Ahead of us are two magnificent holidays, particularly
for Christian practitioners. The power of Sun and Solar magick is at it’s peek
in this particular period, and on the Northern hemisphere , currently, the Moon
is crescent as well ( read; waxing ) making this an ideal period to power up,
heal, ensure success in Your endeavors,
increase Your fortune and any
other sun-correspondent operation. These are the times of such overwhelming Solar power, than
Cancers may start experiencing fatigue, and start feeling warn out due to all
that fiery energy. And also, these
are chances to be seized and grabbed,
for spiritual people and practitioners
of magick, for that extra “oomph” in their
workings, and a nearly-guarantee of success.
Sunday of Trinity, or Pentecost
Sunday ( in Orthodox Christianity )
Sunday of Trinity, Pentecost
Sunday, Feast of The Holy Trinity, Trinity day, Descent of The Holy
Spirit,
all refer to Christian holiday, celebrating the Holy Trinity and
commemorating the gifts received by
disciples from Holy Spirits.
 |
| Artistic depiction of Holy Trinity, "Holy Trinity" by Hendrick Van Balen |
On the fiftieth day after Resurrection of the Lord Christ ( according
to Orthodox Christian doctrine ) ,
disciples were praying, along with many other faitful people, as instructed by
Lord Christ Himself, when a miracle occurred.
Holy Spirit, in a form of miraculous flame came down from heaven, with a
rushing wind sound, and split in form of “cloven tongues” each of which had
touched one of the disciples. As a
result of this wondrous event, disciples had instantaneously gained abilities to speak in languages they
have never previously spoken, as well as to heal , and perform miracles. The Hebrew visitors of Jerusalem, present at the time, hurried to see what was what took place
there, and to investigate the noises. And ,
they were bewildered and astonished
indeed, for they heard the disciples speaking in their own languages,
preaching about Lord’s sacrifice and his
righteous place at G’d’s right side. Most were amazed, yet few mocked,
stating how the disciples had a bit too much of the vine, but Peter addressed
to them, and carefully explained them
how Lord Christ was ascended into
Heaven, as prophet David had foresaw,
long time ago. Inspired and touched, the Hebrews asked what are they to do
and St. Peter instructed them :
“Repent and be baptized,
every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The
promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom
the Lord our God will call.” [1]
And they
indeed got baptized.
This holiday reminds us of the of one of the core beliefs and teachings of Christianity, that of tree personas of one Single Essence,
God Father, God Son, and God Holy Spirit, that are One, and worshiped as
Christian G’d , who is not some impersonate force.
In Orthodox
Christian Church, the image of Three Angles that appeared to Abraham is set at
the Centre of the Church, Church is adorned with flowers and grass, and often
green vestment and coverings are often used.
All this to symbolize the breath of G’d enlivening the nature, and
bringing prosperity and abundance.
Another
beautiful part of tradition, I myself love to take participation in, each year,
are the Kneeling Vespers , when in addition to Vespers the “three sets of long
poetical prayers” by St. Basil the Great
[2] are read, as the faitful kneel in prostration , touching the floor with
their foreheads. Additionally, where I
am it is customary to bring some fresh plants to the Kneeling Vespers and
wreath a garland, a ring with it, sometimes with a Cross in the middle. These
“amulets” are after the service taken home, and hung in houses , usually near
the icons to ensure protection, prosperity and health throughout the years. Those made last year
are burnt, or buried in the garden.
This holiday
is in Orthodox Church celebrated also on the two consecutive days, Monday ,
being called “Monday of the Holy Spirit”, and the Tuesday being called “Third
day of the Trinity”. Monday is believed
to be idal time to begin with some task, business , practice , for it will ensure it’s proficiency, productiveness and
success. On the Third day of the Trinity ( Tuesday ) it’s good to do things we
love doing, and also for philanthropic acts and alms giving and alike.
Ritual for
Sunday Trinity
Technically
speaking, as a Christian, I’d abstain from casting spells on “large” Christian
holidays , but a ritual, like I am suggesting, seeking guidance and
strengthening spiritual awareness, should not be seen as blasphemous
Set one
purple and two white candles so they form a Triangle. Dress the candles with
“Holy spirit oil” ( I love the New Orleans style formula ) or If You can not get that one substitute
with “Master key oil” or “King Solomon’s wisdom oil” . In the centre of the
triangle place a vessel with Spring water. Light the candles, first the white
ones than the purple one and read the
following texts and prayers:
"To one is given
through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom
and to another the utterance of knowledge according
to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of
healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another
prophesy, to another the ability to distinguish
between spirits, to another various kinds
of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are inspired by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each
one individually as he wills" (vs. 8-11). [3]
Then the following
prayer by St. Alphonsus Liguori:
Holy
Spirit, divine Consoler, I adore You as my true God, with God the Father and
God the Son. I adore You and unite myself to the adoration You receive from the
angels and saints.
I give
You my heart and I offer my ardent thanksgiving for all the grace which You
never cease to bestow on me.
O
Giver of all supernatural gifts, who filled the soul of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, Mother of God, with such immense favors, I beg You to visit me with Your
grace and Your love and to grant me the gift of holy fear, so that it may act
on me as a check to prevent me from falling back into my past sins, for which I
beg pardon.
Grant me the gift of piety, so that I may serve You for the future with increased fervor, follow with more promptness Your holy inspirations, and observe your divine precepts with greater fidelity.
Grant me the gift of knowledge, so that I may know the things of God and, enlightened by Your holy teaching, may walk, without deviation, in the path of eternal salvation.
Grant me the gift of fortitude, so that I may overcome courageously all the assaults of the devil, and all the dangers of this world which threaten the salvation of my soul.
Grant me the gift of counsel, so that I may choose what is more conducive to my spiritual advancement and may discover the wiles and snares of the tempter.
Grant me the gift of understanding, so that I may apprehend the divine mysteries and by contemplation of heavenly things detach my thoughts and affections from the vain things of this miserable world.
Grant me the gift of wisdom, so that I may rightly direct all my actions, referring them to God as my last end; so that, having loved Him and served Him in this life, I may have the happiness of possessing Him eternally in the next. Amen. [4]
Then
finish up by reading Psalm 23rd
Have a sip of the Water, Sprinkle some on Your bed, sheets and pillow, and pour the rest over Your head. Using “Holy Spirit oil” ( or Master key oil, or King Solomon wisdom oil, If You lack Holy spirit oil ) draw a cross on Your forehead. It is done.
Midsummer, St John the Baptist and Holy day of Voodoo
The
Nativity of St John, which coincides
with the third day of Midsummer , or Sumer Solstice celebrations , 24th of June, is a holiday that commemorates birth of St
John the Baptist, or also St John the Forerunner, as called in Eastern Orthodox
Christianity. He was born from his elderly mother Elizabeth and his father
Zechariah, both who had been beyond the
age of child-bearing at give point.
During one of the services in Holy Place ( putting up the incense on
Gold Altar ) Archangel Gabriel appeared
to the Zechariah, and announced to him the upcoming birth of his son, as
well as told him that he is to name the child John. Zechariah initial disbelief and doubts about
the Angelic revelation, rendered him speechless, up until the 8th
day after his son was born, when he was asked about the child’s name, and he
wrote “John” , which resulted in return of his speaking faculties. King Herod sent his men to kill the son of
Zechariah, but Elizabeth seeing them, fled and hid him, which enraged the Herod
greatly, so he ordered for the Zechariah to be slaughtered in front of his
temple. It is said that the blood Zechariah shed, had instantaneously firmed like it was a stone,
and could nevermore be washed, reminding people of his murder.
Archangel Gabriel also informed Elizabeth that shill
will give birth to a son, and Mother
Mary ( Elizabeth was her cousin ) went
to see her.
St
John foretold the coming of Christ, as well as prophesized how he will be Messiah, and baptized the Lord
on river Jordan. I have written of StJohn’s holiday and role in folk magick
before , but on this occasion I’d love to pay some attention to his feast day, which is in Louisiana, and
throughout southern part of the States, celebrated as Holy day of Voodoo, by
those into this spiritual path.
The
actual Saint has little to do with rituals themselves though, they are in New
Orleans traditionally done ( on his Feast day ) on the Bayou St. John, which is
believed to have been practiced that way ever since Mamzelle Levaux ( Marie Levaux , Voodoo Queen ) had started initiating people there on
this night.
 |
| Bayou St. John in New Orleans, where "the magick happens" |
This
day is however in the world on Voodoo considered to be extremely powerful, and
that all
the conjure and work done on that day are even more empowered by
energies of the day, and spirits who are
generality in a good mood and willing
to help on this holiday. Many
light to honor and work with Loa Ogun on this day, probably because he
is syncretized with St. John the Baptist in New Orleans Voodoo.
 |
| People singing ritual songs on the Holy Day of Voodoo, at St. John's Bayou, from 2011th |
It
is also a very good day for communing with Loa spirits, and asking for their
guidance and help. In fact Loa will often reach out to practitioners themselves
on this eve. The first time I ever got
to know about “The holy day of Voodoo” was few years ago, and by accident.
Somewhere around the sunset I felt an
sudden and extremely strong
sensation of fatigue, and could not help myself but lay down for a nap,
which I hardly ever do, once in a blue
moon, or less. As I fell asleep, I had
vivid dreams about swamps, canals, snakes, alligators, and a black lady whit a
white headscarf, who made me company as we drove in a chariot that went insanely
fast. She spoke to me about things, and showed me thing. No need for details
here, it’s not of essence. Anyhow, as soon as I woke up, I went online to talk
to some friends who were into Conjure and NO Voodoo , and they told me how this
is perfectly normal thing to happen on “Holy day of Voodoo” , and that is when I first heard of it.
If
You can not get to New Orleans , to
attend the rituals at Bayou St.John You can take a bath or do dedication ritual
to Mamzelle Leveaux, in the comfort of Your home, and there is a wonderful
ritual suggested on examiner page on Voodoo, by D.A.
Another
practice is collecting the river water in bottle that is used to keep away the bill collectors, and
pestiferous people out, according to testimonies of person from Algiers , given in “Hoodoo-Conjuration-Witchraft-Rootwork”
which is famous Hoodoo collection of contributions and testemones about folk
magick by Henry Middleton Hyatt .
Here
is the description of the rather simple gathering process, and it’s
applications, for Your convenience :
St.John the Baptist water
St John the
Baptist water is the water which is ritually collected from the body of river on 24th of June,
followed with speaking prayers, as You collect the water. It is then taken
home, securely closed and kept in home at all times, pointing to the entrance
doors to repel law enforcers, landlords, and all sort of pestiferous peoples
and enemies.
Miss Alvarado, at
her examiner page, suggest following use of St. John the Baptist bottled water
:
“Lay the bottle on its side with the head of
the bottle pointing out of the door. When the law, your landlord or any
undesirable person comes, call out to St. John and Marie Laveau and ask them to
help you keep the undesirables away. While doing that, take that bottle full of
St. John the Baptist water and roll it with your foot to the front door. If
they come to your door, when they leave roll the bottle with your foot back to
its position with the mouth of the bottle pointing out the front door. This
bottle of water is to be kept from year to year and never emptied out.” [6]
Incense for Holy day of Voodoo
Use the following incense to fumigate Your
altar, house, Yourself and bed, to draw positive spirits on this day. Combine:
·
Star Anise
seeds
·
Sandalwood· Frankincense
· Myrrh
· Lavender
Burn the mixture in Your censer, on
charcoals.
There, hopefully this article gave
You few ideas on how to take advantage
of the powerful energies of these holy days .
Many Blessings, Shadow J
[2] as described at http://orthodoxwiki.org/Pentecost
[3] Retrieved from : http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7080
[4] retrieved from, http://catholicism.about.com/od/prayers/qt/Prayer_Gifts_HS.htm , posted here for educational purposes, without any ill intentions
[5] According to Miss Denise Alvarado as stated in her Examiner.com post here: http://www.examiner.com/article/the-holy-day-of-voodoo-st-john-s-eve
[6] Retrieved from the same source as under [5]
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