Hello all,

I want to know what are your feelings about African Americans practicing Wicca and/or witchcraft? I have been talking to a lot of women who are not practicing this ancient religion and seeking others of like minds.

Do you think our ancestor practiced this? If so, why? If not, Why?
I am interested in reading your opinions.

Peace, love, and light
Blessings

Lady Bastet

Hello all,

I want to know what are your feelings about African Americans practicing Wicca and/or witchcraft? I have been talking to a lot of women who are not practicing this ancient religion and seeking others of like minds.

Do you think our ancestor practiced this? If so, why? If not, Why?
I am interested in reading your opinions.

Peace, love, and light
Blessings

Lady Bastet
If I'm not mistaken, Wicca is a european spirit belief system. Particuliarly out of Greater England and Ireland. If black people did practice this system it was teachers rather than student. Probably via the moors.

If I'm not mistaken, Wicca is a european spirit belief system. Particuliarly out of Greater England and Ireland. If black people did practice this system it was teachers rather than student. Probably via the moors.

Wiccan is just a renamed version of knowledge europeans stole from the mystery schools from our ancient african ancestors as every thing else. As you know that is there way. Now we have to be reintroduced to the teachings of our ancestors in the profane way because they are incapable of capturing the profoundness of their teachings because it is not from their kind thereby limiting their ability to conceive it's true essence and We're incapable of getting it from the profound state because of the destruction and dismaneling of all of our great ancient african ancestor knowledge and theological teachings. But you can't destroy one's DNA can you :toast: I too find wicca fascinating because it has so much of our ancient african ancestor's theololgy in it from osiris to isis the list goes on. There is a wealth of our ancient african ancestors theological teachings in this practice. It will do you well to study it.

hotep

blessed be,

isis

Wiccan is just a renamed version of knowledge europeans stole from the mystery schools from our ancient african ancestors as every thing else. As you know that is there way. Now we have to be reintroduced to the teachings of our ancestors in the profane way because they are incapable of capturing the profoundness of their teachings because it is not from their kind thereby limiting their ability to conceive it's true essence and We're incapable of getting it from the profound state because of the destruction and dismaneling of all of our great ancient african ancestor knowledge and theological teachings. But you can't destroy one's DNA can you :toast: I too find wicca fascinating because it has so much of our ancient african ancestor's theololgy in it from osiris to isis the list goes on. There is a wealth of our ancient african ancestors theological teachings in this practice. It will do you well to study it.

hotep

blessed be,

isis

I am! and I totally agree with what you stated Isis.. totally!
blessings and light
Lady Bastet

If I'm not mistaken, Wicca is a european spirit belief system. Particuliarly out of Greater England and Ireland. If black people did practice this system it was teachers rather than student. Probably via the moors.

Hey, thanks for responding to this post. Wicca within itself is only 50 years old. So, yes it is a Euro-ireland-scottish,welsh system of witchcraft. However, looking at the foundation of Wicca it was taken from our ancestors and re-created. Blacks did exsist in Europe before pre slavery, Russia which also has a witchcraft sect oppossed slavery and many blacks journeyed there. I will have to find the website and book documentation if you were interested. So yes, we were there as teachers not students. And whites took back with them to their countries what they saw our ancestors practicing in Africa.

peace and blessings
Lady Bastet

Hey, thanks for responding to this post. Wicca within itself is only 50 years old. So, yes it is a Euro-ireland-scottish,welsh system of witchcraft. However, looking at the foundation of Wicca it was taken from our ancestors and re-created. Blacks did exsist in Europe before pre slavery, Russia which also has a witchcraft sect oppossed slavery and many blacks journeyed there. I will have to find the website and book documentation if you were interested. So yes, we were there as teachers not students. And whites took back with them to their countries what they saw our ancestors practicing in Africa.

peace and blessings
Lady Bastet


THis same historical dyanamic also applies to Kaballah, a system heavily borrowed from the Metu Neter. Most of which was re-discovered and taught to European Jews in Spain by our ancestors... the moors.

Alafia,

The Honorable Marcus Garvey once said, "A people without knowledge of their past culture, history or origin is like a tree without roots."

With that said, what I see in the Wicca phenomena is a rehashing of Europeanized names for Afrikan Ntrs with a decidely Eurocentric tone. I see it no more precise, in terms of Afrikan cosmology and philosophy, than Christianity or the Kabbala. It's funny our people can deal more with over-hyped and popularized fanciful notions of Europeanism than with the grit root of our Afrikan ancestors. Close to 70% of our ancestors came from West or Central Afrika, but more people ponder Wicca than Bakongo, Akan, Yoruba, Ewe-Fon, Ibo or other cultural groups' spiritual beliefs from those regions of Afrika. Yes, Wicca can be insightful or mind-provoking, but in respect to ancestral spiritual lineage, I don't think it can speak to the soul of Afrikan people.

Also, we speak of the "Mystery Systems" as if they no longer exist. Is it because those schools of thought do not come with the Kemetic gift-wrapping on them anymore? Kmt was composed of 42 different nations and as time progressed and invaders encroached those groups were re-established and they fled to more safer areas of inner Afrika. The Yoruba speak of Oduduwa coming from the east and there's an oral tradition claiming Oduduwa was once pharaoh. The Akan say they came south from the "sea of sand." It is my opinion that these groups, and many more, were the original inhabitants of Kmt or neighboring areas and as such, carried with them the wisdom and knowledge of ancient times. Surely, a quick perusal of their belief systems have alot or similar concepts with Kmt spiritual traditions. However, we lack this knowledge, eventhough it is there in plain view, and we search for meaning, definition and connection in traditions that have been radicalized to fit the cultural needs and worldview of people not Afrikan. My question is: Why the search, the ancestors are there and waiting? Is Sankofa just rhetoric?

Ire-O!!!
Blackbird

Alafia,

The Honorable Marcus Garvey once said, "A people without knowledge of their past culture, history or origin is like a tree without roots."

With that said, what I see in the Wicca phenomena is a rehashing of Europeanized names for Afrikan Ntrs with a decidely Eurocentric tone. I see it no more precise, in terms of Afrikan cosmology and philosophy, than Christianity or the Kabbala. It's funny our people can deal more with over-hyped and popularized fanciful notions of Europeanism than with the grit root of our Afrikan ancestors. Close to 70% of our ancestors came from West or Central Afrika, but more people ponder Wicca than Bakongo, Akan, Yoruba, Ewe-Fon, Ibo or other cultural groups' spiritual beliefs from those regions of Afrika. Yes, Wicca can be insightful or mind-provoking, but in respect to ancestral spiritual lineage, I don't think it can speak to the soul of Afrikan people.

Also, we speak of the "Mystery Systems" as if they no longer exist. Is it because those schools of thought do not come with the Kemetic gift-wrapping on them anymore? Kmt was composed of 42 different nations and as time progressed and invaders encroached those groups were re-established and they fled to more safer areas of inner Afrika. The Yoruba speak of Oduduwa coming from the east and there's an oral tradition claiming Oduduwa was once pharaoh. The Akan say they came south from the "sea of sand." It is my opinion that these groups, and many more, were the original inhabitants of Kmt or neighboring areas and as such, carried with them the wisdom and knowledge of ancient times. Surely, a quick perusal of their belief systems have alot or similar concepts with Kmt spiritual traditions. However, we lack this knowledge, eventhough it is there in plain view, and we search for meaning, definition and connection in traditions that have been radicalized to fit the cultural needs and worldview of people not Afrikan. My question is: Why the search, the ancestors are there and waiting? Is Sankofa just rhetoric?

Ire-O!!!
Blackbird


Thank you for posting.

I just wanted to say that I agree with your point to some degree. It is true that Wicca is a direct european watered down version of african culture. I also think that african americans are embracing this "religion" because most of us, not all have no direct emotional connection to africa. Some of us seek it, some of us don't. We have been living over here far too long. I feel that we can learn from Wicca or any earth based religion. I am attracted to the Orisha, I study it, however, the Yoruba "religion" in its entirity, I do not embrace with realisim because I have no connection. I take a little of this and a little of that and make it real for me. I don't think we as african american people are wrong for identifying with a "religion" that was ours to begin with, and practicing it for various personal reasons, I know that as a people on many individual levels we are attracted to what we are attracted too and I feel it is for a reason. I think we all live many, many lives and we are not always the same race, sex or do we carry the same lifestyle in every life. I think whether we like to believe it or not, many of our souls have been all over this world living very different cultures. WE are who we are, and I think we should all remain as open minded about ALL those possibilities as possible, this way we can all learn from one another.

Thank you again!
Blessed Be!

Lady Bastet

Thank you for posting.

I just wanted to say that I agree with your point to some degree. It is true that Wicca is a direct european watered down version of african culture. I also think that african americans are embracing this "religion" because most of us, not all have no direct emotional connection to africa. Some of us seek it, some of us don't. We have been living over here far too long. I feel that we can learn from Wicca or any earth based religion. I am attracted to the Orisha, I study it, however, the Yoruba "religion" in its entirity, I do not embrace with realisim because I have no connection. I take a little of this and a little of that and make it real for me. I don't think we as african american people are wrong for identifying with a "religion" that was ours to begin with, and practicing it for various personal reasons, I know that as a people on many individual levels we are attracted to what we are attracted too and I feel it is for a reason. I think we all live many, many lives and we are not always the same race, sex or do we carry the same lifestyle in every life. I think whether we like to believe it or not, many of our souls have been all over this world living very different cultures. WE are who we are, and I think we should all remain as open minded about ALL those possibilities as possible, this way we can all learn from one another.

Thank you again!
Blessed Be!

Lady Bastet


Alafia Lady Bastet,

Thank you for your reply. Like yo, I agrre with your post to some degree. I understand the emotional separation for Afrika due to years of physical separation. Truly! Many of the concepts seem foreign and hard to assimilate because of (not really our emotional disconnection) but our mental dissolution. When we embrace Afrikan beliefs, there must be a significant change in worldview. Many practitioners still haven't come to this point. One of my favorite things concerning ATRs, in general, is the adaptibility of them. They are rigid and stale, but flexible and dynamic.

You wrote: "I think we all live many, many lives and we are not always the same race, sex or do we carry the same lifestyle in every life. I think whether we like to believe it or not, many of our souls have been all over this world living very different cultures. WE are who we are, and I think we should all remain as open minded about ALL those possibilities as possible, this way we can all learn from one another."

I think, personally, this is dangerous thought if we believe in this present incarnation Black folx were/are oppressed. Identification with all cultures sometimes clouds the mission and confounds the definition of our present identity. Oh.... I hate to sound dogmatic, but rather this is typical to many West Afrikan belief systems. There is the concept of the ancestral soul ... sie', dya, etc. Our people, in comparative theology terms, believed in the concept of multiple souls. The human being was a composite of various emanations; each with its own purpose and origin. This concept was down in spiritual DNA from one's familial ancestors. Remember the body we possess is inherited from our ancestors and it is as important as anything to you in your physical incarnations, so as such it carries its own relevancy.

I will end with my situation.... I was studying orisa, like you, a couple years back. I had been studying since 1997, but in 2002, I had a dream that my sister and I were born into Vodou. It scared me. When I woke up, I couldn't understand why I dreamt this - the orisa or mainly was my path. I paid it no mind and contnued to study orisa. Then, last year, I dreamt another Vodou dream - the lwa and names of various Afrikan ethnic groups (especially ones from Togo) were apparent. I told my girlfriend, who lived in New Orleans and she said she had just found a botanica and think they practiced Vodou. I told her to go back there and tell them of my dream. She went, told them of my dream and the owner said call. I called and he told me of a party they were having. I had to work that weekend and I couldn't take off. Spirit was moving me though and so I left to New Orleans without any thought. I attended the party and the lwa Agwe manifested. They presented me to Agwe - asking him, "did you bring him here, is he your son?" Agwe said that he did sent for me and he bring me there. Agwe told them that they MUST welcome me into their house and that I MUST BE IN THIS. I didn't choose Vodou; Vodou CHOSED me. I never once seriously studied Vodou before then.

Later, since I've been a tireless genealogist since youth and the family historian, I began re-newed in my family's story. Interviewed some surviving elders and found out, that one lineage in my family could strongly have come from the present Togo area. Spirit moves in funny ways. In Afrika, they say the spirits are in ones' blood. My story, confirmed with my detailed experiences and remarks from others, have proven to me, that no matter how long time has separated me from Afrika, the Afrikan spirits are alive within my blood.

Ase!
Blackbird

Alafia,

Forgive me of my type-Os and grammatical errors, but I was writing my previous post, all of a sudden Shango started speaking (thunder). At the party, other lwa came and amened Agwe's comments.

Having an open mind is good, but I think we can not forget our ancestors and our ancestral spiritual lineage plays a part in our spirituality. In the West, things are done in random or because we choose it to be, so we sometimes don't take into account other factors our ancestors believed play a part in things. We devalue spirit in many instances. Each person has her/his own story and tapestry that comes along with their story. Like I said, I would have never thought I would be into Vodou. Never!

Blackbird

Alafia,

Forgive me of my type-Os and grammatical errors, but I was writing my previous post, all of a sudden Shango started speaking (thunder). At the party, other lwa came and amened Agwe's comments.

Having an open mind is good, but I think we can not forget our ancestors and our ancestral spiritual lineage plays a part in our spirituality. In the West, things are done in random or because we choose it to be, so we sometimes don't take into account other factors our ancestors believed play a part in things. We devalue spirit in many instances. Each person has her/his own story and tapestry that comes along with their story. Like I said, I would have never thought I would be into Vodou. Never!

Blackbird

I don't know who you were referring to with regard to looking outside our race for spiritual guidance, and if you read other threads I've responded to, you will see that does not apply to me. I've been a student of the Medu Neter for 24 years. In my latter years I have seen the connection of the Kaballah, an African mystery system, co-opted by europeans, And I Overstand what role this system plays in the re-surrection of right and truth in the African diaspora. To ascend to the top of that tree one last time.

Hetep

Alafia,

Forgive me of my type-Os and grammatical errors, but I was writing my previous post, all of a sudden Shango started speaking (thunder). At the party, other lwa came and amened Agwe's comments.

Having an open mind is good, but I think we can not forget our ancestors and our ancestral spiritual lineage plays a part in our spirituality. In the West, things are done in random or because we choose it to be, so we sometimes don't take into account other factors our ancestors believed play a part in things. We devalue spirit in many instances. Each person has her/his own story and tapestry that comes along with their story. Like I said, I would have never thought I would be into Vodou. Never!

Blackbird

Greetings! I think your post was very enlightening. For someone who is fresh on the path to spiritual discovery, I am taking what is that I am learning and seeing if it applies to me. I am currently reading a book on the Orisha and am constantly changing my thinking patterns. I don't fully understand Yoruba, and some of the style of practice baffles me. I feel no connection. However, I do with the Orisha. I am learning so many things about wicca, Orisha and the craft in general that I am runninning in spiritual circles. I am asking for divine intervention to make sense of it all. I am trying to find my path, my way.

I feel that we all still could be a little more open minded in the sense of many past lives. I feel that we can learn from others experiences to some degree, no matter how minor.

Maybe you can help me with this dream I had not too long ago, I have not told anyone about it. Your post moved me, and I want to share it with you.

I dreamed I was in a village, it had houses like mini huts. They were elaborate. The ground was packed solid with earth and many trees were around these huts. People were working in this "village" and when I walked in ( I couldn't see myself but feel myself) I was surrounded by what I could sense.. powerful figures, protective figures.. (I couldn't see them either) and when I walked into this village the people stopped doing what they were doing and stared at me with a look of respect and awe on their faces.
In another apsect of the dream I can remember, I was talking with a group of people from this "village" and they were bickering. I opened up my mouth and let out a scream that vibrated the air and moved the earth and they fell silent.


Wha?! Could you help a sista out?
I would appreciate it.

Thanks and sorry for the long delay in my replying.... got busy with school.
Lady Bastet
I

I don't know who you were referring to with regard to looking outside our race for spiritual guidance, and if you read other threads I've responded to, you will see that does not apply to me. I've been a student of the Medu Neter for 24 years. In my latter years I have seen the connection of the Kaballah, an African mystery system, co-opted by europeans, And I Overstand what role this system plays in the re-surrection of right and truth in the African diaspora. To ascend to the top of that tree one last time.

Hetep

Alafia Sekhemu,

I agree with you. I have no qualms, whatsoever. The Kabalah is definitely an Afrikan mystery system in origin and has been co-opted by Europeans, who have written many treatises on it. My godfather believes Vodou sprang from it.

Blackbird

Alafia Lady Bastet,

I understand you in more ways than one about past lives and if it seemed as if I was being downgrading, I humbly submit my apologies. May Mama Oshun sweeten my tongue with honey and your heart. Thank you for sharing your dream, as well.

Concerning your dream, I have a few questions...
Do you have an ancestral altar? Are you communicating with your egun/ancestors? Were the people bickering at you or amongst themselves?

You wrote: "I was surrounded by what I could sense.. powerful figures, protective figures.. (I couldn't see them either) and when I walked into this village the people stopped doing what they were doing and stared at me with a look of respect and awe on their faces."

Those powerful, protective figures are more than likely your ancestors. They were probably like, "Is that her - I can't believe it she came."
If you aren't communicating with your ancestors, they may be waiting for you to speak with them. If you're not talking with your folx, do so!

Also, were the huts packed with earth, as well?

If they were, I think your dream village resembled those of Burkina Faso, northeastern Ghana, northern Togo and northern Benin. These are the houses of Gur speakers like: Tchamba, Dagomba, Gurma, Mossi and the like. Could be your ancestral homeland. Just a suggestion.

I have many dreams. My ancestors speak frequently with me. Your dream recollection, inspired me to recalled another one. Maybe this can be helpful.

I dreamt an ex-girlfriend of mine (girlfriend at the time) and I were leaving college for the summer break and decided we would do an intern. We looked at the bulletin board for programs. We saw a flyer for a spiritual retreat/cruise that gave credits for attending. We signed up and went on the cruise. It was a 5-day cruise with various spirituality seminars. The host and main speaker was a white man, a Jim Jones type. At the end of the 5 days, everyone was packing to leave. The white man came to our suite and asked us how we liked the event. We replied we loved it. He said what if I told you you're never going to leave. With that, his bodyguards, a group of buff Black men came into the room and grabbed us. They led us out onto the main deck where groups of Black college couples were held captive. They were separating the men from the women to kill the men. As I was being separated from my girlfriend, I escaped and took off running. The guards shot me in the back through the heart. I wasn't dead. They grabbed me and the white man said hang him. They hung me, but I still wasn't dead. I was unconscious, though. The white man said throw him in the water if he's not dead yet, surely the salt in the water will choke him to death. They threw me in the water and I died. I sensed powerful, protective figures, although I couldn't see them. They said, "No, you must go back; it's not your time, yet." The white man, after killing all the men, was raping the Black women. As the ship cruised the ocean, they stopped at different islands. They stopped at one island to do a photo-op for the cruise/retreat with the media. The white man said he was staying on the ship and told the women they better not tell the truth of what's going on. He sent the guards to guard and make sure the women said only good things. While on the island, the women, at first, said how good everything was - until my girlfriend was like "No. It's a lie. He has killed all the men. That's why you only see women." Other women fearfully began to chimed in. The guards looked upset and said, "Because of this, you'll never leave." They meant the island, from henceforth they were free and the guards were, too. My girlfriend was pregnant - pregnant with my baby.

Blackbird

Alafia Lady Bastet,

I understand you in more ways than one about past lives and if it seemed as if I was being downgrading, I humbly submit my apologies. May Mama Oshun sweeten my tongue with honey and your heart. Thank you for sharing your dream, as well.

Concerning your dream, I have a few questions...
Do you have an ancestral altar? Are you communicating with your egun/ancestors? Were the people bickering at you or amongst themselves?

You wrote: "I was surrounded by what I could sense.. powerful figures, protective figures.. (I couldn't see them either) and when I walked into this village the people stopped doing what they were doing and stared at me with a look of respect and awe on their faces."

Those powerful, protective figures are more than likely your ancestors. They were probably like, "Is that her - I can't believe it she came."
If you aren't communicating with your ancestors, they may be waiting for you to speak with them. If you're not talking with your folx, do so!

Also, were the huts packed with earth, as well?

If they were, I think your dream village resembled those of Burkina Faso, northeastern Ghana, northern Togo and northern Benin. These are the houses of Gur speakers like: Tchamba, Dagomba, Gurma, Mossi and the like. Could be your ancestral homeland. Just a suggestion.

I have many dreams. My ancestors speak frequently with me. Your dream recollection, inspired me to recalled another one. Maybe this can be helpful.

I dreamt an ex-girlfriend of mine (girlfriend at the time) and I were leaving college for the summer break and decided we would do an intern. We looked at the bulletin board for programs. We saw a flyer for a spiritual retreat/cruise that gave credits for attending. We signed up and went on the cruise. It was a 5-day cruise with various spirituality seminars. The host and main speaker was a white man, a Jim Jones type. At the end of the 5 days, everyone was packing to leave. The white man came to our suite and asked us how we liked the event. We replied we loved it. He said what if I told you you're never going to leave. With that, his bodyguards, a group of buff Black men came into the room and grabbed us. They led us out onto the main deck where groups of Black college couples were held captive. They were separating the men from the women to kill the men. As I was being separated from my girlfriend, I escaped and took off running. The guards shot me in the back through the heart. I wasn't dead. They grabbed me and the white man said hang him. They hung me, but I still wasn't dead. I was unconscious, though. The white man said throw him in the water if he's not dead yet, surely the salt in the water will choke him to death. They threw me in the water and I died. I sensed powerful, protective figures, although I couldn't see them. They said, "No, you must go back; it's not your time, yet." The white man, after killing all the men, was raping the Black women. As the ship cruised the ocean, they stopped at different islands. They stopped at one island to do a photo-op for the cruise/retreat with the media. The white man said he was staying on the ship and told the women they better not tell the truth of what's going on. He sent the guards to guard and make sure the women said only good things. While on the island, the women, at first, said how good everything was - until my girlfriend was like "No. It's a lie. He has killed all the men. That's why you only see women." Other women fearfully began to chimed in. The guards looked upset and said, "Because of this, you'll never leave." They meant the island, from henceforth they were free and the guards were, too. My girlfriend was pregnant - pregnant with my baby.

Blackbird

Blessings Blackbird!

My what a powerful dream! Wow. Your dream was very deep indeed. Tell me what you think it meant. I am curious. Your in contact with your ancestors then, I want to be. I find the idea hard to fanthom sometimes because even though I am aware of African American history and such, I feel no connection to my people. How can a people whom I have never known be apart of my life as ancestors?? I can I connect with them? I do I feel as though I belong to them? This is what baffles me about Yoruba. I like the Orisha and the concept of them. There are other apsects of Yoruba that I know I could not adhere too, however I respect it as a religion. I am curious about the ancestors. Teach me Please.. (smile)

Your dream kinda reminds me of a situation that happened to me when I was 16! But not as detailed. I was sleeping in my room, in this dream I was floating, without the sensation of floating down a tunnel with a white light at the end, on the right and the left of this tunnel the colors were dark grey. I felt no fear going toward this light. However, as I was gladly getting ready to pass into the light a figure, powerful but calm held up his ( I felt it as a male presence) hand and shook his head no, and told me to go back. When I woke up I was laying flat on my back with my eyes open! I felt shivers all over and jumped up, ran out into the living room whrere my mother was panting frantically. She of course thought I was crazy by the look on my face. I wonder if I died?

In repsonse to your questions: No I do not have an alter set up for Egun/ancestors. I don know how yet. Also, in this dream the people were bickering among themselves. And the huts were packed with mud all over and the people were working or doing some kind of craft work. Like crafting weapons. The powerful figures were protecting me, yet guiding me, giving me to the people as something that was needed??? That is all I can say about it, I am trying to recall the feelings that it bought to me while dreaming it.

Your insights were thoughtful. I am digging a little deeper now. Your help has been much appreciated blackbird. Your words have been enlightening and taken to heart. :)

Until next time!
Peace
Lady Bastet

Alafia Sista Lady Bastet,

Thank you, sista for your kind words. I'm just a brother, who - like you - is trying his best to walk his path and fulfill his destiny in Creation. So you are a soul traveler, fa real, huh? That was a powerful dream as well. Close to the door, but at the moment you could not enter. How has your life developed since this dream? Has your growth been significant?


Hmm... My dream symbolized a rebirth to me. It represented a transitioning point in my life. In the dream, I died so this meant a death to old self and a rebirth into a new being. The dream hold so many meanings to me, exoteric and esoteric, and as the years pass, I gleam even newer ones. Many dreams are like this - conveying messages which can be understood on some many levels. I dreamt this dream in '99 and I think it foreshadowed my calling into Vodou since in Vodou, the ancestors are connected to water and Ginen (land of the ancestors) can only be reached by traveling below the waters.

Yes, I have a developing connection to my ancestors. They say, "We stand on the shoulders of those that have come before us."

As far as your connection to your ancestors, it's there - no matter what you may think or feel. It's similar to God/Spirit within. Sometimes, we may feel we have no connection to God/Spirit, however, It is still there and waiting for us to do our inner search. The very basic reason why you are connected with your ancestors is inherent within your genetic makeup/your DNA. You carry them with you wherever you go - inside your blood and the genetic information of each of your cells. Spiritually, some of your ancestors may walk with you, eventhough you've never met them. Essentially, you - yourself - could be an ancestor returned in your lineage. We have two sides of our lineage/clan - one side exist on earth and the other in the ancestral realm. In order, for that lineage to remain grounded and active, ancestors must return to their lineage on earth.

The reason you may not feel Yoruba beliefs is because you may not be Yoruba. Its just that simple. Just because you may be Black and of Afrikan descent doesn't make you or your ancestors Yoruba. I believe my ancestors were Ewe/Fon based on my experiences and this could be the reason why I was born into Vodou and carry the vodu in my blood. Mind you, I was raised in Christianity, but I was born into Vodou and the spirits CLAIMED me as their son and descendant. Based on your dream, your ancestors were probably not Yoruba, but as I stated earlier were probably Gur-speakers, who possessed their own spiritual beliefs and wisdom system. {when speaking of ancestors in this context I mean your spiritual (dominant) lineage which we all have}

To start communication with your ancestors, you can simply set-up a low table covered with clean and fresh (preferably new) white cloth and a glass of fresh water, a white candle and a vase of fresh white flowers on it. You can also add pictures of your ancestors you knew in life (if any) on your altar. Many people will tell you diverse ways of protocol, but for starters, you could simply call out the ancestor names you know. Invite them to come and visit with you - maybe even visit in your dreams. As you progress, you can get more elaborate with items for your altar by means of inituition or ancestral requests and maybe began to place an offering of food for them (no salt). You can ask your ancestors questions like "what should I do in XYZ or what path should I take." Advice: Like any relationship, it takes time to develop, but based on your dream they want this to happen. Finally, make sure the area is clean and kept clean and that when you light your candle, your intent is to provide the link between the physical world and the spiritual. May your ancestors guide and bless.

Blackbird

Thank you blackbird. You have been helpful. Tell me one more thing, how can I do research on these parts of Africa and tribes? The ones you say MAY be my ancestors.

I will do the alter to my ancestors. Thank you again.

Lady Bastet

Thank you blackbird. You have been helpful. Tell me one more thing, how can I do research on these parts of Africa and tribes? The ones you say MAY be my ancestors.

I will do the alter to my ancestors. Thank you again.

Lady Bastet

Alafia,

Man, that's a hard question. Due to the easy access of Lukumi (Yoruba) in Cuba and Vodou in Haiti via immigrants from those respective countries, these systems are very "trendy" in the U.S. However, many other Afrikan systems, because most of the practitioners can not afford to travel to the U.S., are not as well-known. One book that may provide some insight is "Of Water and Spirit" by Malidoma Some. He and his wife have other works which could give more insight as well. His people are Gur-speakers, the Dagara. Also, confer with your ancestors for insight and guidance.

Blackbird

THis same historical dyanamic also applies to Kaballah, a system heavily borrowed from the Metu Neter. Most of which was re-discovered and taught to European Jews in Spain by our ancestors... the moors.


LOL!

If some folks only knew!

Alafia Lady Bastet,

Thank you for your reply. Like yo, I agrre with your post to some degree. I understand the emotional separation for Afrika due to years of physical separation. Truly! Many of the concepts seem foreign and hard to assimilate because of (not really our emotional disconnection) but our mental dissolution. When we embrace Afrikan beliefs, there must be a significant change in worldview. Many practitioners still haven't come to this point. One of my favorite things concerning ATRs, in general, is the adaptibility of them. They are rigid and stale, but flexible and dynamic.

You wrote: "I think we all live many, many lives and we are not always the same race, sex or do we carry the same lifestyle in every life. I think whether we like to believe it or not, many of our souls have been all over this world living very different cultures. WE are who we are, and I think we should all remain as open minded about ALL those possibilities as possible, this way we can all learn from one another."

I think, personally, this is dangerous thought if we believe in this present incarnation Black folx were/are oppressed. Identification with all cultures sometimes clouds the mission and confounds the definition of our present identity. Oh.... I hate to sound dogmatic, but rather this is typical to many West Afrikan belief systems. There is the concept of the ancestral soul ... sie', dya, etc. Our people, in comparative theology terms, believed in the concept of multiple souls. The human being was a composite of various emanations; each with its own purpose and origin. This concept was down in spiritual DNA from one's familial ancestors. Remember the body we possess is inherited from our ancestors and it is as important as anything to you in your physical incarnations, so as such it carries its own relevancy.

I will end with my situation.... I was studying orisa, like you, a couple years back. I had been studying since 1997, but in 2002, I had a dream that my sister and I were born into Vodou. It scared me. When I woke up, I couldn't understand why I dreamt this - the orisa or mainly was my path. I paid it no mind and contnued to study orisa. Then, last year, I dreamt another Vodou dream - the lwa and names of various Afrikan ethnic groups (especially ones from Togo) were apparent. I told my girlfriend, who lived in New Orleans and she said she had just found a botanica and think they practiced Vodou. I told her to go back there and tell them of my dream. She went, told them of my dream and the owner said call. I called and he told me of a party they were having. I had to work that weekend and I couldn't take off. Spirit was moving me though and so I left to New Orleans without any thought. I attended the party and the lwa Agwe manifested. They presented me to Agwe - asking him, "did you bring him here, is he your son?" Agwe said that he did sent for me and he bring me there. Agwe told them that they MUST welcome me into their house and that I MUST BE IN THIS. I didn't choose Vodou; Vodou CHOSED me. I never once seriously studied Vodou before then.

Later, since I've been a tireless genealogist since youth and the family historian, I began re-newed in my family's story. Interviewed some surviving elders and found out, that one lineage in my family could strongly have come from the present Togo area. Spirit moves in funny ways. In Afrika, they say the spirits are in ones' blood. My story, confirmed with my detailed experiences and remarks from others, have proven to me, that no matter how long time has separated me from Afrika, the Afrikan spirits are alive within my blood.

Ase!
Blackbird

Awesome testimony!

I have studied Wicca in some formal settings, but I am not, nor ever have been a Wiccan. I believe that Wicca is a cut and pasted faith. White folks have stolen a plethora of aspects from different belief systems and bastardized it to suit their needs. They make claims on it being an ancient belief system but they way they mix and blend stuff clearly lets the discerning know that it isn’t. And they claim to be open minded and they aren’t. I have interacted with several hateful Wiccans that have said cruel things about my belief system.

As far as Black folks that practice Wicca… I believe they were looking for something that they don’t get in the prevalent faiths. Wicca is so different from coven to coven, and also can be practiced solitary; I believe this is the lure. But I’m social and I like consistency.

I do agree with what Isis said; there is much that we can learn form them, since their practices were stolen it from the Original people. Plus Wiccans are way more open to sharing their faths than other non-tradtional belief systems.

I have studied Wicca in some formal settings, but I am not, nor ever have been a Wiccan. I believe that Wicca is a cut and pasted faith. White folks have stolen a plethora of aspects from different belief systems and bastardized it to suit their needs. They make claims on it being an ancient belief system but they way they mix and blend stuff clearly lets the discerning know that it isn’t. And they claim to be open minded and they aren’t. I have interacted with several hateful Wiccans that have said cruel things about my belief system.

As far as Black folks that practice Wicca… I believe they were looking for something that they don’t get in the prevalent faiths. Wicca is so different from coven to coven, and also can be practiced solitary; I believe this is the lure. But I’m social and I like consistency.

I do agree with what Isis said; there is much that we can learn form them, since their practices were stolen it from the Original people. Plus Wiccans are way more open to sharing their faths than other non-tradtional belief systems.

CHAOS

YES WICCA IS A GUMBO FULL OF STUFF FROM DIFFERENT SYSTEM BUT FROM INTERACTING WITH SOME ESP. IN THE COVEN CAPITAL OF THE MIDWEST(COLUMBUS, OHIO)THE STUFF IS ALL CEREMONIAL WITH NO REAL POWER.

Alafia,

The Honorable Marcus Garvey once said, "A people without knowledge of their past culture, history or origin is like a tree without roots."

With that said, what I see in the Wicca phenomena is a rehashing of Europeanized names for Afrikan Ntrs with a decidely Eurocentric tone. I see it no more precise, in terms of Afrikan cosmology and philosophy, than Christianity or the Kabbala. It's funny our people can deal more with over-hyped and popularized fanciful notions of Europeanism than with the grit root of our Afrikan ancestors. Close to 70% of our ancestors came from West or Central Afrika, but more people ponder Wicca than Bakongo, Akan, Yoruba, Ewe-Fon, Ibo or other cultural groups' spiritual beliefs from those regions of Afrika. Yes, Wicca can be insightful or mind-provoking, but in respect to ancestral spiritual lineage, I don't think it can speak to the soul of Afrikan people.

Also, we speak of the "Mystery Systems" as if they no longer exist. Is it because those schools of thought do not come with the Kemetic gift-wrapping on them anymore? Kmt was composed of 42 different nations and as time progressed and invaders encroached those groups were re-established and they fled to more safer areas of inner Afrika. The Yoruba speak of Oduduwa coming from the east and there's an oral tradition claiming Oduduwa was once pharaoh. The Akan say they came south from the "sea of sand." It is my opinion that these groups, and many more, were the original inhabitants of Kmt or neighboring areas and as such, carried with them the wisdom and knowledge of ancient times. Surely, a quick perusal of their belief systems have alot or similar concepts with Kmt spiritual traditions. However, we lack this knowledge, eventhough it is there in plain view, and we search for meaning, definition and connection in traditions that have been radicalized to fit the cultural needs and worldview of people not Afrikan. My question is: Why the search, the ancestors are there and waiting? Is Sankofa just rhetoric?

Ire-O!!!
Blackbird

No doubt about this!

Ase!
Om