Saturday, June 4, 2016

*Contest Time!* 2016 Hoodoo Heritage Festival Recap

*Michele Jackson was the mastermind behind this years festival flyer*
If you aren't in the market for a Bone Reading or Rootwork, but need some Graphic Arts done, she's your girl!
**Im in awe**

*Disclaimer*
Visual Overload Warning... While I did not post every photo taken by me, it was difficult to choose just a few of them for my blog. The complete collection of photos are provided in 2 links at the end of this post. I apologize in advance for the retina-melting experience some may have in reading this, but I assure you, it will be worth it.
Enjoy!


I'm sure there are plenty of folks that have been patiently waiting for me to write this blog post up after 3 weeks...  And here it is...FINALLY.

I knew that it was something that was going to take me quite a while to write as A LOT had gone on over the span of 2 days, and to be honest, I'm exhausted thinking about it *lol*

But for you guys... I'll give you a recap :)

Back Story: For a few months Newt and I were talking about how he needs to get out to California and attend the 2016 Hoodoo Heritage Festival; brainstorming ideas as to how to make that happen.

After some conjure work, and mundane work, Newt boarded a plane headed to SFO on a Friday night.
LATE Friday night. His plane touched down at SFO at approximately 11:39pm.

On my way to pick up Newt from the Airport!

Make a wish!


About this time, Newt is on the tarmac just waiting to disembark from the plane... and the Baggage Claim looks like a ghost town *pun intended*



Can I just tell you how excited I was to see these?!...
Sadly, I paid $5.00 for ONE energy drink.... 5 stinkin bucks!
*Airport Robbery* (because we weren't on the highway. Yet)

*FOUND: 1 Papa Newt!*


Yep.. another wish made!


Ever wonder what the two of us are like at 1 am... in a car... sitting in traffic... tired as all get out?
Newt busts out with this little gem out of nowhere and purely from memory!
*I was seriously impressed and entertained*




*Home Sweet Hotel Room*

*Newt's Business Card*


Ever wonder what a Conjure Worker packs in his suitcase when going on trips?





Yep.. got a reading with Professor Ames!
I know this pic is out of order from the rest of the group but we are just going to go with it


Day 1 Check In's




The "Voices of Hyatt" presenters

Ambrozine LeGare




Kast giving his class on Osteomantic and Necromantic Curios




Gabrielle Swain (Professor Porterfield's mom) giving her class on using Textiles in Conjure
This class was amazing!
Using a blanket, a pillow case, a pair of undies to hoodoo someone in the most unsuspecting ways.
Totally brill!

"The Jezebel Quilt"
*Gabrielle, if you are reading this blog post... could you leave the story about it in the comments? Please?*

*UPDATE: Gabrielle was gracious to answer the call on Facebook and answered my question of the history on this quilt. Here is her story:

"I was at university, I did my master's work in comparative religion. I realize through research that most of the world's religions, started as matriarcal.the story that struck a cord deep within me was the story of Jezebel and Ahab. This was at best a political marriage for Ahab to control more land. After researching the entire story, I decided Jezebel got a raw deal.

The quilt was the designed around this idea. The interior is designed in the shape of an altar to Jezebel. But, I decided to add a little twist by calling it the Jezebel Rag, no double entendre there. I added black and white stripes for pain keys, i.e. rag time. The writing at the top i my take on the story of Jezebel and Ahab. There are broken hearts with messages hidden under them. Finally, there are two hands on either side of the altar. When Jezebel was thrown to the dogs, they could not devour her hand because she did beautiful handwork, her feet because she danced well and her throat because she had an enchanting voice."

WOW... Thank You Gabrielle for that information and for bringing that gorgeous quilt for us to see in person!



In between classes and during lunch, Readers were available for booked appointments. They were found all over the property and I invaded as much of their space as they allowed me :D


Madame Pamita giving a Tea Leaf Reading





Bone Readings with Papa Newt



Palm Reading with Jon Saint Germain


* The Madame Pamita Lunch Time Show!*


and of course "Miss Cat's Birthday celebration!




Ms. Robin giving her class on how to use Charms, Talismans, and Amulets


The MUCH hyped about book...

I'd say he's pretty pleased with his book :)



After the last class was done, we all headed out to Backyard for 
"The Presenter Banquet" or what I like to call "Dinner & Divination"
We had 2 people giving readings at the diner table :)







Cheers!


Deacon Milett getting a Tarot Reading from Jamila Jones
*Shes GOOD*


Clayton getting in on the fortune telling action 

This salad... omg. THE BEST salad Ive ever had.
(Miss Cat requested a photo of it and I have to admit, it photographs nicely)
Tastes even better!


a sweet moment captured of Miss Cat teaching her grandchild a bit about Palmistry 


Day 2, Round 2!
*Sweet Jesus we were tired*


*Uploading and editing pics in the YIPPIE Office before Day 2 of the Festival begins*


Newt getting some read time in 





THIS GUY.... WOW... Seriously you would have had to have been there to truly experience the power in his presence and his voice once he donned on his traditional wardrobe.
David Shi dressed for his class on North Asian Magic 



The Blessing Ceremony 



A Turcic Protection & Blessing Prayer
*THIS blew me away... was not expecting THAT voice to come out of the usually laid back and perceivably sweet young man. Seriously I got chills!*


*Further Proof I cannot be trusted with a camera*
Sorry David, I had to.
He will get me back later I'm sure 


Teas & Tisanes with Madame Pamita



Miss Cat signing her books right up until her class starts

Miss Cat giving the class on the book "Legends of Incense, Herb, & Oil" by Lewis de Claremont







Panel Discussion on Social Justice
featuring: Beverly Smith, Jamila Jones, Miss Michaele, Candelo Kimbisa, Angela Horner, and Professor Porterfield.






"Miss Loretta Evans" of the "Now You Know Show" graced us with her presence during the Panel Talk on Social Injustice.
You go girl!


Bone Reading Groups with Michele Jackson



Crystal Magic with Jon Saint Germain






*working away!*


*I gifted Miss Cat a bottle of my Mercury Retrograde Oil for which she gave me 2 thumbs up!*
**Yep... I could have died happy right then and there**

*Deacon Millet... always working!*


Cleansing, Blessing, and Protection for your Home with Ambrozine LeGare



Massage was offered by Angela Horner (Licensed Massage Therapist)
*Massage anyone?*

A couple of new additions to the train at LMCC; my personal favorite being the Crystal Cars*



Mama E giving Nagasiva a reading :)


*peek-a-boo!*
No, that's not creepy at all...  *yikes, Sorry Ames*


Smiles all around :)

Candleo of Candelo's Corner looking like he fell out of the pages of Conjure GQ

a candid of Grey and Miss Elvyra

Grey Townsend the man behind the book cover designs 

A few snapshots of folks who get their traditional "yearly photo's" in front of 

exquisite beauty


Mama E standing in the very same spot as when I photographed her a few years before.
The original photograph was used for her AIRR Page and business card :)
*so excited about that*


A Mama E photobomb!




Shenanigans! 

A fantastic group of folks! I love them all <3


These Two <3


*the feels*

these two ladies <3!

the last of the conjurer's standing after the Closing Ceremony Business Card Exchange
*Yes Miss Cat... I have a business card now!*
**I got a little heat for not having one**


Even the jackalope got in on the weekend festivities... or was a part of the "LMCC Krewe" if there was one *haha*

And Last but certainly not least....
Congratulations to Venu Carny for completing the Lucky Mojo apprenticeship!
*the other graduate wished to remain anonymous* 
Way to go!


Sadly the weekend had to come to a close... Here is what Newt had to say about that


*Newt side eye*
He knew I was trying to sneak another pic
he's onto me...


Back over the bridge heading to the airport... :(




Sadly due to SFO's ridiculous rules about saying good bye to your loved ones, I couldn't stay but a second to help unload Newt's bags and see him off. I wished I could have grabbed one last pic and one last hug but it just wasn't going to happen.
Side Note: DO NOT FLY FRONTIER AIRLINES
Just Google reviews for it... and everything you read is true!
Just ask Newt

After dropping Newt off at the airport, I looked over to an empty seat where my Mid West Co-Pilot sat for 2 exciting days and instantly missed my friend dearly :(

He will be back next year and hopefully we can recreate the experience once again!

**On a different note: Rumor has it that there are about 3 to 4 more of these Hoodoo Heritage Festivals that are going to be offered in the future, so if you are thinking about or on the fence about attending... DO IT. 
Once it's gone, its gone. 
Personally I can't imagine not seeing my friends and colleagues all in one place each year, but it will become a reality eventually. 
So do what you can to attend, you won't be sorry!

Now that I have got y'all caught up on the "funtivities", we can get into the REALLY exciting part of this blog post: The Giveaway



*The Contest Prize Pack*

One lucky winner will receive a complete set of books offered at the 2016 Hoodoo Heritage Festival:
"The Sporting Life" by Professor Porterfield
"North Asian Magic" by David Shi
"Legends of Incense, Herb, & Oil" by Lewis de Claremont
"Crystal Magic" by Rev. Jon Saint Germain 

AND
a complete set of Spell Handouts:
Bone Reading: Interpreting Groups by Michele Jackson
How can we remember?: Harry Hyatt and Hoodoo by Catherine Yronwode
Sew Much Hoodoo: Textiles in Conjure by Gabrielle Swain
Voices of Hyatt by Catherine Yronwode
Dem Dry Bones: Osteomantic and Necromantic Curios by Kast Excelsior
Teas and Tisanes as Hoodoo Potions by Madame Pamita
How to use Charms, Amulets, and Talismans by Ms. Robin
Cleansing, Blessing, and Protection for your Home by Ambrozine LeGare
Social Justice Spells by Beverly Smith, Jamila Jones, Miss Michaele, Candelo Kimbisa, Angela Horner, Professor Porterfield, and Papa Lou
A Closing Circle by Catherine Yronwode

PLUS a 15 minute reading/consultation from one of the following readers:








6 "Runner Up" prizes will be a 15 minute Reading/Consultation from one of the above mentioned Readers.

*Scheduling Times and Availability is up to the Readers discretion*



*Contest Rules*

You all know the "rules" but in case you don't, all you need to do is share this blog post on your Facebook and tell me that you did by writing "shared" on my *page/status update* ; ultimately leads one a chance to win the 2016 Hoodoo Heritage Festival Prize Pack!

6 lucky Runner Up's will receive a 15 minute Reading/Consultation from 1 of the 7 listed AIRR Readers featured at the festival and on this blog :)

*Please know that Facebook does alert and show who shares my posts, so please follow the rules if you would like a chance to win one of the 6 prizes.
Prize winners will be chosen at random and will be announced on this blog and Facebook on June 19th. and will be contacted privately for further instruction*

Open to U.S. Residents Only


Links to the 2016 Hoodoo Heritage Festival Photos:



See you next year!

No comments:

Post a Comment