Tag: vodou

  • Sad to See it End!

    Happy Monday, everyone!  I cannot believe that Papa Legba Month is coming to end here at www.spellmaker.com! Of course, we honor, serve, and call upon Papa throughout the year, but his month is always so special to us all. 🙂

    But luckily, it isn't over yet!  There is still plenty of time to participate. 🙂

    We are still accepting petitions for our two last events:

    1.  Our online Papa Legba ritual will take place on June 27, 9 pm Eastern time (that is 8 pm Central time, 7 pm Mountain time, and 6 pm Pacific time).  To join in or to send in a petition, please see the informational page at www.spellmaker.com/prayer.htm

    2.  Our last in-house ritual to Papa will take place on St. Peter's Feast Day, June 29.  This is a ritual that we do in house and you are welcome to send in a petition.  For information, please see the page at www.spellmaker.com/legba.htm

    Remember,  Papa is the great communicator, the translator of all languages, the opening of door, and the clearer of paths!  He is so much more, but those are the main things for which we know him.

    He is also known as one of the kindest, most understanding lwa – he wants to help you with your problems! 

    So, please, feel free to join us as we wind up this great month!

     

    Love,

    Mambo Samantha Corfield, www.spellmaker.com 

     

    Papalegba

    Related articles
    Coffee with Papa Legba
    Papa Alegba Month is Almost Here!
    Papa Legba & Saint Lazarus
    Thank you, Papa Legba and Saint Anthony!

  • On FB and in a relationship – this is a MUST READ!

    Happy Friday!

    Do you want this….

     

    or this?

    I came across this artlcle last night just before bed, and I had to restrain myself from getting up right then and there and posting the link!  Over the past few years, I have seen this exact thing happen over and over — some of you who I have read with will remember me telling you to get off of FB and stop looking at certain people's profiles — For The Good of your Case! I am so glad that there are people looking into this issue of the impact of FB and the whole new level of knowledge or exposure we have about other people in our lives. Being able to look into someone's life this closely was not heard of 10 or 15 years ago – and of course, people were not sharing this much information then either. Balance is everything!

    I do hope this article is helpful to some! And have a great weekend everyone!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

    Excessive Facebook use can damage relationships, study finds

    Facebook and other social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create and
    maintain relationships.  However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging
    to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri
    School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to
    experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which then may cause negative
    relationship outcomes including emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.
    In their study, Clayton, along with Alexander Nagurney, an instructor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo,
    and Jessica R. Smith, a doctoral student at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, surveyed Facebook users ages 18 to 82 years old. Participants were asked to describe how often they used Facebook and how much, if any, conflict arose between their current or former partners as a result of Facebook use. The researchers found that high levels of Facebook use among couples significantly predicted Facebook-related conflict, which then significantly predicted negative relationship outcomes such as cheating, breakup, and divorce. "Previous research has shown that the more a person in a romantic relationship uses Facebook, the more likely they are to monitor their partner's Facebook activity more stringently, which can lead to feelings of jealousy," Clayton said. "Facebook-induced jealousy may lead to arguments concerning past partners. Also, our study found that excessive Facebook users are more likely to connect or reconnect with other Facebook users, including previous partners, which may lead to emotional and physical cheating."
    Clayton says this trend was particularly apparent in newer relationships.
    "These findings held only for couples who had been in relationships of three years or less," Clayton said.
    "This suggests that Facebook may be a threat to relationships that are not fully matured. On the other hand, participants who have been in relationships for longer than three years may not use Facebook as often, or may have more matured relationships, and therefore Facebook use may not be a threat or concern."
    In order to prevent such conflict from arising, Clayton recommends couples, especially those who have not been together for very long, to limit their own personal Facebook use.
    "Although Facebook is a great way to learn about someone, excessive Facebook use may be damaging to
    newer romantic relationships," Clayton said. "Cutting back to moderate, healthy levels of Facebook usage could help reduce conflict, particularly for newer couples who are still learning about each other."
    This study is forthcoming in the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking.

    

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    ships. However, new
    research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users'
    romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the
    University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who
    use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience
    Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which th

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    Facebook and other
    social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create
    and maintain relationships. However, new research shows that Facebook
    use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell
    Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of
    Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far
    more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic
    partners, which then may cause negative relationship outcomes including
    emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    Facebook and other
    social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create
    and maintain relationships. However, new research shows that Facebook
    use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell
    Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of
    Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far
    more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic
    partners, which then may cause negative relationship outcomes including
    emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

    Facebook and other
    social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create
    and maintain relationships. However, new research shows that Facebook
    use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell
    Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of
    Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far
    more likely to experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic
    partners, which then may cause negative relationship outcomes including
    emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.

    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp

  • The Universal Prayer

    Good morning, everyone!  I wanted to share one of my favorite poems/prayers with you today!  If you aren't familiar with the works of Alexander Pope, it might take a bit of re-reading to get some of his meanings! You know how it with these things written in the 1800's since we just don't talk that way anymore.

    I love his interpretations of God! My favorite stanza is the one that starts with "What blessings thy free bounty gives."  The idea that God is "paid" when we enjoy the bounties we are given really resonates with me.  I also enjoy the references to free will, the idea that we are not alone in the universe, and especially the thought that it is not our job to go around chastising those who have ideas about God that differ from our own. 😉

    There is also a sense to me that Mr. Pope saw God beyond the usual Christian beliefs; he interprets him more as a universal energy that sometimes extends beyond our scope. That is also somewhat of our Vodou/Voodoo way of seeing God – not so much the guy sitting in the clouds metting out justice and favors, but rather an overwhelming sense of Beingness with whom we are allowed to forge our own relationship.

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this prayer – I love that it is so rich in spirituality without being preachy about religion.  Also, it isn't a bad way to start the day!

    Love, light, and peace,

    Mambo Samantha Corfield, www.spellmaker.com 

    The Universal Prayer

    BY ALEXANDER POPE

    Father of all! in every age,
        In every clime adored,
    By saint, by savage, and by sage,
        Jehovah, Jove, or Lord!

    Thou Great First Cause, least understood:
        Who all my sense confined
    To know but this—that thou art good,
        And that myself am blind:

    Yet gave me, in this dark estate,
        To see the good from ill;
    And binding Nature fast in fate,
        Left free the human will.

    What conscience dictates to be done,
        Or warns me not to do,
    This, teach me more than Hell to shun,
        That, more than Heaven pursue.

    What blessings thy free bounty gives,
        Let me not cast away;
    For God is paid when man receives,
        To enjoy is to obey.

    Yet not to earth’s contracted span,
        Thy goodness let me bound,
    Or think thee Lord alone of man,
        When thousand worlds are round:

    Let not this weak, unknowing hand
        Presume thy bolts to throw,
    And deal damnation round the land,
        On each I judge thy foe.

    If I am right, thy grace impart,
        Still in the right to stay;
    If I am wrong, oh teach my heart
        To find a better way.

    Save me alike from foolish pride,
        Or impious discontent,
    At aught thy wisdom has denied,
        Or aught thy goodness lent.

    Teach me to feel another’s woe,
        To hide the fault I see;
    That mercy I to others show,
        That mercy show to me.

    Mean though I am, not wholly so
        Since quickened by thy breath;
    Oh lead me wheresoe’er I go,
        Through this day’s life or death.

    This day, be bread and peace my lot:
        All else beneath the sun,
    Thou know’st if best bestowed or not,
        And let thy will be done.

    To thee, whose temple is all space,
        Whose altar, earth, sea, skies!
    One chorus let all being raise!
        All Nature’s incense rise!
    Hands

  • Monday Morning Inspiration.

     

    Hi there-

    Hope you all had a lovely weekend. It was pretty snowy and cold where I am, so I spent a little time watching movies. I rewatched a classic – Cool Hand Luke. Paul Newman and those baby blues — Oh My!

    This scene below has been staying on my mind, and I wanted to share it with all of you. It is the epitome of determination, the fighting spirit, and to just keep on swinging, no matter how things seem.

    Hope you all have a great week!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

     

     

     

  • Mambo’s Magickal Music Fun! Marie Laveau!

    Hi there!

    I am sure some of you fair readers (Khouzhan's included…) have seen dear Mambo's blog posts about Magickal Music. I am posting here the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, Marie Laveau by Bobby Bare. While not historically accurate, it certainly is a fun song! And, one I often get as a sign when working 🙂
    Hope you enjoy, and I look forward to other's posting their favorites as well.

    Love

    Sister Bridget

    Artist: Bobby Bare
    Song Title: Marie Laveau
    Marie Laveau

    The most famous of the voodoo queens that ever existed
    Is Marie Laveau, down in Louisiana
    There's a lot of weird, ungodly tales about Marie,
    She's supposed to have a lot of magic potions, spells and curses….

    Down in Louisiana, where the black trees grow
    Lives a voodoo lady named Marie Laveau
    Got a black cat's tooth and a Mojo bone
    And anyone who wouldn't leave her alone
    She'd go (growl) another man done gone.

    She lives in a swamp in a hollow log
    With a one-eyed snake and a three-legged dog
    She's got a bent, bony body and stringy hair
    If she ever seen y'all messin' 'round there
    She'd go (growl) another man done gone.

    And then one night when the moon was black
    Into the swamp come handsome Jack
    A no good man like you all know
    (TALK) He was lookin' around for Marie Laveau.

    He said Marie Laveau, you handsome witch
    Gimme a little a little charm that'll make me rich
    Gimme a million dollars and I tell you what I'll do
    This very night, I'm gonna marry you
    Then It'll be (growl) another man done gone.

    So Marie done some magic, and she shook a little sand
    Made a million dollars and she put it in his hand
    Then she giggled and she wiggled, and she said Hey, Hey
    I'm gettin' ready for my weddin' day.

    But old handsome Jack he said goodbye Marie
    You're too damned ugly for a rich man like me
    Then Marie started mumblin', her fangs started gnashin'
    Her body started tremblin', and her eyes started flashin'
    And she went (growl) another man done gone.

    So if you ever git down where the black trees grow
    And meet a voodoo lady named Marie Laveau
    If she ever asks you to make her your wife
    Man, you better stay with her for the rest of your life
    Or it'll be (growl) another man done gone.

    Marie_Laveau

  • Quote for today…….

    We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them.

    ~~~~Gibran
    ABQFALL2011 024