This upcoming weekend will be the feast day for Our Lady of Guadalupe, an avatar of the Virgen Mary that appeared to Juan Diego, a poor countryman of Tepayac, who told him of her wish to have a Shrine built when she visited him. Juan Diego petitioned the Bishop, who wanted proof and the Virgen instructed him to gather roses in his tilma, a blanket-type covering, to take to the Bishop. When he presented the roses to the Bishop, her image was imprinted on the tilma, thus convincing the construction to begin and making the tilma a Holy Relic.  The tilma was framed and is hanging in the Cathedral in Mexico City. You can read more about the legend by clicking here.

On this day, many begin to decorate their Christmas trees in the United States and attend Mass with the Mariachi band playing music to the Virgen and later the family gathers at home for warm foods such as tamales, pozole and atole. Some bring the scarlet poinsettia plants to construct a household altar, as the poinsettia plant is native to Mexico. Many will light vigil candles such as this one, to offer petitions to Her.

The Virgen of Guadalupe is revered everywhere and Her image can be found on shirts, jewelry and many have her image as a tatoo to show devotion and asking for her protection. Here is one that I found on the Internet:

Some people believe that if you paint her image on the building where you have your business, that you will not be bothered with break-ins and graffiti. Ironically, it actually is true, as I have read an article that observations has shown that Her image reduces crime in the area. Here is a shop owner who wants a peaceful neighborhood.

Whatever your intensity of devotion to the Virgen of Guadalupe, you can agree that she is an influencal image throughout the Southwest and West. Many of these statues at this market will be relocating in the living rooms of many Latino families very soon.

Greetings, Jacqueline!

I’m a 17-year-old who is in quite a pickle here. Ever since I bought the St. Michael statue, I have been dreaming with saints. Why is this happening to me?! My mom suggested to me to purchase candles for them. They also show me the color of their candles, the baths to purchase, and oils to buy. I don’t have a job and I’m not even 18 yet. Seriously, why did they choose me and not someone with a job? I’m spiritual.

Krystal

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How fortunate for you, but I bet at this time, it doesn’t feel like you won the lottery. Apparently, the introduction of Saint Michael has opened a door for you. There is no ‘requirements’ (age, profession, race) that you need to qualify.Your Mom is right here – burn candles for the Saints and listen to them. You are gifted to do spiritual work for others and I STRONGLY suggest that before you turn away from your gift, you consider learning more about it. Here’s why.

PERSONAL STORY:When I was growing up, my Mother always had the Dell Horoscope magazine around and I would read it. I always had imaginary friends. I was content to play by myself and was an only child for seven years. I had quite the imagination. I always would hear things (and still do). That is called Clairaudience (to hear). I also would cringe, clutch my stomach and shudder around people; only to ask very pointed questions to my Mom and sometimes to them; causing embarrassment. That is called Clairsentience (to feel).

Then when I became a teen, I got a hold of a book (in our school library, no less) and performed a love candle spell on a boy using the moon phase, a red candle and a lock of his hair and photo. OMG! he was at another ‘boys ranch’ type of school and he wanted me to take photos of me while I was nekkid and send the photo to him! NO Way! I stopped doing any kind of magic and when my voices would tell me to turn left, I would ignore them and turn right because I was fearful of that red candle spell encounter. Freaked my booty OUT!

The hard-headiness went on for many, many years and I had a lot of grief over it. In my thirties, I found out that once I was again embarking on my career in education, I was expecting another child. I was so angry at myself for not being careful and I spent many hours in the Chapel at Saint Mary’s, crying my eyes out. I was an exhausted mother of four with what I thought was ‘no future’ and another baby on the way. I went back to the Chapel for days and one day a sense of peace came over me. God told my heart that if I were to have this child, not only will I have to have another one, but He would make everything work out, if only I would listen to my messages. So I took the deal. Now, here I am, helping others as I am being helped.

Now, back to you. I suggest finding a spirituality that is comfortable with you – be it Native America, Santeria, Hoodoo and Rootwork or any other semi-organized belief systems. I am not suggesting in joining nay particular organization, but these came to mind when typing. You must follow your heart. I shared my grief with you as an example of trying to NOT listen to what seems to be your calling – a Spiritual Consultant and Worker. Better to go with the flow than against it, like I did, and life will bring to you what you need, including the right Teacher and Guide.

Good Luck and definitely God Bless!

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It is time again to make my quarterly offering ot the Goddess Ochun at the River. Offerings to her gives her sustenance and are in gratitude and petition for the good, sweet  things that make life worth living that have come and things to come.

Ochun is the Yoruba Goddess of Love, Money, Sexuality, Sensuality, Gold and all the sweet things in life. Her day of the week is Friday and since her number is 5, the first Friday in May (the 5th month) seemed only fitting.

If you have a need for love and money to come into your life, or if these have come because of your devotion to her, you may offer her a candle or a complete offering plate to her.

For the Offering Plate, which includes ceramic plate with your petition on it, as seen in the center photo, the cost or derecho is $25.00 (plus tax). A photo of your offering will be sent to you, as well as other private snapshots of the event.

For a smaller devotion, offer your petition to Ochun with a Tealight Candle for $1.00 (plus tax). These are seen in the center of the photo on the right side.

Orders have closed for this ceremony. Thank you.
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