These three chats are all together as a series regarding The Baron, Maman Brigitte, and services to the Ghede and information about Fet Ghede.

For Fet Ghede this year, we will do a ritual on line. We have discussed within these chats some of the things we can do and will need. It is important to remember that Fet Ghede is more or less the Vodou New Year..... it is time to ask the Baron to “bury” all past negativity and trauma and give you a clean slate to start working with. People had asked about what products might be good to use: This is an excellent time to do a House Blessing kit! Obviously, the new purple bath for the Baron is great. One idea I thought would be awesome would be do a black 7-knob candle kit – on each knob you could petition for something different to be removed to start the new year – trauma from work, a relationship, etc., etc. If you didn't have 7 things that needed to be removed, you could repeat some of the stronger ones on different knobs. (The way the candle works is you petition for something different on each knob.)

Also, remember to look below for what you need to make a ouanga bottle during our Fet Ghede ritual. We will do that during our online ritual.

Start thinking about things that you want to leave behind and not have holding you back as the new Vodou year begins. These are the things that we will ask the Baron to “bury” for us. :-)

As you go through these chats, take notice of the things we talked about – the different aspects of the Baron and Brigitte and see how these things can fit into what you want to accomplish over the next year so you will know what to petition for!

Love,

Mambo

Chat September 11, 2007

[luke42] Hey what are we talking about tonight?

[bridget] hmmmmm... Mambo has a plan!

[luke42] cool

[bridget] OK guys, Mambo just called — she is stuck in traffic and will be here VERY shortly.

[bridget] She said we could talk quietly among ourselves, or make shadow puppets or something like that.

[luke42] Hey.... Did anyone do the love potion?

[bridget] Anyone know any good voodoo jokes?

[rattle shaker] Haha, Love That Mambo! : )

[ouanga_bottle] heheee

[simonegreenewpp] I did the love potion.

[starlight] I did the potion... but I haven’t had a chance to give it to my hd yet

[bridget] The potion lasts a YEAR if you keep it in the fridge

[luke42] Well I guess I blew it... I couldn’t make mine in the morning but I did it at 9 p.m... just in case

[ouanga_bottle] I did too, though it was funny because I was having a garage sale at my old house while I did it at the new house... my friends were covering for me over there

[rattle shaker] Is the potion from last year still good??

[bridget] No hurry on having to use it up

[bridget] It’s only good for a year

[bridget] so the stuff from 9/9/6 should be tossed......

[rattle shaker] OIC

[rattle shaker] It hasn’t grown any mold or anything......

[Mambo Sam] Hello everyone. Sorry I am late. It has been a really horrible day in Albuquerque — I was just stuck in traffic getting home and I heard on the radio that there were three accidents going on at the same time. Ugh. Very sad. But anyway, hello and we will get started here in just a minute.

[Mambo Sam] If they lovely Bridget still wants to entertain some questions, please do go ahead with that.

[bridget] :-)

[bridget] Let me entertain you!

[simonegreenewpp] So I guess I should mark the date on my container of #9!

[bridget] Well, you could do that. Its an easy date to remember

[simonegreenewpp] But we can also do 11/11, 1/1 and 3/3...

[bridget] Put it in a brown paper bag in the fridge and it will keep well for a year

[bridget] Yes, well if you make multiple batches, then for sure date them

[simonegreenewpp] Perfect use for a liquor store bag. :-)

[ouanga_bottle] ha

[bridget] Got a lot of those, do ya???

[rattle shaker] hehehe

[bridget] My liquor store uses plastic

[simonegreenewpp] Yes, all rum and I hardly drink any myself!

[ouanga_bottle] I have so many bottles of rum and they all got mixed up during the move... will the lwas mind if they get the wrong bottle back?

[bridget] I took my lunch to work one day and someone at work recognized the bag!

[ouanga_bottle] Ha, they’re going to think you’re a lush!

[Mambo Sam] Okay everyone, good to see you all here, let’s get started. I wanted to talk briefly about the ancestor ritual on Saturday night. I am sorry that so many of you missed it.

[bridget] yes, for sure

[Mambo Sam] But we will definitely try to do it again.

[Mambo Sam] Now, I know that some of you had really good results and some on you had some, well, uh, mixed results. Now by this I mean that there were people who didn’t get a lot of warm fuzzies from their ancestor ritual like the majority of people did! And it isn’t that something was done improperly or anything like that.

[Mambo Sam] I also know that some people didn’t do the ancestor ritual because they were “scared.” And that there might be “evil ancestors or evil spirits” coming to visit them.

[Mambo Sam] You guys know I love you, but you gotta stop taking the movies so seriously.

[Mambo Sam] The truth about demons and evil spirits, as we have talked about before is that it is actually kind of hard to conjure one up! I am not saying that it is impossible and I am not denying the existence of evil both in the physical world and the spiritual world, needless to say.

[simonegreenewpp] ??

[Mambo Sam] But fearing to do a ritual because of this is going to severely hamper your progress.

[Mambo Sam] Yes, Simone, go ahead, please.

[simonegreenewpp] What about ghosts, the type that hang around some place and harass people? I know of people who have had that experience, and never did any conjuring.

[Mambo Sam] Usually those entities make themselves known, as you said, with no ritual involved. Most of the time they don’t mean to harass people, it is just hard to make yourself understood when you have no “body” and limited means of communication.

[Mambo Sam] In those cases, I do suggest to people to get some one-on-one counseling and information with me so that I can help them to usually “invite” the spirit to leave in a peaceful manner that is good for everyone involved — in this world and the other. There are very good ways to do that.

[simonegreenewpp] I’ve heard that they hang around due to “unresolved issues.” So I’m curious if one’s relatives could fit into a similar description?

[Mambo Sam] And YES, there are the occasional hauntings and such that are rather menacing.

[Mambo Sam] Usually if one’s relatives would have been hanging around due to unresolved issues, you would have known that before. In other words, they wouldn’t wait for you to do an ancestor ritual and then pop up to tell you that there are still mad over that Christmas fight in 1968.

[Mambo Sam] And generally speaking, in my experience, the “unresolved issues” of spirits tend to have to do not with other people on earth. 

[simonegreenewpp] :-) Ok, thank you!

[rattle shaker]

[Mambo Sam] For the most part, it is unresolved issues within themselves — especially about dying — such as dying suddenly. That has a tendency to confuse the spirit, and if no one will help them, they can stay confused for a number of years.

[Mambo Sam] Did that help, Simone?

[simonegreenewpp] Yes, I can see the difference.

[Mambo Sam] Good!

[Mambo Sam] Now rattleshaker.

[rattle shaker] Whenever I do a service for my ancestors, I know that no one else will be allowed in. It’s like a ring of light around me and my house of love and protection. There are so many of them, I don’t think there would be room for anyone who wasn’t family. No party crashers allowed! It is a totally different feeling than doing a service for a lwa.

[Mambo Sam] And that is a very good point.... Any unwanted entities would be booted out!

[Mambo Sam] Yes, it is a totally different feel to it. And that is for some, challenging.

[Mambo Sam] Most of us have a very good rapport with the lwa. And have gotten to know them. 

[Mambo Sam] Remember for some of us, myself included, there are some serious family issues in the past that we have to get through in order to do successful ancestor service.

[Mambo Sam] As I was telling one of us, you can also pick and choose for whom you are doing an ancestor service — just a particular ancestor, or two or three. Like a cocktail hour

[Mambo Sam] Sometimes this is done very purposefully because you might need just that good advice from Dad or Grandma, or whomever — just as on earth you would have perhaps gone to a specific relative for one thing and someone else for something else.

[Mambo Sam] You can do that, too, with ancestor service.

[Mambo Sam] All you do is change up the ritual so that rather than inviting the clan, you just invite that particular person or persons. So there are ways to configure the ancestor ritual so that it may be more comfortable or simple to do.

[Mambo Sam] Also, remember our ritual together was a learning one. It was not necessarily meant to go perfectly or without a hitch. It is great if it did, but it is also fine if it didn’t.

[Mambo Sam] You are all here because you expressed a desire to learn Vodou, Voodoo, magick, etc.

[Mambo Sam] So don’t beat yourselves up OR not participate because you might not get it right, or you are afraid you will do something wrong, or anything like that. Some people had elaborate rituals. Some people had a white towel on a box with a candle.

[Mambo Sam] So next time we do a ritual, I want to see you all there!

[Mambo Sam] So for those of you who participated in the ritual, do you have any questions or concerns that you would like to talk about? (And yes, rattle shaker, like a cocktail hour!)

[rattle shaker]

[Mambo Sam] Yes, please go ahead.

[rattle shaker] I did not include a family friend, because I guess that is different if they are not a blood relative.

[Mambo Sam] Correct. There are some exceptions we talked about way back in the beginning. But technically, no. And especially while you guys are learning to do all of this.

[Mambo Sam] Most rituals can be configured differently, but it is always best to get your bearings and know exactly what you are doing.

[rattle shaker] Ok, but I did feel kinda bad not inviting him to the party.

[Mambo Sam] The main reason for that is not because something awful is going to happen. But because you can have mixed or no results and just waste your time. So have a ritual for him.

[Mambo Sam] That ancestor ritual could easily be turned into a dead friend party!

[rattle shaker] Haha, I have them too...

[Mambo Sam] Obviously some of the wording wouldn’t be the same, but you could change that. Lord, me too, unfortunately I have a lot of dead friends. Good grief.

[rattle shaker] Never thought of it like that

[Mambo Sam] So, as some of you already know I decided to only give the instructions to the ancestor ritual to the people who were there. No, I am not trying to prove a point or be mean! But I really, really want this to go well for you when you can do it.

[Mambo Sam] And I want to be here to answer your questions and concerns.

[Mambo Sam] Yes, I want to hand hold you through it.

[Desiree’] comment.

[Mambo Sam] So, yes, we will do it again.

[Mambo Sam] Yes, Desiree’.

[Desiree’] You had mentioned we could include dear pets that we had had — well when I concentrated on my beloved pet — that was when I became very emotional — then I felt a little ashamed that I felt so much for my pet in lieu over some of my relatives.

[Mambo Sam] Honey, I cried more over my dead kitty than some relatives I have had. No guilt necessary. I know there are those who would disagree, but we become a pet’s family. The other kitties are going to do an ancestor ritual for them! Though that would be an amazing thing to see! LOL.

[Desiree’] Thank you Mambo — because I felt a little low because of how I was feeling.

[Mambo Sam] Oh, I was inconsolable when my Marie Louise died — she was 14 and sick, she had a good life, but still to this day I miss her terribly. 

[Mambo Sam] You should never feel guilty for so much love towards anyone or anything.

[Mambo Sam] Love is a positive emotion.

[Desiree’] Thanks Mambo — I too loved my kitty

[Candelaria] There’s a picture of our dear Marie Louise in the files section of the forum if anyone wants to see our baby girl! :-)

[Mambo Sam] Oh yes, it says something like psycho kitty! LOL.

[Mambo Sam] She was pretty crazy.

[Candelaria] Yep!

[Mambo Sam] Okay, so I do want to set up doing this ritual again and hope that more people will be able to attend and get through the ritual. If you need to simplify it, that will be fine.

[rattle shaker] <- story to share

[Mambo Sam] Yes, please!

[rattle shaker] Just wanted to say that after the ritual, I have been told twice that, because I have “adopted” some “parents”, from third parties that have said, “You’re a good son.” I took that as a “message”.

[Mambo Sam] LOL. I would take that as a big message!!!!

[rattle shaker] :D

[Mambo Sam] As I was sharing with someone else from the ritual, I had a very, very difficult relationship with my mother. I have challenges still in accepting the fact that she has changed and is still learning lessons and still changing as a spirit. Swallowing down the bitter resentment I have is a monumental task for me.

[Mambo Sam] SO, to be perfectly honest, I do much more ritual that includes my father, the SAINT! LOL. And my grandmother — the other saint!!

[rattle shaker] But the good thing is that with your experience, you CAN see that she is changing, and that is a good thing!

[Candelaria] Comment

[Mambo Sam] Indeed, and sometimes that it is hard for me, too, in a very selfish way because I am like, “why now, why not when I needed you.” See, human emotion will always come into play with this kind of thing. It is harnessing that and working to plow through it that is what we must do in order to be successful with this. Candelaria, yes please.

[Candelaria] I honestly don’t know how to put this, but it kind of puts you on a different playing field. At least that’s how I feel after the ritual. It has made me so aware of things that I knew, but yet didn’t know and I feel so supported and happy... like I have an entire TEAM behind me!

[Mambo Sam] Yes, perfectly so!

[Mambo Sam] And that is sometimes the best part cuz often for many of us the ones we knew weren’t that hot!

 ][Candelaria] It really is a life-changing experience!!! I connected with relatives I never knew! And they really do hug you and you can feel them!! 

[Mambo Sam] Yes, you can!

[Candelaria] Honestly, I have hugged the lwa and thought it was possible because they were the lwa, but I hugged a grandmother I was not close with and she wouldn’t let me go! I felt such extremely love. It was amazing!

[Mambo Sam] Which is so interesting that you were not close to her.... But she obviously felt close to you.

[Candelaria] Yes, she called me by a nickname that no one else used and she was my father’s mother and he had a difficult time with her, so we never went to see her, but she loved us immensely and would always ask how the girls were and wanted to know us. 

[Mambo Sam] Another thing is that I do feel it is possible to mend difficult relationships with those who have  passed away from you.

[Candelaria] Sad, really.

[Candelaria] Yes, I felt like we mended something.

[Mambo Sam] Yes, so that makes sense and now you have a change to “mend” that and let her get to know you and you know her.

[Desiree’] ?

[Mambo Sam] So I am not saying this is a cure all and will make everything puppies and roses with relatives who passed on that were difficult.

[Mambo Sam] However, if you care to change those relationships, I believe you can, at least to some extent. I mean I am here 30 years later still mending with my mother. But there has been progress.

[Candelaria] And thank you my dearest for the ritual! It means the world to me that you shared it with us.

[Mambo Sam] Yes, Desiree’, go ahead please.

[rattle shaker] comment

[Candelaria] :-)

[Mambo Sam] And you are welcome, all of you!

[Mambo Sam] Desiree, then rattleshaker.

[Desiree’] Would unresolved matters in lifetime prevent one from connecting in a ritual with them?

[Mambo Sam] I think that depends a lot on the person who is still left here on earth, actually. Many times, the spirit will have superseded and already learned what was wrong. We are still stuck in the emotion of the relationship — hurt, fear, sometimes hatred. I think if you want to, you can.

[Desiree’] If they have already passed on ?

[Mambo Sam] No I mean WE are still stuck in that and it may be us who has the hard time connecting with them.

[Mambo Sam] But if it is important to you, I think it is definitely something to try and work on — especially for your own peace of mind.

[Desiree’] OIC

[Mambo Sam] Now, before rattleshaker, let me just say this: You don’t have to mend relationships with the dead if you don’t want to! There is no rule, there is no punishment. I have a dead relative that will always stay that way to me. He just did too much. I can’t even think about him without having a little fit! If you have someone like that — then just let it be. I am glad he is dead. He raped my half sister and she became a drug addict and died from an overdose. I will never, ever resolve that shit.

[Mambo Sam] Oops, sorry.

[Mambo Sam] stuff, I meant.

[Desiree’] I understand.

[Mambo Sam] Anyway, if you have a heinous relative, it is perfectly okay to leave them alone because if they did something that awful, you probably couldn’t care less if they have “evolved.”

[Mambo Sam] Cuz I don’t care how much he evolved. He will always be a monster to me.

[Mambo Sam] So remember, we are human — we are trying our best to rise above the human condition that isn’t always wonderful. We can only try.

[Mambo Sam] Okay, sorry rattleshaker, I got on a rant.

[Mambo Sam] God, Simone, take that little story out of the transcript if you think it is too raw.

[Candelaria] And just for you all know... Mambo IS human. We didn’t build her from a spell kit. :-)

[ouanga_bottle] snort

[Mambo Sam] Spell kit Mambo — interesting.....

[Candelaria] heehee 

[rattle shaker] That’s ok, Mambo! I’m sorry to hear that! But, just to add to what Candi said, I felt different energies from different “people” as I shook hands around the room, too. It was a very moving experience.

[Mambo Sam] But yes, that is what will generally happen, you will feel different energy patterns.

[Mambo Sam] It can be a very powerful experience and it is a useful one. It is a powerhouse for you to call on.

[rattle shaker] It was amazing, and I felt like there was a vast reservoir of energy, power and knowledge behind them, especially ones I don’t know.... yet.

[Mambo Sam] And remember, so you didn’t like Uncle Fred — what about great-great Uncle Ted who didn’t do anything to anyone as far as you know? Our family trees have very long roots — so reach back beyond the painful ones, pull forward the ones you don’t even know.

[Mambo Sam] Exactly!!!

[Mambo Sam] So for those of you who had difficulty with the ritual, or who are afraid, or who are just wondering what this would all mean for you — take it in baby steps. When we do it again, just do a small ritual if you want.

[Mambo Sam] Just invite the grandma that DIDN’t beat you with a switch!

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[rattle shaker] Hahahaha!

[Mambo Sam] Sorry, I came from the generation where people still beat the heck out of their heads.

[Mambo Sam] I meant kids.

[Mambo Sam] Hm..... I have only had one drink, I swear.

[Mambo Sam] Or maybe they were beating the heck out of their heads!

[Mambo Sam] Over the kids.

[Mambo Sam] Okay, more ancestor ritual and why and what and stuff?

[Candelaria] Comment

[Mambo Sam] Yes, please.

[Candelaria] It actually was good for calling on those I didn’t know, as Mambo said. I have never met my grandfather on my father’s side. He died when my father was 13... I met him on Saturday. I was very glad about that, as he meant the world to my dad and he talks about him all the time...

[Candelaria] I even asked him for a picture of him, so I can add it to my altar. It was lovely to meet someone I have always heard about, but never knew. He is still of my line, so I called on him. I might not have ever had the chance, otherwise.

[Mambo Sam] Oh very nice!

[Candelaria] That’s it. Just wanted to share that. Call on those you didn’t know, too!

[Mambo Sam] I have a big box of dead relatives from my father’s side that I never knew and it is fun to just look at them having fun in the 40s at clubs in New York City and their clothes and all of that.

[Mambo Sam] I love to call on them!

[Mambo Sam] OMG, a big box of pictures!

[Mambo Sam] Imagine a big box of dead relatives.

[Candelaria] heehee Love it!

[Mambo Sam] There’s a snort for you!

[simonegreenewpp] whew! Glad you clarified that!

[Mambo Sam] And some jail time, too, I think!

[Candelaria] Ouanga, snort, please.

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[Mambo Sam] Ouanga!

[rattle shaker] hahah

[Mambo Sam] Pay attention, you are not snorting appropriately.

[rattle shaker] cooking again!?!

[Mambo Sam] Lord, she has drifted off....

[simonegreenewpp] Must snort on cue!

[Mambo Sam] It’s the drinking, you know how she is.

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[rattle shaker] HAHAHA!

[Mambo Sam] OKay!!

[Mambo Sam] So more questions or comments?

[rattle shaker] I have a comment about calling on the “unknown” relatives

[Mambo Sam] Now the rest of you don’t be afraid to raise your hands! Yes, rattleshaker!

[ouanga_bottle] snort

[Mambo Sam] Ha ha ha HAHA... 

[rattle shaker] Haha! There you are!

[Mambo Sam] better late than never.

[ouanga_bottle] sorry my nose is dried up

[ouanga_bottle] hand up

[Mambo Sam] Rattleshaker and then Ouanga.

[rattle shaker] When I did the “calling”, after naming people I knew, I called to all of the … and used my last name, my mom’s maiden name and my grandmother’s maiden name, and to all those who were tied to those family trees. 

[Mambo Sam] Oh very nice! I like that!!

[rattle shaker] I really did feel a different energy than from previous services where I didn’t say that

[rattle shaker] I tried the “named and unnamed”, but that seemed to do something different

[Mambo Sam] Very good idea. And if you are doing sort of smaller rituals, you could choose to do one side of the family and then the other side.

[Mambo Sam] “Named and unnamed” is actually a sort of literal translation from Latin and doesn’t quite cover it, but as long as YOU know what you mean, that is fine.

[Desiree’] comment 

[Mambo Sam] Ouanga, then Desiree

[ouanga_bottle] I had a stroke of luck in that my sister made this awesome recipe book of my grandma’s recipes and gave each of us (mom, sisters) a copy for Xmas. There are all sorts of great pictures of ancestors that she scanned in and included with my grandma’s recipes. I really had wanted to make a recipe from it on Saturday but I bit off more than I could chew this weekend. But I’m going to love this cookbook and see all sorts of great uses for it.. heh heh (snort)

[Mambo Sam] Oh snort indeed! That is like a handbook for ancestor ritual. And a very nice idea, too.

[Mambo Sam] Nice! Thank you.

[Mambo Sam] Desiree?

[Desiree’] I will agree with rattle shaker that calling by name made my ancestors presence more for me. It was as if I could feel my granny’s arms around me when I called her by name but not until I called her name. She was very dear to me.... 

[Mambo Sam] And that certainly does help for those that you knew! And that is what makes it such a great connection for those that you loved and have passed on.

[Mambo Sam] It does get a bit more difficult with those that you didn’t know, but it is just like getting to know anyone — it takes time.

[Mambo Sam] Okay, did I miss anyone?

[ouanga_bottle] question

[Mambo Sam] Go ahead, Ouanga.

[ouanga_bottle] What’s the best way to integrate an ancestor ritual with a house blessing?

[Mambo Sam] Do the house blessing first and then the ancestor ritual. Just like you are cleaning for company!

[ouanga_bottle] I haven’t used my house blessing kit — once I knew I was moving, I decided I would use it on my new house.

[ouanga_bottle] Awesome!

[ouanga_bottle] Although I should probably get one for my old house to help get it rented...

[Mambo Sam] Really they aren’t quite integrated particularly, but that would be a very nice thing to do. And it may help with communication because it clears away any negativity that could be lingering from yourself or others.

[Mambo Sam] Any kind of negativity that is lingering around can hamper communication, so that is awesome. 

[ouanga_bottle] I do sense some odd things in this house. There were three sisters that lived here... and died here

[Mambo Sam] Doing a white bath before any ritual that involves communication is excellent.

[Mambo Sam] Oh, well, you might sense them.

[Mambo Sam] But probably there isn’t anything nefarious — I don’t feel any bad energy around you.

[ouanga_bottle] my cats do too, but they seem to be happy about something

[Mambo Sam] LOL. Kitties love the ghosts, ya know!

[ouanga_bottle] haaa ha!

[Mambo Sam] Okay, so before we move on to the next topic, if there are no more questions.

[rattle shaker] dogs too!

[Mambo Sam] Yep!

[Mambo Sam] Though sometimes they tend to drive dogs crazy — you know they freak out if they can’t smell something!

[rattle shaker] Haha! Yeah, makes him just guard the door

[Mambo Sam] Right — they know something is there but they can’t smell it — drives ‘em nuts.

[rattle shaker] after he makes sure everything is all good

[Mambo Sam] Okay, so before we move on to the next topic....

[Mambo Sam] I wanted us to take a moment to remember those who lost their lives in 9/11.

[Mambo Sam] If you knew anyone and want to call their name here, just tell us.

[Mambo Sam] Otherwise, I would like just about two minutes of silence while we remember and wish them good passage and ask the Baron to make sure that they are all crossed over successfully.

[Mambo Sam] With such a sudden and horrific death, that is when people get kind of stuck.

[Mambo Sam] So starting now.

(Two Minute Silence)

[Mambo Sam] Okay, thank you!

[Mambo Sam] It was a sad day for all of us.

[rattle shaker] Praise God, that we have the ability to help those no longer with us. I got chills calling on the Baron.

[ouanga_bottle] I felt a warm peace and then the breeze blew

[Mambo Sam] Nice!

[Mambo Sam] I honestly feel that most of them passed over successfully, it has been awhile, but that is how I remember them every 9/11 — just asking the Baron to help them if they are still confused or lost or bound in any way to the site or feel unresolved. That was a horrible energy after the incident.

[Mambo Sam] I never, ever want to feel anything like that again. The energy of their death’s fed off of the energy of our horror and it was awful.

[Mambo Sam] Thankfully, mostly there seems to be peace for them now.

[Mambo Sam] So speaking of the great and glorious Baron!

[rattle shaker] Baron!

[Mambo Sam] And since we have talked about and done an ancestor ritual....

[Mambo Sam] I wanted to talk a little bit tonight about Maman Brigitte.

[Mambo Sam] We usually spend more time with the Baron and have a tendency to think of him more in terms of the cemetery and as the guardian of life and death and all of that, but Brigitte is, as well.

[Mambo Sam] Even for those who serve the Baron as their lwa met tet, I always recommend that they also serve Maman Brigitte.

[Mambo Sam] And vice versa, if Maman Brigitte is your lwa met tet, I recommend you serve Les Baron.

[Mambo Sam] Of course, I am from the south and think it is only polite!

[Mambo Sam] I think the same for LaSiren and Agouer. And other lwa who are in couples.

[Mambo Sam] But anyway, Brigitte has been really been wanting me to speak about her and so I listen when that lady talks!

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[Mambo Sam] Now, before I go on, I wanted to mention that next week I will talk about the Baron and the ancestor ritual and how to incorporate Les Lois in the ancestor ritual, if you want to.

[Mambo Sam] Anyway...

[Mambo Sam] Just some basics about Maman Brigitte first.

[Mambo Sam] She is British/Celtic in origin.

[Mambo Sam] This is a bit different from some of the other lwa, most of which we trace back to Africa and/or Haiti. Most of the lwa are of Black heritage.

[Mambo Sam] There is some debate about the “skin color” of Brigitte, but I find that a bit of a yawn.

[Mambo Sam] I don’t care about people’s skin color on earth so I am not really caring about it for Les Lois.

[Mambo Sam] BUT, I bring it up simply because you are here to learn and so it is important for you to know that there are some different schools of thought on her racial heritage and I don’t want you to be confused when you read something one place and something some place else!

[Mambo Sam] So there is a school of thought that even though she is thought to be an actual direct descendent of St. Brigid there is a diversion on whether she is Black, White, or Mixed race.

[Mambo Sam] It is believed that her following ended up and continued in Haiti through Irish and Scottish indentured servants who were sent to work in Haiti!

[Mambo Sam] So there is a very interesting history there of the thought of this Irish “goddess” being incorporated and accepted as a lwa and now is considered an extremely powerful lwa — being married to the Baron and all that! 

[rattle shaker] ?

[Mambo Sam] In Haitian songs dedicated to the lwa...

[Mambo Sam] yes, rattle shaker?

[rattle shaker] How did she become associated with the dead and the Baron?

[Mambo Sam] I will get to that in a moment.  

[Mambo Sam] So in songs about Brigitte, songs that originated in Haiti, they even mention that she came from “England” — but it is believed that at one time all the British Isles — Scotland, Ireland, etc., were considered “England” to Haitians.

[Mambo Sam] Soooooooooooooooooooo..... how DID she become associated with the Baron and the dead.

[Mambo Sam] The history goes that actually what she was known for was healing! Pulling people literally back from the dead.

[Mambo Sam] Many ancient songs about Brigitte that are almost untranslatable have been laboriously translated (for those of you who were at any lave tets — you know about “langaj” — amost untranslatable).

[Mambo Sam] anyway, sorry...

[Mambo Sam] Many of these songs talk about her raising people from the dead. That a lot of talk will not help you, but talk to Brigitte and you or your loved one could be saved.

[Mambo Sam] So, ah ha, right!?

User matt has entered this room.

[matt] My wife is a beautiful and alluring creature of mystery. I am so blessed to have her in my life. I am the luckiest man alive. 

User matt has logged out.

[rattle shaker] AWWWWWW!!!

[ouanga_bottle] ok!

[Mambo Sam] Ah Matt just popped in.... He’s being so silly! We love him!

[PATRICKinCALI] bawling!

[ouanga_bottle] he is so adorable!

[waitingforastar] we are blessed to have her in our lives too.

[Candelaria] See, I have always loved Brigitte and felt a connection with her...

[Candelaria] yet, I don’t serve her. She is just so warm and loving. Like a maman

[Candelaria] And matt is adorable, too! Love ya, Matt!!!

[Mambo Sam] LOL. Gotta love him.

[ouanga_bottle] kisses kisses kisses

[PATRICKinCALI] Can’t wait ‘til October!

[Mambo Sam] Anyway...... Matt sends his love and says sorry for disrupting class! Bad boy. 

[rattle shaker] Salute!

[ouanga_bottle] We like bad boys

[Candelaria] Dats Ok, Matt! You’re welcome, Anytime!

[Mambo Sam] So, here we have Brigitte who is known for healing and the Baron who is already known for stealing as we like to say!

[Mambo Sam] But of course the Baron was always about life and death, but he wasn’t always perceived that way.

[Mambo Sam] It is believed they were brought together to show the balance, the ying and the yang, etc.

[Mambo Sam] For some reason, people seem to fail to teach this and I don’t know why.

[Mambo Sam] But that’s neither here nor there — you are getting it!

[Mambo Sam] I believe I have already told you in the past that in Haiti, when someone is possessed by the Baron, if there are any pregnant women around, they will run to the Baron to get their bellies blessed.

[Mambo Sam] Because they want the Baron to give them safe passage INTO the world!

[Candelaria] He governs the life cycle, correct?

[Mambo Sam] So we know he is not just about taking people safely out of this world.

[Mambo Sam] Yes, correct, Candi.

[ouanga_bottle] question

[rattle shaker] IC, one can claim the dead, and one can stave death

[Mambo Sam] Yes....

[ouanga_bottle] isn’t that a lot of responsibility for a lwa?

[Mambo Sam] When someone is seriously ill, on the brink of death...

[Mambo Sam] Hold on for a minute....

[ouanga_bottle] Sorry, I thought you meant “yes ouanga” oops! 

[rattle shaker] Me too

[Mambo Sam] I know, sorry...

[Mambo Sam] I get so excited and you might guess that they are BOTH breathing down my neck as I type and I can’t get to it fast enough for them!!

[ouanga_bottle] snort

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[rattle shaker] snort!

[Mambo Sam] So when one’s loved one is seriously ill, then the Baron is called on and served and asked to not dig the grave and thus the loved one will live.

[Mambo Sam] I won’t bother repeating the “my late husband Bob and the Baron” story, but okay, no it doesn’t always work and sometimes it is a person’s time!

[Candelaria] :-)

[Mambo Sam] My point in telling you is so that you will learn all of this. 

[Mambo Sam] Okay, sorry — Ouanga, go ahead, is the question the same?

[ouanga_bottle] yes ma’am

[Mambo Sam] The short answer is No.

[Mambo Sam] The longer answer is right now I am teaching you what the belief system entails.

[Mambo Sam] But remember.... This is some pretty strict Vodou/New Orleans belief system tenets.

[Mambo Sam] So what does that mean? 

[Mambo Sam] God and ancestors, right?

[Mambo Sam] Don’t forget that this is a monotheistic system.

[Mambo Sam] That means that Vodou believe in One Universal Power or God or whatever you want to call it.

[Mambo Sam] And then the ancestors.

[Mambo Sam] And then....

[Mambo Sam] Les Lois.

[ouanga_bottle] Yeah, that was the premise of my question

[Mambo Sam] So, technically, Les Lois would be considered the hand servants to God, but people seem to not want to teach that, either and, truthfully, that IS the truly the New Orleans Voodoo belief system. Period.

[Mambo Sam] There is no room for debate or wanting it to be some other way.

[Mambo Sam] It is, as they say, what it is. 

[ouanga_bottle] and will be. Thanks!

[Mambo Sam] I know that there are some diversionary arguments in the Vodou community about the role of God, the ancestors, and Les Lois.

[Mambo Sam] Which to me is crazy because people have stories, documents, and songs that were brought from Africa which all show belief in a one, centralized God — figure, or whatever you want to call it.

[Mambo Sam] No one I have ever known in New Orleans Voodoo (okay, for real, not the damned transplants) has ever questioned that. So, we have these various lwa who do various things.

[Mambo Sam] Naturally, those pregnant women in Haiti have already petitioned their ancestors and God for a safe birth.

[Mambo Sam] But believe me, if you are ever at a ceremony and the Baron or Brigitte appears and there is a pregnant Haitian in the crowd, you will see what I mean!

[Mambo Sam] So back to Brigitte...

[Mambo Sam] This gal is pretty racy when someone is possessed by her.

[Mambo Sam] She will tell a dirty joke (not vulgar filthy, but cute dirty).

[Mambo Sam] She will dance the banda (which is a sexually representative Haitian dance done for different reasons for different ceremonies).

[Mambo Sam] She, like the Baron, will swig down the rum laced with hot peppers.

[ouanga_bottle] mmm

[Mambo Sam] If you serve her as your lwa met tet, and I know someone here, I think I forgot to tell you to make that — e-mail me!

[ouanga_bottle] hand up

[Mambo Sam] So, if you are in Haiti and fake a possession of Brigitte, you are gonna be sorry, because when she appears, she is taken aside into the badji (a part of the peristyle) and rubs the hot peppered rum on her genitals to show that she is the real deal.

[Mambo Sam] Needless to say, there isn’t much faking of Brigitte possessions.

[Candelaria] Ouch!

[waitingforastar] yoweeee

[Mambo Sam] And yes, people do fake possessions, sorry, it happens. Like I always tell people who come to my functions, this is not a dog and pony show, you may not see a possession from me and you might. I would rather cut off an arm than fake one... no thank you. Anyway....

[Mambo Sam] Ouanga, go ahead please.

[ouanga_bottle] I would love your recipe for pinan, would you share it sometime, please?

[Mambo Sam] Yes, remind me and I will actually type it out ahead of time and that will be in the transcript next week. Now I do it ritualistically (gee what a surprise) so I make it with a ritual included. Tell the people what piman is, honey — not everyone knows what you are talking about.

[ouanga_bottle] sorry sweets

[rattle shaker] <- Piman comment

[ouanga_bottle] piman is hot peppered rum, very yummy

[Mambo Sam] Well, tell them! Snort!!!

[Mambo Sam] Yeah, truthfully, you shouldn’t be able to drink it unless you are possessed.

[Mambo Sam] If you make it right, it is the “test” of a fake possession of many lwa — either by drinking it or like I mentioned above.

[Mambo Sam] So, actually there is a hot peppered rum that is made in Haiti that is wonderful and you can drink it... but if you make it right for the lwa, you are not drinking it! LOL.

[ouanga_bottle] snort

[Mambo Sam] So there is piman and then there is PIMAN! LOL.

[Mambo Sam] Okay, I have been going on and on — questions??

[rattle shaker] When I made it, I started out with the peppers, and then....., I guess the Baron took over. I don’t know what all eventually went into it, but I wouldn’t drink it!

[Mambo Sam] LOL.... yeah, if he gets a hold of it, it will be just for him and her!

[rattle shaker] Yeah, mom always could stand toe to toe with dad on that!

[Mambo Sam] Well, darn it, it is getting pretty late, so I will start to wrap it up and continue on with this next week because, of course, Fet Ghede isn’t too far away and I want us to do a ritual for the Baron, Brigitte, and the Ghede. Fun, fun!

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[PATRICKinCALI] Several ??

[ouanga_bottle] it seems like it was just last month!

[rattle shaker] Yeah, but Yeaaah!

[ouanga_bottle] By the way, did you get my note that I will be in NO for the big day? hee heee!

[Mambo Sam] Several, what Patrick? Rituals? It will be all in one. The Baron and Brigitte are the father and mother of the Ghede lwa. In NOV we learn not to even call the Ghede without the Baron and Brigitte because they get so crazy with their partying!

[Mambo Sam] Yes, Ouanga.

[Mambo Sam] I will write to you about that.

[Mambo Sam] Was that your question, Patrick?

[ouanga_bottle] Hugs and love  

[PATRICKinCALI] Are cigarettes ok to offer for B ? Do you have the PIMAN recipe?

[simonegreenewpp] ??

[Mambo Sam] I will give you all the recipe next week for the PIMAN! LOL. And yes, she loves cigarettes and will even smoke the occasional cigar.

[rattle shaker] <- comment

[Mambo Sam] I will tell you all about service for them next week. Simone, then rattleshaker?

[PATRICKinCALI] I’ve seen several saints as her prototype, which is best for my altar?

[Mambo Sam] St. Brigit.

[Mambo Sam] There is a line of thought that they are direct descendents and that is a saint who’s not covering for someone else, different from other saint/lwa synchronization.

[Mambo Sam] Right!

[Mambo Sam] Very unusual in that aspect.

[PATRICKinCALI] It’s the only upside of being Catholic, everyone thinks they know what you’re up to!

[Mambo Sam] So she was a cover, but also supposedly a descendent.

[simonegreenewpp] I’ve read that black and purple are her colors, but could not find symbols for Brigitte. What are a few of them?

[Mambo Sam] Let me cover that next week, Simone — I will definitely get into it. By symbols do you mean veve or items — such as things you would put on your altar?

[PATRICKinCALI] And she likes rum and coffeee as well?

[Mambo Sam] Yes, rum and coffee.

[simonegreenewpp] Like Damballah has snakes or Grand Bois has trees.

[PATRICKinCALI] Can we do a hands up for the conference?

[ouanga_bottle] and dark beer

[waitingforastar] Coffee with rum sounds good to me too.:)

[Mambo Sam] Oh I see, I will go further into it, but the reason you don’t see them is people forget about her healing aspect. Think, healing items. And still, yet, burial type items as well.

[simonegreenewpp] Ok, thank you.

[Mambo Sam] We will cover service and things for both of them next week and how to do both together and separately.

[Mambo Sam] Yes, Patrick, you can do a hands up for the conference.

[PATRICKinCALI] ok...ME!

[Mambo Sam] Okay Patrick!

[Candelaria] And Me!

[simonegreenewpp] I’ll be there!

[ouanga_bottle] meeeee toooo

[rattle shaker]

[Mambo Sam] Oh God....

[Mambo Sam] rattleshaker!

[Mambo Sam] Who else???

[bridget] hand up

[Mambo Sam] Yeah baby!

[PATRICKinCALI] you better be there bridget!

[Mambo Sam] I would love to see all of you there. If I can help any of you with challenges you are having coming to the conference, please, please let me know.

[bridget] Yup, and the Hurricanes are on me

[Candelaria] You will get to meet the Brisket...as we lovingly call her!

[ouanga_bottle] rattleshaker!!!!!

[PATRICKinCALI] Do we all forget Candelaria’s dance?!

[Mambo Sam] No, it’s Brixen now.

[bridget] That’s right 

[Mambo Sam] Oh she will be dancing!

[bridget] No more lunch meat for me....

[Candelaria] OH NO!! You too, Patrick?!

[simonegreenewpp] Patrick is tap dancing too?

[Mambo Sam] OH, I almost forgot!! Hang on!

[Mambo Sam] The “girls of spellmaker” are doing a myspace page!

[Mambo Sam] I will put the URL on the forum!

[Mambo Sam] It will be awesome, awesome, awesome. There might even by dancing.

[rattle shaker] I’ll be sure to add them to My Friends!

[Mambo Sam] Patrick is definitely dancing!

[PATRICKinCALI] Sorry dear, I’m hoping it’s a workshop unto it’s self!

[Candelaria] Hey, Brixen, wanna dance with me?

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[Mambo Sam] Oh god, Candi stop drinking.

[ouanga_bottle] you guys should check out facebook, too! It rocks

[rattle shaker] HAHAHA!

[Candelaria] No, I stopped.  

[Candelaria] That’s the sad part!

[bridget] sure, after a pitcher of Hurricanes I wont care what I look like dancing

[Mambo Sam] Oh, I already did — I do see a little problem with facebook that we can talk about for a minute....

[Mambo Sam] I signed up for a page and then about 100 clients popped up as “instant friends,” with their pictures and real names! I was somewhat horrified for their own confidentiality.

[ouanga_bottle] oh no!

[rattle shaker] Wow!

[Mambo Sam] I mean I know I don’t have to “accept them” but holy cow!!! So we will have to work on that part for myspace, too. 

[Mambo Sam] Yeah, it was crazy, I just clicked on the facebook thingy about who might be out there who already wanted to be your friend if you ever had a facebook page... and honest to goodness, I freaked out.

[Candelaria] yeah, we want you as friends, but not to your own end!!

[Mambo Sam] I mean, full names with their pictures. Uh, not good. I have to keep your confidentiality! LOL.

[rattle shaker] I have gotten a Myspace friend request from myself!

[Mambo Sam] So, I will probably just write to them and ask them to change that up some kind of way if they want to be a “friend” on the page.

[rattle shaker] You gotta watch out

[Mambo Sam] So just a heads up on that — we will keep you posted about the page which will have tons good information, blogging, and getting to know your caseworkers!

[Mambo Sam] And Berkeley, too!

[rattle shaker] Berkeley! 

[Candelaria] Loves us some Berkeley, we do! :-)

[Mambo Sam] Fuggitabout it — gotta love Berkeley.

[bridget] All Hail Berks!

[ouanga_bottle] me loves Berkeley

[Mambo Sam] And she loves everyone, too!

[waitingforastar] Love the NY gangster impression Mambo Sam 

[simonegreenewpp] Me too!

[PATRICKinCALI] I just wish Orleanna could be there, never met her, but fell in love with her in Bradley’s book

[ouanga_bottle] you been reading too much from sal the site stealer

[waitingforastar] Yes Berks is a doll

[Mambo Sam] Oh Patrick, I so wish Orleanna was still with us — God bless her heart... She would love the conference and love these chats!

[Candelaria] Yes, I so wish she was here. She would love this chat and the conference would have her all psyched!

[Mambo Sam] I mean she is still with us, but you know....

[Candelaria] OK, so Mambo and I have one mind.

[ouanga_bottle] I sure wish I had gotten to work with her... 

[Mambo Sam] LOL. Candi and speak in tandem.

[PATRICKinCALI] The inspiration from her in that book continues to keep me going. And I never met her

[Candelaria] Honestly, Patrick, I wish you could have known her, but I guarantee that she knows you.

[waitingforastar] How long ago did she pass?

[Mambo Sam] The author of that book, our dear Marie, really kept her alive for all of us.

[PATRICKinCALI] July 2005

[Mambo Sam] It seems like yesterday.... Honestly.

[Candelaria] Two years ago, and we miss her every day.

[Mambo Sam] Two years now.

[Mambo Sam] I know the caseworkers myspace page will have a little memorial to her! She was the original caseworker, after all!!! LOL.

[waitingforastar] Speaking of Marie, haven’t heard from her. Wish I could’ve met Orleanna

[Candelaria] She had a very special love for all of our clients and I know that she still follows each and every case. 

[Mambo Sam] Oh indeed... Marie has been going through a rough time with a family member. Obviously, I cannot say much about it.

[PATRICKinCALI] Case Worker Extrordinaire from what I read...

[Mambo Sam] Indeed, just like our gals are now.

[waitingforastar] I’ll have to write her again.

[Mambo Sam] Unique and extraordinary in their own special ways.

[Candelaria] To put it in perspective for you all, she was mine and Bridget’s caseworker. :-) And friend!

[Mambo Sam] yep.

[bridget] Yes, she taught us a lot as well Honor to her!

[waitingforastar] So once upon a time the two of you had caseworkers too?

[rattle shaker] Honor to her!

[PATRICKinCALI] Oh for crying out loud! Really?

[Candelaria] Honor to her!

[Mambo Sam] For about four years of this business I did everything. Then I got this idea to have caseworkers. Orleanna and I had become friends, she was eager to help and thus became the first caseworker.

[Mambo Sam] Notice there are really only three caseworkers? That is because you must work closely with me at least three years before I will even consider it.

[Candelaria] Yep and that was about the time that Brixen and I came along and NEEDED a caseworker.

[PATRICKinCALI] Didn’t you two end up being related Mambo? (Way back)?

[Candelaria] We didn’t know we were in training. 

[rattle shaker] Hahah, no WAY!

[Mambo Sam] So yes, Brixen and Candi were Orleanna’s clients, too.

[waitingforastar] Wow, I thought you guys were born caseworkers 

[Mambo Sam] Orleanna and I traced a very strrrrrrrrrrrrrrrange family tree connection.

[Mambo Sam] Through the Parker family.

[Mambo Sam] When we first met, I thought — “gee she looks like my aunt” and she thought “wow, she looks like my younger sister.” Not that we hadn’t had pictures exchanged, but you know it is different in person!

[ouanga_bottle] for real???

[PATRICKinCALI] I think it is so cute when I read in the files her pinning gris gris to her “nightie”, who says nightie anymore?

[Mambo Sam] For real!

[Candelaria] Oh she did! 

[Mambo Sam] Um, I do.... well, I am old.

[Mambo Sam] Sigh.

[Candelaria] Miss her so much!

[PATRICKinCALI] How cute is that, bless her heart!

[Mambo Sam] At least my damned knees are.

[PATRICKinCALI] pinned?

[ouanga_bottle] snort

[simonegreenewpp] It doesn’t work as well when you sleep naked.

[waitingforastar] Nah, You’re not old. Age is only how long you’ve been here.

[PATRICKinCALI] and true age is how you FEEL

[Mambo Sam] Old!

[Mambo Sam] Ouch, better pin it to the pillowcase Simone.

[waitingforastar] Funny Simone, ouch

[rattle shaker] Hahaha!

[PATRICKinCALI] Sorry Mambo! Just a little “funny”! 

[simonegreenewpp] The original reason for piercings...

[ouanga_bottle] snort

[rattle shaker] Ahahaaaah!

[PATRICKinCALI] I am in Phys Rehab you know, well, you do know!

[rattle shaker]

[ouanga_bottle] So when you see someone who is all jacked up.... now you know why!

[Candelaria] Hey, it does work though. Orleanna was the master at adjunct work and that is ultimate in adjunct work.

[ouanga_bottle] sorry patrick, I didn’t mean you! I mean pinning your pining to your skin...

[simonegreenewpp] piercing?  

[waitingforastar] What, the gris gris on the nightie thing?

[PATRICKinCALI] She invented the “cocktail hour” for cryin out loud!

[Mambo Sam] Oh my goodness — Orleanna was truly the master of adjunct work — she always had candle work, etc. going.

[Candelaria] Yes, she did! With Mambo’s instruction.

[rattle shaker] Oh, wait, that reminded me of a question I had after reading the Damballah transcript

[Mambo Sam] Let me say that when she came to Spellmaker — she didn’t know a thing about Voodoo or magick... isn’t that crazy???

[Candelaria] But it was Orleanna’s idea.

[Mambo Sam] Nothing — she was a client, just like you guys.

Mambo Sam] That is how much she learned and paid attention and asked to be taught.

[waitingforastar] wow

[ouanga_bottle] I dig it

[Mambo Sam] Anyone who has known me for more than five minutes knows I will teach you if you ask.

[Mambo Sam] And pay attention.

[Mambo Sam] And aren’t a know it all.....

[Candelaria] And she most certainly did!!

[Mambo Sam] That woman was a sponge for knowledge.

[Mambo Sam] And she loved every minute of what she did.

[waitingforastar] Did she work with you in person?

[Mambo Sam] I think it is awesome that you are all getting to know her.

[Mambo Sam] Yes, WFAS she did.

[PATRICKinCALI] How old of a gal was she? Just curious...

[Mambo Sam] She wasn’t very old when she died — about 54 I think.

[Candelaria] yes

[Mambo Sam] Now that two years have passed, I feel we can safely put a memorial to her on the website.

[Candelaria] And just beautiful and glowing, right until the end!

[Mambo Sam] I had one all worked out and some of her family members were giving me grief...

[waitingforastar] That is young to die

[Mambo Sam] They didn’t know about her Voodoo until almost the end of her life.

[Mambo Sam] She chose to keep it from them.

[PATRICKinCALI] How awful

[ouanga_bottle] I made my first purchase in march of that year, and I remember I got my first reading right after she passed over... so sad...

[Mambo Sam] But now, I think we are fine now. If not, they can freaking sue me.

[Mambo Sam] And good luck.

[Mambo Sam] Because someone wrote on a forum that I was the anti-Christ.

[Mambo Sam] So that makes me pretty powerful, I am thinking.

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[Mambo Sam] People are so silly.

[waitingforastar] Yikes

[PATRICKinCALI] Did they figure out the Voodoo Mambo?

[rattle shaker] Hahahahahaaaaaa!

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[Candelaria] The Dark Mistress... “yes, Mistress..”

[Mambo Sam] LOL. I have had more fun with that — it certainly did get the intended reaction out of me.

[Mambo Sam] I mean didn’t get the intended reaction.

[Mambo Sam] I couldn’t stop laughing, actually.

[Mambo Sam] I am pretty sure if I were the anti-Christ I wouldn’t have to work so hard.

[ouanga_bottle] snort

[rattle shaker] HAHAHAhahaaaaaaaaaah!

[simonegreenewpp] Rats. I was looking forward to the fire-breathing demo at the convention.

[Mambo Sam] Anyway, Patrick, check your messages.

[Mambo Sam] LOL. I will try for that anyway, Simone!

[simonegreenewpp] Squee!

[rattle shaker] Hahahahhaaaaaa!

[ouanga_bottle] rattleshaker! You must come

[Mambo Sam] When I first read that I was like — uh, anti-christ — do you know what I look like with my chubby 5’ and chubby physique. If I could take any form I am pretty sure it wouldn’t be this one!

[Mambo Sam] LOL.

[simonegreenewpp] The trip to the newsstand won’t be the same without RS!

[waitingforastar] And have the music from the omen played while breathing fire heehee

[rattle shaker] I am working on it, for sure!

[ouanga_bottle] contact me

[rattle shaker] hahahahaaa, Mambo!

[rattle shaker] Now, now!

[ouanga_bottle] I love you Mambo

[PATRICKinCALI] Thanks Mambo... Night Night, waitingfoastar, et all

[Mambo Sam] Patrick, wait!

[Candelaria] Don’t let her fool your folks... she’s not chubby... she’s a hottie!

[waitingforastar] So your only 5 feet like me Mambo 

[Mambo Sam] Check your message fro me.

[PATRICKinCALI] Atten hut!

[waitingforastar] Hey, good things come in small packages hehe

[Mambo Sam] Check you IM, I had to ask you a personal question.

[Mambo Sam] Did you get it, Patrick?

[Candelaria] Does anyone else hear crickets?

[waitingforastar] Only if I go outside

[simonegreenewpp] Yes, they’re singing with the rats.

[Mambo Sam] Okay, sorry....

[rattle shaker] Haha, does anyone know how long it takes to drive from Florida to New Mexico?

[Mambo Sam] Alright kiddos, gotta go!!! Matt does cuz he did it!

[ouanga_bottle] rattleshaker!

[rattle shaker] Might save me some time...

[Mambo Sam] Rattleshaker, talk to Matt!

[Mambo Sam] I will have him e-mail you if you want.

[ouanga_bottle] There is a way, I smell it

[Mambo Sam] Okay kids, I am out of here. Candi has her pointy stick.

[ouanga_bottle] Wow it’s late

[rattle shaker] OK, I gotta new truck, so I’m good, and I’m sure it would be better than the 14 hour drive with two strangers, from Houston.

[simonegreenewpp] Thank you Mambo, for all your help — I love you!

[Mambo Sam] LOVE YOU!

[NOLAlives] Goodnight Mambo

[Mambo Sam] Good night NOLA — you know I love the name!

[ouanga_bottle] Goodnight sweetums, love and lots of it

[waitingforastar] Thank you Mambo wonderful as always

[Mambo Sam] Hugs and kisses!

[Mambo Sam] See you all next week, fun fun fun!

[rattle shaker] Night all!

[waitingforastar] Good night all, xxoxox

[simonegreenewpp] Time for the pointy stick drill team.

Chat September 25, 2007

[Mambo Sam] Hello everyone. We will get started in a minute.
[Mambo Sam] Is anyone eating moon cakes and drinking green tea?
[simonegreenewpp] No, I already know who my soulmate is. :-)
[lavender] I have some made of red lotus seed paste.
[Mambo Sam] LOL. Yes, but that is supposed to bring him to you!
[simonegreenewpp] Oh, oops!
[Mambo Sam] that’s okay... I just thought it was a very nice ritual.
[Mambo Sam] lavender, did you make your moon cakes or buy them?
[lavender] I didn’t have time to make them I had to buy them.
[lavender] Not too good huh??
[Mambo Sam] Yeah, I started to put up the redneck version of the ritual
where a person could eat moon pies and drink RC cola.
[Mambo Sam] LOL.
[Mambo Sam] Oh no, lavender, it is fine. I think just about everyone in
China uses the ones from the bakeries.
[Mambo Sam] I just wondered if anyone tried making them!
[lavender] I’m doing my LD tonight with it, is that O.K.
[Mambo Sam] Sure, that is fine.
[phantodrac] I just put my moon cakes in the oven!
[Mambo Sam] OH awesome!!!!
[Mambo Sam] Did you use the recipe from the blog?
[simonegreenewpp] The blogs have been really wonderful — thank you all for
doing them!
[phantodrac] Yup! Thanks so much! <3 I don’t cook a lot, so we’ll see how
this turns out!  :-)
[phantodrac] (seconding that the blogs rock)
[Mambo Sam] LOL. Well, at least only you have to eat them!
[Mambo Sam] Thank you Simone and Phantodrac! We have been working hard to
keep information coming.
[phantodrac] Should we try to give some of our mooncakes to our HD’s like
the Love Potion?
[Mambo Sam] Hmmmm... I don’t know. For sure, I can’t see that it would
hurt anything!
[rattle shaker] Depends on how they come out...  :-)
[phantodrac] haha!
[phantodrac] so true!
[Mambo Sam] I mean it is something that you are cooking with the intention
of love and if they turn out pretty yummy, I would go for it.
[Mambo Sam] Yep, as rattleshaker said....
[rattle shaker] Intention is 9 tenths of the law  :-)
[Mambo Sam] And 9 tenths of the lwa.
[rattle shaker] haha
[Mambo Sam] Sorry, can’t resist....
[rattle shaker] That’s ok... accept, embrace and release

[simonegreenewpp] snort (someone has to do it!)
[Mambo Sam] HA HAHA... gee rattle shaker, where EVER did you learn that!
LOL. Okay, let’s get started. A few people said they would not be here
tonight because they took the Chinese Harvest Moon Festival ritual pretty
seriously and wanted to do that and no be here.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, snort indeed.
[Mambo Sam] Poor little Ouanga, she is going through a rough patch.
[rattle shaker] yeah, seems so
[Mambo Sam] That’s okay, we will get her through it.
[simonegreenewpp] Hopefully the Lwa will bring her some hot moon
[simonegreenewpp] cakes
[Mambo Sam] Yep!

[Mambo Sam] Okay, so I want to first go over about us doing a Fet Ghede
ritual together. Fet Ghede is November 2 and it falls on a Friday this
year.
[Mambo Sam] If enough people want to do the ritual together here, we will
do it.
[Mambo Sam] So hands up if you feel like you want to participate in that.
[simonegreenewpp] yes!
[rattle shaker] me!!!!!
[Candelaria] Count me in.
[irishrose] me
[bridget] hand up
[lavender] I’m in
[sexychicaferrari] I’m in
[phantodrac] *hand up, baby, hand up!*
[REDANGEL] An enthusiastic yes!!
[Mambo Sam]  :-D
[mspnslg] baby & me
[Mambo Sam] Right on!
[Mambo Sam] Okay, so what I want to do is talk a bit more about the Ghede,
Baron, and Brigitte tonight so that we can be prepared. And we will wrap
that up next week because I want to go ahead and do a session on making
your Voodoo Prayer Beads (rosaries) so that those who are coming to the
convention can get that done before they come and have them blessed while
they are there.
[simonegreenewpp] yay!
[Mambo Sam] So next week I will give you some written out instructions on
what you need and what we are doing.
[Mambo Sam] This is something you can do on a budget or you can go all out
— it just depends on where you are financially.
[Mambo Sam] I mean truthfully, beads from (sorry Simone) Wal-Mart are fine
and cheap.
(Simone’s note — Michael’s & other craft stores have cheap beads, too!)
[Mambo Sam] And then again, beads from wonderful places are good, too.
[JamboJambo] question
[Mambo Sam] But I will give you all of that next week.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, JamboJambo, go ahead, please.
[JamboJambo] could one make their own beads? Like tissue paper and glue to
let them harden?
[Mambo Sam] Sure, if you know how to do that, you certainly can.
[JamboJambo] thanks
[Mambo Sam] I know some folks who drill small holes in small rocks,
stones, and shells and do it, too.
[Mambo Sam] So there are a lot of options in that area.

[Mambo Sam] Okay, so there is a great Ouanga Bottle that you guys can do
for Fet Ghede and I wanted to tell you about that tonight.
[Mambo Sam] So, for those of you who don’t know — Ouanga Bottles are very
prevalent in both New Orleans voodoo and Haitian vodou.
[Mambo Sam] In fact, “magick bottles” are pretty prevalent in a lot of
practices.
[Mambo Sam] Basically, a whiskey or some kind of alcohol bottle is
normally used.
[Mambo Sam] Usually this is because they are available!
[Mambo Sam] And they normally screw shut tight.
[Mambo Sam] And they are fairly durable.
[Mambo Sam] Most of us have them.
[Candelaria] And they are normally empty! :-)
[Mambo Sam] Most of us....
[Mambo Sam] : ) — and with this crowd they are normally empty!
[rattle shaker] hahaha
[Candelaria] heehee Couldn’t resist!
[Mambo Sam] LOL.
[Mambo Sam] So to answer the obvious question, yes, you could use some
other kind of bottle.
[Mambo Sam] But it needs to be able to shut securely and be opened and
closed.
[Mambo Sam] So a wine bottle that you have uncorked it not a good choice
unless you have one of those stopper dealie thingies that I don’t know
what they are called.
[Candelaria] Plus, Ouanga Bottles do have tendency to get a bit ripe over
time, so you might want to have a good stopper!
[Mambo Sam] Yes, they can, but this one won’t because it is a little bit
different — or at least it shouldn’t.
[Mambo Sam] Because for this you should use a bottle of clear rum. If you
can. If you are too young to buy alcohol, then use something appropriate
such as those non-alcoholic alcohol things...
[REDANGEL] ?
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Redangel.
[REDANGEL] Little bottles or the full size ones
[Mambo Sam] It depends, because you are going to use what you make — so if
you want to just have a little bit, then just a small bottle — it is up to
you.
[REDANGEL] Oh I see, thanks

[Mambo Sam] So let’s say that we all have a bottle of clear rum, or clear
something that isn’t just water.
[Mambo Sam] Hopefully a bottle of clear rum.
[Mambo Sam] We will use part of the rum “as is” during the Fet Ghede ritual.
[Mambo Sam] But you are going to want to have about 3/4 of the rum left in
the bottle for the Ouanga.
[Mambo Sam] And you will need these things — oh about a couple of
tablespoons of each...
    powdered cinnamon
    ground up allspice
    sesame seeds (not ground up)
    some lemon peel
    ground red pepper
    ground black pepper
[Mambo Sam] Those things will go in the bottle.
[Mambo Sam] I will tell you how and in what order because we will do this
at the Fet Ghede ritual itself
[Mambo Sam] For wrapping the bottle (you Lave Tetters know the drill on
this one!) you will need some cloth.
[Mambo Sam] Purple, black and white are the colors of choice, and ribbons
and/or thread, all in the same color scheme. And if you want some fancy
dancy decorations, you can do that, too — just keep in the same color
scheme.
[Mambo Sam] We will do this Ouanga on the point of the Baron and Brigitte
[Mambo Sam] This becomes sort of a “wash” for you.
[Mambo Sam] You can keep it in the fridge if you want, but I have made
this many times and it stayed nice and “pickled” in the rum.
[Mambo Sam] You can put this on you before rituals.
[Mambo Sam] You can put it on sacred objects.
[Mambo Sam] It is not an offering.
[Mambo Sam] It is for you to use and we will discuss some more of its uses
at Fet Ghede!
[Mambo Sam] Questions on that thus far?
[simonegreenewpp] Yes
[Mambo Sam] Go ahead, please.
[simonegreenewpp] A couple tablespoons is about the size of the small
spice jars. Is that how much we will need of each thing? Those 1” tall
spice jars?
[Mambo Sam] Well, it depends on how much you are making and really there
aren’t hard-fast rules for it, but that sounds about right. It is one of
those “feel your way” things.
[simonegreenewpp] Ok, just checking if I need to buy more. :-)
[Mambo Sam] LOL. More is good...
[Mambo Sam] I always find the Ghede lwa want more stuff from me. They can
run me ragged.
[Mambo Sam] HA HA, I at first made a typo that said they can “rum me ragged.”
[Mambo Sam] I guess that was true, too..
[rattle shaker] haha
[Mambo Sam] Maybe it wasn’t a typo!
[Mambo Sam] Okay, so that will be the Ouanga Bottle we will make.

[Mambo Sam] Now as to the Fet Ghede celebration itself.
[Mambo Sam] This is the time to pull out all the stops for an altar, if
you can.
[Mambo Sam] If you have Halloween stuff you are ahead of the game!
[Mambo Sam] Plus, it is the one time of year you can have an altar and
most people won’t think anything of it.
[Mambo Sam] LOL.
[Candelaria] Love it!
[Mambo Sam] And if you have a Big Lots or Dollar store or whatever near
you, you can get lots of Fet Ghede stuff for a little money!
[rattle shaker] It’s just the rest of the year.......
[Mambo Sam] Yeah, it tis the season!
[Mambo Sam] Yeah, the rest of the year is a problem for some people.
[Mambo Sam] So, you can use all the skulls and ghost stuff and jack o
lanterns that you want to decorate
[Mambo Sam] Some traditional foods are black coffee, roasted peanuts with
no salt, bread, coconut, roasted corn, of course alcohol if you can, root
beer if you can’t.
[Mambo Sam] If you have some of the traditional things for the Baron, put
them on the altar.
[Mambo Sam] For Brigitte — she uses some of the same “tools” — small picks
and hoes and shovels (the little hand held ones)

[Mambo Sam] I will tell you all ONE secret for Brigitte that no one ever
talks about.
[Mambo Sam] Keep a red scarf for her.
[Mambo Sam] If you want to do divination and have her guide you — tie the
red scarf on your own head.
[Mambo Sam] Then do your divination.
[Mambo Sam] Supposedly the story behind that is that she had a red scarf
given to her by her father.
[Mambo Sam] (Some of the stories say that it was a shawl but anyway).
[Mambo Sam] The scarf was stolen from her and she died without having it
returned to her.
[Mambo Sam] If you give her a red scarf, she will honor you.
[Mambo Sam] And that is some strictly New Orleans Voodoo stuff fer ya!  :-D
[Candelaria] heehee Thanks!
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.
[PATRICKinCALI] ??
[Mambo Sam] Yes,Patrick, go ahead.
[PATRICKinCALI] Do you mean a pretty girlie red scarf, or like a bandanna?
[Mambo Sam] Either way works!
[PATRICKinCALI] Okie doke
[rattle shaker] yeah, like a headscarf or a neckscarf?
[Mambo Sam] Um, a scarf.... red... tie on head.
[Mambo Sam] Red piece of cloth.
[Mambo Sam] :-D
[rattle shaker] hahahaha!
[Mambo Sam] Tee hee... seriously, I am telling ya, the lady likes a red
scarf.
[simonegreenewpp] comment
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Simone.
[simonegreenewpp] Dharma Trading company has hemmed silk squares. They
have white that you can dye, and I think they have colors, too. It’s
supposed to be a good source for silk.  (Sorry, just white & black, no
colors in silk scarves — you can dye them.  Still a good source!)
[Mambo Sam] Oh nice!
[Mambo Sam] Good to know.

[Mambo Sam] So, also try to have three crosses of some kind.
[Mambo Sam] They can be small.
[Mambo Sam] But have one to represent a place for Maman, one for Baron,
and one to represent the Ghede lwa as a whole.
[Mambo Sam] And for Brigitte, also some “healing” things. One of my very
personal favorites is a plain old bottle of aspirin.
[Mambo Sam] And if any of you who are coming to the conference want to
bring your Fet Ghede stuff to be blessed, just bring it — I mean some of
the items — obviously not your whole altar!
[phantodrac] hehe
[Mambo Sam] Okay, so back to Brigitte for a minute — healing things are
great for her — like I said, a bottle of aspirin works great.
[Mambo Sam] A little box of Band-Aids.
[Mambo Sam] You get the idea, I am sure — a little first aid kit.
[Mambo Sam] It is all symbolic of her great healing powers.
[Mambo Sam] Of course there are still the other aspects of her — the life
and death aspect, all of that.
[Mambo Sam] She is still served with all of the same things as the Baron,
but those other things are unique to her.
[Mambo Sam] Questions on offerings?
[rattle shaker] ?
[Mambo Sam] Yes, rattleshaker.
[rattle shaker] Are the aspirins like offerings you can’t take back, or
can you use them if you ask her when you are really sick?
[lavender] ?
[Mambo Sam] You can use them!
[Mambo Sam] For sure.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, lavender.
[lavender] Can I get the list of items for the Baron?
[Mambo Sam] It will be in the transcript — I am going to put the last two
weeks and this week altogether with some more instructions about Fet
Ghede.
[lavender] thanks
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.
[PATRICKinCALI] ??
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Patrick.
[PATRICKinCALI] So like my aspirin, vitamins, etc. I can keep on my altar
instead of in the cupboard?
[PATRICKinCALI] stuff that I take
[Mambo Sam] You sure could, and that is a really good idea.
[Mambo Sam] Ask her to make them stronger.
[PATRICKinCALI] will do, she is a tough chick!
[simonegreenewpp] ??
[Mambo Sam] Yes, that is the truth. She actually sometimes is portrayed in
such a negative light because she is considered to often do “negative”
magick. But um, not so true.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Simone.
[simonegreenewpp] How about making the medicine cabinet into a space for her?
[Mambo Sam] Hey, if you can, that is a great idea.
[Mambo Sam] Get some small pictures of St. Bridget, put them in there...
that would be really nice — a decorated medicine cabinet.
[Mambo Sam] LOL.
[Mambo Sam] But yes, you certainly could.
[rattle shaker] hehe, on the inside of the mirror... hehe
[Mambo Sam] Yep, you sure could.
[simonegreenewpp] I’ve seen those cabinet altars...
[Mambo Sam] So, let’s for a minute talk about Fet Ghede again. (Oh those
are very cool, I have one, of course I do as I have SO MUCH stuff they
keep making me buy.. anyway...)
[rattle shaker] hahahahahha!

[Mambo Sam] One thing I don’t want to forget to mention about Fet Ghede is
that it is traditionally the “Voodoo New Year”
[Mambo Sam] It is the beginning of a new year!
[Mambo Sam] So it is time to get rid of, bury, let go of old stuff, make
new resolutions, and all of that.
[Mambo Sam] It is also time to pay any debts that you might have to the
Baron if you invoked him and offered him something and maybe didn’t get a
chance yet to pay up.
[Mambo Sam] Time’s up.  :-D
[Mambo Sam] Your debt is due.
[Mambo Sam] So basically you want to start thinking in terms of the new
year as a Vodouisant.
[Mambo Sam] And speaking of celebrations...
[Mambo Sam] there is one important one closer than Fet Ghede
[Mambo Sam] And it is very important to all of us
[Mambo Sam] It involves singing, so clear your throats.
[Mambo Sam] Get ready...
[Mambo Sam] A very auspicious birthday is upon us
[Mambo Sam] In just a few days...
[Mambo Sam] So drum roll.............
[Mambo Sam] a big Happy Birthday to Bridget!!!
[Candelaria] YEAH!!!!!
[Mambo Sam] Chime in with the singing...
[rattle shaker] Happy Birthday!!!
[Mambo Sam] happy birthday to you
[Mambo Sam] happy birthday to you
[Mambo Sam] happy birthday dear Bridget
[Mambo Sam] happy birthday to you
[simonegreenewpp] and many more!
[rattle shaker] woo-hoo!
[Mambo Sam] I love you!!
[phantodrac] Happy Birthday!
[bridget] Thank you, Mambo
[REDANGEL] happy bday
[PATRICKinCALI] “It’s nifty to be fifty!”
[Candelaria] heehee Happy Birthday, Bridgey!!
[Mambo Sam] (Okay she seriously wants to kill me... I know she does.)
[bridget] Thank you , All.
[Mambo Sam] LOL... Patrick!!
[Mambo Sam] She is not fifty — that’s me!
[JamboJambo] Happy bday!!
[Mambo Sam] She is only 23
[Mambo Sam] I mean 32
[lavender] happy birthday to you Bridget
[PATRICKinCALI] Barely 50 Mambo!
[Mambo Sam] 35
[Happy] Happy Birthday my dear sweet Bridget
[irishrose] Happy Birthday Bridget
[bridget] Thank you, All.
[bridget] You are all very kind!
[Mambo Sam] Sweetie pie Bridget, we all love you so much and I think you
need to know that every once in awhile.
[Mambo Sam] You are truly cherished and loved here.
[REDANGEL] I AGREE
[Mambo Sam] And we don’t get to say it enough.
[bridget] awww, thanks!
[simonegreenewpp] Yes!
[Happy] I would be nothing without her
[Mambo Sam] So we are taking our moment! LOL.
[Candelaria] I second all of that, Baby!!
[PATRICKinCALI] Kidding, Happy day Bridget
[bridget] Its OK Patrick
[Candelaria] Where would I be without my partner in crime?
[bridget] No worries
[Mambo Sam] Oh, she can take a joke! But beware, she can give it as good
as she gets! LOL.
[Mambo Sam] Well, happy birthday, honey. Much love and kisses going your way.
[bridget] Thank you Mambo & Everyone!
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.
[bridget] It will be a great day, we just got an early start!
[Candelaria] It’s a week-long Bridgey Celebration!
[Mambo Sam] Hey I am one for starting the party early and keeping it going
— must be the Baron in me!
[Candelaria] HAHAHAHAHA! Is that your excuse?
[Mambo Sam] Naw, being from New Orleans is actually my excuse!
[Candelaria] There ya go!!
[REDANGEL] I think birthdays should be a month long thing,
[PATRICKinCALI] Careful Candi, I’ve met you!
[Candelaria] OH NO!!!
[Mambo Sam] LOL... yep. Especially mine and Candi’s..... we have sort of
suckie birthdates.
[Mambo Sam] LOL.
[Happy] Funny you said that redangel this lady at work said she celebrates
the entire month of her birthday every year and boy did she
[Candelaria] yeah, we do.
[simonegreenewpp] Mine’s a week after yours, Mambo!
[REDANGEL] Oh I start the count down in December
[REDANGEL] I was born in February!
[Mambo Sam] So we have to celebrate ALL month. OH heck, that’s right, Simone!
[Mambo Sam] Well, we will get to celebrating around December 1.
[Candelaria] Yep, so Simone can join the club! We get caught in the
holiday shuffle.
[simonegreenewpp] Everyone celebrates mine... with a hangover.
[Mambo Sam] LOL.
[mspnslg] lets just celebrate all year that should take care of all of us
[Happy] I never celebrate mine
[REDANGEL] I likes the sound of that


[Mambo Sam] Okay, so back to the Fet Ghede, etc.
[Mambo Sam] Anymore questions?
[Mambo Sam] We will discuss it more and I suppose questions after I put
the transcript up will be in order!
[Mambo Sam] LOL.
[Mambo Sam] But if you have anything, please speak up.
[Mambo Sam] Please put your hands up if you have questions about Fet Ghede.
[Mambo Sam] Okay, what I am going to do is put together the three
transcripts from Simone (thank you, Simone)
[simonegreenewpp] you’re welcome!
[Mambo Sam] and I will then insert some more of the things about Fet Ghede
and what it means, what we will do on November 2, etc.
[Mambo Sam] Then once we are squared away on that, we will get working on
our prayer beads.
[Mambo Sam] That sounds like a plan!
[Mambo Sam] Oh, and I wanted to mention to you that I put a little “slide
show” on my blog from some trips I made to Haiti.
[Mambo Sam] I thought you guys would like to see some pictures. I have
lots more, but I did a slideshow with a few of them. I will do more!
[angelsfly2000] I love pics

[Mambo Sam] Okay, the lovely Candelaria and, hopefully the beautiful
Bridget, even though I didn’t ask her,
[Mambo Sam] will answer any caseworker questions or other questions.
[Mambo Sam] As I need to get back to doing readings! LOL.
[Candelaria] Bridgey, you will me?
[bridget] sure.
[Mambo Sam] I am actually in danger of catching up on readings.
[Mambo Sam] LOL.
[Mambo Sam] I won’t know how to act!
[angelsfly2000] have fun Sam
[Candelaria] Thanks, Bridge!
[simonegreenewpp] We’ll just ask for more readings!
[Happy] bye Mambo have a great night
[Candelaria] Have fun with readings, Mambo!
[Happy] great I mean sorry type
[simonegreenewpp] Thank you!
[REDANGEL] GOOD NIGHT
[Mambo Sam] Thank you!
[Mambo Sam] Hang out with our beautiful caseworkers!
[bridget] Night, Mambo
[Mambo Sam] Love to you all!
[angelsfly2000] good nite
[Mambo Sam] See you next week!
[Happy] the rockin twosome
[Candelaria] You folks have no idea how gorgeous we truly are!
[Happy] Yes some of us do because we met you
[PATRICKinCALI] I can’t get over it Candi!
[simonegreenewpp] I know — I’ve seen you!
[Candelaria] that’s true!
[Candelaria] OH NO!! too many of you know the truth!!
[Happy] both are sweet and adorable folks and cuteeeee
[angelsfly2000] love you too
[phantodrac] I love you!
[Candelaria] Night Mambo!! Love you!!
[Mambo Sam] Kisses!!!!

[lavender] Good night Mambo say happy birthday to lavender.
[angelsfly2000] kiss kiss
[NOLAlives] good nite
[Mambo Sam] Is it lavender’s birthday, too?
[Mambo Sam] Did I miss that?
[lavender] today
[Candelaria] Lavender?
[Mambo Sam] Good lord!
[Candelaria] yeah!!!!!!
[Mambo Sam] Sorry!!!!!!!! Happy birthday, baby!!!
[phantodrac] Happy birthday!
[rattle shaker] Happy Birthday!!!
[Candelaria] OK, another round, Mambo, if you please.
[bridget] Happy Birthday, Lavender!
[lavender] come on show me some love
[simonegreenewpp] happy birthday
[REDANGEL] Happy bday lavender
[angelsfly2000] happy b-day lavender
[Mambo Sam] Whee haw! That is awesome!!!!!!
[JamboJambo] Happy Bday too!
[Happy] Happy Birthday Lavender
[Mambo Sam] Much love, honey....
[Candelaria] Happy Birthday, Lavender!!!
[Mambo Sam] okay, is it anyone else’s birthday?
[Mambo Sam] LOL.
[Mambo Sam] That is just crazy!
[angelsfly2000] hehehe
[Mambo Sam] HA HA
[lavender] Thank you everyone
[PATRICKinCALI] You hate to leave a party don’t you Mambo?
[Candelaria] Loves me some Libras, I do!
[Mambo Sam] This is why we are now asking for your birthdays when you buy
something!
[angelsfly2000] your welcome
[Mambo Sam] So we can all celebrate!
[Mambo Sam] I do hate to leave a party!
[Happy] Libras have fun personalities
[Mambo Sam] Okay, happy birthday!!!!!
[Mambo Sam] Back to readings... love you guys!

[Candelaria] OK, so questions? One at a time, hands up and Bridgey and I
will try to help.
[REDANGEL] ???
[Happy] what
[ally] hands up
[Candelaria] go ahead redangel.
[Candelaria] The Happy, then Ally.
[REDANGEL] For alter clothes, it says to always have a clean one right,
but if I’m doing one or more candles can I keep the same one?  I usually
keep a white one on my alter.
[Candelaria] If you have a standard area set up as a altar and that’s what
you are using you can keep your altar clothe there, yes. However, if you
are doing a red or black mummy candle, you need a clean white altar cloth.
[REDANGEL] Okay thanks, I’ve been switching them every time. Makes for a
lot of laundry
[Candelaria] No, that’s fine. Aside from the mummy candles, I switch my
altar cloth every week. Just to keep things clean. OK?
[Candelaria] Do you have a standard altar set up that you keep up all the
time?
[REDANGEL] I used to before I had to move, and I would like to again soon.
But just a temp one for now that I have to take down
[Candelaria] OK, if you do put up a Voodoo altar that you keep up, then
there are guidelines for the cloths... such as, (and no one think this is
gross), you should wash your clothe in the first urine of the day. The
first time you urinate in the morning, the urine is sterile and it is a
part of you that you are putting into the altar. There are instructions on
it, in the forum files.
[REDANGEL] Oh really, I’m gonna have to read that one.
[Candelaria] I know that sounds awful, but it is tradition and not really
that bad. It’s sterile and clean, to be quite honest.
[Candelaria] Does that do it for ya, redangel? Answer your question?
[REDANGEL] That’s everything so far thanks!

[Candelaria] OK, Happy. What’s up, my dear?
[Happy] Since we are on alter clothes is it ok if you have none — funds
are low and no store around for me to buy one for things like the mummys.
I do have one that I keep up and it is red hope that is ok.
[bridget] For the mummy, you can just use a clean white paper towel. As
long as its clean and white, its fine
[Happy] awesome that works for me
[bridget] And for altar cloths, check the dollar store or the bargain
fabrics at Wal Mart. That’s what I use
[simonegreenewpp] How about a pack of men’s handkerchiefs?
[Happy] Don’t laugh, none of those stores near me. Only CVS.
[bridget] Anything clean and white is fine for the mummys.
[Candelaria] I have even used pillow cases.
[bridget] Well, if you come across some fabric that is nice, just a yard
will do. It doesn’t have to be expensive at all, that’s what I am trying
to say
[REDANGEL] Do they have to be new or can you use an old sheet or something
like that, washed of course
[bridget] OK, happy?
[Happy] yes and thanks sweetie
[bridget] sure,
[Candelaria] Just clean and white, redangel. Doesn’t have to be new.
Remember that Voudou/Voodoo is practiced in some very poor countries. Just
do what you can.

[bridget] ALLY?
[ally] I am not sure if this is “caseworker” question... please forgive me
if I am asking the wrong question... but these days it’s serious heart
ache after working on the candles... I have never felt this in the past 6
months of candle works
[Candelaria] It’s OK, Sweetie. So, what’s your question?
[ally] Is that a sign to let go?
[Candelaria] OK, this is getting a bit personal, but it might help someone
else. What are you feeling and what kind of candle work are you doing?
[ally] white male. I have been working on that for 6 months. every time I
finish one candle... my HD would check in with me
[Candelaria] Well, Sweetie, honestly, it can be a bit of purging. You
might be feeling that coming from him. White candles are for healing and
maybe you are picking that up. You see, the only way to get out of
something, including pain, is to go through it, so he is probably going
through a bit of strife because of the work...  Now before you think
that’s bad, it’s not. He has to go through it to heal.
[Candelaria] See what I mean?
[ally] yeah
[Candelaria] You are helping him to heal. That’s what you are picking up.
I would say it’s perfectly fine and to try to work through it.
[Happy] ?
[Candelaria] You should get a white image candle for yourself, to help you
deal with it. OK?
[ally] Ok, Thanks a million
[Candelaria] Also, if you haven’t already, talk to your personal
caseworker about it. She can help. Alrightie?
[Candelaria] You’re welcome.

[Candelaria] OK, Happy.
[Happy] well I was thinking about something Mambo said about contact and
the two white image and red mummy. And what if you do a pink image or red
image and a red mummy is that something that will work towards anything?
(yup I am always thinking of an angle)
[bridget] That is specifically ONLY for a red mummy and white image
candles. Its not to be changed
[Happy] oh no I meant not for contact but could you ask for anything or a
red or pink with a deluxe love doll
[bridget] You can use a red mummy to boost the power of *almost* any other
product. So if you wanted to do a red mummy and pink male candle, that
would be OK. Is that what you mean?
[Happy] ewww like that
[bridget] was that your question, happy?
[Happy] yup :-)

[ally] ?
[bridget] ok, ally....
[ally] when you mention you can *almost* use red mummy with any other
product, does that mean it can be used with love doll too?
[Candelaria] Yes, I can be used with a love doll. You can check the
transcripts on using candle work with your love doll. Mambo went over that
early on, but yes you can.
[ally] ok, thanks
[Candelaria] No problem. Also, and this is for everyone, you can get
creative with product, BUT ask your caseworker first, because some combos
might not be what you need for your case. She knows your case, so ask your
caseworker and she can guide you in what would work best for your
situation.
[Candelaria] I know we say this all the time, but it’s true. Every case is
different.
[Candelaria] Did you have another question, Ally?
[ally] no
[ally] thank you

[simonegreenewpp] comment
[Candelaria] You’re welcome.
[Candelaria] go ahead, Simone, My dear! :-)
[simonegreenewpp] I wanted to mention I’ve found both your blogs really
helpful!
[Happy] ditto
[simonegreenewpp] The love doll 411 was particularly good as a reminder
[Candelaria] Awesome! Thanks so much!!  I know I’ve been putting a lot of
thought into it, and Bridget has been blogging day and night!
[simonegreenewpp] Luckily I was still doing things right, but the reminder
to keep a positive outlook can’t be repeated enough.
[bridget] Sorry, I’ll get it under control
[simonegreenewpp] Thank you both!
[bridget] It was like having a new toy!
[Candelaria] No, Bridgey... KEEP IT UP!!! Right, everyone?
[simonegreenewpp] Keep on playing with it!!!!
[Happy] Yes Bridget it is fantastic
[Candelaria] Right!!!
[JamboJambo] There is no such thing as too much help Bridget!
[Candelaria] And yes, stay positive!! That’s so important!!!
[Happy] do not stop besides blogs are suppose to be done on a daily basis
[simonegreenewpp] The blogs answer the questions we did not think to ask. :-)
[Candelaria] Right!! Honestly folks, she’s more than a sister to me! Isn’t
Bridget the best?
[Happy] yes
[simonegreenewpp] Yes!
[Happy] Love her since has been my lifesaver for years
[bridget] awww, thanks guys. But the bloggahrea is getting under control!
[angelsfly2000] I have to go now yous love yas much
[Candelaria] Hey, I read Bridget’s blogs!
[simonegreenewpp] Better than diary-a
[Candelaria] Good stuff in there!
[Candelaria] bye, angelsfly!
[Happy] Yours too Candi
[Candelaria] Aww, thanks!
[bridget] Yes, Candi’s blog rocks!
[Candelaria] Aww, thanks Bridgey!
[simonegreenewpp] Yes, you poked us with the positive pointy stick, too!
[Candelaria] Yes I did!! I didn’t always have my pointy stick, but now
that I do... LOOK OUT!!
[Happy] Not sure if you guys realize but you make our days just knowing
you care about us all.
[Candelaria] Of course we care. Honestly, we do this for you.
[Candelaria] :-)
[Candelaria] And it’s our pleasure to be of service.
[lavender] You all have important information to pass to us all on your
blogs. Keep it up. Gotta Go have a great week all.
[Candelaria] Thanks, Lavender! Such a pleasure having you here. Take care,
my dear!
[Happy] I know and isn’t it weird that all of you found each other? I mean
Mambo, Berkeley and you two are almost like a family just not blood
related. It is scarey
[Candelaria] Well, we are a family. A spiritual family. Right, Bridgey?
[bridget] Yes, we are. Spread out all over the country
[Candelaria] Yep
[Happy] Well, good night dear ones I still have some gris gris chants to
get done. Love to you all.

[Candelaria] OK, any more questions, my sweet ones?
[simonegreenewpp] ??
[Candelaria] Go ahead, Baby. Lay it on us.
[simonegreenewpp] Yes, is Rattle Shaker coming to the conference? :-)
[Candelaria] Of course Rattle Shaker CAN! I don’t know if he’s signed up
yet, though.
[simonegreenewpp] Hmmmn. He’s being quiet...
[Candelaria] OK, folks... I’m flickering the lights and getting my pointy
stick ready. It’s on deck. I need my beauty sleep, ya know!
[Candelaria] Rattle Shaker?
[simonegreenewpp] poke poke
[Candelaria] Tap, tap, tap... is this thing on?
[rattle shaker] No, I’m not signed up yet
[Candelaria] There ya go, Simone. Not signed up yet.
[rattle shaker] I found out it’s a 25hr drive, though
[simonegreenewpp] Drive faster...  :-)
[rattle shaker] I drove 14hrs to get to the Lave Tet
[Candelaria] So, Rattle Baby? I think you need to buy us a drink at the
conference. Simone, you agree?
[simonegreenewpp] Yes, definitely!
[rattle shaker] If I can get there, absolutely!
[Candelaria] OK, so no more pressure. Would just love to see you again.
[simonegreenewpp] Yes, we would!
[rattle shaker] I would love to see you all too. I’m getting better vibes
about it every day
[simonegreenewpp] Good!
[Candelaria] OK, so we have to close up shop. Pointy stick is in hand and
Bridget has the car running, so we have to go. Right, Bridge?
[rattle shaker] Night!
[REDANGEL] Good night all
[Candelaria] Night Everyone!
[REDANGEL] XOXOXOXO
[ally] thank you all
[bridget] Yup, 5 am comes really fast around here
[Candelaria] You’re welcome.
[bridget] wow
[Candelaria] We clear a room!
[bridget] was it something we said?
[Candelaria] Nope, they saw my pointy stick.
[simonegreenewpp] pointy stick!
[Candelaria] SEEEEE!
[bridget] well then all hail the pointy stick!
[Candelaria] pointy stick!
[simonegreenewpp] Be careful where you point that stick!
[bridget] UGH I gotta get some sleep.
[Candelaria] Oops, sorry! I got an e-mail the other day that told me I
could increase it’s size by two times.
[bridget] night all
[Candelaria] Yeah, I agree. Night, Bridgey!
[simonegreenewpp] Sorry, still laughing about the stick enlargement...
[Candelaria] HAHAHAHA Yeah, I crack myself up sometimes!
[Candelaria] Nightie Night!

***********************

Chat October 2, 2007

[Mambo Sam] Hello everyone!
[Mambo Sam] It is good to see you all.
[Mambo Sam] Tonight we will be talking about making Voodoo prayer beads or
“voodoo rosaries.”
[Mambo Sam] I am going to give you some instructions and then next week we
will talk about prayers and how to use them.
[Mambo Sam] If you remember, I did tell you that if you want them
consecrated by me, I will do that, but you have to either come to the
convention (oh, please come!), or mail them to me. I won’t charge for
consecrating them, of course. :-D
[Mambo Sam] So prayer beads are nothing unusual at all — most major
religions have some kind of prayer beads
[Mambo Sam] The Buddhists and Hindus use the japa malas.
[Mambo Sam] Islamics use misbaha.
[Mambo Sam] Sikhs use a long string of wool tied with 99 knots in it.
[Mambo Sam] So having a set of voodoo prayer beads is a good step for
anyone interested in practicing the power of prayer with voodoo.
[Mambo Sam] Now we are going to talk about doing a basic, 9 mysteries type
of voodoo prayer beads.
[Mambo Sam] However, you can do a set of prayer beads for just one lwa.
[Mambo Sam] But I want you all to do a basic one first (assuming you are
going to do one). :-D
[Mambo Sam] Then once you get that under your belt, we can talk about
doing one that you reserve just for your met tet... and other things.
[Mambo Sam] Anyway, so a basic set of voodoo prayer beads (and this is
based on the information I was taught in my family with the Church of the
Nine Mysteries — it doesn’t seem to vary much from other things I have
read from other family traditions).

[Mambo Sam] So let’s talk about who is honored with these prayer beads.
[Mambo Sam] The Baron.
[Mambo Sam] Legba.
[Mambo Sam] Ogoun.
[Mambo Sam] Agwe.
[Mambo Sam] Damballah.
[Mambo Sam] Erzulie.
[Mambo Sam] Sobo.
[Mambo Sam] Simbi Makaya.
[Mambo Sam] Gran Bwa.
[Mambo Sam] And they are strung in that order, from left to right, then
the beads are tied so that the Baron and Gran Bwa meet.
[Mambo Sam] Now of course, as you all know, I am a great proponent of
honoring the partner of a lwa
[Mambo Sam] So for those partnered lwa, such as the Baron, etc., we will
talk about how to do those mysteries.
[Mambo Sam] Questions thus far?

[Mambo Sam] Okay...
[Mambo Sam] So let’s talk about materials that you will use.
[Mambo Sam] You have a lot of leeway here.
[Mambo Sam] You can use the most expensive, beautiful beads you can find.
[Mambo Sam] Or you can use budget beads.
[Mambo Sam] Seeds are sometimes used.
[Mambo Sam] I recommend that you not try to break the bank doing this, but
rather stay within what you can afford. There are a lot of bead sites on
the internet and there is Hobby Lobby, Michaels, local bead stores, etc.
So once you get into choosing beads, try to get what appeals to you and
what you might feel guided to buy.
[Mambo Sam] I have made many of these with those big plastic beads that
you can get in almost any variety store.
[Mambo Sam] I know the lovely and talented Simone has worked with this
somewhat and we will ask her later to share some of what she has come up
with as far as beading, etc.
[Mambo Sam] And if anyone else here is a “beader”
[Mambo Sam] Then I will certainly want to hear from you here in a minute. :-D
[Mambo Sam] As far as for what you will string the beads on, here again,
you have a lot of choices. The main thing that I would strongly suggest is
that you use something durable. But you also need to be able tie knots in
it.

[Mambo Sam] The colors we will use is important:
[Mambo Sam] For the Baron: purple and black
[Mambo Sam] For Legba: Red and white.
[Mambo Sam] For Ogoun: Red and blue.
[Mambo Sam] For Agwe: Blue and white.
[Mambo Sam] For Damballah: White, but I found some cool beads with little
rainbows on them so I am going to put a few of those in between the white
ones for Ayida Ouedo.
[Mambo Sam] For Erzulie: Pink or a combination of pink and gold.
[Mambo Sam] Sobo: White and yellow.
[Mambo Sam] Simbi Makaya: Red and black.
[Mambo Sam] Gran Bwa: Green and white or just green.

[Mambo Sam] You use 9 beads per “mystery.”
[Mambo Sam] And a “spacer” bead between mysteries.
[Mambo Sam] I like to use the same color or type of bead for my spacer beads.
[Mambo Sam] So it ends up looking like a long rosary — 9 beads, a spacer,
9 beads, a spacer, and so forth and so on.
[Mambo Sam] However, you do not put a crucifix on it. Traditionally, a
tassel goes there when you tie the two ends together.
[Mambo Sam] There are no beads at the end like there are on a regular
catholic rosary — if you are familiar with how that looks — the crucifix
and then the five beads, and a medal, and then the mysteries.
[Mambo Sam] This is different.
[Mambo Sam] Leave enough string to tie it together and tie a tassel on it.
I actually like to use a multi colored tassel so that everyone is honored.
[Mambo Sam] You can also tie little bells with the tassel. The little
“jingle bells” are very popular for this.

[Mambo Sam] So can you picture this in your mind? Questions?
[Mambo Sam] Okay.
[Mambo Sam] So you can use these prayer beads in a number of ways that we
will discuss next week along with the prayers that go with each mystery.
[Mambo Sam] But just as one would pray the rosary as a Catholic, you can
use these prayer beads to pray for almost anything.
[Mambo Sam] You can “dedicate” a prayer bead session to a particular request.
[Mambo Sam] Or you can just say the prayer beads to honor the lwa and not
ask for anything at all.
[Mambo Sam] So as with making the prayer beads where you have a lot of
options, you also have a lot of options with the usage of that which you
make.
[Mambo Sam] So making sense thus far?
[Candelaria] Yes
[Mambo Sam] Thank you.
[ouanga_bottle] yep
[Destiny] Yes
[Mambo Sam] OKay, good.

[Mambo Sam] Oh, I meant to mention before we started to talk about this
about the Baron, et al, transcripts.
[Mambo Sam] I am almost finished with those and will have them ready here
in a couple of days.
[Mambo Sam] Those transcripts will contain more information about our
doing the Fet Ghede ritual together on November 2.
[Candelaria] YEAH!!!!!
[Mambo Sam] So that will be a pretty long file.
[Mambo Sam] But it will contain a lot of information and some clearer
explanations of things than what we covered in class. Once I started
reading it over, I realized that it needed to be a little more organized —
well, I needed to be a little more organized in presenting the
information. LOL.
[Mambo Sam] So, I also wanted to tell you guys this first before I put it
on the website.... Next week we will start offering the Baron and
Brigitte’s purple bath — just in time for Fet Ghede.
[ouanga_bottle] Awesome!
[Candelaria] Yeaaaaaaaaah!!!!!
[ouanga_bottle] Send me some right now!!!!
[simonegreenewpp] Is this the first Sheer Goddess bath?
[Mambo Sam] So what I am going to do is probably send you guys an e-mail
so that if you want to purchase it, you can purchase it first.
[Mambo Sam] No, Simone, it isn’t. It is like the other baths — well, you
know what I mean.
[ouanga_bottle] May I be a beta tester?
[Mambo Sam] I had a helluva a time finding a particular herb that goes in
that bath.
[Mambo Sam] But finally the Baron unearthed it for me. Sorry, couldn’t
resist that one.
[simonegreenewpp] Cool!
[ouanga_bottle] snort
[Candelaria] heehee Pun intended.
[phantodrac] That was great!
[Mambo Sam] Yeah....
[Mambo Sam] Thanks for the snort, Ouanga.
[ouanga_bottle] Love you
[Mambo Sam] Can’t wait to hear that snort at the convention.... Practice
please. Or get a card that says snort. I dunno how you are going to pull
that off.
[Mambo Sam] Love you, too.
[ouanga_bottle] heh hehh
[Mambo Sam] So be on the look out for an e-mail because I want you guys to
get that bath first if you want to do it for Fet Ghede.
[Mambo Sam] I mean, it certainly isn’t required or anything like that....
But it would be a great way to start Fet Ghede.

[Mambo Sam] Okay, now back to our regularly scheduled program.
[Mambo Sam] Or any questions about that?
[ouanga_bottle] Ok to pick it up while we are there?
[Mambo Sam] Ouanga, I hope so. I am still trying to get a quantity of this
herb. But I do have a line on a source.Right now I have enough for about
20 baths.
[simonegreenewpp] What is the herb?
[Mambo Sam] And I just don’t have it in me to skimp or substitute stuff —
but I guess all of you here already know that.
[Mambo Sam] I could tell you, but then I gotta adopt you, Simone.
[simonegreenewpp] :-)
[Destiny] Yes Mrs. Above and beyond!
[Candelaria] Ancient Voodoo Secret!!
[Mambo Sam] LOL.
[Mambo Sam] LOL, Destiny.
[Mambo Sam] But I am willing to draw up the papers, Simone.
[simonegreenewpp] I was just wondering if it might be crawling around in
my garden.
[Mambo Sam] So, yes, I am in high hopes that I will have plenty for the
conference, too, but then of course most of you will already have it.
[Mambo Sam] I might have to come poke around in your garden.
[simonegreenewpp] Woo-hoo!
[rattle shaker] haha
[Mambo Sam] Don’t tempt me, Simone.
[simonegreenewpp] We’d love to have you visit here!
[ouanga_bottle] Yes absolutely!
[Mambo Sam] Don’t rule it out!
[ouanga_bottle] You can stay in my house and see if it’s in fact really
haunted
[Mambo Sam] Maybe we will come up there and do a lave tet and use Ouanga’s
or Simone’s yard.
[ouanga_bottle] And we’ll cook lots
[Mambo Sam] Yeah!
[simonegreenewpp] Fun!
[Mambo Sam] Indeed. I wouldn’t rule it out, that is for sure.
[Candelaria] Oh, Mambo hates to cook!
[Mambo Sam] Very funny!!!! Shame on you Candi.
[simonegreenewpp] That’s OK, I hate to eat.
[Candelaria] heehee
[Mambo Sam] Tee hee...
[Candelaria] Actually, she loves to cook!!
[ouanga_bottle] I’ll cook then! I know a mean dead daddy omelet recipe
[Candelaria] Born in da kitchen, she was!
[Mambo Sam] Oh yummy...

[Mambo Sam] Okay, any questions real quick about Fet Ghede or anything
related to that.
[Mambo Sam] OKay, so back to our prayer beads.
[Mambo Sam] Or questions, comments?
[simonegreenewpp] yes
[rattle shaker] ?
[Mambo Sam] Speak up if you are lost on this subject!
[Mambo Sam] Simone, then rattle shaker.
[simonegreenewpp] What kind or color of beads for the spacers?
[Mambo Sam] I like to use something like silver or gold or white. But
there is no real hard, fast rule for that. I just like it to be something
I am not otherwise using. That way it doesn’t look like someone is getting
extra honor.
[simonegreenewpp] Ok, like a “neutral” ?
[Mambo Sam] Yes.
[Mambo Sam] Hey, if one of you talented people gets done fast, send me a
picture! I will post it for an example. If it is okay.
[Mambo Sam] Rattleshaker?
[Mambo Sam] Go ahead, please.
[rattle shaker] Sorry I was late, if this will be in the transcripts,
that’s ok. But, how many mysteries can be included in one, just the ones
you listed? And how long should it be?
[Mambo Sam] We are working this time on a basic prayer bead — nine
mysteries — nine beads for each mystery (in this case a “mystery” is one
section of the whole — mystery=lwa).
[Mambo Sam] How long it will be will depend on the size of your beads or
personal choice.
[Mambo Sam] Make sense?
[rattle shaker] Yes, I just didn’t know if it was for an individual, or a
group.
[Mambo Sam] And the basics are in the transcript.
[rattle shaker] Thanks : )
[rattle shaker] You know I’m not too crafty.
[Mambo Sam] Oh I think you are pretty crafty.
[ouanga_bottle] Oh please, you should see his altars
[rattle shaker] Do I have a story for YOU!
[ouanga_bottle] ha!!! yeah!?
[Mambo Sam] I can’t wait to hear it when show up at the convention.
[Mambo Sam] Anyway....
[Mambo Sam] I meant when YOU show up at the convention, rattle shaker.
[rattle shaker] I know, I’m trying to snake my way there, anyone need a
roomie???
[Mambo Sam] Oh I am sure someone will need a roomie...
[Mambo Sam] LOL.
[phantodrac] haha

[Mambo Sam] Okay, so like I was saying, there is a lot of leeway for what
you use your prayer beads for.
[phantodrac] ?
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Phantodrac.
[phantodrac] I feel silly asking this, but I’m a bit unsure what we mean
when are talking about tassels.
[Mambo Sam] That’s okay, don’t feel silly.
[Mambo Sam] Sometimes you see them on the corners of fancy pillows. Multi
threads tied into a little pom pom kind of thing. You can buy them in most
fabric stores. Anyone got a better explanation? I feel that was a bit
lacking.
[phantodrac] I gotcha, actually!
[Candelaria] Did you get that Phantodrac?
[Mambo Sam] Oh okay...
[simonegreenewpp] They have them in the trim or drapery department
[Candelaria] OK,good!!
[Mambo Sam] Yes, yes...
[Mambo Sam] Thank you!
[phantodrac] Thank YOU!
[Mambo Sam] You are welcome.



[simonegreenewpp] Another question
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Simone.
[simonegreenewpp] Ok, can I string them onto something not-tieable, or do
the chain link thing, and then use a string to tie the ends together & tie
on the tassel? Or does it need to be the same string all the way through?
[Mambo Sam] Yes, I think that would be fine. There is something though
traditionally with one long piece of whatever... sort of a nonbroken
thought process.
[Mambo Sam] Now, that is traditional, but I don’t really see anything
wrong with what you are saying.
[simonegreenewpp] Ok, thank you, I do like tradition!
[Mambo Sam] And really you are just a very traditional soul when it comes
to your spirituality.
[Mambo Sam] In a nontraditional way, of course.
[Mambo Sam] Woman of mystery.
[simonegreenewpp] :-D
[rattle shaker] haha

[Mambo Sam] So I will give you the Church of the Nine Mysteries prayers.
[Mambo Sam] But you can also write your prayers — especially if one of
those mysteries is your met tet you may want to consider doing that.
[Mambo Sam] The only “warning” I have for you is don’t make these beads if
you don’t plan on using them.
[Mambo Sam] They are not for decoration. Well, they can be, but they are
meant to be used. It will be very disappointing to the lwa to make these
beads and then not use them.
[Mambo Sam] I am not saying that you have to pray them every day. Or even
every week. But this is a “living” object — if that makes any sense. I
know that is a little hard to explain, but I think most of you get what I
am talking about.
[Mambo Sam] There is an energy to it. Yours and the lwas mixed together.
[Candelaria] It’s like your gris-gris bags in the sense that it is
intended to be used.
[Mambo Sam] Pretty much.
[Mambo Sam] I mean some things you buy or make for the lwa are offerings
that you put on your altar and leave there and you don’t ever have to do
another thing with them.
[Mambo Sam] This is not one of those things. They are made to be used and
should otherwise not be made.

[Mambo Sam] So, if can call on Simone, I know you have done a little
research and even made a chaplet, do you care to share or would you rather
not?
[simonegreenewpp] Sure, I can share, just tell me when to stop... :-)
[Mambo Sam] Go for it — I turn the floor over to you, my dear.
[simonegreenewpp] First off, I’m looking forward to shopping at Mother’s
Minerals in Abq where they have all sorts of stone beads.
[Candelaria] heehee
[simonegreenewpp] And I like that some of the stones have properties that
fit the use. The best example being rose quartz, which is for love, and is
pink.
[simonegreenewpp] Bead stores have all kinds of things for stringing, both
silk and synthetic, usually with the beading needles attached already, so
look out for that. There are instructions to be found online for bead
stringing, and also for making rosaries.I’m sure there are instructions to
make your own tassels too.
[simonegreenewpp] I’m not sure what else as far as quick things to get
started...
[Mambo Sam] I really like the idea of using stones that have certain
properties. Very nice.
[Desiree’] comment
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Desiree.
[Desiree’] WalMart ( in the materials dept.) has free handouts on how to
make tassels.
[Mambo Sam] Wow, that’s cool.
[Desiree’] Near the buttons and ribbons section
[Mambo Sam] Thank you.
[Desiree’] You are most welcome
[Mambo Sam] And that goodness for the internet these days because we have
so much information on things like beading and “how to.”
[simonegreenewpp] Oh, also synthetics sometimes don’t hold a knot well, so
a bit of glue helps. :-)
[Mambo Sam] Yep.
[Mambo Sam] Nothing wrong with a bit of glue! Wherever you need it!

[rattle shaker] ?
[Mambo Sam] Okay, so that gives you a starting point and we will talk
about what ideas you have after having a chance to look around.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, rattleshaker.
[rattle shaker] You said that you would talk about partnered lwa, and
incorporating them, but I only saw how to partner Damballa and Ayida Wedo,
what are the other ways for like La Sirene?
[Mambo Sam] Well, with Agwe and LaSiren, you don’t have to do too much
because their colors are the same — blue and white. So they are covered.
[Mambo Sam] Or you could use silver and blue for them.
[Mambo Sam] I will give you guys prayers for everyone.
[Mambo Sam] So you can use those mysteries appropriately.
[Mambo Sam] Okay, I will try to get this all together for you before next
week so that we can discuss prayers, usage, how you can use these beads to
help your case, etc.
[Mambo Sam] So any other questions or comments?
[rattle shaker] But like, what about Freda and her husbands?
[Mambo Sam] That doesn’t count here.
[rattle shaker] OIC
[simonegreenewpp] So is it mainly in the prayers that we honor the spouses?
[Mambo Sam] However, you could make a set of beads for her and them,
separately from this.
[Mambo Sam] Yes, Simone.
[Mambo Sam] And I do like to put at least one multicolored bead in the
Damballah section.

[Mambo Sam] Okay, any other questions?
[Mambo Sam] If not, I will go back to doing readings. LOL. If you are
waiting on one, don’t worry — I am catching up.
[Mambo Sam] All right then. I will turn things over to the lovely Candi
and the lovely Bridget — never mind I didn’t check with them to see if it
was okay.
[Mambo Sam] Ah the powers of a Mambo!
[rattle shaker] Haha :D
[Candelaria] It’s gone to her head... OH NO!!!
[Mambo Sam] But if you guys want to chat for a little while that is fine.
[Candelaria] heehee
[Mambo Sam] But let’s keep it at about 30 minutes so my girls can get
their rest.
[Candelaria] Alrightie folks, Bridget and I are in charge, so beware the
pointy stick.
[simonegreenewpp] Hee hee
[Mambo Sam] Uh huh.
[Candelaria] Thanks, Mambo!
[Mambo Sam] Okay, good night kiddos, my love to you all.
[Mambo Sam] Thanks for being here!!
[phantodrac] Love you! Goodnight!
[simonegreenewpp] Thank you Mambo! I’m digging into the bead box next... :-)
[Candelaria] Love you! Nightie Night
[Mambo Sam] Kisses!
[Desiree’] Ditto
[Mambo Sam] Hugs and warm squishies to all of you.
[lavender] Lots of love, goodnight
[rattle shaker] Night!
[Mambo Sam] Bye bye all.

[Candelaria] OK, so does anyone have an casework questions for us?
[Candelaria] Any.... Oh, you know what I mean.
[Candelaria] Was it something I said?
[Candelaria] blink, blink
[Destiny] LOL!
[simonegreenewpp] I’m still enjoying the blogs!
[Candelaria] Awwww, thanks Simone. I’ve been a little under the weather,
but will adding to mine very soon.
[rattle shaker] Yeah, I like them too, good job!
[PATRICKinCALI] ???
[Candelaria] Bridget, take a bow!!
[bridget] :-)
[Candelaria] Go ahead Patrick my sweet. What’s up?
[rattle shaker] <clap><clap><clap>
[ouanga_bottle] Yes all around!
[Azulea] Bridget, you are the Queen blogger!!!!
[PATRICKinCALI] Per your blog Candi, I ordered pink candles, is it OK to
incorporate my love doll into that or keep separate?
[Happy] ?
[Candelaria] You can use them in combo work, most definitely. Follow the
guidelines that Mambo laid out for combo work with your love doll.
[Candelaria] I think it’s a great idea!! Loves me some pink candles!
[PATRICKinCALI] I get hung up on the 45 minute rules and worry if I mix
things together
[Candelaria] No, it’s OK, if the work is done as combo work, together at
the same time and incorporated with each other. That’s fine.
[Candelaria] Its if you use them apart that you have to worry about the 45
minute rule.
[lavender] ??
[PATRICKinCALI] Also, do I bury ALL candle nubs, I mean even my white ones
I use to honor Lwa, egg candles, love doll, etc?
[PATRICKinCALI] Sorry Lavender!
[Candelaria] OK, you don’t have to bury candle nubs that are for your love
dolls or the voodoo eggs. Any other candle nubs, dispose per the
instructions.
[Candelaria] Cool?
[PATRICKinCALI] Cool, thank you hot chick
[Candelaria] You’re welcome, handsome!! :-)

[Candelaria] OK, Happy, then Lavender...
[Happy] Mine is stupid but keep meaning to ask because I have soo many now
— what can I use that charcoal piece that comes with some stuff (I know I
should already know this so please forgive)
[bridget] I don’t know what you mean... what charcoal?
[Happy] That little round charcoal looking thing
[bridget] The incense burner???
[Rowan586] It comes with the herbs
[Happy] Yeah that thing Rowan
[bridget] Its the burner for the herbs
[Happy] Really? I put the herbs on the candles
[bridget] Then you don’t need to use it.
[Happy] Bridget can I e-mail you a pic later to see (you’re my
caseworker). Its weird looking
[Candelaria] Hi Happy, can I step it?
[Happy] Yeah
[Candelaria] It’s a burner to be used with the herbs, IF you chose to burn
the herbs.
[Happy] Is it better to burn the herbs
[Candelaria] You light it and wait for it to go out, like charcoal, since
that’s what it is, and then you put the herbs in the middle.
[Happy] Neat, love it
[Candelaria] It’s just another way to use herbs. There’s no better or worse.
[Happy] Thanks sweeties you are the best
[Candelaria] If you normally purchase them to put on candles, then do
that. :-) Or a little of both.
[Candelaria] No worries. And Thanks!
[Happy] My guy is stubborn so I just want to do everything right.
[Candelaria] OH, and before I forget, since I didn’t get to e-mail you
back...you can get a cane for Papa anywhere. I got my at a dollar store.
Sorry folks, I’ve been meaning to reply to Happy’s e-mail about a gift I
gave Papa Alegba.
[Happy] Thanks

[Candelaria] OK, sorry. Lavender, my dear. Go ahead.
[lavender] Where can I get the guidelines for the combo?
[bridget] Its in the transcripts, Lavender, Like in the second or third
one, I think
[lavender] THANKS

[Happy] ?
[Candelaria] OK, didn’t someone else have their hand up? Before Happy, I
mean.
[Candelaria] OK, go ahead Happy.
[Happy] Well I do so much work with my solos and my gris gris that it cuts
into my daily time with each lwa. I used to honor one each night n their
night. Do you think once a month is ok? I used to do Papa on Mon and Ougon
on Wed type of deal.
[Candelaria] Absolutely. The lwa were once human. They know what it’s like
to have a busy life. Just do what you can. It is all appreciated.
[Happy] Thank you
[Candelaria] You’re welcome. Anyone else?

[Candelaria] How many are coming to the convention?
[simonegreenewpp] me
[PATRICKinCALI] Me
[bridget] me
[Destiny] Me
[ouanga_bottle] absolutely
[rattle shaker] I am SO trying
[Candelaria] Yeah!!! We are going to have such a good time!!!
[Happy] :-( I wanna come but broke this year. Hope you guys do something
next year
[Candelaria] Rattle Baby???????????????????
[Candelaria] I’m sure we will, Happy! Gonna miss you though.
[rattle shaker] It’s a 25 hour drive each way....
[PATRICKinCALI] Any idea how many have registered Candi?
[ouanga_bottle] You just don’t know the extent of how bad things are right
now, and how much I’m looking forward to escaping reality and being with
you guys
[Candelaria] I don’t know, Patrick. I meant to ask Mambo today and got
caught up in other things.
[Candelaria] Bridget, do you know?
[Candelaria] Can’t wait to see you Ouanga!
[Candelaria] There is a light, Baby! Trust me on that one.;-)
[bridget] I don’t know either
[PATRICKinCALI] I’ve been following your story Ouanga and my heart goes
out to you
[bridget] I was wanting to be surprised!
[Candelaria] heehee
[Happy] Me too Ounga and just know we all care about you here.
[ouanga_bottle] There is more I’ve not shared that has nothing to do with
HD that is down right frightening
[bridget] Hurricanes for everyone!!!
[Candelaria] UM... can you tell that Bridget and I are family?
[ouanga_bottle] I’m so there
[PATRICKinCALI] Oh no! Not the new house!?
[Happy] Ouanga cyber hugs to you
[rattle shaker] White candles for everyone!!!
[Candelaria] Well, we can all talk about in person over hurricanes. Cool?
[simonegreenewpp] I’m nearby whenever you need me...
[ouanga_bottle] yes
[PATRICKinCALI] Cool, sounds like a date
[bridget] Thats all we can do ...after 2 you cant walk!
[Happy] I forsee some hangovers in NM
[ouanga_bottle] I can do more than two!!!
[Candelaria] yep
[rattle shaker] Haha, I’ll race you
[PATRICKinCALI] I so want to enjoy breakfast and not be “green”!
[rattle shaker] Ouanga... : )
[simonegreenewpp] I’m the drinking lightweight — just wave one under my nose.
[rattle shaker] Maybe they have Saki.....
[PATRICKinCALI] I’ll just breathe on Simone!
[simonegreenewpp] Hee hee
[Happy] You guys are too cute if I have a bad day Tuesday nights cheer me
right up
[Candelaria] That’s sooo good to hear!! We aim to cheer!
[ouanga_bottle] Somewhere in all of that I’ll have to practice for my
presentation that I’m giving in New Orleans on Nov. 1.
[Candelaria] Hey, that’s the city of lwa. No problemo!
[ouanga_bottle] hee hee
[ouanga_bottle] I’m sure they’ll be thrilled with the topic
[PATRICKinCALI] Can’t believe it is only 3 weeks from this Friday
[simonegreenewpp] We’ll listen to you practice. :-)
[ouanga_bottle] “Technical architecture”
[Happy] Computer tech Ouanga? My speciality if it is
[rattle shaker] Oh, you act like you will be cramming. You’ll have it all
down before you even leave... : )
[ouanga_bottle] Yep, distributed enterprise server architecture to support
60,000 concurrent users using messaging middleware, SOA, and blah blah
[simonegreenewpp] Will you have power point?
[PATRICKinCALI] Sounds charming!
[Happy] Yeah I thought we had something in common

[Candelaria] Does anyone have a caseworker question? Sorry, but my Bridgey
has to get up early in the morning.
[Candelaria] Pointy stick in place.
[Candelaria] heehee
[Happy] Ok I will log off you guys have a great night love you Bridget,
Candi et al
[PATRICKinCALI] Sorry Candi (scolded)
[simonegreenewpp] Confess, it’s really a knitting needle. :-P
[ouanga_bottle] snort
[ouanga_bottle] Hugs to all of you, and really look forward to seeing you
so much
[Candelaria] Purging your soul, Simone?
[simonegreenewpp] I’m taking a Tarot class and will practice on people at
the convention...
[ouanga_bottle] Yeah, got yer e-mail, that sounds like so much fun
[Candelaria] Its a stick, I swear its a stick!!!
[simonegreenewpp] And pointy!
[ouanga_bottle] I had a magic stick once in college
[ouanga_bottle] I used it to sterilize people so they could procreate
[rattle shaker] Haha, me too!!
[simonegreenewpp] You guys!!!!
[Candelaria] OK then! I think it’s time for goodnight, everyone!
[PATRICKinCALI] Just like the nuns in grade school with those damn pointers
[ouanga_bottle] hugs hugs
[Candelaria] BTW, I only use my pointy stick for good!
[simonegreenewpp] So did the nuns.
[Candelaria] Heehee A little like the nuns, but I dress better.
[ouanga_bottle] Oh but I saved the world from disastrous mating!
[Desiree’] Night All!!!! Have a wonderful week all of you.!!!
[Candelaria] I’m sure they did it anyway.
[PATRICKinCALI] Oh I know, you are far from a nun! Night night all!
[ouanga_bottle] hee hee (ok)
[Candelaria] Night everyone!
[ouanga_bottle] night!
[rattle shaker] Night!
[Candelaria] Say goodnight Gracie, er, I mean Bridget.
[simonegreenewpp] Good night!
[Destiny] good night everybody!
[bridget] Goodnight Gracie
[Candelaria] heehee
[Candelaria] Let me know Simone. This stuff at the end was fascinating. A
keeper!!
[bridget] Night all
[Candelaria] Night Bridge!
[bridget] 5 am comes fast
[simonegreenewpp] It all goes in the transcript to Mambo...
[Candelaria] HAHAHAHA And then she asks me if I was drinking, which of
course she’s know I am!
[simonegreenewpp] Good, drink for both of us!
[Candelaria] Night Simone! Take care!
[simonegreenewpp] God night!
[simonegreenewpp] Good, too!
[Candelaria] heehee
[Candelaria] Good night!

© copyright, 2007, Samantha and Matthew Corfield