Tag: magick

Recwntly I got hooked on a reality show. Now, I pride myself on not buying into reaality tv. Except for cooking shows, I usually get annoyed with the drama. But I got hooked in-of all things-Naked and Afraid. Not because I wanted to see nude men in my tv or changed my mind about drama. It was really because the locations are wild, such as the Amazon Rain Forest, or the African savannah. But a surprising thing came out of my new obsession.

I have always known that an attitude of gratitude is important. But watching people literally not have the clothes or shoes on their backs while sleeping on the insect covered ground in a swamp with no clean water or food really opened my eyes to the million little things I take for granted or even complain about.

Is this now going to cure me of my dislike of reality tv? Lol…not likely…but my little binge watch truly had more profound effects than I would ever have believed possible. It reminded me just how lucky I am every day. 

So I have been having a bit of an identity crises lately. You know, I was never one of those "popular" kids during my adolescence. I wore alot of black, didn't like the same music as my peers and tended to befriend fellow oddballs because I felt so different myself. 

During adulthood, that kind of feeling is suppossed to fall away. And it did. Well at least some of it anyway. Still, I struggle with other humans. It's not that I don't relate to them…it is the sneaking feeling that they don't relate to me. 

And then enter the advent of social media. And people who have friend requested me. Many whom I knew way back when but never really knew. Folks I have worked with at various jobs, neighbors, family of friends I have met over the years. 

And still, I often get the feeling that I am just present on some people's facebook lists to provide an audience and be one of a collection of likes. Very few friends like or comment on my posts (to be clear, I post very little and it is never really personal stuff). And sometimes I still find myself feeling a little left out-like no matter what i do I don't feel "popular" and I wonder if people like me. 

But then the wisdom I have come by honestly in life kicks in. I remember the things I value in life. My close friends, my family, my spirituality. Those people that did not not and have not fallen away through dark days of loss, grief, illness and personal and professional loss. 

And I realize-these are the people who consistently like, love or comment on my stuff. And as for the rest of the folks-and I mean no harm-but I can honestly ask myself-how much do I like them? As in-is anything going to change in my life because they did not comment on my facebook post or like my meme?  And I know my answer. So, I am spending less time on social media these days. And qorrying less about who likes me and more about what do i like that I see. I am leaving the rest. And I think I will be better fo it.

In Service, 

Khouzhan Morgan

 

Here in Pa the weather is cooling down. I am not complaining-Fall is the season I wait for all year and I can never  get enough of the chilly crisp mornings, the cool evenings just cold enough for a blanket or sweater, and the beautiful foliage of the trees.

I am most relaxed in this season, as if I can finally exhale and smile. Maybe it's the healing work I've been doing, but the change of season is most welcome.

I will be glad to get back in the kitchen again, which I strenuously avoid in the muggy heat of the summer.

Autumn always inspires me to create. It reminds me of who I was last year, who I am as a result of the work I have done and also been blessed to receive through the prayers and counsel of others,  especially Sister Bridget and Mambo Sam. And it also reminds me of who I aspire to be. It makes me feel ok about being a work in progress, as we all are, and lets me settle into the peace of enjoying the process. Ayibobo! 

1. Any service made with a good heart and pure intention is acceptable.

2. It is not necessary to spend alot of money to make a voudou service. Just a glass of cool water and some lovely words can be a service!

3. The spirits do want to help you! You can speak plainly and not make your requests super formal. Good manners are appreciated, but aside from that, the lwa really are listening.

4. Don't second guess your guidance. If you feel like you got a message or feeling, be confident that you did!

5. The lwa will also send you signs. Songs, animals, flora and fauna, or many other things can seeve as signs that the spirits are working on yoir spells. Believe them!

6. Nothing bad will happen if you make a mistake. The lwa are benevolent beings and not malicious in any way.

7. The lwa love animals, and children. So if your dog eats an offering or your little tyke spills your glass of water or your cat walks right through your altar set up, the spirits understand! I had a little yorkie who went nuts any time I made service to Papa Alegba!

8. Treat the lwa just as you would a friend. Be kind, welcoming and open. The rewards will be many.

9. The lwa love music, so don't shy away from playing them songs, playing music on an instrument or even  singing for them! 

10. Above all, take the pressure off and have fun getting to know the beautiful, magical apirits of voudou. They are here, ready and willing to listen and help! 

 

Recently, I saw a meme on social media that truly resonated with me. It said something to the effect of "almost everything can be fixed if it is unplugged for awhile-even you."

It was a very timely bit of wisdom because due to a sidden health crises I was forced to really cut down to the bare minimum of activities in my life for a while.

Doing this made me stop and think about just how often I chide myself for not doing more, doing "better" or doing it all.

Slowing down also made me painfully aware of how often I try to double and triple task. As if taking the time to be mindful about things is just  a wasted opportunity to get more done.

It brought me back to years ago when I was speaking with a friend who had spent time in a Buddhist Monastery. I recalled him describing how he was tasked once with picking up pine needles in the forest. A futile and never ending job for certain! But the idea was that the process was the task-not the result.

So I am trying, really and truly, to inject more mindfulness into my life. To stay in the here and now and bot be so caught up with being in a rush, beating myself up and giving credence to my inner critic.

It has been difficult, and yet, there is a zen beauty in focusing only on each task at hand. I have to remind myself often to focus, to slow down, to remember that this is what I need to be doing for the good of my physical health.

And you know-I feel like the psychological and spiritual benefits of this slow down might be a latent benefit of this new process-or maybe, just maybe-the true and genuine reason for it.

In Service,

Khouzhan Morgan

So… August. The last real month of summer, the first tawny hints of fall in the sunshine that fades just a bit every day. I see little hints of autumn, like back to school posts on social media, Lughnassadhrolls around with its theme of the first harvest, the golden grains of bread, and even the trees of the forest seem to peak. It is as if the earth knows the wheel is turning, and change is in the air.

August truly is one of my favorite times of year, because the light and breezy relaxation of summer kind of mingles with the busy, bountiful, expectant fall about to emerge. For me, it's like trying to pick a favorite child. I love them both, and they both have a vibrant beauty and an amazing energy. 

What season would you choose? 

In service, 

Khouzhan Morgan

 

So, lately I have been doing some work on myself. I mean-we are always works in progress but I have been working in some particularly deep issues that are super uncomfortable and kind of, well-yucky.

I will likely never be able to express how much my practice if voodoo has heloed and healed me in this lifetime.

And I tend to go all in-I wear stones associated with things I am working on, do energy work, reading, etc.  And one thing I have noticed is that as I delve deeper into looking at things, I tend to want to work deeper into my voodoo practice and try different things and sometimes things that intimidate me a little or ALOT!!

It reminds me of being in certain Wicca circles that worked with darker or more intimidating deities as a 20 something. Sometimes I could not be very effective because, quite frankly, I was a little afraid.

But as I work on myself I notice that the energies I want or even need get deeper. I went from wearing rose quartz, to craving stones with a darker vibration, like apache tear, to rid myself and process through the dark, the onto golden healer as if to lift that vibration up. Until finally I crave the stones from the oldest, most ancient parts of the earth like smoky quartz from the himalayas.

I can only want these stones because I am ready for them. And being ready for them took some time and effort until I was ready. I HAVE TO BE READY.

And so it is, I see this sometimes with cases where an HD seems to be processing slowly, days and weeks may creep by. And it may be some things your HD needs to work through that is slowing up the work a bit.

But I think too we need to look inside and be sure we are ready as well! Maybe you are afraid to be happy because you grew up with parents who stayed unhappily married. Maybe you are afraid that your morning grumpiness, your habit of eating cookies in bed, or even that extra few quarantine pounds is gonna ruin the deal for you and your hd when you finally get together. And sometimes you have to work through an issue so it does not have the power to break you, or the relationship.

So I guess my moral, if I have one is-don't give up on your case just because it is running a little long or slow. Don't give up on your HD just because he or she needs to work through some tough issues in order to be with you. But most importantly, under any circumstances don't give up on yourself. Don't cheat yourself out of opportunities to become better, clearer, stronger and more the YOU that can only be revealed with time and effort. You are so deserving of it!

In service,

Khouzhan Morgan

So I have recently had several discussions with people about what to do with things that are "left over" from doing spellwork.

One thing I often encourage clients to do is to use oils in whatever way they can. Doing love work? Wear some attraction oil as a little perfume, dab it on a plain candle if your HD is coming over, or id you can, put that oil somewhere where he or she will touch it!

Burn a cone of incense from your cosmic voodoo love egg or voodoo deluxe love doll when your HD is stopping by. Doing money work? Put some of that money drawing oil on your wallet, or wear some to work if you are hooing to get that promotion.

A very wise Mambo once said " a little magic is hetter than no magic at all" and these "little" things can add up and really add to your success in any case. Plus-you are using magical things you already have, therefore getting lotsa bang for your buck and you are already familiar with the energy of the product! Try it and see!

In Service,

Khouzhan Morgan

  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!