Chat July 9, 2008
[Aleck] S-u-p-p Simone?
[simonegreenewpp] Enjoying a rainy evening. You?
[Aleck] Not raining yet. But it is near.
[simonegreenewpp] The plants love it. :-)
[Aleck] Yes, mine too. How are things going with the new job search?
[Aleck] <— ****** I forgot I’m, incognito.
[simonegreenewpp] I have about one lead or interview per week. Two places where the people are on vacation this week. :-/ I know who you are! ;-)
[Aleck] Ok, just making sure. : ) That sucks. I know that when I first moved here, it was like 3 weeks before I actually started a job.
[simonegreenewpp] I’ll block it out on the transcript. :-)
[Aleck] Thank you! : ) Hey Mamakate!
[simonegreenewpp] But you still have to e-mail me and say why you switched it. You said you would, but haven’t yet.
[mamakate] Hi Aleck and Simone!
[Aleck] O, I’m sorry. I will. : )
[simonegreenewpp] Hi Mamakate!
[clairefalconer] Hi Simone — I responded to a couple of your posts on the forum
[simonegreenewpp] Hi Claire — I’ll look for them!
[clairefalconer] Can’t wait to see Mongol
[mandee21] Hello everyone.... Is Softailgirl here? Does anyone know if Softailgirl comes here??
[Aleck] It is still a little early for some.
[mandee21] Oh, haha my clock said 9:05! hahaha
[Aleck] I don’t know for sure that she comes here. : ) Hey, we are all on Mambo time right now. : )
[simonegreenewpp] Some people have different names on the forum and here.
[Aleck] I think Mambo would tell you that it might say 5 after on your clock, but on hers, it is 5 ‘til. : )
User Mambo Sam has entered this room.
[Aleck] :-)
[clairefalconer] :-D
[mamakate] :-O
[mandee21] :-D Well, I don’t think any of mine say the same time
[Aleck] I know mine don’t. : )
[Mambo Sam] Hello everyone, so let’s get started and continue on with our lessons on Papa Legba. It is good to see you all here.
[Aleck] Good to see you Marran!
[Happy] You too Mambo xoxo
[mamakate] It’s always good to see you Mambo!
[clairefalconer] You too Mambo Sam!
[Mambo Sam] So, did any of you try working with Papa Legba using any of what we have learned thus far? I know we are early on, but did any of you try anything different than what you usually do?
[mamakate] comment
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Mamakate, go ahead, please.
[mandee21] comment
[Aleck] <—
[Mambo Sam] Then Mandee.
[mamakate] I didn’t do anything with Papa, but I did get some family history from my Mom.
[Mambo Sam] Okay.
[mamakate] oops — wrong thing sorry —
[Mambo Sam] eh?
[mamakate] never mind ..8)
[Mambo Sam] So nothing to share?
[mamakate] It’s been a harrowing week, sorry
[Jasmine1] Hello Mambo!
[clairefalconer] comment
[Happy] No sorry Mambo
[Mambo Sam] It’s okay.... I know what you mean.
[mamakate] phew
[Mambo Sam] Okay, so Mandee, then Aleck, then Claire
[mandee21] I don’t know if I was following last week correctly, but I just asked Papa at the end of my sessions to open up the lines of communication so HD will hear it better.
[Jasmine1] Sorry, what is the topic tonight?
[Mambo Sam] We are continuing our lessons on Papa Legba.
[jlvost] :-) I was not here last week
[mandee21] Then last night I was just talking to Papa before bed, and I started to cry... I wanted a sign of some sort, and then today someone gave me a copy of a wedding cake book!
[Jasmine1] Thank you Mambo!
[Mambo Sam] :-) Well, that was a nice sign.
[mandee21] They accidently got it in the mail
[Mambo Sam] (New folks, if you have not read the guidelines, please do so.)
[jlvost] yes I did
[Jasmine1] My HD has gone MIA again, that’s the news on my end. :-(
[Mambo Sam] And that is a perfect way to use what we have learned before.
[mandee21] ok good~!
[Mambo Sam] Okay... everyone just hold on a moment, please. For you newcomers, welcome. It is nice to have you here. Part of the guidelines is that we stick on topic of the lesson. And that you please “raise your hand” in some way in order to be acknowledged. Otherwise we cannot keep order. :-) When we get 30 people in here, it gets too chaotic if everyone is just jumping in. So that is all — just a couple of simple guidelines. :-) Okay, so Mandee, thank you.
[Mambo Sam] I think Aleck was next and then Claire.... If I didn’t miss anyone. Aleck?
[Aleck] Since last weeks class, he sure has been closer to the front of my mind. I had to get across town the other day, and I kept getting stopped by red lights. So, I called upon him, and said that he has control of the crossroads, and let me get across town and back again as fast as I can, because there would be people waiting on me. I had a few that I had to stop for at the start of it, but by the time I was close to being back at work, it was green light after green light. I may have had to stop just long enough to be a legal stop before the light turned green.
[Mambo Sam] Nice.
[Aleck] It was amazing!
[Mambo Sam] :-) Yep, he is great for parking spaces, too. ;-)
[Aleck] Most of the lights seem to catch me wrong. I was only 10 minutes back when I probably would have been 45 minutes behind.
[Mambo Sam] And really, this illustrates that even in the simplest ways — parking spaces, making it across town, etc., calling on Papa can help us. :-) I mean these are not earth shattering things, but it is something that we can do in our every day lives.
[Aleck] He is the master of the crossroads, so it felt just, right.
[simonegreenewpp] comment
[Mambo Sam] Right. Plus if you learn to get into the habit of calling upon him in these kinds of circumstances it starts to build your expertise and connection with him. Thank you! :-)
[Aleck] :-)
[PATRICKinCALI] comment
[Mambo Sam] Claire, then Simone, then Patrick.
[clairefalconer] I wasn’t always calling on him before praying or talking with my Lois or doing gris-gris bags etc. I started remembering him in everything and I felt the gates fly open. Something I felt deep inside and also it felt like the moment I first connected with my Met Tet during our Met Tet session. I feel even closer to him than before and now acknowledging him first is habitual — I like it, and I think he does, too. I felt he was opening communication for me.
[Mambo Sam] Right. And it is a good habit to have. Definitely it is a practice makes perfect thing as well as building your connection with him on a more personal level. Sometimes there can be a tendency to just think of Papa as someone we have to pay homage to in order to communicate with the other Lwa. So building that personal connection with him is great. :-)
[clairefalconer] I just want to include him — I love his personality — thanks!
[Aleck] comment
[Mambo Sam] Thank you, Claire!
[Mambo Sam] Simone, then Patrick, then Aleck.
[simonegreenewpp] For me, I’m being more conscious of Papa Legba. Sometimes things can become habitual without thinking of what (who) is behind it. :-) So this week I was thinking a bit more about that.
[Mambo Sam] Exactly!!! And you are right, it does become habitual to call up on him for every ritual, service, etc.
[Jasmine1] comment
[Mambo Sam] And that is okay, obviously, but digging deeper for that connection, that is awesome. And leads us up to what we are working towards, a great service for Papa Legba! ;-) Even if he does have to open his own gate! :-)
[simonegreenewpp] :-)
[Mambo Sam] Thanks, Simone!
[simonegreenewpp] Thank you!
[Mambo Sam] Patrick, Aleck, then Jasmine.
[PATRICKinCALI] Don’t know if he’s known for this, but I when I ask, he ALWAYS helps me find things I lose and I thank him by giving him an old key of mine.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, he is known for that — especially in the “St. Anthony” personage. Especially when I can’t find my car keys, I always ask him to help me. In New Orleans Voodoo St. Anthony of Padua is always used to find lost things. ;-)
[PATRICKinCALI] I wondered about that, thanks
[Mambo Sam] And, oh yes, no one should ever throw their old keys away! :-) Papa Legba loves to have them. Thanks, Patrick! Aleck, then Jasmine.
[PATRICKinCALI] thank you
[Aleck] It sure has made a difference for me in doing my ALTM kit. It is a whole different feeling when starting the daily casting now, when calling on him. I feel there is better connection and better communication between all of us.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, and that is a really good point. It does “up” the energy of what you are doing when you have that connection with him.
[ladydarke] question, then comment
[Mambo Sam] It is like Simone was saying, it becomes habit to call on him, and sometimes it is even because you “have to.” So yes, it definitely will help the energy of what you are doing. It makes it more enriching and satisfying, also... adding another level to your spell casting. :-) Thank you, Aleck.
[Aleck] :-) Thank You!
[Mambo Sam] Jasmine, then Ladydarke.
[Jasmine1] I didn’t realize how important Papa was until last session, now I can’t get him out of my mind. It’s great because I feel I can turn directly to him when I feel a lost or lonely.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, which is also a very good point. He just has that favorite uncle or grandfather-like quality for most of us. Even though he has different aspects, child like, adult, elderly, I think most of us connect with that feeling of someone who really cares and will truly listen to us.
[jlvost] That is very comforting to me to know I can call on Papa Legba
[Jasmine1] I feel like he’s my Godfather.
[Mambo Sam] And yes, turning directly to him is a good thing. Yes, that is exactly one of his types of energy.
[Paris] comment
[Mambo Sam] Thank you, Jasmine.
[Jasmine1] Thank you!
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[Mambo Sam] Ladydarke and then Paris.
[ladydarke] Question first. :-) What would be a good way to give old keys to Papa that wouldn’t involve having them clutter up the house or leave them lying around under trees as (non-biodegradable) litter?
[Mambo Sam] Sure. First, you wouldn’t leave it as an offering. So you shouldn’t just leave them lying around. I am not sure how many old keys you would have — I have them in a metal vase that I have dedicated to him. I just toss them in there and tell him they are for him. What’s really kind of fun about it is that sometimes I actually use that metal vase as a “noise maker” in rituals — it really calls him in. He likes it.
[Aleck] :-)
[Mambo Sam] Some people just get a big key ring — sort of like a janitor’s key ring, and put them on that.
[Aleck] hahaha
[ladydarke] I have them floating at the bottom of my purse or junking up my key ring, so it’s good to know there’s someone who would actually want and like them. I’ll have to think of something better to do with them.
[Mambo Sam] Even putting them in a box that is dedicated to him.... Anything that you dedicate to him and just toss them in.
[ladydarke] May I comment as well?
[Mambo Sam] Yes, of course.
[Mambo Sam] Go ahead, whenever you are ready.
[ladydarke] Last weekend, my sister met an internet friend of hers at a con in LA (my sister is Canadian), and that friend of hers happened to be close friends with a favorite author of mine.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Ladydarke, that is a very good thing because he is extremely literate and interested in all languages and written materials. He is a great aide to writers. :-)
[ladydarke] My sister is going to see if her friend will ask this author to read a couple of my chapters and see where it goes. So nothing has come of it, but it’s promising, and I think it’s a very good example of Legba’s powers in communication. :-)
[Mambo Sam] :-) Yep! Thank you!!!
[Aleck] Good luck!!!!
[ladydarke] Thanks!
[Paris] I take him on long trips with me. The dog in the front and Papa in the back with his straw bag and cane and pipe and when I get to the motel I offer three splashes of rum and a cigar at a tree. He is also at my front door with a shot of rum and his Legba statue as Lazarus. I always arrive safe. I always feel close to Legba. I just wanted to add that I’m one of the many who hadn’t thought of Legba beyond opening the door. Since last week’s ritual, I’ve been chatting quite familiarly with him, most especially in regards to this novel I am working on and asking him to open doors towards getting it published.
[Mambo Sam] Paris, that is a very good thing to do! :-) Of course, he loves it when you travel with the dog, too!
[Paris] I always feel him near me
[Mambo Sam] :-) It is great that you have that relationship with him. :-)
[Paris] The dog eats his coconut cake too
[Mambo Sam] I am sure it will get better and better with all that we will be doing. :-) Oh he doesn’t mind if the dog eats it. :-D
[she-wolf] :-D
[Aleck] Hahaha!
[she-wolf] Dogs are sacred to him anyway!
[jlvost] :-D
[Mambo Sam] Thank you, Paris.
[Aleck] My dog whines, but he won’t touch anything.
[Paris] welcome
[Mambo Sam] So for those of you who were a little late, we are discussing some of the ways your classmates have begun to incorporate what we are learning about Papa Legba into their services or day-to-day lives. Also commenting on different ways that they are close to Papa Legba. So for those of you who just joined us, I basically asked the question if anyone had begun to incorporate what we were learning into the things they are doing.
We also went over guidelines about putting your hand up before you speak. And sticking on topic. Okay, I think that brings you all up to where we are now. :-) So if anyone who just joined us has any comments or anything to share about how they are communicating with or serving Papa Legba, please feel free to put your hand up.
[sister bridget] ?
[Mambo Sam] Yes, lovely daughter, Sister Bridget!!! :-) Go ahead.
[sister bridget] I love you MaMere! I just have a little informal ritual I started a little while ago ;-) Ok — so here it is!
[Mambo Sam] Love you, too, sweetie!! Great!
[sister bridget] Whenever I pass by a bakery case at the grocery store I ask Papa what he would like for the week. Usually its a bear claw
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[sister bridget] Sometimes an apple fritter
[Mambo Sam] Yummy.
[sister bridget] But I let him pick one thing each week then I take it to his special spot and leave it for him and say thank you for all his help and guidance. ;-)
[Mambo Sam] The man does have good taste. Aw, that’s perfect. And it is great to actually ask him what he wants and just feel that guidance come over you and know you are getting the right thing! :-)
[sister bridget] Its not very formal, but does feel *off* if I miss a week. ONCE I had to bake for him
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[sister bridget] But he’s big on the bakery aisle ;-) that’s all.
[Mambo Sam] One of those weeks where no supermarket pastry would do, eh? And that is great. Again, the regularity of the ritual is something important in and of itself.
[sister bridget] Yup, he had to have some weird brownies with caramel.
[Mambo Sam] It starts to build that communication and that connection. Okay, that doesn’t sound weird.... :-D
[sister bridget] Would you like some too!
[Mambo Sam] :-D — oy... my diet.
And it also brings up a very good point about the informality of it. Not every ritual has to be a big deal. Simple rituals done with regularity are going to get more done for you than the “guilty Vodouisant” who does that $200.00 worth of food ritual once a year. And hasn’t done anything else.
[clairefalconer] comment?
[ouanga_bottle] snort ha ha
[Mambo Sam] Simple is good. :-)
[she-wolf] Comment
[Mambo Sam] Thank you, sweet daughter.
[sister bridget] thank you, MaMere ;-)
[Mambo Sam] Claire, She-wolf (I did hear a snort in there!).
[clairefalconer] Thank you for saying that — it confirms what I seemed to be noticing — the regular, informal rituals really connect us with him and our other Lois
[Mambo Sam] Absolutely.
[ouanga_bottle] comment...
[Mambo Sam] Yes, it is great to every once in awhile do a big blow out ritual (Fet Ghede, for instance) and do our best to put on a big showy feast. And it is appreciated. But much like if you are in a relationship, ignore your partner for six weeks, and then buy them a dozen roses.... That isn’t going to make up for the fact that you ignored them. So, yes, the little things count immensely. :-) Thank you, Claire.
[clairefalconer] Thank you!
[Mambo Sam] She-wolf, then Snorty McSnorterson.
[Happy] ?
[Mambo Sam] Then Happy.
[she-wolf] I keep Papa’s Veve on my Love Doll altar… even though it’s not a part of the regular LD ritual, I’ve been calling upon Papa every time I work with the doll, asking him to help my words carry to the heart, mind & soul of my HD... and I thank him at the end of the ritual. I also like to share a few coconut candies with Papa before bed once or twice a week, just thank him for hearing me.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, and that is absolutely correct — even though the doll doesn’t include that type of Veve or ritual, it is perfect to use it in that way to enhance the work. :-) Thank you for sharing that. :-)
[she-wolf] It seems to please him, he just helped me A LOT yesterday!
[Mambo Sam] :-) Thank you, I am sure it does!!
[Mambo Sam] Snorty, er, Ouanga; then Happy.
[ouanga_bottle] Speaking of Papa treats and cooking... Papa does love those magic cookie bars (made by Eagle), which you can pick up a box that you can make yourself from most any old grocery store.... It’s the perfect combination of coconut and chocolate that you bake like brownies. Also I’m pretty sure he loves those coconut patties made by Anastasia confections. I buy them in bulk from TJ Maxx. :-)
[Mambo Sam] OH I know those cookie bars!
[ouanga_bottle] I just love the fact that magic is in the name!
[Mambo Sam] Yes, they are really rich and honestly, too sweet for me, but I think they are perfect Lwa food! They are perfectly gooey and sweet. ;-)
[ouanga_bottle] but it’s true that it’s better to be consistent and regular (which I am sometimes but then I do the guilty service).
[Mambo Sam] Thank you, that is a good offering plus there is a little something to be said for baking it yourself sometimes. :-) Well, honestly, we all do the guilty service every now and again. Sometimes circumstantially we just cannot get to all the things we want to. :-)
[ouanga_bottle] :-) :-) :-)
[Sunshine] Comment
[Mambo Sam] Thanks, Ouanga. :-)
[ouanga_bottle] thank you!
[Mambo Sam] Happy, then Sunshine
[Happy] I do not do any rituals as I am always broke. So would you say just giving them something simple would be a ritual to get into the habit of doing? During the course of the day I talk to each Lwa but maybe it would help my case to be more religious in my actions? PS: I had nothing to munch on tonight so Papa let me eat the rest of his Mounds.
[Mambo Sam] :-) Okay, so let’s talk a moment about rituals and money.
[Happy] PS I hate Mounds :-D
[Mambo Sam] :-D
Rituals do not have to do with money. Rituals have to do with praying, invoking Les Lois, singing a song for them praising them and thanking them for their help. If you have a glass of water, you have an offering. Even if you do not have a candle, you can still do a full blown ritual. You have rituals that I have written for you. You have prayers, you can sing songs, you can praise Les Lois to the high heavens. You can do a ritual for an hour with nothing but yourself, your intentions, and a glass of clean water to offer them.
[Happy] :-) Thanks Mambo I will.
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[mandee21] ?
[Mambo Sam] And not just you, honey — I think it is important for everyone to know that ritual does not equal money. Ritual equals heart and spirit and honest praise of Les Lois.
[Aleck] ?
[Mambo Sam] ;-) You are welcome!
[Mambo Sam] Sunshine, then Mandee.
[Sunshine] Since last week’s chat— it seems weird but it feels like Papa is shadowing me— really feel the closeness, so I have really been giving him the goodies this week. Can you ever overdo it with the offerings?
[Mambo Sam] I don’t think so! There doesn’t seem to be any problem with that at all — I mean the offerings are not required to be fancy, but if you have the means, then certainly there is nothing wrong with it. We often take things to the homeless shelter in the name of the Lwa. So if people like to give a lot of offerings, that is one way to do it; you just leave some for the Lwa and tell them you are giving this to those less fortunate in their name. But no, I don’t think you can overdo it. :-)
[Sunshine] Ok, thank you.
[Sister Candelaria] comment
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome!
[Mambo Sam] Mandee, then Aleck.
[mandee21] Is it one glass of water PER les Lois we are talking to... or one glass of water... I was really inspired by Marie’s book, and how once she started service to Erzulie things really took off... but I don’t have the time or space right now to get into an elaborate ritual.
[Mambo Sam] It depends, but if you can, one glass per Les Lois you are talking to at a time... if you can. If you can’t, ask them to please share. Make sense?
[mandee21] ok... or we could do a cocktail hour right?
[Mambo Sam] Yes.
[jlvost] ?
[mandee21] ok, thanks Mambo
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.
[Mambo Sam] Aleck, then beautiful daughter Sister Candelaria, then Jlvost.
[Aleck] A comment on what Happy was saying (and Mandee too): Like a cocktail hour with a fresh glass of water for each Lwa, instead of alcohol? Would that be something similar and acceptable?
[Mambo Sam] Yes. Ritual doesn’t equal money. ;-)
[she-wolf] Comment
[Mambo Sam] Okay — Sister C, Jlvost, then She-wolf.
[Sister Candelaria] I want to remind everyone that Vodou is practiced as the primary religion in Haiti, which is one of the poorest countries on earth! They don’t always do something fancy or expensive, but what they do comes straight from their hearts and is given with love and gratitude.
[Mambo Sam] Right, exactly.
[Sister Candelaria] It means more than a gift that is say, given with not much thought and not with the right intention. Just as with all things concerning the Lwa... intention is EVERYTHING! You don’t have to have any money to be spiritual... you just have to have your heart in it. :-)
[Mambo Sam] Believe me, those people have nothing to give. Intention is everything. Plus, as we have talked about before, people in Haiti offer up their chores of daily living to Les Lois — doing laundry (which is done on a rock in the river) is dedicated to Les Lois, etc. :-) Absolutely!
[Sister Candelaria] Yep!!
[Mambo Sam] That is very correct — laundry is dedicated to Agwe and LaSiren, farming to Azacca, and so forth and so on... the very act of work is offered up — that is all they have.
[clairefalconer] comment after everybody else
[Sister Candelaria] Yes and its soooo appreciated, for what it is. A gift given in love.
[Mambo Sam] Thank you, lovely daughter! :-)
[Sister Candelaria] You’re welcome, my Beautiful MaMa! Love you!
[Mambo Sam] Love you, too!
[Mambo Sam] Jlvost, She-wolf, then Claire. Oops, my computer did something strange... anyway...
[jlvost] I am new to this. I just want to know when you can contact Papa Legba and for how long?
[Mambo Sam] You can contact him almost anytime because he is the Lwa that you always contact first in ritual and service. I will have the transcript posted from last week in the next couple of days, so that will help you to go back and read that. :-)
[jlvost] Thank you
[Mambo Sam] Also, we will be learning more about contacting him as we go along in these lessons. And welcome!
[jlvost] Thank you!
[Mambo Sam] Glad you have you aboard. :-)
[jlvost] I am glad to be here
[mandee21] HD just called me!!! Sorry, sorry, I was out of turn
[Mambo Sam] Well, I am sure everyone can rejoice in a contact from the HD! :-)
[Mambo Sam] She-wolf, then Claire. :-D
[mandee21] comment
[she-wolf] (Mandee, that’s AWESOME!) I’m frequently low on cash, too, but I find that if I present things as nicely as I can, I feel like I’m really honoring the Lois. I use some special fancy goblets for water, Maman Brigitte has her own special coffee cup, I have cheap but nice-looking glass plates for food items like Papa’s candy… And I bought a few packs of inexpensive paper doilies at the grocery store… if you put one on the plate beneath your offering, it really dresses up the simplest things.
[Mambo Sam] :-) Exactly! Most of my offering plates and glasses came straight from Big Lots or the Dollar Store. :-) And I love the doilies. ;-)
[Mambo Sam] Okay, Claire, then Mandee, and then I will move on with more of our lesson before it gets too late.
[clairefalconer] Thank you Mambo Sam and Sister Candi for mentioning about offering chores — reminds me of growing up Catholic — My mother always used to say “offer it up!” That went for everything — things I liked doing and chores I didn’t like doing! — She wolf: those are great ideas! Papa Legba has his own special coffee cup, too.:)
[Mambo Sam] Yep, it IS a very Catholic thing; the nuns do it, too. Washing dishes for Jesus. ;-)
[ouanga_bottle] snort
[clairefalconer] :-D
[Aleck] Hehehehehe...... :-)
[clairefalconer] Quick BTW
[Mambo Sam] Sure.
[Aleck] I cut the grass for Gran Bwa
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[clairefalconer] I saw a nun yesterday as I was buying alcohol for the cocktail parties, lol
[Mambo Sam] :-D
[clairefalconer] :-D
[Aleck] The Blue Nun?
[jlvost] :-D
[Mambo Sam] Should have invited her over for a snort.
[Aleck] :-)
[Mambo Sam] :-D
[she-wolf] HAHAHAHA
[ouanga_bottle] haaaaaaaa!
[clairefalconer] :-D
[ouanga_bottle] snort of what? :-)
[Mambo Sam] ;-) Blue Nun?
[jlvost] ha ha ha
[Mambo Sam] Okay, Mandee, honey, go for it.
[mandee21] So here is a perfect example... I was just asking Papa for contact from HD... and he called... I knew right before the phone rang it was HD. I was just rambling like a school girl to him! I use a special coffee cup that was my Dad’s favorite. He just passed away very unexpectedly this past October, and I think it helps me a little. Also the dollar store has great doilies
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[mandee21] Sorry, it was in response to three other comments
[The3rdwish13] ?
[Mambo Sam] That’s okay. And I am glad he called. :-) And yes, of course, your dear father is there for you.
[mandee21] thank you...
[Mambo Sam] 3rdwish and then we need to move on.
[The3rdwish13] I’m sorry but my first language is not English and I NEED to know what doilies are..... :-(
[mandee21] they are these little paper things that look like lace
[Mambo Sam] Little fancy paper circles you put under cakes and such.
[The3rdwish13] ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh
[Mambo Sam] Yes, they look like lace.
[The3rdwish13] I know thank you
[Mambo Sam] :-D
[The3rdwish13] Sorry
[Mambo Sam] Not that exciting, eh?
[The3rdwish13] hahahahaha
[Mambo Sam] ;-)
[PATRICKinCALI] pronounce it DOY - LEE!
[Mambo Sam] YES!
[Aleck] Great idea for Freda offerings!
[Mambo Sam] Yep.
[ouanga_bottle] BTW doilies are a fantastic idea! Thank you!
[The3rdwish13] thank you, I kept reading and thinking I have no idea what they are talking about
[Sister Candelaria] Hands Folks!!!
[Mambo Sam] Well, now you all did it.
[ouanga_bottle] (sorry) :-)
[Sister Candelaria] Don’t make me get out the pointy stick!
[sister bridget] Pointy Stick Time!
[Mambo Sam] That sent them scurrying back to their seats.
[The3rdwish13] Oh sorry....
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[Sister Candelaria] :-D Just be respectful of MaMere. Raise your hands. No shouting out. ;-) That’s for everyone!
[Mambo Sam] Ah, my daughters..... You just have to adore them. I know I do. :-)
[Sister Candelaria] OK, I’m putting it away now. heehee
[Mambo Sam] Keep it handy. :-)
[Sister Candelaria] heehee Always at the ready!
[Mambo Sam] Okay, so NOW, my pretties.
So we got the idea last week, and for those of you who weren’t here, you will have the transcripts soon, that definitely Papa Legba is there for communication. As we mentioned, he knows all languages. He translates for us to the other Lwa if necessary. We don’t have to edit ourselves to speak to Papa Legba. We can speak in whatever our native tongue is. We don’t even have to be too clear. Everyone has had that moment when we just don’t even know how to put something in words. If you can get some part of it out, he will translate the rest and know what you mean. And as we touched on last week, for those of you working on a case involving another person, this can be extremely useful. Because Papa Legba knows the language of your HD’s soul. And your soul. Your soul = Your Higher Self. We may not always know the language of the soul of the person we love. Of course, we can still communicate with the person’s Higher Self. That perfect part of the person will always understand us at least to some degree. BUT.... if you can reach that person in the language of their soul, NOW you have something special.
[waitingforastar] comment
[Mambo Sam] Yes, WFAS. WFAS??
[waitingforastar] Many times when using the love doll, or candle work, I will ask Papa to translate my message in a way that will make sense and appeal to my HD the most and to help him open up to it and receive it, so what you just said seems like a confirmation to me that what I am doing is right
[Mambo Sam] Yes, definitely.
[waitingforastar] I ask him to appeal it to HD’s way of logic.
[Mambo Sam] Right. Ask him to speak to HD’s Higher Self, not just the physical person. :-) It works both ways, just adding in the Higher Self, takes it to another level. :-)
[waitingforastar] I love that about the language of his soul.
[clairefalconer] ?
[Mambo Sam] Right, and each person has a language of their soul. It is the language that the angels use to speak to us, but that is another class! LOL.
[waitingforastar] Yes, the higher self. I do mention that sometimes, but mean it always :-)
[Mambo Sam] :-) Thank you.
[waitingforastar] Thank you Mambo Sam, xoxoxo
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.
[Mambo Sam] Claire?
[clairefalconer] is this Higher Self the Ti Bon Ange?
[Mambo Sam] Gros Bon Ange.
[clairefalconer] Thank you!
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome. :-)
[Happy] ?
[Mambo Sam] So when we are doing a ritual or spell work that involves other Lwa and we are asking Papa to open the gate, there is nothing wrong with also asking more of Papa than just to open the gate.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Happy.
[The3rdwish13] comment...
[Happy] Well, if doing this with the doll you would do it before you actually talk to the doll right?
[Mambo Sam] Yes.
[Happy] Thanks
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.
[Mambo Sam] 3rdwish
[The3rdwish13] I just want to share something that happened after last class... Since then I started talking more to Alegba, and one day I was driving and talking and I felt like nobody was listening, so I said out loud, Come on, send me a sign! Are you listening? And a car got in front of me with a sign that said “Angels at your service” :-) made me sooo happy!
[she-wolf] comment
[Mambo Sam] Nice! :-)
[The3rdwish13] I know ;-) hehe
[Mambo Sam] Thank you.
[Mambo Sam] She-wolf?
[she-wolf] Similar thing happened to me… I was talking to Papa as I drove home, and when I finished & turned up the car stereo my iPod (which was on shuffle) started playing “Hoodoo Voodoo Doll”!
[Mambo Sam] :-) I like that song.
[she-wolf] So I worked the Doll, concentrating on communication, & got results the next morning!
[Mambo Sam] :-) Great!
[mandee21] ?
[Mambo Sam] Mandee?
[mandee21] Just to ask on what she just said; I was talking to Papa last night and felt this incredible urge to do my love doll even though it was 2 am and I was in bed. Should we always follow those prompts?
[Mambo Sam] If you can. I mean I realize that sometimes it may not be possible. And that you might have to do it later. But if you get that strong of a sign and/or guidance, why wouldn’t you follow it? ;-)
[mandee21] Ok, thanks. I was just kinda lazy and thought maybe it was just myself telling me to do it again... I was really tired..
[litenluv] comment
[mandee21] Sorry, that came out rude!! Ok thanks for the advice!
[Mambo Sam] :-) Not rude! I knew what you meant. :-)
[Mambo Sam] Litenluv, go ahead.
[litenluv] I had to do the same thing with my LMMA gris-gris bag at 3:30 this morning! I tried to fight it, but couldn’t
[Mambo Sam] :-) Well, part of this whole process is learning to get and accept the guidance that you are receiving. I would say if the urge hits you that strongly, then it is definitely a sign.
[litenluv] Thanks
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.
[Sister Candelaria] Comment
[Mambo Sam] Yes, lovely daughter.
[Sister Candelaria] Can you go back after this and tell us about talking to the higher self with Papa?
[Mambo Sam] Yes, for a few minutes — we are almost out of time.
[Sister Candelaria] OK, I just don’t want to miss that part. I think it would be good for everyone’s case!
[Mambo Sam] I think I will definitely try to post the lesson pre-class next week. :-) That will give us all more time to discuss it.
[Sister Candelaria] Good idea! ;-)
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[Sister Candelaria] That’s why she’s the boss. heehee
[Mambo Sam] I got a million of ‘em. :-D
[Sister Candelaria] heehee
[Mambo Sam] So back to the Higher Self and Papa.
[Aleck] <—
[Mambo Sam] So, what I was saying above was
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Aleck.
[Aleck] I’m still processing Ogoun!
[Mambo Sam] Okay. And......
[Aleck] :-) I’m just trying to catch up. :-)
[Mambo Sam] :-) Did you have a comment or question?
[Aleck] Just saying this is great, it is a lot of information.
[Mambo Sam] Okay, thank you.
[Aleck] Thank you!
[Mambo Sam] Ack... my computer is lagging... sorry. Just started raining here, never good for my connection. Anyway... So just as Waitingforastar was mentioning, asking Papa to translate her words into words that her HD will understand. And that is certainly a good technique. Also, asking Papa Legba to actually speak to your HD’s Higher Self, in the language of your HD’s soul is an addition to that. We talked a little bit last week about Papa’s ability to translate for you. And having him help you get your message across to the physical self of your HD is important. However, if you can get directly to the Higher Self, in a lot of cases that will help you tremendously.
[litenluv] ?
[Mambo Sam] So if you are working on something where you are asking Papa to open the gate for you, and then you are going to proceed with your work, stop at that point and ask Papa to also learn the language of your HD’s soul and help your words reach him/her on that level. Then you can go right back to whatever the ritual is. I use the love work as an example because many of you are working on love situations, but it can also be useful in other types of work.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Litenluv?
[litenluv] Oh... never mind. I jumped the gun. 8)
[Mambo Sam] No problem. I am almost done. Remember the Higher Self is that perfect part of a person. For most people it is the unscrewed-up part of us. :-)
[schweety] :-D
[Aleck] :-)
[Mambo Sam] So, by digging as deep as you can to reach that Higher Self, you will be greatly enhancing your chances of success.
I cannot and will not put all of this information in spell kits and candle magick kits, and all of that. People really honestly would not get it. You have to want to understand it and you have to want to learn in order to benefit from this information. But for those of you who come to class and want to learn — this will greatly enhance your work.
So continue to make friends with Papa. :-) Don’t be afraid to try these things that you learn in class. Don’t wait until you “have all the information” to try them! Start trying them. You aren’t going to screw anything up by asking Papa Legba to take your message to your HD’s soul. ;-) You know, it doesn’t mean that your HD will automatically act on what you say. You aren’t hypnotizing the Higher Self! ;-) However, you are now getting to even a deeper level than before. And the spell kits and products take you to a very deep level anyway. And for most people it is enough. But some of you have, well.... shall we delicately say STUBBORN HD’s? :-)
[Happy] comment
[Mambo Sam] And for that reason, sometimes we have to just learn more and pursue different avenues to get our message heard.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Happy.
[Happy] Only being silly, but my hd stubborn _ Never :-D
[Mambo Sam] ;-)
[litenluv] ?
[Mambo Sam] Yeah, right.
[Mambo Sam] Litenluv?
[litenluv] It seems as though my HD is really stubborn and I haven’t asked Papa Alegba to appeal to his higher self. Does that mean I need to back track now?
[she-wolf] comment
[clairefalconer] ?
[Mambo Sam] No, not really. But assuming that you are still working with something — gris-gris bags, talisman, adjunct work? Then you would just start using this information. Plus we are going to be doing a ritual to Papa Legba, that is part of the reason that we are learning all of this; so that you can do ritual to Papa Legba. Directly.
[litenluv] 2nd white candle and bags. Ok. Thank you
[Aleck] <— comment
[Mambo Sam] I mean I can’t imagine telling everyone that they need to start over; this is just new information for those who bother to come and get it. ;-)
[litenluv] ;-)
[Mambo Sam] She-wolf, Claire, Aleck.
[mandee21] ?
[she-wolf] Well, I was going to say this back when we were talking about following those little hints & signs, but it’s apropos now, too, when we’re talking about going directly to the Higher Self... I think the Lwa probably follow the same philosophy I do in life: “The most effective way to drop a hint on a thick skull is to apply it with a sledgehammer!” :-D
[Mambo Sam] :-) Sometimes! Amen.
[Mambo Sam] Okay, Claire, Aleck, then Mandee, then I have to wrap it up.
[clairefalconer] This might be asking the obvious, but Papa Legba helps us communicate with ourselves, right? If we want to grow spiritually and become our Higher Self on a more conscious level.... I’m getting metaphysical — not sure how to phrase it —sorry!
[Mambo Sam] Yes, for sure. And honestly, it would greatly enhance a lot of people’s cases if they took a moment or two to work on themselves. It is something that we have a tendency to forget because we are so focused on our goal. So yes, Papa can help you with that... and I know what you are saying, though you cannot become your Higher Self. ;-)
[clairefalconer] Right
[Mambo Sam] You can, however, communicate with your Higher Self — the ultimate in talking to one’s self! :-)
[clairefalconer] You know what I mean :-D
[Mambo Sam] Exactly.... But not everyone else would. :-D — I speak fluent Claire. No problem. :-D
[clairefalconer] Great!
[Mambo Sam] ;-) But the short answer is YES, Papa can definitely help you in self introspection and learning.
[clairefalconer] Thank You!
[Mambo Sam] Thank you!
[Mambo Sam] Aleck, then Mandee.
[Aleck] I just wanted to say... Look out Love Doll! :-) Thanks Marran! You are so wonderful!!!! Thank you! You are welcome! Yep — those love dolls can really benefit from this stuff! :-)
[Mambo Sam] Mandee?
[mandee21] what exactly makes an HD stubborn? Meaning how does one qualify?
[Aleck] :-)
[mandee21] I don’t think I have one... but he is just processing and taking his sweet time.
[schweety] ?
[Mambo Sam] I don’t know how to tell you if your HD is stubborn. If he is a stubborn person by nature, has a hard time changing, or changing his mind, then he is probably stubborn. If he is stuck in his ways, and doesn’t know how to get out, then he is a stubborn person.
[mandee21] ok, no I just think sometimes people think their HD is stubborn when they are just processing...
[Mambo Sam] Well, if they are taking a long time processing, they probably are stubborn. Stubborn is not necessarily a bad thing. Many people who are “stubborn” are go-getters, refuse to take no for an answer, and get many things accomplished in their life. Stubborn is not necessarily a negative attribute.
[mandee21] Right... Also at the very end I have a question about the conference... if we have time. Thanks
[Mambo Sam] So there is nothing wrong with someone’s HD being stubborn; it is just that sometimes we have to approach them in a different way.
[Mambo Sam] Schweety, then Mandee’s question about the conference, then I need to go.
[schweety] Like beat them over the head with a bat!! I was just wondering, I have been teaching a class and rushing home to be a part of this and I keep missing out on the good stuff :-) but will the transcripts be up soon :-) *bats her baby blues at Mambo*
[Mambo Sam] As soon as I can get them up, honey.
[schweety] THANKS :-)
[Mambo Sam] I only have a FEW other things to do. :-D
[schweety] and I really wont beat my HD over the head with a bat.... YET!!! :-D
[Mambo Sam] But for sure.....
[schweety] well ok..... ;-)
[Mambo Sam] ;-) Love ya!
[schweety] love you too :-)
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[Mambo Sam] Mandee, go ahead with your question.
[mandee21] I think two weeks ago you mentioned posting a lower fare for the convention? I wasn’t sure if you were still thinking it over, or if I just read it wrong?
[Mambo Sam] Yes, and I am doing it. I am actually changing the page to reflect all the events that we will be having. I should have it done in a couple of days. But yes, it will be a lower tuition.
[mandee21] YAY!!!
[Mambo Sam] :-)
[mandee21] thanks so much Mambo, you are the absolute best!!!
[Mambo Sam] AW... kisses and hugs!
[Mambo Sam] Okay, my precious darlings..... I will be in touch during the week and post the next lesson. That way we can discuss it more in class. I honestly think that works best. ;-) I will catch you guys later.
[Happy] Love you Mambo, Bridget, Candelaria and the chat members. Night night
[Mambo Sam] Have a great rest of the evening and much love and blessings to you all. :-)
[Aleck] Night Marran!
[The3rdwish13] Thank you Mambo good night
[waitingforastar] Love you Mambo Sam
[mamakate] Love you Mambo Sam! G’nite!
[clairefalconer] You too Mambo Sam!
[REDANGEL] Night all
User Mambo Sam has logged out.
[Sister Candelaria] Love you, MaMa! Thank you for you time and expertise!
[sister bridget] Night MaMa! Love you!
[ladydarke] Thanks for the seminar!
[clairefalconer] Night Everybody!!!
[falconmb] thank you, all! Blessing and good night!
[PATRICKinCALI] Night all!
[ouanga_bottle] good night!
[litenluv] Thanks!
[destinyb] Love you! Love you guys!!
[waitingforastar] Hi Sister Candelaria, long time since we chatted
[Sister Candelaria] Hi Hon. Sorry, but I have to run soon! Night everyone!!
[waitingforastar] I will e-mail you with some things
[Sister Candelaria] Thanks for coming! Nightie Sis Bridgey! OK, honey, I’ll look for your e-mail.
[simonegreenewpp] Are those flickering lights I see? That was really handy that you can do the kicking for the people whose computers have frozen up.
[waitingforastar] Thanks xoxoxo
[sister bridget] night all
[waitingforastar] Good night Sister Bridget xox
[sister bridget] Night WFAS
[waitingforastar] Goodnight all xoxo