including mustard seed, frankincense, lily of the valley, olive oil and more.  This oil has a very, very high vibratory quality!

    This oil is made by steeping all 9 blessed ingredients and creating a "Mother Oil". Once the essence of the herbs has steeped into the Mother, the oil is strained and a small amount of the original herbs added back to the vials for distribution.

    The Psalms have been used throughout the ages to ask for special favors or relief from troubling situations. Each Psalm has been attributed a special power though Kabalistic teachings.

    Included in the purchase of this oil are two documents by digital download. The first is a complete copy of "The Book of Psalms" so that you have access to every psalm right away! The second document is a collection of "Candle Prayers and Affirmations"  which contains instructions on how to use the oil along with a simple colored household candle and the Psalms to petition for your particular need. "Candle Prayers and Affirmations" also contains an extensive table showing each Psalm, its special power and the color candle to use!

    Combine this oil along with our Chango's Mystik Chrysalis™ Incense! Chango's is designed to bring about a change, in yourself or others. May be used for transformation or to attempt to cause an effect, which makes it a wonderful accompaniment to any form of Psalm oil use! This oil can also be used along with some of our candle magick kits or blessed household candles. If you have any questions about how to combine anything, please feel free to write me at bridget@spellmaker.com !

    You can find Holy Spirit Psalm Oil in our Etsy shop  or on the Spellmaker website. 

    Love,

    Sister Bridget

     

    Psalm8

  • Strawberry Moon!

    Hello!

    A while back I started a series on the lore of the different names of  Full Moons. With all the talk about this upcoming Full Moon on Friday the 13th, it seems like a great time to address the June Moon. The moon will be full at precisely 12:11 a.m. Friday, so essentially on Thursday night, not Friday night. But it will still shine brightly on Friday

    The month of June's full Moon's name is the Full Strawberry Moon. June's Full Strawberry Moon got its name because the Algonquin tribes knew it as a signal to gather ripening fruit.The Algonquin tribes knew this Moon as a time to gather ripening strawberries. It is also known as the Rose Moon and the Honey Moon.

    In Europe, the June Full Moon is known as the Full Rose Moon, perhaps because they have more roses there than strawberries 🙂

    This month's moon is also known as a "Honey Moon" because it can have a slightly golden tint. That's because it appears low in the sky, meaning we are viewing it through the lens of more of the Earth's atmosphere.   The atmosphere reddens its color.

    The next time the moon will be full on a Friday the 13th will be in 2049. That is 35 years from now! However you choose to spend this very unique evening, I hope you make it memorable!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

    Strawberrymoon

     

     

  • Kindness, it’s important.

     

     

    “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.”  Henry James

    “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”  Mark Twain

    “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”  Emerson

     

     

     

  • Rutt Rowe and other things….

    Hello!

    For a while now, I have been following Mike Rowe on Facebook.  You may remember Mike from the TV show Dirty Jobs, or recognise his voice from the Deadliest Catch.  Mike is a smart guy, and has alot of interesting things to say.  He is not political. He is not irrational. He is well read, realistic and very well spoken.  He has a foundation in which he is working hard to create well trained workers to fill the many open job opportunities here in America. His posts can be very entertaining (see the ones about the contest to name his new puppy – Fred won, but I was so rooting for Rutt!). Today, tho, I read some words from Mike that fully stopped me in my tracks…..

    "What you do, who you’re with, and how you feel about the world around you, is completely up to you."

    Seems simple at first glance, right? Obvious, even. Then sit with it a while and see what questions come up for you.  Do you begin to notice some icky little demons pop out of the closet in your mind? Boundary issues?  Empowerment struggles? Self doubt? I know I did!

    It is worth a little time to sit with these words and examine what in you is holding you back from being happy. Happy in your relationships, Happy in your job, Happy in your head – The choice is ours. It always  has been.

    Love,

    Sister Bridget

    PS Thanks, Mike. And if you ever do decide to run for President, you have my vote!

    Mike rowe