Altars, Spiritual Giants and the Cookie Monster

One of the primary aspects of my spiritual life is and always has been Altar Magick.  As a young child in the south it was very common to see “good christian folks” practicing this form of spirituality.  Sometimes they were aware of the ancient influences of the wise on their lovely mantels and center pieces, sometimes they were not, they kept an altar simply because their parents did.  Those who acclimated to the church and overall community were often complimented for their craftsmanship and decorating style, those who were not as “palatable” i.e. think the midwife or root worker of the burning times,  were often given sideways glances, yet few if any dared question or berate them.  

 I vividly remember one particular neighbor when I was a child whom I loved to visit.  Ms. Burkes, she was a widowed woman with two bad kids!  I always thought her sons were funny yet one was always in trouble and one was a mama’s boy like myself.  I would go to her house as soon as I could on Sunday’s.  Not only did she give me cookies, which in itself was enough, but she also had a beautiful mantle in a small room off of the living room.  It was always exciting to me to go see how she changed the mantle, at that time I had no understanding how she deemed it time to change, but she just did.  On her mantle there were a few staple items; a white candle and black candle located on each end of the mantle,  a pretty wooden star that sat in the middle and the cloth over the mantle would change with the seasons.  

Over the course of the year many items would appear, then as quickly be removed from the magickal surface.  She would often have articles torn, not cut, from the local paper placed about.  Those may have been obituaries, birth announcements or just an article about the local quarterback.  Ms. Burkes was very specific about where they were placed and that they remain there.  Often she would have ribbons, glitter and brightly colored pieces of painted wood chips that, to my eyes,  appeared to be scattered about, but in fact were meticulously placed. 

I would spend hours sitting  looking at that mantle.  As I grew older and my own spiritual life began to take shape, my gaze began to watch for entities or beings to enter and exit the mantle, more than just enjoying the pretty candles and trinkets.  My view of her as a kind, helpless old woman changed as I saw her as a powerful catalyst for good.  As I am writing this I think how much I would give just for a few of those items now.  The magick Ms. Burkes worked, in my mind still is working.  

My time with her ended when my family moved a few miles away.  Looking back on those times, I wish I had told her of my fondness for her, my respect for her.  I can still see her arthritic hands and feel them patting me on the top of the head.   One of my last times with her she called me over to her at the small kitchen table and took my fat little face in those worn hands and looked directly into my eyes and said, “Andrew, don’t let anyone tell you how to live your life, you will walk in the unusual ways of your god”.  While it was not understandable to my ten year old mind, my 48 year old memory feels the love and the prophetic wisdom in the old crones words. 

About a year ago I went back to my hometown with my partner to show him some of the locales that held my memories. I was sure the little house would be long gone but felt the need to connect energetically with it.  Driving through my old neighborhood I was shocked at how small everything was, the houses so old and the trees seemingly worn down.  As we rounded the corner there was Ms. Burkes house.  It was exactly how I remember it, yet it was surrounded by items, it would perhaps remind one of a scene from hoarders.  

Knowing that Ms. Burkes would be long gone, we pulled to the side of the street as I sat and drank in the scene.  As we were about to pull off, I noticed an older man standing around the back of the house looking at us, as our eyes met I knew immediately it was Ray, Ms. Burkes eldest, “good” son.  It has been about 35 years since I have seen him, but for an instant it was as if I were walking over to his house on a Saturday morning to visit his mom, as our eyes met he looked down.  He never looked back up, he just stood there.  

As an adult I value and honor Altar work.  I have seen time and again how it can focus intent and magnify magick.  At any given time I will have up to three altars going, and they change as the needs change, as the wheel of the year turns and as my mood dictates.  I also encourage anyone to keep an altar, if only an ancestral altar.  One word of advice, please be versed on what you are doing and how the items placed are symbols of power.  A misplaced item will not bring locust down upon you, however there are time tested ways to get the most of altar work.  

I have no idea if Ray has incorporated Altar work into his own spirituality, I like to think he has.  I can however speak to the influence that old crone had on a chubby faced, nosey little cookie monster so many years ago. Each time I work Altar magick for a friend or client I stand proudly on the shoulders of those who came before, I stand confidently upon the shoulders of Giants and for this I am thankful.  Every time I set a new altar for myself I do so under the watchful eye of those spiritual giants who came before me and some who are yet to incarnate.  I never take this for granted and am humbled by their assistance.  

If you have any questions about altar work or would like to arrange an appointment contact me.  I am delighted to help you with a basic altar or one that is specific to an issue or desire.  

Many blessings and all good things your way. 

Andrew 

Memories from the back of a Honda!

Hello all, 

I was with a friend/client the first part of last week and was just beginning to move into reading mode, the cards were for the most part laid out and we were engaging in some idle chit chat as the spirits were shuffling for position in the room.  

I was looking at the cards on the table and as I had not begun the reading yet a thought raced through my mind, more like a memory that took no more than a second to process.  I remembered back almost 20 years ago, I was offering readings out of the back of my Honda CRX at a music festival in NY state, my cat, Hannah, was laying across my shoulders and the rickety card table was weighted down with way too many crystals and divination tools.  A couple of girls came up and asked for readings and said, "we have nothing to pay you with except a kiss or a $5 gas card, those who know me know I took the Card!  I finished with what I was doing and turned back to them, now seated and we began the reading.  I used, for them, a regular deck of playing cards as they said they believed the Tarot to be of the devil.  ***Not willing to get into that, I spent about 30 minutes, gave them what I could and answered questions......  When they stood up to walk away I felt a sense of dread, like I had lost something important to me.  I knew it was not a message concerning them them so, I went about my day and had a great time. 

Later that night as I was packing things up I noticed I was short a deck of cards, my favorite cards, cards I considered special.  They were not old but they spoke to me and the rapport was a good one.  I knew then that one of the girls from earlier in the day had took them.  I felt anger at first, but then it was as if the universe stepped in and said, "for whatever reason she wanted them so badly, she had to have them".  Now please don't get me wrong I have no problems assertively addressing someone when I feel an injustice has occurred, but for some reason I could only feel concern for the young red headed girl.  For so many years later I would think about her and offer prayers on her behalf, and wishes that she have a good life.  

I was brought back to the present as my friend said, "these are really nice cards".  I thanked her and briefly referenced the deck that had been taken from me so many years ago.  We then proceed with the reading and went about our day.  

Well just three days later she sent me a text and stated that she had something she wanted to drop by to me, we arranged a time and she walked in and handed me a beautiful new deck of cards, the exact type of deck I lost so many years ago.  It was such an unselfish act on her part and I could not come up with the words, I just said thank you.

.  

Later that night as I sat holding the cards and meditating on their beauty, I was reminded of the times in my life were I had not taken the same path as I had with those girls so long ago, when I had felt compelled to act from a place of revenge and not from a place of love.  Those times, while I may have received some immediate satisfaction, I have almost always lived to regret that I had not allowed the universe to work her magic and balance the scales.  

So to the sweet hand of spirit, Ara, you have my thanks and will be a solid positive memory as I continue upon this path of lessons.  I am reminded of the times I have been the hero, and times I have been the villain and I am humbled.  

Continued Bliss 

St. Expedite, Thank You

My work as a spiritual advisor is one that I believe to be a part of my nature.  Regardless of the path life takes me, my belief in cosmic interaction with all life forms will be paramount.  I work with many spirits and archetypes of many faiths.  One that has been a consistent and important companion along my spiritual walk is St. Expeditus or St. Expedite.  

While some in the catholic church attempted to discredit the beloved as the product of a shipping error, yes that's correct, the saint has dug his heels in and pushed over obsticals for people of all faiths and nationalities.  So you see as I have said before, the church does not have exclusive rights or connections with a strong spirit, the spirits decide with whom they work.  

As the legend goes, at the moment of his conversion, Expedite was visited by a crow, the representation of evil, who told him “Cras!”, which is the literal translation of tomorrow or wait.  Expedite responded, “Hodie!” which is today or now.  Up to this point most traditions agree however while it is most widely held that St. Expedite killed the crow, it is the belief of my tradition that he "converted" the crow as a familiar and assistant.  

Our Beloved St will work on behalf of anyone who has an concret understanding of his nature and approaches him with respect.  At the same time be assured that those who would make light of his goodness would be advised not to do so.  

Thus, St. Expedite defeats procrastination, ensures rapid solutions to problems, and promises an end to delays. He gives strength to the faithful in combating unfair deadlines.

Some also believe that Saint Expedite will speed up the arrival of money in your bank account and he will hasten communication with loved ones.  He is not a fix all, however he is a St. who will provide an extra boost to resolution of open issues.  

Always remember to Thank him publicly and privately.  You may post a picture or place an ad in a local paper thanking him for assistance.  After he aids you it is always good to offer him Pound Cake, yes I said Pound Cake, his favorite is Sara Lee.  

St Expedite I am posting this note in recognition of your assistance with three individuals this week who came to you requesting your strong help.  They have each contacted me stating they have made huge strides this week and know that your strength and sense of spiritual urgency have been the reason for this.  Thank you.  

Blessings