Sacred SpaceAltars, ritual tools, and the places where the work is done
A glimpse inside Mambo Samantha's sacred work spaces and some of the ritual objects that have accompanied Spellmaker work over the years.
AltarsAssonIncensePetitionsGris-GrisRitual Waters
What Makes a Space Sacred?
I am so happy you are here. It is my pleasure to share some of the ritual items and sacred spaces that have been part of my spell casting work over the years.
A sacred space can be anywhere you make it. It does not have to be fancy or elaborate. It becomes sacred because of the intention you bring to it, the work you perform there, the spirits and ancestors you honor there, and the meaning the space holds for you.
Because I have practiced Voodoo and Witchcraft for many years, I have collected more ritual objects than a beginner might have. Some were inherited, some were gifts, some were purchased specifically for the lwa, and some found their way to me through the strange and wonderful turns of life. The objects matter, but the intention behind the work matters more.
These are some of the places and tools that have been part of the spiritual work I do for Spellmaker clients.
One of Mambo Samantha's favorite altars from the old Spellmaker office.
A Favorite from the Archives
One Altar, One Chapter of the Story
This was one of my favorite sacred altars from our old office. It is no longer in use, but I still love it. An altar does not stop being meaningful simply because the room changes or the objects move. It remains part of the history of the work that was done there.
The three altar-room photographs above are only a small glimpse. There are more altar photographs in the old Spellmaker slideshow archive.
The asson is a sacred rattle used in Haitian Vodou ritual work. Mine is made from a gourd and beaded with tiny shells. The right to use the asson reflects my rank as a Mambo Asogwe.
The censer is used for burning incense during spiritual work. Different incenses may be chosen according to the type of work, the lwa being served, or the purpose of the ritual. Incense can purify the space and create an atmosphere appropriate to the spirits being called.
Petition & Cleansing
Petition Shell & Cleansing Tool
The beaded coconut shell is used in certain kinds of work to hold a client's petition. A petition may remain there for a period of time while additional ritual work is performed, and may later be moved to another vessel as the work progresses.
The horse-hair tool is used in purification and cleansing work, including the symbolic sweeping away of negativity and spiritual debris.
Petitions & Spirit Relationships
Petition Vessel & Gris-Gris Bags
This petitioning vessel has often been used in love work. Client petitions may remain inside for the duration of a working, or sometimes longer, depending upon what the ritual calls for.
My personal gris-gris bags are dedicated to individual lwa and contain items associated with them. The bags do not “hold” the lwa. They are devotional and ritual objects that help support the relationship and connection between the practitioner and the spirit.
Offerings & Purification
Voodoo Bottle & Ritual Waters
Voodoo bottles may be prepared for particular lwa or particular purposes. Depending on the work, they may hold offerings, serve as devotional vessels, or symbolically represent a spirit or intention.
Different ritual waters are used to cleanse spaces, wash objects, refresh the practitioner between workings, and remove lingering heaviness after difficult spiritual work. Many are lightly scented with fragrances traditionally pleasing to the lwa.
Thank You for Visiting My Workroom
I hope you have enjoyed this little journey into my world. Sacred spaces evolve, tools come and go, and altars change, but the heart of the work remains relationship, intention, prayer, ritual, and care.
