Hoodoo Questions

[aranarose]

We've got the thread for recommended reading, though we could use a thread for questions on Hoodoo. That's where my strongest knowledge is, though there's still so much for me to learn! I have vague knowledge of Vodou, and absolutely no knowledge of Santeria and Palo.

So, what are your questions about Hoodoo? I'll try to answer them the best I can, and hopefully we can get some of the other more knowledgeable people (ahem... Shay...) in here to answer questions as well :)

[DixieWitch]

So, what are your questions about Hoodoo? I'll try to answer them the best I can, and hopefully we can get some of the other more knowledgeable people (ahem... Shay...) in here to answer questions as well :)

I guess my first question would be where is the best place to get started? I've got a teacher that I correspond with through the email, but she has a very busy life, so I only hear from her 2-3 times a week, if that. I've gotten to the point of putting up an ancestor altar, but that's it. Where do I go from here? I've been looking into books and websites, but I don't want this to go downhill like my last attempt did! I spent 15+ years as a Pagan, the last 10 of those trying to figure out which path I belonged on. I KNOW this one is for me and that is why I am so adamant about finding someone to help me and learning all that I can for now. I know I can't expect to learn everything over night or over the next year. But I don't care...I want to learn!!

[aranarose]

The books listed in the recommended books thread are an awesome start :)

The way I got started was to cleanse my house, set up my altar, and then start doing some of the simple protections and blessings that I was learning. I worked to make it a part of my everyday life, because Hoodoo becomes a part of who you are very quickly.

One GREAT place to start is Sticks, Stones, Roots, and Bones. She lays the book out in a way that is sort of a plan for building your own practice, and I loved it.

I learned a little bit from my grandmother, but not much, as she was in Arkansas most of my life, and by the time she came up to live permanently in Michigan, I was an adult with a complicated life.

I also learned a lot from the woman that taught me to read Tarot. God... Dot was a crazy old bitch and I miss her so much!!!! She grew up in Louisiana, and came to Michigan with her husband back in the day when GM was getting big and hiring like crazy. She outlived him and two more husbands!

She always told me there is no right or wrong. You have to do what feels right and comfortable, because if you don't feel it, it won't work. She pointed out that while certain things might have traditional associations to them, if you associate it with something else, it won't work as intended, because your mindset is more important.

You CANNOT be queasy about ANYTHING if you're practicing Hoodoo :lol: A LOT of the tricks get VERY personal in what they use. Body fluids are an important part, and that means ALL of the bodily fluids and excretions.

Your ancestral altar is a GREAT start. Keep adding to it. I've got my altar, have had it for a long time, but I've decided that I need more space :lol: It's so cluttered right now, and that's okay, Hoodoo altars have a tendency to get cluttered the more you add to them, but I don't have room to add anything else! So soon, I'm hoping to have my husband help me build a large three-tier altar with a cabinet for storage underneath it.

I constantly have various little spells/tricks and things going. My most common is a peace and harmony lamp. I have one of those old-fashioned hurricane lamps, the one with a long wick that you raise or lower to control the flame, and that run on kerosene or lamp oil. In the base, I place my various herbs and curios, depending on the purpose of the lamp, and then I add the oil. I let them burn and burn and burn. You have to be careful if you have kids or animals, put them out if they'll be unattended for any length of time, but I've got mine set where nothing can get to them, so I just let it go, adding more oil as necessary.

Also, check your local grocery store and Christian supply store. A great deal of Hoodoo work is associated with various Saints. In the Mexican and African foods sections of my grocery store, they sell Saints candles, and I've even found an Orishas candle there before (used that one for a kick-ass binding/reflection spell!) They are the 7-day kind, meaning once you light them, they will burn for about 7 days. Great, great things.

For dressing those, I bought long wood cooking skewers. I then slide one down along the side of the candle, in the glass, pushing a couple of holes into it. I pack my oils and herbs in that way.

At the Christian supply stores, particular Catholic ones, you can find various Saints cards and other items.

If you find a Lwa calling to you (it happened to me) do as much research as you can and set an altar specific to the Lwa, or add him/her to your existing altar. I've got pink and white and blue jewelry that I made dedicated to Erzulie Freda on an altar with a pink satin cloth :)

Hoodoo sounds complicated, but it's not. Use it when you need it, and when you don't need it, continue to use it and build relationships with the Saints/Lwa. Over time, you'll find yourself working with some a lot more than you do others.

[DixieWitch]

The books listed in the recommended books thread are an awesome start :)

The way I got started was to cleanse my house, set up my altar, and then start doing some of the simple protections and blessings that I was learning. I worked to make it a part of my everyday life, because Hoodoo becomes a part of who you are very quickly.

One GREAT place to start is Sticks, Stones, Roots, and Bones. She lays the book out in a way that is sort of a plan for building your own practice, and I loved it.

I learned a little bit from my grandmother, but not much, as she was in Arkansas most of my life, and by the time she came up to live permanently in Michigan, I was an adult with a complicated life.

I also learned a lot from the woman that taught me to read Tarot. God... Dot was a crazy old bitch and I miss her so much!!!! She grew up in Louisiana, and came to Michigan with her husband back in the day when GM was getting big and hiring like crazy. She outlived him and two more husbands!

She always told me there is no right or wrong. You have to do what feels right and comfortable, because if you don't feel it, it won't work. She pointed out that while certain things might have traditional associations to them, if you associate it with something else, it won't work as intended, because your mindset is more important.

You CANNOT be queasy about ANYTHING if you're practicing Hoodoo :lol: A LOT of the tricks get VERY personal in what they use. Body fluids are an important part, and that means ALL of the bodily fluids and excretions.

Your ancestral altar is a GREAT start. Keep adding to it. I've got my altar, have had it for a long time, but I've decided that I need more space :lol: It's so cluttered right now, and that's okay, Hoodoo altars have a tendency to get cluttered the more you add to them, but I don't have room to add anything else! So soon, I'm hoping to have my husband help me build a large three-tier altar with a cabinet for storage underneath it.

I constantly have various little spells/tricks and things going. My most common is a peace and harmony lamp. I have one of those old-fashioned hurricane lamps, the one with a long wick that you raise or lower to control the flame, and that run on kerosene or lamp oil. In the base, I place my various herbs and curios, depending on the purpose of the lamp, and then I add the oil. I let them burn and burn and burn. You have to be careful if you have kids or animals, put them out if they'll be unattended for any length of time, but I've got mine set where nothing can get to them, so I just let it go, adding more oil as necessary.

Also, check your local grocery store and Christian supply store. A great deal of Hoodoo work is associated with various Saints. In the Mexican and African foods sections of my grocery store, they sell Saints candles, and I've even found an Orishas candle there before (used that one for a kick-ass binding/reflection spell!) They are the 7-day kind, meaning once you light them, they will burn for about 7 days. Great, great things.

For dressing those, I bought long wood cooking skewers. I then slide one down along the side of the candle, in the glass, pushing a couple of holes into it. I pack my oils and herbs in that way.

At the Christian supply stores, particular Catholic ones, you can find various Saints cards and other items.

If you find a Lwa calling to you (it happened to me) do as much research as you can and set an altar specific to the Lwa, or add him/her to your existing altar. I've got pink and white and blue jewelry that I made dedicated to Erzulie Freda on an altar with a pink satin cloth :)

Hoodoo sounds complicated, but it's not. Use it when you need it, and when you don't need it, continue to use it and build relationships with the Saints/Lwa. Over time, you'll find yourself working with some a lot more than you do others.

Thanks for the info! I think I've been drawn to HooDoo because I too am originally from Louisiana. No one in my family ever practiced that I know of though. It's been a spiritual awakening for me!

Speaking of Lwas, is there anything I can do, rituals, prayers, etc to see if there is something I am missing? Like maybe one is calling out to me, but I am totally missing it? This is my biggest concern--connecting with a higher being.

[BlackLili]

Here's one for you, Aranarose -
Washes - for someone who doesn't do much housework (my DH does most of it) - are they necessary?

I've read in some of my hoodoo books that washes are absolutely essential for some people - the only way to really make sure a house or business is clean.

If you use them - why and what are your favorites?

[aranarose]

Thanks for the info! I think I've been drawn to HooDoo because I too am originally from Louisiana. No one in my family ever practiced that I know of though. It's been a spiritual awakening for me!

Speaking of Lwas, is there anything I can do, rituals, prayers, etc to see if there is something I am missing? Like maybe one is calling out to me, but I am totally missing it? This is my biggest concern--connecting with a higher being.

When Erzulie Freda decided to start coming into my life, she made it very, very obvious. I kept coming across her in websites that were totally unrelated, and then recently, since I've sort of pushed her and my spirituality aside to deal with life (bad idea) she's been coming to me in dreams, reminding me that she can help me if I'll let her.

There are many, many, many Lwa and you can cultivate a relationship with each. Also, the Lwa are each associated with Catholic Saints, if that makes it any easier for you to identify with them. It was a protection for practitioners to associate the Lwa with Saints. Who's going to question you if you've got an altar full of Saint candles :)

http://www.rootswithoutend.org/emporium/fredaserv.html is a link that Shay has recommended, and that I've come across several times.

Try a web search on the Lwa and see if any in particular call to you.

I've also been getting called to the other aspect of Erzulie, Erzulie Dantor. Considering what they are both associated with, I suspect that it has to do with what I'm going through in my marriage that they've decided to present themselves to me.

As you begin to gather more supplies and learn more, you will be drawn to some things/beings more than others. Take that as a sign that you're being called to them. Try to learn signs, symbols, creatures associated with each, and when you see those things in your life, you'll know they are signs too.

For instance, St. Theresa is known as the Little Rose. So if you see a lot of roses in odd places, it could be a sign from her.

[DixieWitch]

I was actually instructed to do my own wash for 9 nights before setting up my altar. I mixed a tablespoon of sea salt and a tablespoon of ammonia in a gallon pitcher along with a good splash of smell good stuff! I had to pour it over my body, and once I was done, light a white candle and say a prayer. It got to be such a part of my life in that short 9 mights, than when the 10th night came, I almost did it again, even though I didn't have to.

[DixieWitch]

When Erzulie Freda decided to start coming into my life, she made it very, very obvious. I kept coming across her in websites that were totally unrelated, and then recently, since I've sort of pushed her and my spirituality aside to deal with life (bad idea) she's been coming to me in dreams, reminding me that she can help me if I'll let her.

There are many, many, many Lwa and you can cultivate a relationship with each. Also, the Lwa are each associated with Catholic Saints, if that makes it any easier for you to identify with them. It was a protection for practitioners to associate the Lwa with Saints. Who's going to question you if you've got an altar full of Saint candles :)

http://www.rootswithoutend.org/emporium/fredaserv.html is a link that Shay has recommended, and that I've come across several times.

Try a web search on the Lwa and see if any in particular call to you.

I've also been getting called to the other aspect of Erzulie, Erzulie Dantor. Considering what they are both associated with, I suspect that it has to do with what I'm going through in my marriage that they've decided to present themselves to me.

As you begin to gather more supplies and learn more, you will be drawn to some things/beings more than others. Take that as a sign that you're being called to them. Try to learn signs, symbols, creatures associated with each, and when you see those things in your life, you'll know they are signs too.

For instance, St. Theresa is known as the Little Rose. So if you see a lot of roses in odd places, it could be a sign from her.

Well I haven't seen any signs, that I know of!!

Is it okay to contact one on my own? Or should I wait for the call?

[BlackLili]

I was actually instructed to do my own wash for 9 nights before setting up my altar. I mixed a tablespoon of sea salt and a tablespoon of ammonia in a gallon pitcher along with a good splash of smell good stuff! I had to pour it over my body, and once I was done, light a white candle and say a prayer. It got to be such a part of my life in that short 9 mights, than when the 10th night came, I almost did it again, even though I didn't have to.
Hmm, personal washes. I hadn't thought about those although I use them often enough.

I was more talking about floor and wall washes and the like....hence my comment about not doing housework normally.

You used ammonia for a body wash? Ugh. I wouldn't have been able to handle the smell.

What kind of smell good stuff do you prefer, Dixie?

[aranarose]

Here's one for you, Aranarose -
Washes - for someone who doesn't do much housework (my DH does most of it) - are they necessary?

I've read in some of my hoodoo books that washes are absolutely essential for some people - the only way to really make sure a house or business is clean.

If you use them - why and what are your favorites?

I use washes all the time. Don't know where I learned the one I use, Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones has a similar one, so I may have gotten it from there :lol: But a lot of the same info about Hoodoo is repeated EVERYWHERE, so it's hard to say!

1 cup unscented liquid Castile soap
1/2 cup Murphy's oil soap
1 cup distilled water
7 pieces broom corn straws, cut to fit your bottle/jar

I store mine in a mason jar. I use about 1/3 cup of that to a 2-gallon wash bucket filled with hot water.

That's the basic wash formula.

To that, I add various herbs and oils depending on the purpose, and the atmosphere I want to promote.

For example, in my kitchen, I want to encourage health and wellness, but also want that homey feel. I whip up a batch of wash, and add some vanilla beans or vanilla extract to it.

Chinese washes, considered essential to Hoodoo by some, simply add citronella oil, lemon grass oil, and dried lemon grass.

Suppose you want a romantic evening with hubby :) Use rose oil or jasmine oil in the wash and swipe it on areas that are water/oil safe in your bedroom and/or bathroom :)

Nearly any oil or herb can go in there, and there are lots of them available. That's why I use a basic base. My purposes change from time to time, and I can modify my wash to suit.

As to whether or not they are necessary, my response is, "Only if you want them to be." I like the washes, because it gives me a focus in my cleaning. It means I'm paying close attention to the energy that I want in my home, instead of just letting it be there. There are plenty of other ways to achieve that though!

[aranarose]

Well I haven't seen any signs, that I know of!!

Is it okay to contact one on my own? Or should I wait for the call?

If you wait for the call, you may never see the sign! :lol: I'd say yes, it's definitely okay to contact one on your own.

[aranarose]

Hmm, personal washes. I hadn't thought about those although I use them often enough.

I was more talking about floor and wall washes and the like....hence my comment about not doing housework normally.

You used ammonia for a body wash? Ugh. I wouldn't have been able to handle the smell.

What kind of smell good stuff do you prefer, Dixie?

:lol: I probably couldn't handle the ammonia smell either, but I suppose it is VERY cleansing. It's definitely associated with CLEAN and that's the purpose of washes!

[DixieWitch]

If you wait for the call, you may never see the sign! :lol: I'd say yes, it's definitely okay to contact one on your own.

~lol~ Yeah that's what I figured. I just didn't want to try to contact someone and come across as needy or greedy!

[aranarose]

~lol~ Yeah that's what I figured. I just didn't want to try to contact someone and come across as needy or greedy!

Just be prepared to make regular offerings :hehehehe: I got called by a Lwa who's got some pretty fancy tastes... Lots of jewelry, and I have to regularly stock pink champagne for her!

[BlackLili]

Just be prepared to make regular offerings :hehehehe: I got called by a Lwa who's got some pretty fancy tastes... Lots of jewelry, and I have to regularly stock pink champagne for her!
How do you go about determining what sort of offerings your lwa prefer?

[aranarose]

How do you go about determining what sort of offerings your lwa prefer?


I learned that from online research. After finally figuring out just WHO was pushing her way into my life this last year, I looked up absolutely EVERYTHING I could on her. Everything I came across talked about how Erzulie Freda Dahomey LOVES jewelry and sweet stuff, pink champagne, white and pink and gold, rings, necklaces, etc. Basically fancy stuff :lol: Think spoiled princess, and you'll get an idea of what an altar to her should be!

Traditional offerings would be incense, coffee beans, rum, cigars and cigar smoke, and those are often used for many different Lwa.

It probably sounds strange, but listen to your gut when giving offerings. The purpose of an offering is that you are paying attention to the Lwa. They like PHYSICAL things, even though they are spiritual.

[BlackLili]

I learned that from online research. After finally figuring out just WHO was pushing her way into my life this last year, I looked up absolutely EVERYTHING I could on her. Everything I came across talked about how Erzulie Freda Dahomey LOVES jewelry and sweet stuff, pink champagne, white and pink and gold, rings, necklaces, etc. Basically fancy stuff :lol: Think spoiled princess, and you'll get an idea of what an altar to her should be!

Traditional offerings would be incense, coffee beans, rum, cigars and cigar smoke, and those are often used for many different Lwa.

It probably sounds strange, but listen to your gut when giving offerings. The purpose of an offering is that you are paying attention to the Lwa. They like PHYSICAL things, even though they are spiritual.
The altar I have to Mother (not a specific lwa, just sort of a feminine Bondye idea,) also doubles as my space for Ezili (she actually has things hanging from a hook on the ceiling.) From what I've noticed They seem to enjoy pomegranate liqueur and coconut rum - but that could just be me, too.

For Legba, I get the feeling that He doesn't seem to appreciate the Pama as much as the rum - but he's not crazy about the sweet stuff I keep serving the ladies. I've been pondering cigars, twists of raw tobacco, coffee/coffee beans, and rice but... lately I've had the feeling that he's requesting a mange-lwa and I'm not sure exactly what to serve.

Ideas?

[aranarose]

The altar I have to Mother (not a specific lwa, just sort of a feminine Bondye idea,) also doubles as my space for Ezili (she actually has things hanging from a hook on the ceiling.) From what I've noticed They seem to enjoy pomegranate liqueur and coconut rum - but that could just be me, too.

For Legba, I get the feeling that He doesn't seem to appreciate the Pama as much as the rum - but he's not crazy about the sweet stuff I keep serving the ladies. I've been pondering cigars, twists of raw tobacco, coffee/coffee beans, and rice but... lately I've had the feeling that he's requesting a mange-lwa and I'm not sure exactly what to serve.

Ideas?

:lol: Yeah, he would SO not want the girlie stuff :) And I can DEFINITELY see where the girls would enjoy pomegranate and coconut! That sounds delicious to me!


Don't know a lot about Legba, but did find this link:

http://zer0dmx.tripod.com/gods/legba.html amongst many others searching for "offering to legba"

It mentions:


Appropriate offerings to Legba include candy, smoked foods, palm oil, black goats, green bananas, toys, rice, cassava, molasses, candles, rum, roosters, chickens, cigars, cigar smoke, and a rat powder called jutia.

So looking at that list, I'd say a good mange-lwa would be some sort of chicken and rice dish :) Perhaps chicken that's been marinated in a rum an molasses mixture, served over brown rice?

[DixieWitch]

Now that I think back, my teacher gave me a reading over the internet. I had to email her pictures of my hands. She said I had my ancestors around me and Yemaya. So I've spent the past hour researching Yemaya and EVERYTHING I've read about Her, jumps out at me!! I am so serious! I feel a sense of calm come over me by just looking at Her picture. It's like someone hit me in the head with a hammer and my brain went "DUH" this is where it is! This is what I've been waiting for all this time. I've never felt this way before and I'm definitely taking this as a sign!!

Well I guess I know what I have to do now!

[aranarose]

Now that I think back, my teacher gave me a reading over the internet. I had to email her pictures of my hands. She said I had my ancestors around me and Yemaya. So I've spent the past hour researching Yemaya and EVERYTHING I've read about Her, jumps out at me!! I am so serious! I feel a sense of calm come over me by just looking at Her picture. It's like someone hit me in the head with a hammer and my brain went "DUH" this is where it is! This is what I've been waiting for all this time. I've never felt this way before and I'm definitely taking this as a sign!!

Well I guess I know what I have to do now!

See! You just kind of.... know.

ETA: And Yemaya is associated with La Siren in Vodou, who is the third manifestation of Erzulie!

[BlackLili]

So looking at that list, I'd say a good mange-lwa would be some sort of chicken and rice dish :) Perhaps chicken that's been marinated in a rum an molasses mixture, served over brown rice?

I like that. good idea. I'm sure he will be grateful that I'm finally listening. :thumbsup:

[aranarose]

I like that. good idea. I'm sure he will be grateful that I'm finally listening. :thumbsup:

Yeah, when I finally started listening to Erzulie Freda, I got the distinct impression of a woman sighing, "It's about time, girl!"

[Teresa]

http://mysticwicks.com/picture.php?albumid=90&pictureid=1513

This is a picture of Erzulie Freda's Altar.

Below is one of my Favorite Pictures of Yemaya

http://mysticwicks.com/picture.php?albumid=90&pictureid=674

If you live near the ocean, you are blessed. You can take Yemaya offerings to the ocean. If you have an odd earrring without a mate or a pretty necklace that is broken etc save them to use as offerings for Yemaya.

[DixieWitch]

Hmm, personal washes. I hadn't thought about those although I use them often enough.

I was more talking about floor and wall washes and the like....hence my comment about not doing housework normally.

You used ammonia for a body wash? Ugh. I wouldn't have been able to handle the smell.

What kind of smell good stuff do you prefer, Dixie?
BlackLili, the smell good stuff really helped to mask the ammonia smell. I was supposed to use Florida Water, but I could not find it anywhere here and it was expensive to order it over line. (not the Water itself, so much as the shipping) So I was instructed to use any body spray type perfume. I used Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom and Bodycology's Warm Sunburst from Wal-Mart. (it's a sunflower scent).

As far as scents that I prefer, I'm happy with anything that's not strictly vanilla scented or cinnamon. I like B&BW Black Raspberry Vanilla, but not Vanilla alone. I currently own about 10 bottles of body sprays that I use. I pick the scent of the day depending on my mood!! My over all favorite is Haunted House from DarkCandles.com!!!

But yeah, the body wash:
1 tblspn of sea salt
1 tblespn of sudsy ammonia
a good splash of Florida Water or a body spray that smells good

Pour all this in a gallon pitcher of warm water. Pour this mixture on your body starting with down the spine, down each shoulder/arm, then down each hip/leg, then from the neck down the chest. Then a small splash on the forehead and the top of the head. Do this over and over until you've used all the water. The light a white candle and pray for a few minutes afterwards. Allow your body to air dry. I wrapped myself in a towel and sat on one too. Do this for nine nights in a row. It helps to remove negativity. DON"T shave your legs or any other body part the water will touch right before doing the bath as it WILL burn!! I didn't listen when I was told this but I found out the hard way!!


I know luckymojo.com has a lot of floor washes to offer. Also, http://www.indioproducts.com/webstore/ has some aerosol room sprays. One day, I'll be able to buy some of these.

Does anyone have some recipes for making their own floor washes that they'd like to share?

[DixieWitch]

http://mysticwicks.com/picture.php?albumid=90&pictureid=1513

This is a picture of Erzulie Freda's Altar.

Below is one of my Favorite Pictures of Yemaya

http://mysticwicks.com/picture.php?albumid=90&pictureid=674

If you live near the ocean, you are blessed. You can take Yemaya offerings to the ocean. If you have an odd earrring without a mate or a pretty necklace that is broken etc save them to use as offerings for Yemaya.

I don't live near an ocean. But I do have access to a river. Is that an ok place to make an offering?

[aranarose]

You can make your own Florida Water too :) I can't afford to order it, so I make my own. I've got all the oils at home. When my husband was living here, he loved using it in his bath water. Felt great afterwards.

From Luckymojo:


oil of bergamot 3 fluid ounces
oil of lemon 1 fluid ounce
oil of ylang ylang 1 fluid ounce
oil of lavender 1/2 fluid ounce
oil of cinnamon 20 drops
oil of cloves 12 drops
oil of neroli 10 drops
alcohol 1 gallon
rose water 1 pint
(or distilled water plus light rose scent)


http://www.luckymojo.com/floridakanangawater.html

[Artiste-LiLi]

I use washes all the time. Don't know where I learned the one I use, Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones has a similar one, so I may have gotten it from there :lol: But a lot of the same info about Hoodoo is repeated EVERYWHERE, so it's hard to say!

1 cup unscented liquid Castile soap
1/2 cup Murphy's oil soap
1 cup distilled water
7 pieces broom corn straws, cut to fit your bottle/jar

I store mine in a mason jar. I use about 1/3 cup of that to a 2-gallon wash bucket filled with hot water.

That's the basic wash formula.

To that, I add various herbs and oils depending on the purpose, and the atmosphere I want to promote.

For example, in my kitchen, I want to encourage health and wellness, but also want that homey feel. I whip up a batch of wash, and add some vanilla beans or vanilla extract to it.

Chinese washes, considered essential to Hoodoo by some, simply add citronella oil, lemon grass oil, and dried lemon grass.

Suppose you want a romantic evening with hubby :) Use rose oil or jasmine oil in the wash and swipe it on areas that are water/oil safe in your bedroom and/or bathroom :)

Nearly any oil or herb can go in there, and there are lots of them available. That's why I use a basic base. My purposes change from time to time, and I can modify my wash to suit.

As to whether or not they are necessary, my response is, "Only if you want them to be." I like the washes, because it gives me a focus in my cleaning. It means I'm paying close attention to the energy that I want in my home, instead of just letting it be there. There are plenty of other ways to achieve that though!

In the "romance" department lavendar (lavander?) and pumpkin pie scents are good. These have even been studied and shown scientifically to work. The lavendar will also assist in a good nights sleep.

My husband and I laugh all the time about the stuff that they are saying "scientifically proven to work" that they used to call "hoo-haa" and "silliness". Stuff we've known for years.

[Artiste-LiLi]

BlackLili, the smell good stuff really helped to mask the ammonia smell. I was supposed to use Florida Water, but I could not find it anywhere here and it was expensive to order it over line. (not the Water itself, so much as the shipping) So I was instructed to use any body spray type perfume. I used Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom and Bodycology's Warm Sunburst from Wal-Mart. (it's a sunflower scent).

As far as scents that I prefer, I'm happy with anything that's not strictly vanilla scented or cinnamon. I like B&BW Black Raspberry Vanilla, but not Vanilla alone. I currently own about 10 bottles of body sprays that I use. I pick the scent of the day depending on my mood!! My over all favorite is Haunted House from DarkCandles.com!!!

But yeah, the body wash:
1 tblspn of sea salt
1 tblespn of sudsy ammonia
a good splash of Florida Water or a body spray that smells good

Pour all this in a gallon pitcher of warm water. Pour this mixture on your body starting with down the spine, down each shoulder/arm, then down each hip/leg, then from the neck down the chest. Then a small splash on the forehead and the top of the head. Do this over and over until you've used all the water. The light a white candle and pray for a few minutes afterwards. Allow your body to air dry. I wrapped myself in a towel and sat on one too. Do this for nine nights in a row. It helps to remove negativity. DON"T shave your legs or any other body part the water will touch right before doing the bath as it WILL burn!! I didn't listen when I was told this but I found out the hard way!!


I know luckymojo.com has a lot of floor washes to offer. Also, http://www.indioproducts.com/webstore/ has some aerosol room sprays. One day, I'll be able to buy some of these.

Does anyone have some recipes for making their own floor washes that they'd like to share?

<mumble, rummage, rummage, mumble, mumble, rummage> Oh geeze...I KNOW I have some floor wash "recipes" (what my granny called 'em) here SOMEwhere.....gimmme a couple days (today and tomorrow are very busy for me) and I'll dig them out and share the ones I can.:smile:

[Artiste-LiLi]

I don't live near an ocean. But I do have access to a river. Is that an ok place to make an offering?

I don't live near the ocean either and I am STRONGLY connected to the beach, ocean, surrounding landscape. I'm so strongly connected, I'm seriously considering moving to the South Carolina LowCountry (Charleston area south to the Georgia line) as soon as I'm able to do so. The first time I went there.....I felt "HOME!".

The next time you go on vacation to the beach do what I do (this is best done if you drive to and from)....take some plastic (or glass) bottles that have lids that will screw on tight, wash them thoroughly, "cleanse" them and dedicate them to "spiritual workings"...then when at the ocean, "prepare" yourself (read: cleanse, pray, etc), sing praises, offer gifts and ask permission to bring some ocean water home with you in these "cleansed" vessels....wait for an answer (sometimes it is no), if permission is granted, fill your bottles (be sure to get some sand and small shells in at least one or two of them), have a "special" towel or cloth to set them on once filled and capped, when you have finished filling, give thanks, give gifts, offer praises. I usually do my collecting late at night so I am free to dance and feel uninhibited. Then take your ocean water home and store it in a consecrated place and be sure to take the bottles out once a month and let them sit in the sun for several hours with the caps off so they can "breathe". I only take what I need and when I need it (if I'm almost out or completely out) and I am not wasteful in my use of it. By having this in my home at all times I feel my connection to the ocean (it also makes me feel the "pull" and "yearning" too) and I can use ocean water when I need to in workings.

[DixieWitch]

I don't live near the ocean either and I am STRONGLY connected to the beach, ocean, surrounding landscape. I'm so strongly connected, I'm seriously considering moving to the South Carolina LowCountry (Charleston area south to the Georgia line) as soon as I'm able to do so. The first time I went there.....I felt "HOME!".

The next time you go on vacation to the beach do what I do (this is best done if you drive to and from)....take some plastic (or glass) bottles that have lids that will screw on tight, wash them thoroughly, "cleanse" them and dedicate them to "spiritual workings"...then when at the ocean, "prepare" yourself (read: cleanse, pray, etc), sing praises, offer gifts and ask permission to bring some ocean water home with you in these "cleansed" vessels....wait for an answer (sometimes it is no), if permission is granted, fill your bottles (be sure to get some sand and small shells in at least one or two of them), have a "special" towel or cloth to set them on once filled and capped, when you have finished filling, give thanks, give gifts, offer praises. I usually do my collecting late at night so I am free to dance and feel uninhibited. Then take your ocean water home and store it in a consecrated place and be sure to take the bottles out once a month and let them sit in the sun for several hours with the caps off so they can "breathe". I only take what I need and when I need it (if I'm almost out or completely out) and I am not wasteful in my use of it. By having this in my home at all times I feel my connection to the ocean (it also makes me feel the "pull" and "yearning" too) and I can use ocean water when I need to in workings.

~lol~ Well that would work except I haven't been to the beach in since April of 2000!!! Hubby isn't real big into going to the beach because he grew up in Florida--Miami and Sebring--and they went there all the time!

I'm still gonna go with the river. The way I look at it, a river eventually makes it to an ocean, or a gulf, which then makes it to the ocean! I think this would be a situation of "it's the thought that counts", right? As long as I'm doing it and putting the effort out there, that is what matters.

[Artiste-LiLi]

~lol~ Well that would work except I haven't been to the beach in since April of 2000!!! Hubby isn't real big into going to the beach because he grew up in Florida--Miami and Sebring--and they went there all the time!

I'm still gonna go with the river. The way I look at it, a river eventually makes it to an ocean, or a gulf, which then makes it to the ocean! I think this would be a situation of "it's the thought that counts", right? As long as I'm doing it and putting the effort out there, that is what matters.


Yes, I think so. HooDoo, VooDoo and PowWow can be very flexible in many ways. I look at it in a similar light to you...though....isn't there a specific Orisha/Lwa/Goddess who is closely associated with rivers? Shalaye? Aranarose? Somebody????? It is nagging at my mind that there is...if so...you might appeal to Her first and ask her help in using Her waters to reach the ocean.

Or.............

I could just send you some ocean water. I have several bottles and am most likely going to the beach this summer sometime (my brother lives in Myrtle Beach) so I can get more then.

Funny...my husband grew up in Florida too! And he isn't crazy about the beach either...but he is a good hubby and he goes with me whenever I want to and we can afford it. He is even willing to move to the S.C. LowCountry with me he's so good! lol! He grew up in the Orlando/Winter Haven/Lakeland/Lake Wales areas.

[aranarose]

Oshun is the Orisha of Rivers.

Agwe, Dumballah, and Simbi are Lwa associated with rivers, but they are male.

[Artiste-LiLi]

Oshun is the Orisha of Rivers.

Agwe, Dumballah, and Simbi are Lwa associated with rivers, but they are male.

Oshun is who I was thinking of....and that is the name that came to mind..but I wasn't certain I was correct in thinking that. Thanks!

My suggestion stands, speak with all the above and request their assistance...or speak with the one who draws you the most. Do your homework though and know about them and treat them accordingly.

[DixieWitch]

Yes, I think so. HooDoo, VooDoo and PowWow can be very flexible in many ways. I look at it in a similar light to you...though....isn't there a specific Orisha/Lwa/Goddess who is closely associated with rivers? Shalaye? Aranarose? Somebody????? It is nagging at my mind that there is...if so...you might appeal to Her first and ask her help in using Her waters to reach the ocean.

Or.............

I could just send you some ocean water. I have several bottles and am most likely going to the beach this summer sometime (my brother lives in Myrtle Beach) so I can get more then.

Funny...my husband grew up in Florida too! And he isn't crazy about the beach either...but he is a good hubby and he goes with me whenever I want to and we can afford it. He is even willing to move to the S.C. LowCountry with me he's so good! lol! He grew up in the Orlando/Winter Haven/Lakeland/Lake Wales areas.

If it wouldn't cost an arm and partial leg, I would like some ocean water!!

I've been wanting to go to the beach forever, but we just never have the time. Now we really want. He's 2 weeks away from graduating the police academy and he won't have any vacation time for another year. Although we're 3 hours from the beach...I just think he uses it as an excuse not to go!

[Artiste-LiLi]

If it wouldn't cost an arm and partial leg, I would like some ocean water!!

I've been wanting to go to the beach forever, but we just never have the time. Now we really want. He's 2 weeks away from graduating the police academy and he won't have any vacation time for another year. Although we're 3 hours from the beach...I just think he uses it as an excuse not to go!

LOL! Well I'm sorry you won't get to go and that it may be awhile before you do get to go back. I'd be happy to send you some ocean water that I have here. I have no idea how much it would cost to post it...but surely it can't be too exhorbitant. Feel free to private message me your snail mail if you want and I'll pop you a bottle in the mail.

[BlackLili]

i gave my lwa rainwater offerings gathered at the new moon. i think they liked it, because i got to gather another bigger bottle full the very next day! :T

this weekend, i'll be making that marinated chicken. i got Kenyan coffee in whole beans, and molasses, and some red beans and rice mix i thought Legba would enjoy.

we shall see though. He's been haunting me in a big way lately. One high school rowing buddy who killed himself without warning last week, one work buddy on life support with an unknown fungal infection in her lungs, one friend who disappeared more than two years ago suddenly choosing to resurface last night and let me know he's still alive - but still not talking to anyone else in our crowd.

i feel haunted lately, truly. i'm trying to listen but i just don't understand yet.

[Teresa]

Yes, I think so. HooDoo, VooDoo and PowWow can be very flexible in many ways. I look at it in a similar light to you...though....isn't there a specific Orisha/Lwa/Goddess who is closely associated with rivers? Shalaye? Aranarose? Somebody????? It is nagging at my mind that there is...if so...you might appeal to Her first and ask her help in using Her waters to reach the ocean.

Or.............

Originally in Africa Yemanja "Yemaya" was considered the patron deity of the Yemanja Oogun river. Osun is the goddess of the Osun river and it is said that the Osun river can cure infertility. There are other rivers and they also have goddesses over them as well in Africa such as Oya and others.

There are many stories of how she became the mother of all saints and there are other stories that say she was always there and in the beginning all life came from her.

Her name is a contraction of Yoruba words " Yeye emo eja " which means mother whose children are like fishes.

I am looking for the story that explains how she was changed to the Mother of the Ocean.

[Teresa]

i gave my lwa rainwater offerings gathered at the new moon. i think they liked it, because i got to gather another bigger bottle full the very next day! :T

this weekend, i'll be making that marinated chicken. i got Kenyan coffee in whole beans, and molasses, and some red beans and rice mix i thought Legba would enjoy.

we shall see though. He's been haunting me in a big way lately. One high school rowing buddy who killed himself without warning last week, one work buddy on life support with an unknown fungal infection in her lungs, one friend who disappeared more than two years ago suddenly choosing to resurface last night and let me know he's still alive - but still not talking to anyone else in our crowd.

i feel haunted lately, truly. i'm trying to listen but i just don't understand yet.

Sometimes it is hard to divine what things mean when working with the loa or orishas. IMO, and I could be totally wrong , but I think its that sometimes we do not want to see what is really before us. We may have a hard time facing the reality that lies ahead and that is why we do not look in the most apparent direction of the signs we are receiving at times or "wonder which fork in the road to take so to speak" :hugz: