Why I use the word "ritual"

There are spells and then there are rituals.  What's the difference?  Using the word spell is highly descriptive and straightforward, ritual has a more mysterious quality to it, but it also implies more in the way of the sacred.  Some people perform magical workings without any religious or spiritual framework--I have spoken to atheists interested in learning the basics of candle magic on many occasions. But for me and the type of work that I do--every component is heavily based upon my understanding of the Sacred.  Ritual does not have to be fancy or formal--the act of simply lighting a stick of incense or arranging flowers can be imbued with a sense of ritual, but there is a discernment, precision, and impeccability captured by the word ritual that spell just does not articulate.  I have described the ritual work that I do on many occasions as being a form of moving prayer or prayer with props.  My understand of the nature of the work that I am honored to perform on behalf of others is that of the petitioner.  I petition a higher power for aid, assistance, and succor in a specific individual's life usually for a specific situation.  The connection with the Source is the most crucial aspect of what I do, the herbs, oils, roots, incense, baths, washes, and curios that I work with during this moving prayer are also essential but they are absolutely secondary to that connection.  Furthermore, all of my working have a beginning (invocation), middle, and end.  They are performed in sacred space and time with a heart full of devotion and a mind fixed on what is eternal, unchanging, absolute, and divine in each of us.  To me, this describes a ritual mind set and goes beyond the scope imagined by the word spell.

Candle Houses

As most of you know, I burn A LOT of vigil candles and for awhile now I have been thinking about where the best place to burn candles would be.  As we all know, burning vigil candles can be a tense experience because we don't want our homes or offices to catch on fire.  When I first started doing candle work in college I had large stock pots in my dorm rooms full of candles (smoke alarms were disabled of course).  Since then I have experienced with several different altar set ups--always wishing for something that was safe, beautiful, and most importantly dedicated solely to the practice of setting lights.  Vigil candles are incredible magical tools-I love the act of blessing, dressing, and setting each candle for each special client and condition.  Well, I learned about Austin Forge from my husband--and I cannot recommend their work highly enough!  Matt at the forge made me two beautiful candle houses (we were inspired by some of the candle houses at various Catholic churches around town) and he customized them for Milagro Roots!  I am thrilled with the results and have to show them off to all y'all!  Just as having your own dedicated space fo conjure work is an incredible experience, so is having a dedicated space for my candles--especially since more and more requests are rolling in after the founding of SOUL.

 

 

 

Finally--some pictures!

First up--the Archangel Michael Protection Packets that have been making the rounds:

 These are old fashioned protection packets inspired by the ones they used to make in NOLA.  Traditionally they were made for shotgun style houses and you would by them in a pack of 2--I make mine individually and put a lot of work into each one (fyi--Miss Bri HATES to sew :-).  For those who don't know the story behind my desire to craft these, check out the page I wrote on Archangel Michael.  I was inspired to make them in my 9nth month of pregnancy with Jasper and I have been making them for families ever since.

Next--some pics of the wall behind my love and romance altar:

 
Obviously I love Milagros and I collect heart Milagros for all of my love work.  More pictures, including pictures of the Sanctuary of United Light will be forthcoming!

Deck 'Em

As always there are candle and ritual reports to write up and send out, but I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some ideas that have been stirring about in my brain.  It started several weeks ago when I started realizing that my role as a reader and ritualist for people has led me down some pretty awesome roads and that many of my long term clients have also become friends over time.  This in turn led me to reflect on the role of the professional reader and rootwork ritualist.  I was listening to last week's Hoodoo Rootwork Hour Radio Show hosted by miss cat and Dr. K and miss cat mentioned something in passing that really resonated with me.  She was talking about how the internet has changed the face of Hoodoo and of professional magic--and its true--I get to encounter and read for a number of people and I am different than workers of the past because more of my clients live outside of my town and state than those that do live around these parts--that's because of the world wide web.  However, cat also mentioned that with this broadened exposure we lose one of the primary functions of the old fashioned worker--these were people who were spiritual advisors and when they had a client who had no one else to turn to--no family, friends or churches, they knew they could go to their worker.  This is the nurturing part of our job--nowadays we may call it "client relations" but however you slice it, it has to do with how we nurture and nourish our clients.  I have a very personal relationship with each of my clients.  When I cut cards for someone I become invested in how they are going to receive the information I have to give them and what actions they will take after the reading is over.  I want each and everyone of my clients to lead the happy, fulfilled, beautiful life that he or she is meant to lead.  This goes beyond rootwork know-how--that is important--but an intimate connection between a client and her worker is as if not more important.  The intimate connection I have with each of my clients and the way that my long term clients become companions on this thrilling journey that is life is so meaningful and important to me.  I feel blessed to have such wonderful clients and I pray that each and everyone of you is blessed in turn!  

One of the cards from the Melissa Lenormand

These meandering thoughts then led me to consider the differences between my clients--just as you would consider the differences between your friends and this leads to a query that I get a lot--is there a specific type of reading or card deck that I recommend for specific clients?  My answer to this question has changed over time--at first I felt that I could read for anyone with the standard RWS and I can and have.

The Industry gold standard Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot
 

BUT, I have also come to feel that certain decks really do resonate with different people's energies.  I don't know if they necessarily make for a more accurate reading but the right deck can definitely make a different in how an individual hears the information that I have to impart to them.  The images, language, and associations surrounding each deck are unique and specific so it makes sense that different clients are going to have preferences.  I also find that I will have preferences for a client and want to read from a specific deck for their case.  If you have a connection to a reader or if you enjoy reading for yourself but you find that the readings are not as accurate or on point as you would wish them to be, then you may want to experience with different decks and see if you get more clarity.  Ask your reader what decks they use and if they have a deck that they might recommend especially for your case.

 

The Bohemian Gothic Tarot from Baba Studio