Chat July 02, 2008
[Sister Candelaria] Hi MaMere!
[litenluv] Hello everyone!
[Mambo Sam] Hello everyone. Good to see you all here.
[Aleck] Hey Marran!
[xhappyandhopefulx] Hello!
[Jasmine] hello
[The3rdwish13] Hi Mambo
[Mambo Sam] I see that we have some new folks. If you have not already, please take a moment to read the guidelines before we get started. :-)
[jweb1234] Hello — glad to be here!!!
[Mambo Sam] I will go over them quickly since we have so many new faces, which I am happy to see you all, by the way!
[litenluv] I accidentally logged on 2 hrs early, so please disregard that
[Sunshine] Mambo excuse me if I am out of line but I want to welcome the new folks and tell them they are just gonna love it here.
[Mambo Sam] Thank you, Sunshine. :-)
[Mambo Sam] Anyway... just briefly, the few things that we all need to do are please stay on topic as we move along. Please raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged if you have a question or comment. You can put a ? or just “hand up” or something like that so I will know that you have something to add. And I also gently remind everyone that this is not a place to criticize or judge others’ opinions or questions. Everyone is here to learn. :-) Okay! So welcome to everyone, new and seasoned. ;-)
[Mambo Sam] As most of you know, we are going to start our series on Papa Legba this evening. We will culminate with an online group ritual sometime in August, I will let you know the date by next week. We will try to have the Legba service pack together by then, but you know me, I don’t like to rush anything. So if it is right and ready, then we will offer it. If I feel that we are missing anything or it less than pleasing to Papa, we will not offer it until it is ready. Either way, we will do a ritual together. :-)
[Mambo Sam] While we are going through our series of lessons, besides keeping notes on what we talk about (although, yes, we will have the transcripts posted), you may want to start to consider exactly what it is that you want to be getting assistance with once we do the ritual. As with our other rituals, you will have access to it before and after it is done and it will be “yours” to do anytime you want. So you will be able to add another proper, correct ritual to your collection from here. :-)
[Mambo Sam] Now of course, most of you know quite a bit about Papa Legba anyway... he is certainly one of the most beloved Lwa of all. We call upon him in all Vodou/Voodoo rituals. So most of us know that Papa is the gatekeeper, the Lwa who stands between this world and the next and facilitates us communicating with the other Lwa. That is definitely his main function in most rituals. In fact, oddly enough, you rarely see a ritual or ceremony actually done for Papa Legba. Most of the time, he is honored within another ritual. So doing a ritual purely for him is not something that we see done too often. But we will do it! :-)
[Mambo Sam] So let’s talk for just a moment about his main function for most of us as the keeper of the gate. In that function, does anyone have any questions about Papa Legba? In the function of the facilitator of communicating with the other Lwa, is there anything that anyone needs answering about that? (And don’t be shy — there are no stupid questions and even if you don’t know what the heck I am talking about, you should say so. We are here to learn, so don’t sit there wondering about something. :-)
[Sister Candelaria] ?
[The3rdwish13] ?
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Sister C., then 3rdwish.
[Sister Candelaria] This might be a bit too much, but I’ve always wondered how Papa got the job as gatekeeper?
[foxyfoxy] ?
[Mambo Sam] Good question. :-) Of course there is a ton of legend behind that, as one might imagine. :-D In Haiti, Papa Legba is considered, “the voice of God.” And so in some circles is considered to have been the “builder” of the gate. It is said that there was too much chaos and disorder, and so he put a gate between the two worlds and demanded that he be asked before the Lwa could pass over. So of course I cannot say for sure if that is true, but it does sound like him! I can just see someone going, “wow, this is a mess, we need to bring some order to this system!” And that would sure sound like Papa Legba! That is the most accepted story.
[Sister Candelaria] HAHAHAHA I love it! Gotta love Papa! Thank you, MaMere!
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome. :-)
[Mambo Sam] 3rdwish, and then Foxyfoxy
[Happy] comment
[The3rdwish13] I talk to the other Lwa just because... Do I have to ask him to open the gate every time I talk to lets say for example Ogoun? (of course other than my Met Tet.)
[Mambo Sam] The more we do service and practice our art, the more we have a tendency to do that. I do it, and so do most Vodouisants. Technically, you should ask Papa Legba first unless you are an initiated priest or priestess.
[The3rdwish13] For some reason I find myself talking to one without thinking I had to ask Alegba first.
[Mambo Sam] However, I have found that Papa has a tendency to relax some of these “rules” with those who serve a lot or who are involved in a lot of ritual. In that case, Papa tends to become your “friend,” too, and thus relaxes some of those rules.
[The3rdwish13] I will try to be more conscious about that
[Mambo Sam] For those who are beginners, non-initiates, and dabblers, I would say it is better to ask Papa first just to make sure that your message is being heard.
[luke39] ?
[The3rdwish13] perfect....
[Mambo Sam] Foxyfoxy, Happy, then Luke.
[foxyfoxy] Funny I always address Papa first. Anyways, may be I am a bit ahead, are there any differences how people serve/view Papa Legba in Haitian vodou and New Orleans Voodoo???
[The3rdwish13] I have a second question, I could go after Luke?
[xhappyandhopefulx] ?
[Jasmine] ?
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Foxyfoxy, but you are a bit ahead. I will cover that in another lesson. :-)
[foxyfoxy] sure :-)
[Mambo Sam] Happy, Luke, Xhappyandhopefulx, Jasmine, and then 3rd wish.
[Happy] Ok do not laugh, but I just told Papa we were talking about him tonight and he said “it’s about time!” Just thought I should share
[Mambo Sam] :-D Yeah, like we NEVER mention him or do anything for him. :-D :-)
[Happy] :-D
[Mambo Sam] He does get silly and that is, of course, one of his traits. Thank you for sharing.
[Mambo Sam] Luke, Xhappyand, Jasmine, then 3rdwish again.
[luke39] For example, when petitioning with talisman, is it sufficient, to say Papa may you send Ogoun through to me etc, to whatever LWA you wish to address?
[Mambo Sam] Yes. It can be just that simple.
[luke39] cool thanks
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome
[xhappyandhopefulx] Thank you. So is it important to call on Papa Alegba when we call to a relevant Lwa and chant over our gris-gris bags?
[Mambo Sam] :-) When you do your gris-gris bags from spell kits, there is an “implied” call to Papa Legba, because the gris-gris bags are an extension of your spell casting where you already called him for that particular bag/spell.
[xhappyandhopefulx] :-)
[Mambo Sam] However, it would be a nicety to call on him anyway. :-) You are welcome!
[Mambo Sam] Next?
[Jasmine] Do I have to get Papa’s ok before doing a deluxe love doll ritual?
[Mambo Sam] For the different kits, you just follow the directions. But, no, you do not.
[SimoneGreeneWPP] comment
[Jasmine] ok—Thank you
[Mambo Sam] The dolls work directly towards their target, your HD. Even though the dolls are consecrated on the point of certain Lwa, you are not calling on them. I already did that for you. ;-)
[Jasmine] Awesome, Thanks!!!
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.
[Mambo Sam] Next?
[The3rdwish13] I think I read about this somewhere in the old transcripts, but I was wondering why we don’t call him with the gg dream bag where we call Carrefour
[Mambo Sam] Because that is a “specialty” item and there are a few things where we do that — where we go straight to the source. So just like most “rules” there are a few exceptions. But even in those products that we sell, Papa would have already been called on for the consecration ritual of the product. :-)
[The3rdwish13] :-) TY
[Mambo Sam] So in a few cases, either you don’t need to do it, or it was already done in a larger sense. You are welcome!
[Mambo Sam] Simone?
[SimoneGreeneWPP] I wasn’t sure if it was overkill — I say something to Papa Legba before washing my face with the Phraeda cleanser. Sometimes in the middle of it, since I’m not a morning person. :-)
[Mambo Sam] :-) Honestly, I don’t think it is overkill. The more we serve, the more we have a tendency to do things just as habit or as we are guided to do so, etc.
[SimoneGreeneWPP] Ok, thank you!
[Mambo Sam] So I think that one’s comfort level, with those kind of products, is definitely something to consider. The more of a Vodouisant we tend to be, the more we tend to do things like that. :-)
[Mambo Sam] Anyone else with questions regarding the “gatekeeper” aspect of Papa Legba?
[mamakate] ?
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Mamakate?
[mamakate] Does Papa ever refuse to let anyone through?
[Mambo Sam] Yes. There are a number of scenarios where that might happen. Most of them would not apply to most people — such as those doing spell kits, etc. In almost all situations that involve that kind of spell work, the Lwa would be allowed to pass over.
[mamakate] what are some situations where he would do that? You beat me to it
[Mambo Sam] So for what you are doing with products, spell kits, etc., there would not be a refusal to have a Lwa pass over. However... there are times when practitioners are asking for things that should not be asking for. They are asking to control someone’s Met Tet, they are asking to harm someone that they have no business trying to harm, they are basically doing something that they shouldn’t. Papa will definitely refuse to allow the Lwa to pass, and most of the time, the Lwa won’t bother asking on his/her side anyway.
[Sunshine] ?
[mamakate] What if you don’t know it’s something you shouldn’t be doing?
[Mambo Sam] You would know.
[mamakate] Will he let you know he’s not letting the Lwa through?
[Mambo Sam] If you mean like doing something like a LMMA on a couple that should be together, the spell simply will not work. It is built that way, as are most of my products. Generally speaking, no, he will not let you know. If you are up to no good, he is not going to tell you about what he is and isn’t doing. He will just let you waste your time. But those are some pretty rare circumstances.
[foxyfoxy] ?
[Mambo Sam] That is not generally going to be happen to anyone who has approached their spell work with love in their heart and a true desire to manifest something good for themselves.
[mamakate] I wasn’t up to no good but I guess my request wasn’t meant to be. Thank you so much Mambo.
[Mambo Sam] Many times one’s request is denied; just like any other form of prayer or spiritual work.
[mamakate] I was truly trying to protect my granddaughter but it didn’t work the way I asked.
[Mambo Sam] Okay, well, that is something that we could discuss in a reading or elsewhere because often times things are not always what they seem. Plus, no matter what we think of it, sometimes peoples’ journey’s are not what we hope them to be. But it is still their journey.
[mamakate] Sadly, yes I know. You’re awesome Mambo Sam, thank you.
[Mambo Sam] Anyway, we are getting way off topic because that would not have anything to do with Papa Legba opening or closing the gate. :-)
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome, honey.
[falconmb] ?
[Aleck] ?
[Mambo Sam] Sunshine, then Foxyfoxy, then Falconmb, I think.... if I missed anyone, please let me know — oh, then Aleck. :-)
[Sunshine] You answered my questions, Tx
[Mambo Sam] Okay, good... So Foxyfoxy?
[foxyfoxy] Lets assume Papa decides to close the gate and not let the Lwa pass. Would you, as a Mambo knows about it?
[Mambo Sam] Yes.
[foxyfoxy] cool ;-)
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[Mambo Sam] Yeah.... Because we have to know. Most Houngans and Mambos are doing work for other people. So we need to know if there is a problem with what we are doing and why we are doing it. Unfortunately, some clients are not truthful in their HD letters. But that is what I, as a Mambo, use to cast your spell. So I have to be able to rely on Papa to tell me if something is wrong with what a client is asking from me. :-)
[foxyfoxy] so Papa is the lie detector
[Happy] ?
[Mambo Sam] :-) Yes, and that is exactly true, which we will get into a little later. :-)
[foxyfoxy] thanks
[Mambo Sam] I mean, when I get a case, I take everyone at their face value. And for 99.9% of clients that is perfect. But every now and again, I get a little stinker who doesn’t tell me the whole truth! Sometimes it is because they are embarrassed. Sometimes it is more sinister than that. But Papa sorts it all out. :-)
[litenluv] ?
[Mambo Sam] So, Falconmb, Aleck, Happy, then Litenluv... if I didn’t miss anyone else. And please, if I miss you, don’t be afraid to remind me! Sometimes I get carried away. Falconmb it is your turn, then Aleck, then Happy, then Litenluv. So just go ahead when you are ready Falconmb, I know you got bounced out.
[falconmb] If you have forgotten to close the gate when doing spellwork, how can you rectify it/make amends and how soon should you?
[Mambo Sam] That happens all the time. :-) Remember, you don’t close the gate. Papa does. And after a period of time, he will do so anyway. ;-) It’s kind of like having a car that will turn its own lights out if you forget. :-) Nothing really nefarious will happen if you forget. The best thing to do is next time you are calling on Papa to just tell him you forgot about closing the gate last time and you appreciate him doing it for you.
[falconmb] ok. thank you very much! I was afraid I might offend Papa
[Mambo Sam] Nah... he knows we forget sometimes. :-) The more you serve, the more he opens and closes for you as he gets to know you and know what you are doing. That is one reason he is so beloved... he is benevolent to those who are true at heart.
[Mambo Sam] Aleck? Then happy, then Litenluve.
[Aleck] You also said that Papa can help remove obstacles, especially when things seem stuck, could you go into that a little?
[Mambo Sam] As soon as we get there — we are still entertaining gatekeeper questions. We will get to that perhaps tonight, perhaps next week. :-)
[Aleck] Ok :-)
[Mambo Sam] Happy? Then Litenlove?
[Happy] Papa talks to you and someone else told me he talks to her, I wonder if I am really hearing him and not just wishing what I heard in my head is him. So can you tell me if Papa is talking to me will I hear an actual voice or a voice in my head? I know dumb question and Papa please forgive me for asking.
[Mambo Sam] Again, not a question about the keeping of the gate. It is not a dumb question. However, not the time to ask it. BUT, you serve him. You can hear him.
[Happy] Guess I was thinking I would hear a voice out loud :-D
[Mambo Sam] Some people do. But really the Lwa do not “talk” to people as a general rule. They guide you, and mostly it sounds like your own thoughts.
[Happy] whew! thanks
[Mambo Sam] Many of the exercises we have done in the past revolve around that. But we will talk about that at a later date. You are welcome.
[Mambo Sam] Litenluv, go ahead, please.
[litenluv] If I’ve told Papa the nit and gritty, does receiving daily signs indicate HE’S okay with opening and closing the gate for the other Lwa to help me, or is that separate?
[Mambo Sam] Certainly that is possibly true. Obviously without getting into all the details, Papa is very good at giving fairly clear signs that you have been heard. He has a tendency to let you know he is listening. :-)
[litenluv] Ok. I didn’t know which Lwa was giving me signs. Thank you.
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.
[Mambo Sam] Did I miss anyone?
[The3rdwish13] ?
[Mambo Sam] 3rdwish, go ahead.
[The3rdwish13] I noticed the cross at the end of the e-mail... does that represent the crossroads???
[Mambo Sam] Yes.
[mamakate] ?
[Mambo Sam] Legba is often represented with a cross, just like the Baron, but for two different reasons. :-)
[The3rdwish13] Because it is just like the cross of Lorraine that I talked about in my presentation of Joan of Arc :-)
[Mambo Sam] Nice.... almost any cross can be used to represent Legba and the Crossroads. Hmmmm... sounds like a folk rock group.
[Sister Candelaria] :-D
[Mambo Sam] Anyway....
[The3rdwish13] :-D
[ouanga_bottle] snort!!!!
[The3rdwish13] hahahahahahaha
[clairefalconer] :-D
[Mambo Sam] Ah....
[Aleck] There she is!
[sister bridget] heavy on the drums.....
[Mambo Sam] Yeah, for sure. Okay, okay.... sorry.
[ouanga_bottle] (I love you Mambo!)
[Mambo Sam] Does that answer your question, 3rdwish? (Love you, too.)
[Aleck] ?
[The3rdwish13] yes Thank youuu
[Mambo Sam] Okay, Mamakate, and then Aleck.
[mamakate] What if you forget to ask Papa to open the gate and you just start talking to one of the other Lwa? Does he get upset or do the other Lwa just not hear you?
[Mambo Sam] As I mentioned above, the more you serve, the more he gets to know what you are doing and is less likely to just decide to be ornery and not open the gate. I mean if you ask him 99 times, he isn’t going to get pissed at the 100th time when you just happened to forget. If you forget all the time, then you are going to beating up against a brick wall. :-)
[Sister Candelaria] comment
[mamakate] Okay, I know I have to pay more attention to that. Thanks Mambo.
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[Mambo Sam] Aleck, then Sister C.
[jade] question too
[Mambo Sam] Aleck, Sister C., then Jade.
[Aleck] Is there something we could do like at out front door to honor Papa as we pass through the doorway? Like what I have read is customary to have an iron rod in a mound of dirt in your front yard in his honor in Haiti? Like to just ask his help to open the way through the day?
[sister bridget] ? too
[Mambo Sam] Yes, there are a number of things. Most Vodouisant households have a little statue of Nino de Atocha at the doorway, or other Catholic icons which we will discuss here in a minute. :-) And yes, you can definitely use your own doorway as a representation of asking for “doors” to be open for you today. :-)
[Aleck] :-) thanks!
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome. And the mount of dirt/iron rod has some other meanings as well though it is said to represent Papa.... it is actually something else. But for another day.
[Aleck] O, ok. :-)
[Mambo Sam] Sister C., Jade, and then Sister B.
[Sister Candelaria] If you are doing a lot of work and/or are a practicing Vodouisant, then you are probably always giving some kind of service to Papa anyway and in that case, he knows you and is your friend as MaMere said. He won’t fault you for forgetting one time or even now and then. He will be like, “that’s my friend, So-in-so and I know them, and I know what they want.” Just like any friend would do. So don’t stress so much about what he will do if you forget to close the gate or open it. ;-)
[Mambo Sam] Yep — try your best. That is the bottom line. That way, if you forget a little something now and again, you don’t have to stress over it.
[Sister Candelaria] Right! ;-)
[Mambo Sam] If you are always sloppy in your service and do it half-baked... well, you will get a half-baked result. :-) Thanks, lovely daughter. :-)
[Sister Candelaria] You’re welcome, Beautiful MaMere! Love yo! and YOU, too. :-D
[Mambo Sam] Jade, then Sister B. (Love you, too, and yo!)
[jade] Maybe this was asked already but I joined late. I like to pray and talk to Papa and was wondering if I ask him to help me, can he help me, or is it only by other Lwas? Since I never asked to open up a gate (besides the spells) and would like him to help me out. I just pray to him like I pray to God.
[Mambo Sam] It is a very good question and we didn’t get to that yet, but it is sort of the point of what we will be doing this month and part of next. :-) Because it is so often that we are asking the other Lwa to help us and only asking Papa to open the gate. :-) So we want to concentrate more on that. So yes, he can definitely help you on his own and we will be talking about that. You are doing great by just speaking directly with him. :-)
[jade] ok thanks
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.
[Mambo Sam] Precious daughter, Sister B., go ahead, please.
[sister bridget] I just wanted to say one day I was out and a walking stick *found* me, so I keep it by the door for Legba, so he knows he is welcome at all times. I might be ahead of things, tho, sorry. Awww, you make me blush :-)
[Mambo Sam] :-) Aw.... but you are not ahead of things because, as Aleck was asking, what can you do at your own doorway, and a walking stick is another great thing to just keep by your door. :-)
[SimoneGreeneWPP] ?
[Mambo Sam] So I think that is great!!! I love that it “found” you. :-)
[sister bridget] Thank you! I think he kinda likes it — yes, it was at an antique store
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[sister bridget] And it kept following me — my dad has it
[Mambo Sam] Awesome.
[sister bridget] Then my brother, finally I gave up and bought it!
[Mambo Sam] :-D sometimes you just have to give in to it!
[sister bridget] cant argue with Papa ;-)
[Mambo Sam] Right. ;-) Thank you, sweet daughter.
[sister bridget] Thank you, MaMere ;-)
[Mambo Sam] XOXO
[sister bridget] HUGS!
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[Mambo Sam] Simone?
[SimoneGreeneWPP] How about when we see something at someone else’s door? There is a botanica near me and they have a large St. Lazarus at the entrance. Should I say hello or do something?
[Mambo Sam] :-) I have this image of you standing there having a conversation with St. Lazarus. :-)
[ouanga_bottle] ha haaaa
[Mambo Sam] Yes, indeed, it is perfectly acceptable to acknowledge something like that when you know why it is there. :-)
[SimoneGreeneWPP] Well, not yet, they probably already think I’m crazy, being the only non-Spanish speaker who shops there!
[Mambo Sam] :-) But yes, it is fine.
[SimoneGreeneWPP] Ok, so perhaps a hello and wave? :-)
[Mambo Sam] :-) Yes.
[SimoneGreeneWPP] Thank you!
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome!
[Mambo Sam] Okay, so anyone else with gatekeeper questions and/or anyone I missed?
[Mambo Sam] Okay, I would like to continue on with talking about Legba as the communicator. And his representations. Most commonly, he is represented by three Catholic Saints and Baby Jesus.
More specifically — the Nino de Atocha figure. This is said to represent the childlike Legba. And that statue is often placed at the doorway of Vodouisants.
For “adult” Legba, he is most often represented with St. Peter and St. Anthony of Padua.
For “wise old” Legba is most often represented with St. Lazarus.
I will not get into detail, but just for the new folks, a reminder that these Catholic saints are not Legba, but are used to represent him.
[eager2learn] ?
[Mambo Sam] And we sometimes do rituals where we honor both the saint and the Lwa.
[Mambo Sam] Eager2learn? (And about time you got back to class! :-D Go ahead.
[eager2learn] Does this have any connection with Trinity? :D seems like there are three forms
[Mambo Sam] Well, go to the HEAD of the class. :-)
[eager2learn] oopsy
[Mambo Sam] Yes, indeed, it does. No, that was awesome... you didn’t do anything wrong!!!
[eager2learn] phew
[Mambo Sam] This is the depth that is Legba (don’t be silly... any of you... you aren’t going to ask any stupid questions! If it is off topic, we will revisit it later, that’s all. ;-)
The “Trinity” — father, son, holy spirit — is also represented within the depths of honoring Legba.
[eager2learn] well Papa Alegba made me come here.. made sure that all the powers were off at the place that I work :D
[Mambo Sam] :-D He really wanted you to be here! So with the whole Trinity reference, we get back to that whole power of Three, sacred numbers, and all of that. And while we won’t go in-depth on that tonight, yes, indeed, there is a Trinity reference there.
[eager2learn] :-D awesome!!
[Mambo Sam] Just like Body, Mind, Spirit. When we want to do successful magick, we want to cover all of the aspects of the person and/or situation. :-)
[Mambo Sam] Thank you, Eager2learn. :-)
[eager2learn] No... thank you :D
[Mambo Sam] So, when we do our rituals, we will use all of these representations in one way or another and we will correlate them with what we are trying to accomplish. :-) For now, I just wanted to mention what the representations were. And I know some of you who did the “living embodiments of Ogoun” assignment, I can hear you salivating to do the “living embodiments of Legba”. ;-) We probably won’t get to that before the ritual, but definitely afterwards. :-)
[The3rdwish13] :-D
[SimoneGreeneWPP] Homework!!!
[ouanga_bottle] oh boy!!!
[Mambo Sam] Okay, so the other thing that I want you all to start thinking about as we move along in these lessons is what role does communication play in your case, in your magick, etc. As I mentioned in my letter regarding this class, there are so many cases that I work with that are suffering from lack of communication... or a break up that occurred because of poor communication, etc., etc. One of the very important things that we will be working with Legba about is getting him to open communication in order to help your spell work. As we picture Legba as the gatekeeper, sometimes his other talents recede a bit and we need to take stock of the other ways he can help us.
Now Jade had mentioned earlier about praying to or petitioning Legba straight on. And that is what we want him to do. There are more than a few good things about that — first off, as a master of communication he is easy to talk to! I don’t know how many people over the years have told me, “I always feel comfortable talking to Papa Legba and I don’t even know why.” :-) It is because he speaks all languages, lost languages, every language that has ever existed; the language of tribes in Africa that have never been spoken outside of their village. He is like a best friend who finishes your sentences for you or with you. There is nothing you can say that he won’t understand... he truly knows what you mean and speaks fluent “you.” We do spell kits in English... but sometimes for many of our clients their first language is not English. They understand it, but they don’t always “think” in it. :-) Many times they ask me how do the Lwa know what they are saying or trying to say if their English is not perfect? It is because Papa translates it for them — like a flash of lightening he brings understanding.
[Mambo Sam] Smile4me, go ahead.
[smile4me] I sometimes wonder as I am asking/talking or praying… is there a method…. because things are so hectic I talk while I am driving or taking a break from work…. does this seem as less than sincere to Lwa…. when really I am truly sincere… but somehow I feel as if it seems breezy to Lwa…. Am I making any sense ??
[Mambo Sam] Yes.
[clairefalconer] ? and comment
[Mambo Sam] And so if you were to call on Papa Legba first and tell him that you need his help getting your point across — then he will sort it all out on the other end. :-) Make sense?
[smile4me] yes... I do talk to Papa... so hopefully he knows what I am trying say. thank you
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.
[Mambo Sam] Claire, go ahead, please.
[clairefalconer] I wish I had known Papa Legba when I had to translate Beowulf :-D So, if Papa Legba knows all languages... then he is a help to those of us who study ancient languages?
[litenluv] ?
[Mambo Sam] Yep. Definitely. And as we learn to serve him more as an individual, you will see how. :-)
[clairefalconer] Great — Thank You!
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.
[Mambo Sam] Litenluv?
[litenluv] As many of us that are here, there are so many more that call upon Papa.
[Mambo Sam] Yes.
[litenluv] How can he open and close the gate for us all? Sorry, I fried many of the keys on my keyboard
[Mambo Sam] I realize you have not been in class before, but if you look back at the transcripts, you will see that we have discussed and answered that but, briefly, there are different aspects of not only Legba, but the other Lwa.
[The3rdwish13] comment...
[Mambo Sam] They have all lived so many lives over so much time, that they have evolved into beings of light that travel at the speed of light. :-)
[litenluv] Ah! I thought so!
[Mambo Sam] And they have many different aspects. Just as we as human beings might be a daughter, a wife, a sister, a cousin, an employee, etc, etc. — all just from one person! And that is just us silly humans. ;-) So when you see how many aspects to just one person there can be, you definitely can get a frame of reference for what I am talking about. I know sometimes it is hard to picture it, but you have it! :-)
[litenluv] Yes, I do. I’ll go back and read the other transcripts so I understand all of this more. Thanks!
[Mambo Sam] Yes, it is a lot, but it is quite absorbing to read them. I was just re-reading some the other day and I was totally lost in it, it was very exciting to read them and I was there! :-D
[litenluv] :-D
[Mambo Sam] But yes, good question and thank you. :-)
[The3rdwish13] I love that Papa Alegba speaks “me” ;-) Because I go from English to Spanish to Italian when I talk to him, especially when I use the Abre Camino Oil for some reason... It’s kind of strange! Please don’t think I’m crazy... :-D
[PATRICKinCALI] comment
[Mambo Sam] Um, well, I already thought you were crazy, but that had nothing to do with it. ;-) But it illustrates my point exactly — a lot of people who work with Les Lois are speaking different languages. And it is comforting to know that you are heard and understood and the other Lwa often rely on him to translate... so that is a relief, too. :-)
[The3rdwish13] I know..... Yes Mambo it is
[Mambo Sam] :-) Thank you for sharing that.
[Mambo Sam] Patrick?
[PATRICKinCALI] Is it safe to say that since the Lwa are in spirit form, no longer encumbered by a human body, they have the ability to be in many places at once, such as Jesus, Buddha, Allah, etc?
[Mambo Sam] Yes, there is a definite omnipresent quality to them. And so we can understand and interact more readily with them, they hone themselves down to an aspect that becomes “ours” as we work more with them.
[PATRICKinCALI] that’s what I thought, thank you!
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome! And thank you!!
[PATRICKinCALI] :-)
[Mambo Sam] XOX
[PATRICKinCALI] back atcha
[Mambo Sam] So, we are getting the idea that Papa Legba can cross all communication barriers. So that is one of the things that we will be doing in our ritual, asking Papa to help us communicate on a level of understanding that our HD’s (or whatever/whomever you are working on) can understand purely and simply. So many times clients tell me that in working with their love dolls, or petitioning in their candle work, spell work, etc., that they are not sure they are conveying themselves in such a way that it is “getting through” to the desired target. Sometimes you see a pin point result that lets you know that you got across exactly!
[Happy] :-/
[Mambo Sam] Sometimes you have reported that it is almost down to the letter of what you asked for! But sometimes we feel like we just didn’t “click” and express ourselves in a way that got across what we were trying to say. :-) SO, that is where Papa can help us. Sometimes we need a translator for our HD. ;-) Or for other things we are trying to accomplish.
So let’s use HDs as an example — you are working on someone you love. And you want them to respond to your spell work. So Papa speaks fluent “you.” That means he speaks fluent “them,” too. ;-) So asking Papa, in effect, to “translate” between you and your HD could bring a result where there has been none or a weak result or a partial result, etc., etc. So that is what we are going to learn first next week — putting together what it is we want to say and what messages we want communicated. That will be part of the ritual and we will discuss how that will be done. Then we will get into the other ways that we call upon this Trinity of Legba Aspects to put it together as a whole. But we will discuss all of that as we move along. :-)
But I just wanted you to get an idea of where we are going with that. And, yes, you can use that information right now with any product that you are using. Remember, if you are using something that you got from us — it is already charged, consecrated, and Legbatized. hmmmm... well, you know what I mean.
So the knowledge you gained tonight, you can use right away with your love dolls, spell castings, candles, anything you are using. For now, you can simply ask Papa Legba to please turn your words into words that your HD will recognize and respond to. Obviously there is more to it than that, BUT it is a start. And while it may or may not bring any kind of dramatic result — it is also good for you to practice it, get used to it, get used to saying it. ;-) We will need to wrap it up here pretty quickly, but any questions on what we covered thus far?
Okay, so same time next week! Feel free to start using what you learned! I appreciate you all being here.
[clairefalconer] Thanks Mambo Sam — Love You!
[Happy] Night Night Love you Mambo
[mandee21] good night Mambo
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome. OH Claire!
[The3rdwish13] Thank you Mambo
[Happy] Bridget and Candi
[mamakate] Love you Mambo and I appreciate you being here!
[Jasmine] Thank You Mambo!!!
[ouanga_bottle] good night dear Mambo, xoxoxo, thank you!
[SimoneGreeneWPP] Thank you Mambo Sam! This is really useful stuff and, once again, it’s all about me. :-) Love you!
[Sunshine] Our pleasure— Nite Mambo, Sisters and all of you...
[fieryohkat] thank you Mambo
[Sister Candelaria] Night Happy! Love you, honey!
[misstasha] Thank you and good night Mambo
[Sister Candelaria] Night Sunshine!
[Mambo Sam] Claire, when you were having your little “contact” — I was mixing up a batch of Big Bank Roll... can you believe that? You will see, I put a note in yours!
[sister bridget] Night all! Have a safe trip home!
[Aleck] Thanks Marran! Good to see you Ouanga!
[clairefalconer] Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[ouanga_bottle] you too RS! :-)
[clairefalconer] Thanks!
[Mambo Sam] Isn’t that crazy?????
[falconmb] thank you so much, Mambo Sam! Blessings and good night all!
[Jasmine] Thanks and good night to ALL!
[PATRICKinCALI] Thanks & night to everyone, I learn from you all!
[Mambo Sam] Thank you all! It is my pleasure and good night and much love to all. :-)
[ladydarke] First time seminar! Very enjoyable, thank you very much!
[Sister Candelaria] Night everyone!! Same time next week! It’s been such a joy!!
[Mambo Sam] {{{{{Everyone}}}}}
[The3rdwish13] Mambo it was great as always
[Mambo Sam] Much love to you all!
[sister bridget] Night all!
[Sunshine] Happy Fourth everyone
[clairefalconer] You too!!!
[Mambo Sam] Right — happy fourth! Be safe out there!
[sister bridget] Ju Ju Ji Ju!
[mamakate] You too Sunshine! and everyone!
[Aleck] Night!
[Mambo Sam] JU JU JU JU
[Sister Candelaria] HEEHEE
[Mambo Sam] Good night!
[Sister Candelaria] LOVE THAT!
[clairefalconer] language?
[sister bridget] Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju
[Paris] xoxo
[sister bridget] hee hee
[Mambo Sam] XOXOXOXOXO
[Sister Candelaria] UM...it’s in Initiate. A totally different language. :-D
[Mambo Sam] That is the name of their initiatory rattles — juju’s. :-D
[clairefalconer] gotcha
[litenluv] G’nite and love to you all!
[sister bridget] wait — don’t block sisters elbow!
[Mambo Sam] HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...
[Sister Candelaria] :-D Sister needs that elbow!!
[PATRICKinCALI] First I’ve ever heard a hee hee out of Sr B!! :-)
[Sister Candelaria] She’s got some blessin’ to do!
[clairefalconer] I’ve been speaking in tongues lately — weird — wonder what it is — will write you Candi
[Mambo Sam] They get to shakin’ those juju’s and you don’t know what will happen. :-D
[sister bridget] its her drinking elbow, too!@
[Mambo Sam] HAHAHAHAHA... careful, get her a sling.
[clairefalconer] :-D
[Sister Candelaria] OK, “talk” to you later, Clarie honey!
[Mambo Sam] Okay, I am outta here.
[sister bridget] and a loooooooong straw!
[Mambo Sam] Love you all!
[litenluv] You all are funny!
[sister bridget] night !
[Sister Candelaria] HOLY HELL! Watch that elbow!
[Mambo Sam] ;-)
User Mambo Sam has logged out.
[clairefalconer] I have 2 elbows
[litenluv] Sister Bridget I’ll write you later! Have a good night!
[sister bridget] okie — night
[Sister Candelaria] Night everyone! We love you all!
[SimoneGreeneWPP] Stampede! I think somebody yelled “fire” in a crowded chat room...
[sister bridget] I think it was the legumes they served at lunch
[Sister Candelaria] That’s it! LUNCH!
[sister bridget] who turned the lights out
[SimoneGreeneWPP] A ju, a ju, to you and you and you...
[sister bridget] was that you, sister?
[Sister Candelaria] Um,..what? I swear it wasn’t me. :-D
[sister bridget] that’s what they all say ;-) I meant, the theater lights.....
[Sister Candelaria] I’m flickering the light though. which is the international signal for “last call” :-D OH, see I was thinking BAR and you were thinking THEATRE. :-D
[sister bridget] I can see the bottom of my glass, tho
[SimoneGreeneWPP] I’m done. I think Light is asleep. Probably safe to close down for the night.
[sister bridget] Oops, there she goes! Night all!
Copyright, © 2008, Samantha Corfield