Many years ago, the spirit of a Congolese man gifted to me the drinking gourd of his Espiritismo, and directed me to stay up late at night and write.
Many years ago, a teacher encouraged me to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet and take the night journey.
Many years ago, I was a PhD student with two infant sons, and I did not act on this advice.
Now, on some nights, I make sacred space, pour rum into a crossroads incised cup and let ink flow across paper. Here, I share these words with the world, poured forth from Manuel’s Gourd.
The Crossroads
Call upon the guardians
Of the Crossroads.
Elegua, Papa Legba, Oya.
Call upon the trickster.
The Reckoning; part 1
Oct. 2, 2018 Waning half moon. Black moon conjunct Mars.
This is the Reckoning.
Last weekend, on the Equinox
I was WILD.
I knew my self,
to be a vessel between heaven and earth,
with a huge heart extending through my hands.
But in the back of my mind
I feared so much light.
I knew it was only hiding the darkness.
Night Journey #23 - Preying Mantis Medicine
A preying mantis danced for me today.
“A baby preying mantis! “ my kids exclaimed. Not even an inch big and green as can be. It appeared walking up my calf but stopped on my knee
...read moreNight Journey #22 - the Death Throes of Domination
Manuel, I’ve taken your advice, a habit perhaps is developing and as Octavia Butler said, “habit is more dependable than inspiration.”
...read moreNight Journey #21 - the Emboldening of the Bigots
Beer, not rum. No sage, no candles. The sacred space is in my heart and in my head tonight. Not in the room. I don’t even have the gourd.
Housemate walks in door with the days news….and I’m led to ask,
What has emboldened the bigots!? ...read more
Night Journey #20 - In Between Fire and Flood
Just as I start to make progress as a metalsmith, consistent daily action, just as I begin my mythologist IDAES project. Now I must return to teaching. I am grateful for the developing habits. I am developing. They are healing, with their embodiment I am whole and healing.
...read moreNight Journey #18 - Dandelion, the Man
Libations offered; and I'm gonna scry into this gourd.
Let my mind be in my body. Will that help me to be present? In my green California fleece pajama pants and my yellow cotton sweater. I am a dandelion. I am the lion's teeth.