Newsletter Pics Take Two!

WooHoo!!! I did it again! My pics made the Lucky Mojo Curio Co. Newsletter...

And in my favorite month of December *Beaming* As Cat & Nagasiva call it; I Dominate the Weirdness"

I dig that! :)






*Click Here to be taken to Newsletter*

Love Potion #9

My Mysterious Mojo

Years ago, in the late 80's, 1986 to be exact, I went to New Orleans with my parents on one of those "wacky vacation trips" we all take as kids.

Think the "Griswalds" in Irish form. Scary thought isn't it?

As with all vacation traditions I got to choose 1 souvenir from my travels. Initially I wanted a Voodoo Doll but my mom vetoed that idea so I picked a mojo bag with what I saw as a Nun with no mouth.



Again my mom questioned my choice but when I showed her that it had a "Nun" on it, she gave in and purchased it for me. I come from a pretty devout Catholic family so this sort of thing was pretty "taboo".

My mom could recite the whole Catholic Mass in Latin. It's pretty impressive!

I think the "Nun" was the green light for her and it appeared pretty harmless so off I went with my "Nun Bag".

Of course I didn't care to read what it was really intended for initially, I just loved the fact that it had a Nun with a Cross on it. The absence of a mouth fascinated me, where it caused my mom to raise an eyebrow.

After reading what the bag was used for, I explained to her that "of course the Nun had no mouth.. Did you ever hear of a Nun speaking badly of anyone? Mom.... that's a Sin!"

*this ingredient panel was slightly deceiving*

Brief Factoid about myself: I wanted to be a Nun growing up, and was pretty serious about it until my very early 20's. That's when the "Material World" and the "Sins of the Flesh" made it too big of temptation.

So here I am, a common sinner I guess.

I blame "Eve", the apple, and "The Snake". "Adam" was just an idiot IMO.  Moving On.

This bag has been largely stored and packed around in boxes for years, until I decided to unearth it and bring it to Cat Yronwode to gut it and tell me what really was inside.

What first intrigued me was the way the bag was stitched together as the mojo bags seen today are fashioned differently. From what I understand, this was just another way of sewing them together. Nothing "old school" or "traditional" in case you are wondering.

According to Miss Cat, here was what she found to be inside:

A piece of dried Tongue (most likely Cow's) folded and stitched together (fascinating!)

A piece of Dragon's Blood Resin

A piece of Blood Root

Misc. seeds... possibly Daisy for "Daisy's Don't Tell" and Agar Agar for "Invisibility when working against someone"

A bit of Irish Moss

No "gems" were ever found in the mix. We think they may have fallen out of the bag somewhere down the line as it did not close/seal shut all the way.

Miss Cat was more interested in the possible "origin/history" behind the name of the bag "Papa LaBrea".

She equated it to possibly being LaBrea --> Tar (LaBrea Tar Pits) --> Tar Baby? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tar-Baby

Although my favorite part of the evening was the discussion on the amulet that I adored so much.

I saw a "Nun sans mouth" and Miss Cat saw an Incan Woman who possibly converted to Christianity; showing "conversion".

The word of the night was "Nunish-ness" when describing this piece.

Should anyone recognize this image, I would be very interested in knowing the actual history and meaning behind it. 

What Miss Cat did find on the amulet itself was the pendant of the nun stamped with MWFP on the back, was made by Master Works Fine Pewter. They made figurines and pendants during the 1980s ad early 1990s, located out of Albuquerque, NM.

Other than that, the history still remains a mystery.

http://www.yronwode.org/

I wanted to replace the contents of this mojo bag with something better so I purchased a lovely black deer skin bag from Lucky Mojo to "re home" it if you will, and gave the original bag to Miss Cat as she seemed interested in having it. It will be a part of Y.I.P.P.I.E. (you can read all about that by clicking the above link provided below the photo), and my "improved" mojo bag will be on display at the 2013 Missionary Independent Spiritual Hoodoo Workshops: http://missionaryindependent.org/workshops.html

I still have to stitch the amulet to the bag itself and add a few more "goodies" to update it a bit. But it will certainly be a sight to see in the upcoming year :)

Thank You Miss Cat for taking the time out to helping me discover the origins and ingredients of my souvenir from NOLA.

Love Potion #9

Pomp & Conjure Circumstance

A long awaited time has finally come to pass... my "graduation" from Miss Cat Yronwode's Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course; as of Friday Dec. 9, 2012.

That week leading up to that day was the LONGEST in my life.. I swear. But there was also a big part of me that felt kind of sad.

*my last 2 homework submissions*

Sad that in the fact that I was no longer going to be an official student, sad that I was feeling kind of like a baby bird being pushed out of the nest, and especially sad that I had to let go of my 2 precious assignments that I was particularly proud of; my Evil Eye Protection Mojo Bag and matching Oil.

*breathtaking aren't they?*

Ok.. the "baby bird" analogy was a bit much but one cannot know their full potential unless forced to fly on their own at some point.

However!... There is the Apprenticeships that I still have yet to take and most certainly will be attending.

 I am most definitely excited to partake in more schooling from Miss Cat and her amazing staff doing hands on learning right there in the shop :)

*Always a Silver Lining. You just have to look for it!*

*I darn near cried just then*



 When the time came, and Nagasiva had set my 2 white boxes containing my homework submissions in front of Miss Cat, I got a lump in my throat and was pretty nervous as this was my "make it or break it" moment.

My pass or fail all hinged on Miss Cat's discerning opinion, for which I regard highly. Obviously.

So when she had commented so graciously on my oil, verbally and on paper, I was just stunned. I HAD to take a pic of it, I was so proud. I had to take a few as I was a little shaky from being so excited :)

Yes I know, I make a big damn deal out of something that most wouldn't be THIS ecstatic over, but this is genuine for me.

As I have stated before, Miss Cat really helped me help myself out of a time in my life where everything was getting bleak really fast, and I felt suffocated.

She was patient and kind to me, and was there to help guide and teach me inside and out of her correspondence course. I really wanted to in a sense make her proud. That I wasn't going to be one of those students that didn't take pride in their work, that didn't take their studies seriously, or did half-assed hoodoo.





I'm a true Capricorn, it doesn't work that way for me. Oh and I am very "Type A" if you couldn't already tell.

Not only did I pass, but I also got to applaud my own commencement. That felt a little conceited and weird of me to do, but oh well :)

As an added bonus as a graduate, I can now use the "Certified Practitioner" logo on my avatar/logo/profile pic.

http://forum.luckymojo.com/using-"certified-practitioner"-badges-here-and-elsewhere--t14051.html



"Using "Certified Practitioner" Badges here -- and elsewhere.

by catherineyronwode » Sun Sep 04, 2011 9:23 am

I know that not everyone who takes my course has an interest in becoming a professional reader or rootworker, and what follows is written primarily for those who have set their sights on earning a living as conjure doctors.

WHAT DOES AN HRCC GRADUATION CERTIFICATE MEAN?

The word "certificate" refers to the paper certificates i give to those who complete my course.

I also give certificates to those who have completed my three-week hands-on Apprenticeship program.

I wish to make it very clear, because angry and jealous voices have stated that i claim otherwise, that a graduation certificate from the Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course or Apprenticeship Program carries no implication that i claim to "certify" a root doctor's personal spiritual work or his natural gifts from Spirit.

WHAT DOES "CERTIFIED PRACTITIONER" MEAN AT THE LUCKY MOJO FORUM?

When Lara Rivera was paid to design the Lucky Mojo Forum, she wanted to make a way for moderators (all of whom are HRCC grads) and non-moderators (some of whom who are HRCC grads) to be identified, should they choose to be identified as such in the forum, as credible responders rather than just other newbies to hoodoo or inexperienced mages.

She created -- and i approved -- the "Certified Practitioner" logo badges that a number of course graduates and moderators use as avatars or as a portion of their avatars at the Lucky Mojo Forum.

Anyone who is an HRCC grad can use this badge at the Lucky Mojo Forum -- or on their personal web pages. No one is required to.

In other words, the Lucky Mojo "certified practitioner" Forum and web page badges are for optional use by all course grads at the forum for two reasons:

(1) The badges help newbies distinguish replies to their questions as coming from helpers with a sound knowledge base (e.g. course grads) versus coming from random fellow-newbies.

(2) Forum badges do not imply matriculation in any sort of program for certification of gifts of the spirit, such as might be conveyed by a License to Preach the Gospel, Ordination as a Minister, or graduation as a Doctor of Divinity, but they help my students build their reputations in the field through visual identification in a forum that is home to literally thousands of prospective clients; thus the badges were approved by me for my grads to combine with their personal avatars as part of a long-term career-building strategy for those who intend to become professional rootworkers.

WHAT DOES "CERTIFIED PRACTITIONER" MEAN AT AIRR?

The term "certified practitioner" is used at the AIRR site to Indicate that the worker has achieved a known standard of proficiency in conjure by graduating from the HRCC program and that we as a group believe the worker to be conducting his or her root doctoring business in accord with our stated ethical and moral standards. It is important to note that AIRR certifies that the worker's *business skills* and *business practices* -- the way the worker interacts with clients who seek readings via email and telephone -- are up to our standards.

Again, there is no implication that AIRR somehow claims to "certify" anyone's natural gifts of the spirit.

USING YOUR COURSE CERTIFICATE AND FORUM BADGE TO HELP BUILD A CAREER

Nothing is more discouraging to a novice worker than to hang out a shingle and get no clients. I would like to help you jump that hurdle.

1) I encourage my grads who wish to apply to AIRR once they have the requisite two years of rootworking experience to use the "Certified Practitioner" badges and also to become mods at the Lucky Mojo Forum in order to attract the notice of potential clients, so that when you join AIRR, you will have a good potential client-base through prior contacts at the 5,000-member Lucky Mojo Forum. By working for a year or two within the give-and-take of the Lucky Mojo Forum (and other forums as well, including MyHoodooSpace and OldStyleConjure) you will become known to potential clients.

2) By keeping one single uniform professional-name or real-name presence at all public sites, including the Lucky Mojo Forum, Blogtalkradio, MyHoodooSpace, OldStyleConjure, Facebook, Twitter, and your own web site, you are building a real reputation and you will have the best chance of attracting clients from the get-go. Do not split the public's attention by using multiple names. Use one name and stick to it everywhere and always.

Cordially,

cat yronwode

catherine yronwode

catherineyronwode

Site Owner "

I also decided on "graduating" from being known as "Love Potion" on Facebook to now a more mature, professional "Coastside Conjure".

*This will also be covered in another blog posting*

I am still the same person, still the same blogger, still the same individual who will always be in search for more learning and knowledge in Hoodoo and it's practices.

Even though I have the certificate, by no means do I think I am a "Seasoned Pro" or even a "Professional".

I just have some of the essential skills mastered enough to get me started, and now have the prerequisites to learn "Hands On" with one of The Best in Hoodoo... my mentor, Miss Cat Yronwode.

 Here is to closing the door to one chapter, and opening a series more :)

This does not mean I will quit blogging, I am still very much and always will be a "student". So no need to fret my lovelies... There will be more adventures in Hoodoo to come. And more exciting "blog share" giveaways!

January's is gonna be AWESOME!

As always, Stay Tuned!

Love Potion #9

December's Contest Winners!

*Drum Roll Please*

The winners for this months contest on Facebook are as follows:

A Free 30 Minute Reading with Lou Florez

www.bookeo.com/louflorez



The winner is: Nathan S.!


And for the bottle of the St. Nicholas Oil from the Lucky Mojo Curio Co.

http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatoils.html#catholic

The winner is: Beth L.!

I will be contacting you two individually to tell you that you won (in case you didn't know!) and how to claim your prizes.

Thank you so much for reading and "sharing" my blog. This has been exciting for me as well and I have decided to continue the tradition of hosting contests with prize give aways.

So if you haven't won this time, tune in for next months Product of the Month, and Reader/Rootworker for a chance to win my picks for January!

Congrats to you both and Happy Holidays everyone!

Love Potion #9

Product of the Month: Saint Nicholas Oil *Contest Time*

*It's Contest Time*

Share this on your Facebook and let me know that you did, to enter a chance to win a bottle of St. Nicholas Oil from Lucky Mojo!

*No purchase Necessary*

http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatoils.html#catholic

Ho, Ho, Ho?... No, No, Not exactly

This month's "Product of the Month" is St. Nicholas Oil from the Lucky Mojo Curio Co.
*I felt it was fitting for this time of year*

One usually attributes St. Nicholas to the jolly ol' fat man in a red and white suit who drives a sleigh pulled by 8 reindeer. Bringing gifts to boys & girls all over the world by way of said sleigh and climbing up and down a chimney.

This posting and my own personally crafted "spell work" is going to refer back to the origins of this particular Saint.
It is one that I remember hearing about in Sunday School as a child and I had never forgotten it.

*I couldn't find a St. Nicholas vigil candle, so taking a cue from my teacher Cat Yronwode, I found an image of the Saint, printed it out and attached it to the vigil*

I saw that Lucky Mojo had carried St. Nicholas products and with it being the Yuletide Holidays, I just had to blog about it.

While St. Nicholas is the Saint with the most patronages and is commonly known for his protection of Children, I am going to focus on the patronage that I remember fondly from Sunday School... he being the Patron Saint of Maidens.

The short version of the story is that there was a man who had 3 daughters whom he could not afford to give a dowry for each or feed them anymore, and was going to have to sell them into slavery or prostitution. Before he did that, he prayed to God that he would not have to resort to that, and as a result St. Nicholas tossed a bag of gold coins into their window for 3 nights in a row so that the man could afford a husband for each of his daughters.

You can read more about that here:
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/churchandministry/churchhistory/vonbuseck_saint_nicholas_santa.aspx
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/feast-of-st-nicholas-miller-vanderve/





www.luckymojo.com

 Supplies used:

Florida Water: http://www.luckymojo.com/floridakanangawater.html
St. Nicholas Oil: http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatoils.html#catholic
Plain White Glass Encased Vigil: http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatcandles.html
Holly Leaves: http://www.herb-magic.com/holly.html
Mistletoe: http://www.herb-magic.com/mistletoe.html
Acacia Leaves: http://www.herb-magic.com/acacia-leaves.html
Frankincense: http://www.herb-magic.com/frankincense.html
Myrrh: http://www.herb-magic.com/myrrh.html
Petition Paper: http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocattools.html#parchment
3 Gold taper candles: http://www.ancientways.com/store/other-candles.html
Brass Candle Holders: http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocattools.html#holders
1 Glass of Water
A Red Altar Cloth
A Red Pen
Lodestone hairs from my Love Drawing Lodestones : http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatherbs.html#mineral
Potted Christmas Tree (for decorative inspiration and to plant later)
Bag of Chocolate Gold Coins: www.costplusimports.com

http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatincense.html

With the obvious aside, you are probably wondering as to why I chose St. Nicholas?
I was inspired not only by the time of year, but also a couple of friends of mine had been unlucky in love. Their heart breaking Facebook updates along with St. Nicholas' history prompted me to choose this saint.
Traditionally St. Anthony or St. Valentine has been used for such things, but I am going to try something different this time.

Unfortunately I have not been able to find any conjure work ever published on St. Nicholas, so this will be a new spell working for me. Should anyone be in possession of documented conjure using St. Nicholas, please let me know! I'd really appreciate it :)

Of course, as with all workings, I cleansed my working area with Florida Water while praying the 23rd Psalm and the Lords Prayer. *this is my standard protocol for cleansing my altar spaces*

*I fixed my candle with herbs, lodestone hairs, and St. Nicholas oil, prayed over it, then "knocked" it on my altar space 3 times to complete the blessing*

I placed upon my red altar cloth (working from the back going towards the front) my Christmas Tree, a glass of water for offering (to the left), incense burner w/ Frankincense & Myrrh (to the right), St. Nicholas Vigil candle (middle) with Holly, Mistletoe, and Acacia herbs arranged around the base of the candle in a clockwise fashion to "bring something toward you", 3 Gold 4in taper candles (blessed & dressed with St. Nicholas Oil) in a triangle formation around the vigil to represent not only the Holy Trinity, but also the 3 "Maidens".
And last but not least... a bag of "Gold Coins" & a cup of Egg Nog.
*Thanks Kast for the Egg Nog suggestion!*

http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatherbs.html
*you can read about the chosen herbs and their uses here*

Written out in red ink on parchment paper are the petitions for the ladies whom are trying to find their eventual husbands.
*not going to share that information as these are personal*

 
Today is the Feast Day of St. Nicholas, so what better time than now to start this spell :)

Typically I light my incense first as I like to pray out loud as I light my candles, and feel that it is helping my prayers "upward" and to be heard by the spirits.

Again, I could not find any prayers to St. Nicholas on finding love or a husband, so I constructed something simple and sweet. After all, it isn't so much of the words as it is the intention and faith you put forth.

"O St. Nicholas I beseech you and pray
Please don't make me wait another day
Find me the love of my life, and make me his wife
Intercede for me, and forever grateful I will be"

*make the sign of the cross* (In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) Amen

I will change the wording a little for the ladies I am working on, but the above prayer could be used for an individual doing this ritual on their own.

Each day, until the vigil burns out, I bless and dress 3 gold taper candles with St. Nicholas oil, light my incense and candles, pray my little prayer with my whole heart and unfailing faith.

http://www.luckymojo.com/patronsaints.html

Links to various sites on St. Nicholas:
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/who-is-st-nicholas/

http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/patron-saint/

http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/preview.aspx?id=258

http://catholicism.about.com/od/thesaints/p/Saint_Nicholas.htm


When I am finished with my workings, I will dispose of the wax, incense, and whole herbs at the crossroads at my Church. And disposing of the glass vigil into the garbage after I give "thanks" to St. Nicholas for his help. Unfortunately I have been told that the glass encased vigils cannot be recycled, so disposal into a trash can is my only other option right now.

Here is to wishing these ladies to find themselves under the mistletoe with a very special someone this year :)

Happy Holidays!

Love Potion #9

P.S. Winner of the contest will be announced Dec. 15, 2012
Best of luck everyone!

To Graduate or Not to Graduate... that is the question

http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocourse.html

As you all know by know (at least I hope you do), I am a current student of the Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course given by Cat Yronwode through the Lucky Mojo Curio Co.

This Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 will be where I hand in my last 2 homework assignments where it will then be determined whether I graduate or not.

I know most of you are probably thinking "Oh Dear G-d lady... get over it already", but this is important to me.

I have known Miss Cat, her store, and products since 2005. She has significantly helped me and my life since the day I met her.

As a student, I do not want to fail her. Only want to make her proud and confident to call me a "Graduate" of her course.



http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocourse.html#HOMEWORK
*My last 2 homework submissions. Anti Evil Eye Mojo Bag & matching Oil*



While I KNOW that this does not mean that once graduate status has been achieved, that I will be ready to call myself a "Professional" and as Cat says, " Hang your shingle out for business", I am better prepared now that I have learned the essential basics of Hoodoo.

Also without her, I do not believe I would have ever discovered the incredible support system of experienced Readers & Rootworkers, graduates, and students alike. The Forum as well as the Blog Talk Archives have been a tremendous help too.

I am usually found listening to the archives while commuting to work, or driving where ever. Always with a composition book and pen to write down ingredients and spell workings.

I will consider myself forever a "student" as one should always be learning, and I have a LONG way to go to catch up to my peers.

but I'm getting closer :)

I will report back in the comments and let y'all know the status on Friday.

Love Potion #9

Reader/Rootworker of the Month: Lou Florez *Contest Time*

http://www.readersandrootworkers.org/index.php?title=Lou_Florez



It's that time again! The coveted "Reader/Rootworker of the Month" edition of this blog.
This month's featured Reader/Rootworker is none other than Lou Florez!

This month being the month of Christmas (sorry to offend those that do not celebrate it), as a gift to my loyal readers, and new, I am going to be holding a contest on Facebook for a chance to win a Free Reading with Lou!
No Purchase Necessary... you just have to "share" my December blog posting (the very one you are reading right now) on your Facebook account and let me know you did by writing "shared" on the posting to be entered.
The winner will be announced on Dec. 15th, 2012

Now onto my "Lou Lou"

I first met Lou at the 2012 Hoodoo Rootwork Weekend Workshops given by the Missionary Independent Spiritual Church where he was setting up his elaborate altar to Santisima Muerte, whom he was also giving a class that I attended. I was immediately drawn to his soft gentle nature, and of course who could resist that sweet Texas accent :)

He will be at the 2013 Workshops giving readings and teaching some classes... Stop by and get aquainted with this incredible southern gentleman :)

*Lou writing out the petitions to be placed on the candles to be set at the Missionary Independent Spiritual Church*

Little did I know that in him I would find a Reader, but an amazing ally too! The reason I say this is that I came to Lou right after I was let go from a very lucrative job and I just fell apart. I was in a very dark place in my life and Lou was my "Spiritual Prozac". He talked me down from that "ledge" that I was determined to jump off of and drown myself in a self imposed "pity party".

His kindness and his cards provided me with comfort for me to pick myself up and carry on about getting another job.

He treats his clients like family, and truly wants them to succeed in life. Whatever path that may be.
Not only does he give readings from a deck of cards that "chose him" by falling on his head from a bookshelf when he was 15 years old (love that little factoid), he does some amazing rootwork, AND he offers classes online! He is a very diverse individual :)
His rates are incredibly reasonable for how "priceless" I consider him to be. And he is also a member of AIRR so you can rest assured you are getting a quality reading from an ethical person.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you: Lou Florez!

http://missionaryindependent.org/workshops.html

What kinds of readings do you perform?

Through years of study and apprenticeship I have become well versed in numerous forms of divination.  My goal as a diviner is to create a synergistic match between the spiritual needs of the client and the unique gifts that these oracles bring to the table. My specialties include: Tarot, Mediumship, Obi, Dillogun, Scrying, Candle and Wax Divination, Bibliomancy, Tea Leaf Reading, Numerology, Dream & Sign Interpretation, Psychometry, Throwing Bones, Rune interpretation, Pendulum divining, and Egg readings.

What styles do you find most popular?

Tarot is the most widely requested of the spiritual readings I offer.  I feel this is because it accesses the divination process through the pictorial representation of the many forms and aspects of one’s life, and consciousness. The cards are meant to evoke through the senses, the raw experiences and emotions present in the client’s life.  It also provides insight and clarity into future possibilities and outcomes for the client.  I use the Tarot to divine prescriptive rites which are rituals used to help create or manifest the aims and aspirations of my clients.

Lou's Day of the Dead Altar

Mediumship is another highly requested service, because as a channel, I am able to communicate with my client’s spiritual court and loved ones who have crossed over. Often a person’s guides and loved ones have messages that they want conveyed.  During the course of the reading these insights are given to help support and comfort the client through their evolutionary journey.

Dillogun and Obi readings round out my most popular styles of divination, and they are used to directly communicate with the Orisha, who are seen as enlightened representatives of the Divine and support the evolution of our lives. They speak to the conditions surrounding the client’s situation, and how best maneuver in order to reach their full potential.



www.bookeo.com/louflorez

 

Who was or were your divination teacher or teachers?

One of my first teachers in Hoodoo, and metaphysics is Mariah Prosper, who co-owned Scorpio Herbs in Dallas, Texas, during the 90s.  I studied under her and her partner at the time.  She gave me a foundation in Tarot and in formulating prescriptive rites.

Cat Yronwode is an instructor and a monumental influence in my life.  She has transformed the way I view and work with the Tarot.

I am an initiated priest in the IFA Tradition and I learned Dillogun, Obi, and mediumship through my godmother Iyanifa Ifalade, of Ile Ori Ogbe Egun, in Denver, Co.  She continues to train and guide my studies and is my own spiritual guide and teacher.

Do you prescribe spiritual supplies for the people you read for?

As part of my spiritual counsel I suggest prescriptive rites, rituals, and supplies that can be used to help support or catalyze the change the client wants to make.

Do you teach spells or do magical coaching with clients who come to you for readings?

Yes.  I believe magical coaching is an important part of Hoodoo because it empowers our clients to be self-reliant.  It helps them take a proactive stance in their overall health.

*Lou is one of the people that "Read" the candles that are set at the Missionary Independent Spiritual Church*
http://missionaryindependent.org/candle-services.html

How and when did you first hear about hoodoo rootwork?

Growing up in Texas I encountered folk magic at a very young age.  It seemed to be part of the environment itself. There was always a remedy for what ailed you.  It didn’t matter if it was physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual! It was not until my late teens, though, that I became familiar with “Hoodoo” as a term for what I was learning.

Who was or were your rootwork teacher or teachers?

My first teacher was my mother, who sparked my curiosity, teaching me how to listen to the world around me. The list is really long but just to name a few, Cat Yronwode, Mariah Prosper, Sharon S, Elders in Sabine Parish & New Orleans, LA.

How long have you been professionally practicing divination, psychic reading, hoodoo rootwork, or conjure doctoring for clients?

I have been a professional reader for seventeen years and a conjure/ rootdoctor for thirteen.



http://www.readersandrootworkers.org/index.php?title=Lou_Florez



What are specialties as a rootdoctor?

My specialties include love work, attraction, money & prosperity, curse removal, healing, protection and blessing work.

Do you have any moral or religious limitations on the kind of magic spells you will perform for others? If so, what are they?

I believe that curse work has to be justifiable and should be used only as a last resort.

Do you work according to the precepts of a particular religion, and if so, which one?

I am an IFA priest.  I also have had a long-standing relationship with Catholicism and the Saints.

How long do you think I should have to wait before people can see results from your spell casting or altar work?

I find that timing varies from client to client.  Generally speaking, there are divinatory signs within a week but can it take as much as ten days.

*Lou's Santisima Muerte Altar*

What could I be doing at home in to improve the chances that my aims and goals will be achieved?

I was taught that there are three forms of Will, which, when aligned, allow you to create the world you desire.  They are, Good Will, or the ability to communicate effectively what you want in the world, Disciplined Will, or the ability to physically go out into the world and enact the change you want to see, and then there is Skillful Will, or the ability to create the most poignant change using what is inherently around you. Each one of these forms can be worked, simultaneously with rootwork and prayers, to build the success of the client.

*Lou personalizing a candle with a customers own photo to be attached to their candle*

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out in Conjure?

Engage Hoodoo as you would any discipline or art by actually doing it. Develop a consistent personal practice that both feeds, and supports your life on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. After all, we can read about Hoodoo, but what makes it effective is the actual practice of it.

http://missionaryindependent.org/candle-services.html

To schedule a reading with Lou: www.bookeo.com/louflorez

For Candle Services: http://missionaryindependent.org/candle-services.html

            


*The Sugar Skulls I learned how to make at the  Working with  Santisima Muerte class given by Lou Florez
at the 2012 Hoodoo Rootwork Workshop given by the Missionary Independent Spiritual Church* 





Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way of celebrating than getting a reading?

Give a gift of a reading from Lou Florez, let him share his gift of knowledge and "sight" with you!

Best of luck to the winner of this contest!

Love Potion #9

Questionnaire can be found at:: http://www.readersandrootworkers.org/index.php?title=Questions_to_Ask_Your_Reader%2C_Rootworker%2C_or_Conjure_Doctor

Copyright Cat Yronwode/Lucky Mojo Curio Co.