Chat June 26, 2007

[simonegreenewpp] I have a quick request...

[Mambo Sam] Yes, Simone.

[simonegreenewpp] I’m making the transcript, but if you get logged off & come back on, and you want to catch up, would you ask someone else to help with that? I’m collecting the text & saving it, and I don’t want to miss anything. :-)

[Mambo Sam] Yes, of course. No problem.

[simonegreenewpp] Thank you!

[Mambo Sam] Ouanga, can you keep track just in case?

[ouanga_bottle] gotcha covered, I’ll be on point

[Mambo Sam] Thank you!

[ouanga_bottle] my pleasure!

[Mambo Sam] Hello everyone! Okay, let’s get started. I wanted to mention that I had a little snafu with the last transcript.

[Mambo Sam] But it is now in my hands again thanks to the lovely Simone - take a bow Simone.

[Mambo Sam] And I will have it posted by tomorrow.

[Mambo Sam] I am going to post a quote. Anyone or anyone(s) who can tell me where it is from will get a $25.00 gift certificate! Fun and games at Chat!

[Mambo Sam] I remember the names of my ancestors. I speak the names of those I love. I speak their names and they live again. May I be so well-loved and remembered. In truth, may the gods hear my name.

[Mambo Sam] Hands up.

[Mambo Sam] Jeopardy music is playing in the background.

[Mambo Sam] No looking it up on the internet.

[PATRICKinCALI] hand up

[Mambo Sam] Patrick.

[PATRICKinCALI] Alex Haley from the book “Roots”?

[Mambo Sam] Oh, good guess, but no.

[PATRICKinCALI] 25.00 shot!

[Mambo Sam] One more try.

[Mambo Sam] Anyone...

[Spell Faithful] hand up

[Mambo Sam] Hand up??

[Mambo Sam] Spellfaithful.

[Spell Faithful] the leader of the Lakota tribe -- didn’t he just pass???

[Spell Faithful] I’m totally guessing here...

[Mambo Sam] Nope, but good guess.

[candycane] hand up

[Mambo Sam] Go ahead.

[Mambo Sam] Candycane.

[candycane] Awakening Osiris: The Egyptian Book of the Dead

[Mambo Sam] Yep.... ding, ding, ding.

[candycane] :-)

[bridget] can staff guess - if so , hand up

[bridget] oops, too late

[Mambo Sam] Oops... sorry...

[Mambo Sam] The point of all of that was that calling on your ancestors is nothing new.

[Mambo Sam] And, by the way, if you are serious about ancestor service, you should have, study, and learn the Egyptian Book of the Dead.

[Mambo Sam] Besides, it’s just cool.

[Mambo Sam] So, has anyone practiced any automatic writing or other ancestor work since we last met?

[Mambo Sam] Just hands up.

[simonegreenewpp] hand up

[PATRICKinCALI] hand up

[Desiree’] Hand up!

[ouanga_bottle] hand up

[rattle shaker] Hand up

[Paris] Hand up but not automatic writing

[Mambo Sam] Nice....we are getting gold stars all around.

[Mambo Sam] Okay, with hands up again - anyone want to share, or have any questions?

[Spell Faithful] share

[Mambo Sam] Go ahead please, SpellFaithful.

[PATRICKinCALI] ??

[Spell Faithful] been talking to them more, asking for help, etc., and the last 3 nights in a row, WEIRD dreams

[Spell Faithful] I usually don’t have many picture dreams...

[Mambo Sam] This is a good thing because it means that you are getting more attuned to what you are trying to accomplish. Many times it isn’t so much that dreams may mean anything or that they need to be interpreted. Sometimes it is that you are opening up certain psychic centers, or chakras, whatever you want to call them and this allows a certain pattern of energy flow that brings on dreams.

[Mambo Sam] So don’t be alarmed even if the dreams are weird.

[Mambo Sam] Anything else, Spellfaithful (then Patrick).

[Spell Faithful] some of the more memorable ‘symbols’ I looked up in an old dream book and they all say ‘success is ahead’ --interesting

[Spell Faithful] done -- thanks

[Mambo Sam] Nothing wrong with that.... And while, indeed, it is fine to interpret dreams, sometimes it is just the path opening up.

[PATRICKinCALI] I offered Grandma soda bread, ham/bean soup & tea, lit candle, sat before altar to ask her for help with my brother and a situation, played her songs, prayed Catholic prayers

[Mambo Sam] Nice. Go on.

[PATRICKinCALI] am I on the right track?

[Mambo Sam] Yes, indeed.

[Mambo Sam] That is just the sort of thing to do. How did you feel?

[PATRICKinCALI] Very close to her and very tired!

[PATRICKinCALI] My bro called me the next night

[Mambo Sam] That’s awesome.... And while no two people may particularly feel the same after an ancestor service. There are some hallmarks, such as a feeling of being close to your ancestor (OH, I am so glad he did - nice results), tiredness, peace, feeling like a heavy burden has been lifted from you, feeling free, etc.

[PATRICKinCALI] Yes, I felt like I was finally able to help him, at least behind the scenes

[Mambo Sam] All of these types of feelings, and more obviously, are really good indicators of successful service.

[PATRICKinCALI] Left the offerings at the crossroads, right??

[Mambo Sam] Yes, indeed. That is fine.

[Mambo Sam] Anyone else have anything to share, questions, etc.?

[rattle shaker] <--

[Mambo Sam] Before we move on, that is?

[Mambo Sam] Yes, rattle shaker.

[Mambo Sam] Go ahead, please.

[rattle shaker] I’ve had a big question around

[rattle shaker] I did a service for my ancestors, and told them all about it. Put on some music for them, and let them party

[rattle shaker] Afterwards, all I could picture was family giving me advice on the subject, like “Think about this...”

[rattle shaker] Remember that....

[rattle shaker] I felt really good after the party. Thanks.

[Mambo Sam] Is the “big question” the one I know about??

[rattle shaker] Yes,

[Mambo Sam] The reason I ask is, and no we don’t have to talk about it, is because that is a perfect type of question to ask ancestors.

[rattle shaker] You sent it home with your question, for sure

[Mambo Sam] When you have big, life-changing decisions to make.

[Mambo Sam] Your ancestors are the perfect ally.

[Mambo Sam] So I am glad that you did that, very glad!

[Mambo Sam] Okay, anyone else?

[rattle shaker] Thanks for the reminder

[Mambo Sam] No problem. That’s what I am here for, for all of you.

[Mambo Sam] Anyone else have anything to share?

[Paris] share

[Mambo Sam] We know, you got out of jail.

[Mambo Sam] Sorry.

[Mambo Sam] Couldn’t resist.... Go ahead!

[Mambo Sam] Love you!

[Paris] me?

[Mambo Sam] Yes...

[Paris] oh ok

[Mambo Sam] Sorry, it was just a bad Paris Hilton joke.

[Paris] oh I forgot

[ouanga_bottle] har har

[Paris] well I served papa Legba and my mother for three days

[Paris] they don’t talk to me, but they made HD call me the day after

[Paris] and things are moving slowly

[Paris] very slow but moving

[Paris] my next move is Mama Bridget, but not to get out of jail

[Mambo Sam] Nicely done. And for most people they probably won’t necessarily “hear” talking.

[Mambo Sam] Some will, and some will just get a “feeling” or a sense of their ancestor. LOL, sorry about the jail comment..... It is just all over the freaking news like something really important happened.

[Paris] actually he is kind of like in a jail to think about it

[Paris] I am slow

[Mambo Sam] Naw.

[Paris] took me awhile

[Mambo Sam] Okay, good results for you, too. Anyone else before we move on?

[Mambo Sam] Okay, I am going to paste in a couple of prayers for ancestors from different cultures.

[Mambo Sam] I am doing it for a couple of reasons:

[Mambo Sam] 1. So you will have them in the transcript.

[Mambo Sam] 2. To show the same thread in different cultures.

[Mambo Sam] 3. To help you with your homework.

[Mambo Sam] Whaaa.... Mambo gave us homework.

[Mambo Sam] I’ll put them in and then we will talk about the assignment.

[Mambo Sam] O Great Spirit of our Ancestors, I raise my pipe to you, to your messengers the four winds, and to Mother Earth who provides for your children. Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love, to respect, and to be kind to each other so that they may grow with peace in mind. Let us learn to share all the good things that you provide for us on this Earth.

[Mambo Sam] That is a Native American Prayer (whomever mentioned that earlier - gold star to you!).

[Mambo Sam] Dear Ancestors, As the year begins, we recognize that trees have roots and rivers have source: you are our roots and our source. We know that you are in us. We vow to receive, to maintain and to develop the cultural and spiritual heritages you have handed down to us. We also vow to realize what you entrusted to us to realize, especially to transform the seeds of suffering that remain and to open the door for future generations to enjoy a life that is not too busy, a life where one does not consume too much and work too hard, so that one will have the time to be with nature, to enjoy and protect nature, to take care of each other and to offer each other smiles and happiness. We vow not to keep resentment towards each other, to learn to be compassionate, to accept and to love. We know this is the best way we could express to you our ancestors our gratitude on the New Year Day.

[Mambo Sam] That is a pagan new year’s day prayer ancestor service prayer.

[Mambo Sam] Our great African parents who are among us we humbly offer our thanks for the many blessings you have given. We extend our love to its ultimate state of being - For the suffering that you have endured so that we may not suffer so. Mothers of our great African nation Fathers of our African selves - We invoke you to further lead and guide us to a higher understanding Of our true greatness - And a more encompassing dedication of love for our African people. Parents of all African children; Guide us toward a greater unity - Guide us in a stronger African Value System and lead us into the zenith of respect and love for our people, through education and the “Family Communal Structure” We swear upon the heritage and legacy that you have left us to uphold and sustain our rightful status on this earth, and to continue the struggle for the total mental and physical liberation of all African People.

[Mambo Sam] That is a prayer said at Kwanzaa especially to honor African slave ancestors and honor the suffering they endured for their families.

[Mambo Sam] So, you have some ideas there of ancestor prayers.

[Mambo Sam] Your homework is to write one of your own (as if you didn’t see that coming).

[Mambo Sam] It is important to make it meaningful to you - even if you don’t have a clue as to who any of your ancestors are.

[Mambo Sam] The prayers above are painted with very broad strokes.

[Mambo Sam] They speak of the Mothers and Fathers of the family from long ago.

[Mambo Sam] So if you are unsure of your ancestors, then you can do it that way.

[Mambo Sam] I have seen prayers, also, that name the ancestors by name. And then honored all the unknown ancestors.

[Mambo Sam] So you definitely have some leeway.

[Mambo Sam] It is sort of like the Priye Guinea we did at the lave tet.... where it calls all the lwa, all the saints, and then it is all “known and unknown” if those of you who were there remember.

[Mambo Sam] Questions thus far?

[Spell Faithful] ?

[Mambo Sam] I would like some of you to share your prayers if you will.

[Mambo Sam] Yes, Spell faithful.

[Spell Faithful] I know this is a Voodoo chat, but I’ve done some Native American sweat lodges (funny this is all coming out today!!)

[Spell Faithful] is there a better way to contact/get thru to ancestors?

[Spell Faithful] or is it just a ritual preference

[Mambo Sam] I am not understanding your question... are you asking me if there is a better way than the sweat lodge?

[Mambo Sam] Because that is what we are learning.

[Mambo Sam] Well, not that it is necessarily better!

[Spell Faithful] Yes

[Mambo Sam] The way I am teaching you I certainly would never ordain as “better.” But it is something you can do in your own home.

[Spell Faithful] I didn’t know if one way was indeed better or is it just a preference

[Mambo Sam] I have been to a sweat lodge, too, and it is rigorous.

[Mambo Sam] I don’t think there is anything that is necessarily “better” than one way or another.

[Mambo Sam] To me, there are a number of factors including is someone willing to teach you a way,

[Spell Faithful] I guess that answers my question -- thanks!

[Mambo Sam] are you able to do it, are you able to connect with your ancestors in that way or will you have to look for another way.

[Mambo Sam] In just my opinion, the best way is the way that works for you.

[Spell Faithful] and obviously I am looking for another way...lol

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[Mambo Sam] Yeah, no kidding.

[Mambo Sam] I mean, it is a powerful experience, but good grief.... wow.... I was wrecked for a week after that. (I have MS and am not supposed to be in the heat, but oh well, had to try it.)

[Mambo Sam] Okay, other questions?

[Mambo Sam] So back to the assignment for a moment, if there are no other questions right now.

[Mambo Sam] Your prayer doesn’t have to be long.

[Mambo Sam] But think about what you would say to honor those who went before you.

[Mambo Sam] How would you honor the sacrifices and tribulations they went through?

[Mambo Sam] A lot of words sometimes aren’t necessary to express yourself, but go crazy with it if you want!

[Mambo Sam] No one has to share if they don’t want to, but I would love to hear what some of you do with this prayer. And everyone who plans on doing ancestor service should have a prayer of their own.

[Mambo Sam] Yes, you can find stuff on the internet.

[Mambo Sam] And in books.

[Mambo Sam] But at some point (and here we go again with the give a man a fish, or teach him to fish!), to make your work as powerful as possible...

[Mambo Sam] my little birdies must fly.

[ouanga_bottle] heh heh

[Mambo Sam] I will always (I hope!) be here to help you and guide you and as you get deeper and deeper into your practices there will be more for me to teach you.

[Mambo Sam] So what I am trying to accomplish with those of you who want to learn is to make you independent in some ways with your magick - the ways that I know are safe for you to do on your own.

[Mambo Sam] So if you are serious about wanting to manifest things in your life, start out with writing your prayer.

[Mambo Sam] Remember what I taught you awhile back -- in Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo - ancestors are most prominent after God - the lwa are next in line after God and your ancestors.

[Mambo Sam] So that is why we are spending a great amount of time getting this right for you.

[Mambo Sam] Questions.

[Mambo Sam] Okay, so everyone is going to write their prayer.

[Mambo Sam] And, it doesn’t have to be perfect next week... it is something you will probably tweak and change over time.

[Mambo Sam] But it would be wonderful to one day have someone in your own family that you pass that prayer down to. That would be an amazing legacy.

[Mambo Sam] So, let’s talk about the ancestor altar.

[Mambo Sam] Unless anyone has anything else before we move on? Feel free!

[ouanga_bottle] question

[Mambo Sam] Go ahead, Ouanga.

[ouanga_bottle] so this would be different than a petition, just to clarify the difference, and it’s more than just honoring them, right?

[Mambo Sam] Do you mean the prayer?

[ouanga_bottle] right, the prayer. In order to pass it down, for instance, I suddenly realized this is a long-term prayer that we want to write

[Mambo Sam] It is a way to call them, a way to ask for some general things that one always hopes for (love, luck, guidance - but not specifics - in other words, you don’t want to put your HD in the prayer.

[Mambo Sam] This prayer is what you will open your ancestor service with and your way to acknowledge them and get those basic needs asked for! LOL. It is also a way to honor any hardships they may have had in their life so that you could have life.

[Mambo Sam] I mean, let’s face, when we talk about parental lineage, love ‘em or hate ‘em - they are the reason we are here and that, in and of itself, is something to honor.

[ouanga_bottle] that’s good guidance on how to do this... thanks

[Mambo Sam] Cool.

[PATRICKinCALI] ??

[Mambo Sam] Patrick, go ahead.

[PATRICKinCALI] It’s basically an overall “I honor you, help us, guide us and be with us” for the ups/downs of life?

[Mambo Sam] And the good times of life, too.

[Mambo Sam] Remember that we cannot be fair weather vodouisants.

[Mambo Sam] It’s like I always tell people who are having a hard time with their case, it’s easy to have faith when things are going well!

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[PATRICKinCALI] True, life is not ALL calamity!

[Mambo Sam] Seriously.... yes, you have it exactly right in your statement above.

[PATRICKinCALI] thanks (done)

[Mambo Sam] Ha ha.... no it isn’t.

[Mambo Sam] Anyone else?

[Mambo Sam] Questions on the prayer.

[Mambo Sam] Don’t be shy!

[Mambo Sam] No one can see you but me.

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[Mambo Sam] Kidding, of course I can’t see you.

[Mambo Sam] Um.

[JamboJambo] question

[Mambo Sam] JamboJambo.

[Mambo Sam] Go ahead please.

[JamboJambo] could we create prayers for specific ancestors too?

[Mambo Sam] Hey are you trying to get to head of the class?

[JamboJambo] and honor specific ancestors as we do specific Lwa?

[Mambo Sam] Yes, definitely.

[JamboJambo] sorry... I do that.

[Mambo Sam] No problem!!!

[Mambo Sam] Yes, you sure can.

[JamboJambo] I’m always ahead of myself

[Mambo Sam] (Yeah, me too - it is disconcerting.)

[JamboJambo] thanks

[Mambo Sam] Especially those that you are very close to.

[Mambo Sam] So, yes, you can do that- mother, father, grandmother - those people are often ones that we want to spend a lot of time with.

[Mambo Sam] So yes, you can end up with a whole family prayer book. And that, my dear, dear ones, would be a beautiful and wonderful thing.

[ouanga_bottle] question

[ouanga_bottle] if I call on one grandmother but not the other, won’t the other one be hurt? I just didn’t connect with her as much

[Mambo Sam] Ouanga, no, not really. Remember, we shed most of that way of thinking when we pass.

[Mambo Sam] But don’t discount granny that you didn’t connect too much with - because you may have that chance if you give her a chance. But start out with those that you were most close to.

[ouanga_bottle] they don’t have emotions like that?

[Mambo Sam] Mostly the loss of “emotional” state is the negative emotional state -- that is something that we carry on this earth, our earthly burden that we thankfully are allowed to drop when we pass.

[Mambo Sam] From all the people that I have worked with over the years, they found that they were amazed at how beautiful of a relationship they could have with what they had once considered a loathsome ancestor!

[Mambo Sam] And it is not to say that you HAVE to do that - you can just blanket them in one prayer and be done with it.

[Mambo Sam] But many people get so much into ancestor service and contact that they end up with a whole slew of folks helping them - even ones that were, let’s say, less than helpful in their time on earth.

[ouanga_bottle] thanks!

[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.

[Mambo Sam] Questions?

[Mambo Sam] Any one else?

[waitingforastar] ?

[Mambo Sam] Go ahead, Waitingforastar.

[waitingforastar] When we ask Papa to open the gate and send a helper to our situation, do you think he ever sends one of our ancestors?

[Mambo Sam] No. Can you guess why?

[Mambo Sam] Anyone want a crack at it?

[waitingforastar] Hmmm, he calls strictly lwas?

[Mambo Sam] Partially... good answer.

[Mambo Sam] What else, though?

[simonegreenewpp] We already are closer to our ancestors and don’t need a gatekeeper

[Mambo Sam] Gold star.

[Mambo Sam] Yep.

[Mambo Sam] Good question, Waitingforastar.

[waitingforastar] Ahaaaa,

[Mambo Sam] And good answer, Simone.

[ouanga_bottle] our ancestors are above papa!

[Mambo Sam] Yep.

[waitingforastar] Thanks

[Mambo Sam] I know everyone has been doing spell work for so long that we are almost aghast at the idea of someone being above our dear Papa.

[Mambo Sam] But that’s the hierarchy.

[ouanga_bottle] hee hee!

[PATRICKinCALI] HA HA!

[Mambo Sam] I know, it’s something to settle into.

[Mambo Sam] That’s for sure!

[ouanga_bottle] question, then

[Mambo Sam] Sure, go ahead.

[ouanga_bottle] why not create our own custom “spells” calling specifically on ancestors, and develop rituals for them? Or do you do this all the time?

[Mambo Sam] Because it takes a village to cast a spell.

[Mambo Sam] God, sorry.

[Mambo Sam] Seriously..... ancestors are a part of the whole picture.

[Mambo Sam] Sure, you could do “ancestor” spell work and we will.

[Mambo Sam] But you need to pull in the help from the “others,” too.

[Mambo Sam] But the whole point of teaching you all of this is to give you the tools you need to help yourself, so indeed, I do want you to try different things.

[Mambo Sam] But within certain parameters.

[ouanga_bottle] makes sense, I think you explained it in a previous session that their help is somewhat ... limited? I forget how you termed it

[Mambo Sam] Yes. That is correct.

[Mambo Sam] So what we are looking for is to put together our team.

[ouanga_bottle] go team! Thanks

[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.

[Mambo Sam] I want each of you to have your team, your go-to guys, that which you will keep for life.

[Mambo Sam] Anyone else?

[Mambo Sam] Oh sorry, Destiny.

[Destiny] Did I raise my hand?

[Mambo Sam] Or was it Desiree?

[Destiny] I don’t think I am next

[Mambo Sam] Did I miss someone? I thought I did.

[Destiny] I do have a question if nobody is next though

[Mambo Sam] Okay, cool. Somehow I thought I missed you.

[Mambo Sam] From earlier, I mean.

[Mambo Sam] Anyway, go ahead.

[Destiny] In adjunct work, like the black mummy is doing our bidding for something specific, what are we asking our ancestors to do?

[Destiny] Specifics? Guidance? Strength in our spellwork?

[Mambo Sam] Strengthen the petition, all of what you just said! It’s like having a tug-o-war, you want all the big guys on your side!

[Mambo Sam] I mean, there is no such thing as too much spiritual help.

[Mambo Sam] Does that make sense?

[Destiny] Are you are going to give us examples of your work with ancestors? When you explain the alter etc.?

[Mambo Sam] Not tonight when I explain the altar, but yes, I will do that a little later on before we do our group ritual.

[Mambo Sam] In another session, I mean.

[Destiny] Cool, thanks! I have become dependant on your candle instructions etc.

[Mambo Sam] That’s what they’re there for!

[Destiny] I feel a bit lost at the moment with ancestor work, but I know it will be clear with your help, thank you so much.

[waitingforastar] Yes, speaking for me anyway:}

[Mambo Sam] You are welcome! We are just getting the pieces all in place right now, it will all come together.

[Mambo Sam] Okay, so about that altar..... Are we ready?

[Mambo Sam] Okay.

[Mambo Sam] So, the first thing is if you have already been doing ancestor service and you see something here tonight that you haven’t been doing or something you feel you have been doing wrong - don’t worry about it.

[Mambo Sam] Anyone who has been working with me longer than five minutes know I am the “no service is bad service” Mambo.

[Mambo Sam] Now, not all of us can have an altar up all the time. So to avoid the question later, yes, you can put up and ancestor altar just for a ritual and then take it back down. Keep the things in a nice box and use them later.

[Mambo Sam] So this is all to be considered “portable.”

[Mambo Sam] And even though we are working this into our Voodoo practice, there are some elements of ancestor service that is integrated from many practices.

[Mambo Sam] Some things are not set in stone.

[Mambo Sam] You have leeway and can play around with an ancestor altar.

[Mambo Sam] In fact, the only thing I would consider a hard and fast rule is no salt in food that you are offering ancestors.

[simonegreenewpp] ?

[Mambo Sam] Many of you already know that, I know. And because it is getting late we aren’t going to get into a discussion about that because I want to get this information to you.

[Mambo Sam] Yes, Simone.

[simonegreenewpp] What about bacon or ham, that already has salt in it?

[Mambo Sam] Yes, that’s fine - just don’t add white salt, table salt - or sea salt, salt grains to the food.

[Mambo Sam] I will explain it.

[Mambo Sam] There are some hard core people who would disagree, but my ancestors love them some pork sausage. LOL.

[ouanga_bottle] question on portions?

[Mambo Sam] Go ahead Ouanga.

[ouanga_bottle] I was just looking at a book of the dead website and they said just a spoonful of food is all they really need? I tend to feed the lwas huge plates of food, and I gave my ancestors a big plate during the legba service. Is that wasteful?

[Mambo Sam] We don’t want to give them just what they need.

[Mambo Sam] Technically, your ancestors (who are not lwa) don’t need any food. But they want it.

[Mambo Sam] And everyone, don’t get confused by all the different types of ancestor service -- most major religions have some kind of ancestor service.

[Mambo Sam] But we are going to learn what is right for Vodou/Voodoo.

[ouanga_bottle] so yes, we should be liberal with our offerings!

[ouanga_bottle] thanks

[Mambo Sam] Okay, it’s getting late, so I am going to list some things out that you should have on your altar and why.

[Mambo Sam] If you can’t get them all, that’s okay.

[Mambo Sam] 1. Four stones or crystals of some kind -- or even gemstones if you like. One at each corner of your altar to represent the four corners of the earth that your ancestors are from. Personal preference dictates what you get. It could be four rocks you pick up in your garden, if you like.

[Mambo Sam] 2. A clear glass vessel for water. It could be a glass, a pitcher, a bowl, whatever you like. I like a bowl because I can also use that for divination or a focal point for automatic writing.

[Mambo Sam] 3. Pictures of any ancestors you know you have and you have pictures of. It is okay if you are in the pictures, but no other living relative should be in the picture.

[Mambo Sam] 4. An abalone shell (or any other large “half shell”) - this is to represent the womb of the mothers who bore your ancestors.

[Mambo Sam] 5. Any divination tools that you like - pendulums, crystal balls, tarot cards, your automatic writing supplies.

[Mambo Sam] 6. White candles -- you can use one big one, lots of little ones - one for each ancestor that you know of if you want.

[Mambo Sam] Now those are some basics.

[Mambo Sam] Since most of you are working on something in particular, then we can bring in other things -

[Mambo Sam] gris-gris bags from spells you have cast.

[Mambo Sam] Charms you are using in your spell work.

[Mambo Sam] Your dolls.

[Mambo Sam] In other words, any of the things that you are currently using from a spell casting.

[Mambo Sam] What we are doing here is incorporating one work into another -- the two works, ancestor service and spell work ARE mutually exclusive and can and should be done separately. BUT in order to get help from our ancestors on our case, we can meld them, too! We just have to do it properly. And, of course, I will teach you how.

[Mambo Sam] Questions on those basics (not on the “how” just yet - I will get to that next week).

[Mambo Sam] Okay, for next week, I would like you to at least have some rough drafts of your opening prayers.

[Mambo Sam] And to have you start working on getting together some of the things you will use for your ancestor altar.

[Mambo Sam] Oh, and things that you use for your ancestor altar should be kept just for that.

[Mambo Sam] Except your spell work items, of course.

[Mambo Sam] But the stones, water vessel, etc., keep it for ancestor work only.

[Mambo Sam] Okay questions on anything we discussed tonight?

[Mambo Sam] Great! I look forward to seeing you all next week and then we can set a date for our ritual.

[Mambo Sam] It will be awesome!

[Mambo Sam] Thank you all so much! See you next week!!!

[irishrose] Have a great week!!!

[Spell Faithful] g’night!

[ouanga_bottle] thanks mambo! squeezes

[waitingforastar] Thank You xoxo

[simonegreenewpp] Thank you for all the wonderful information and answers!

[Mambo Sam] You are welcome! Thank you for your help!

[Destiny] good night! It was awesome so far! I can’t wait for the rest!

[Desiree’] :Another great Chat night !:

[Destiny] You are teaching us patience!

[rattle shaker] Thanks Mambo!

[waitingforastar] Thanks again Mambo Sam, you’re the best

[Mambo Sam] You are welcome. Good night!

[waitingforastar] Good night all (squishes and squeezes to all ):)

[simonegreenewpp] Squeezes back!

[Candelaria] Simone, my green-thumbed dearest one, let me know when you’ve got what you need. ;-)

[simonegreenewpp] Looks like that’s all, mon petit tap dancer!

[Candelaria] Saving that for the convention, I am!!

[simonegreenewpp] Can’t wait! Good night to the last few!

[Candelaria] Night everyone! I’m flickering the lights... last call.