NDOKI MALO

For those who look at the many serious calamities that are now occurring upon our Mother Earth, with eyes unblinded by denial, agendas, or confusion, there is no other word to utilize to describe what is occurring: Ndoki Malo.  As we continue to watch with horror, anger, and profound concern the losing struggle to contain the Fukushima nuclear disaster, we witness an Ndoki who has gotten completely out of the control of its "handlers".  Something has been 'created' that cannot be contained.  Not even the most powerful 121,000 brujos (witchdoctors) could bring this under control.  It is a horrific case of an Ndoki running wild and ultimately ingesting those that created it. 


Radioactive materials have, since beyond Ancient Times, been contained by our Mother Earth, and at a certain point Mother Earth's climates, weather patterns and the delicate balance of many Spirits (elements) allowed plants, animals and humans to thrive.  This delicate balance of Spirits allowed a continual renewal to occur upon Mother Earth's surface as generation followed generation.  Although humans did come to mine out iron, copper and other valuable metals and minerals, which in turn came to be abused, misused and became environmental hazards to all plants, animals and people, this went to a totally different level when a small number of extremely psychopathic and arrogant individuals removed deadly radioactive substances from the internal organs of Mother Earth, had the short sighted greed to refine them and utilize them to destroy other human beings and ecosystems, as well as to generate vast amounts of energy that just contributed to speeding up the ability of people to develop more pollution and toxicity.  This was termed "progression", however at a cost to all the Earth and her many people (plants, animals and humans).  The removal of these extremely powerful Spirits (Uranium, Plutonium, etc) from Mother Earth, by people who were and continue to be ignorant of higher Spiritual Principles, led to the releasing of an Ndoki Malo upon the Earth, as never seen before by any of us.  


As Brujos understand, Ndoki Malo is not easily controlled and will, eventually  consume the one who released it, but sometimes not before consuming innocent family members first.  With this understanding and principle in mind, we must look honestly at this nuclear catastrophy and the Spiritual implications as well as the accumulating health implications.  The desire for power over superseded common sense and natural senses of self-preservation, and this desire, greed and arrogance continues unchecked in spite of all evidence  that this obsession with power over will lead to total annihilation, not only of those culpable for the many abuses of power over but for all those innocent people who are powerless at the whim of these maniacs.  There is nothing "natural" about this disaster, and nothing "natural" about consciously removing these highly destructive elements from the depths of Mother Earth and thinking that they will ultimately be controlled.  


Although this arrogance believes that it "creates and destroys" in fact it is only Misterio that creates and destroys, and this is a case where a Spirit has been released that is not stoppable, not controllable and its self-designated "handlers" cannot even tell themselves the horrible truth about what has occurred.   They continue to attempt to contain water in a basket, the water now being the ocean water, the basket being a broken nuclear power plant, whose ultimate meltdown is occurring and was obviously going to occur from the first viewing of the exploded power plant.  Broken walls cannot possibly contain water.


Odu speaks of the chirp of the death beetle who sounds its chirp when death is near.  When we think back to just last year we saw the rupturing of one of Mother Earth's blood vessels, and unimaginable gallons spilling into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico day after day, week after week and even month after month.  Chemicals were sprayed into the Gulf which effectively made the oil invisible, and unfortunately it seems these days, what is out of sight, is out of mind.   The effective chirping of the death beetle was silenced, ignored and business continued as usual.  Less than a year later, another disaster associated with the ABUSE OF POWER, or POWER OVER and with the OCEAN, has occurred and this time the death beetle chirped again, loudly, and for those of us who live at a distance from this death zone, this death beetle's chirping has alerted us to prepare for what may well escalate to a worse case scenario of nuclear fallout in our wind, rains, soils, plants, animals, children, elders, and ourselves for decades, centuries even, to come.  For those who live in close proximity there was no warning as Kalunga came ashore, powered by the shaking of Tiembla Tierra within her depths.  She came ashore with an evident rage, destroying, with her face of fury, with her energy of destruction, reminding us all that she is more powerful than us, and she broke the man made structure that was containing this Ndoki, and out that Ndoki is spewing, pooling and puddling, leaking and gassing out, already spreading globally.


In our divination about this disaster, several important points have come forth.


Those that perpetrated this crime against humanity (past and present) are operating under a false sense of superiority, entitlement, and authority which, Spiritually they completely lack.  They are operating "without licensia" and attempting to "play god and king", wrapped up in an ultra-hatred for Nsambi (Great Mystery).  


In a sense it is an entrapment created by those who appointed themselves writers of laws (rules and regulations).  The regulators of this industry in particular have created a trap that now entraps us all, including them.  It is irrelevant what weapons they possess, because in this situation those weapons are useless.  These people made themselves the "authority (king)" without the spiritual recognition of Nsambia and the Mpungos.  These are the same people with the same consciousness who massacred the true authorities upon the Earth (Indigenous Traditions and Indigenous Ancestors).  These self-appointed rulers, authorities, regulators, (psychopaths) have, without a doubt, a massive spiritual void within themselves which is slowly consuming them like a cancer and has been for thousands of years.


The Misterio who lives at the very depths of the Ocean is who has  awakened at this time and has triggered this disaster, this is a Misterio known only to the Misterios of Life itself, but we know that it does not tolerate arrogance, especially the arrogance that pretends to be more powerful than Earth and her Cosmic Womb and the Mpungos of Creation themselves!  


The  spiritual void of these "few" and an obsessive greed to fill this void with power over, is robbing the Earth of clean, healthy food, clean water, and most importantly of the natural blessings that are upon her.  It is important to remember that the nuclear disaster is a culmination of many abusive behaviors from the creation of GMOs in the food supply, factory farming, industrial waste thrown into soil, rivers, air, and ocean, weapons of mass pollution, mining, and so much more.  We cannot see it in isolation from everything else, and we must see its spewing as the ramification of this behavior, as this disaster was inevitable, it was going to happen somewhere sooner or later.  


We all come from the Oceans, our bodies still reflect the balance of the salts and minerals of the Oceans.  The Oceans have given us life, and are the sources of great richness and nutrition upon the Earth.  It is an interesting point that plants, such as seaweed from the ocean can actually help us to overcome radiation exposure.  Nonetheless we cannot lose sight of the fact that the Ocean came upon the Land, and lanced open this "boil, infection, abscess" which is now erupting.  And we know that the Ocean comes to destroy within the process of renewal but we do not know if we will be present for the renewal process that follows the destruction.  This Earth took billions of years in her evolution to be able to support life, and then millions more to be able to support this human experience which is so full of natural ache (blessings) which have been so abused, misused, and exploited.   In only the last 500 years so much destruction of our Mother has taken place that she is virtually unrecognizable.  The Earth herself cannot be destroyed but our human experience can.  We need to understand that this is an unforgivable crime that is taking place.  As spiritual beings having a human experience, there is a line that cannot be crossed, when you are activating and awakening an Ndoki that you have no knowledge and control of how to stop it.  That line has been crossed, irreversibly.  There is no return.


This disaster is also pointing to generations  of neglect of the Ancestors and Indigenous traditions.  We need to remember that these self-appointed authorities have been caught red handed in terms of stealing Spiritual Traditions (Stolen Legacy).  However they failed to understand the legacy they stole, and so it has lead to this.  Rather than honestly admitting that they have lost control, the hypocrisy and double-talk continues, as they seem suicidal in their obsession to continue the abusive behavior right up to the very end. The blood that they drink is the blood that will consume them.  The Medicine that they stole from our Indigenous Traditions will consume them.  They are masters of hiding but have run out of hiding places.    No one can hide from nuclear fall out.  


They have built their underground cities to hide in, forgetting that people cannot hide from the Sun.  People get sick, diseased and die when removed from the Sun.  We remember that the Taino in the  Myth had to leave out of the Cave to continue evolution.  There is no going back underground.  This is an extreme form of denial, and a tremendous waste of resources.


One foot stands in the house, the other in the grave.  This is a very serious situation that is at the threshold of life and death.  Choices are critical for us all, collectively and individually.  This is not a situation to be complacent and feel that one is okay because one is at a distance, for this is and will affect us globally.  Illness will, without a doubt, come from this, especially to those who are unprepared and already in a weakened state of mind, body and Spirit.   The weakened immune system is especially vulnerable.  Take precautionary measures to optimize ones health and immune system.  Do the research beyond the idiot box as to what are the best foods, minerals, and supplements to take for protection against radiation.  Above all else turn to Ancestors for strength, wisdom and protection, and for those of us who have Nkisi, it is time to strengthen our practices.  


Simbi Sambi
Uphold that which Holds You Up!

Spring Cleaning!

Winter in the Munanso

Snow is not only valuable for its moisture, which we are in desperate need of this year, but also for its energy as it blankets the Earth's surface in a cooling energy.  In the Munanso it brings a coolness to everything, and allows us to see all the animal tracks that come into the space.  Especially at this time when there is so much heat upon the Earth, the snow is very important for cooling the energy. 

In the Munanso the snow brings a beauty and serenity which is wonderful and we often also light the cooking fire, especially if we are going to do any work with the Misterios, and the fire brings a balance to the snow and allows us to appreciate more deeply the qualities of both.  We take the time to observe the bird activity and how the birds continue to find seeds among the bushes and weeds.  Although all may look bare to us, the fact that the birds look fat and happy prompt us to look more deeply at our surroundings to see the opportunities that are truly there.

As Paleros who live in the temperate zone rather than in the tropics or sub-tropics, we adapt to the seasonal changes that we find ourselves living with.  We spend time outside in the winter to understand the Spirit of this season, the behavior of the natural phenomenon (plants, birds, animals) that surround us, to feel the energy of the Sun in this season, the strength of the light of the Moon and Stars.  While we may prefer summer, we do not run from winter, and when the snow comes and changes our plans we have to look beyond the surface to see what the Misterios themselves are telling us and what opportunity they are bringing for growth in directions previously unexamined.

Fortunately we have many large overhanging porches and roofs in our Munanso which allows us much room for  movement even when it does snow.  Below our Munanso made entirely of logs from the land looks very welcoming in the snow, in many ways the snow brings the energy of the Mountains to us and we are covered in the blessing of the Misterio whose energy manifests as snow.  

The snow melts gently and slowly into the Earth, replenishing Rivers, Lakes and groundwater (underground Rivers and Reservoirs).  It allows us to see the contours of the Earth around us and see through the trees and underbrush which is pushed low to the ground with the weight of snow.  We are able to see how the Bateys, Munansos and Bohio line up with each other, and the spacial relationships between the various Ceremonial Spaces upon the Land.  We are able to see the deer, foxes, birds even more clearly and everything leaves its tracks clearly visible in the snow.  We are able to see the deer trails.  The Snow brings the "skeletal structure" of the Land into focus, including the animal pathways (arteries if you will). 

The Snow allows us to appreciate shape and color in a way that is impossible in the intensity of the colors of Spring, Summer and Fall.  Below a painted bowl in Anani's Munanso sits on a wall built from various different stones with a small carving she tucked away in a crevice.

In another place another carving is barely visible under a blanket of snow leaning up against a simple stone which has so much expression inside its apparent simplicity.  The snow allows us to look deeper into the world around us.

And in our looking more deeply we can uncover an incredible design and relationship that is expressed on multiple levels and we can see the relationship of human expression and the natural expression of Mother Earth in a relationship of creativity where we utilize our internal vision from the Spirits of the Ancestors to take the raw element and expressions of Mother Earth and bring forth new expressions and relationships.  Below two carvings by Ciba Jaguar sit within a stone wall showing a moment of harmonious relationship of Human to Earth!

The fox

(Click on photos to enlarge)

We frequently see both red and grey foxes who live in abundance around the Land.  This particular beautiful red fox blends into the background of this weedy field.  Typically foxes will run off a little bit and turn back to stare at you, and repeat this a number of times.   They have a powerful ability to assess whether there is a real threat to them or not, and will not waste energy running away from a non-threatening situation.  They are wary of people but are also very bold, especially when there is a potential food source around, such as chickens. They are members of the dog family.   

In the snow we find their tracks, and their prints line up as they travel a single path with all four feet falling in exactly the same line.  They have acute hearing and can hunt through the snow.  In our Munanso we associate the fox with Lucero Mundo, and fox is a delicacy that the Misterio appreciates.  

Meanwhile over at the chicken house, we keep one of our dogs on guard to protect our free ranging hens.  When the fox goes on a chicken killing spree he will kill many more chickens than he needs and can easily destroy more than half the flock.  We have found that keeping the donkeys and llama close by combined with the dog keeps the foxes at a distance.  

Views of the Munanso

Above can be seen the Eshus after they were fed for the New Year, we arranged them under Nsasi's porch roof where we were prepared to do the Ceremony, rain, snow or shine.  This particular day was a sunny day as can be seen by the shadows.  We feed the Eshus to "Open Caminos" for the New Year.  

Above is a photo taken after we had cleaned up the offerings for Nsasi Day.  By clicking on the photo it will enlarge and enable you to see the various Misterios that showed up in this photo.  Photos have the ability to "grasp" two dimensional images of Misterios that are often overlooked in the three dimensional space we move within.  

Plantas and Palos - Upcoming Publication

The Palero traditionally has an expertise in the identification and spiritual and medicinal properties of Plants and Trees.  The Plants (including trees) are used in Spiritual Baths and Remedies for ailments.  The Tree's Palos (sticks) are use in Medicine, Fundamento, Nkisi and for various travajos.  These are at the heart of the Munanso and the work of the Tata and Yayi Nkisi!

We are in the beginning stages of an intensive research into the Plants and Trees utilized by Paleros, in order to compile a comprehensive book that goes from the identification of plants and trees, the harvesting of them, the making of herbal remedies from them, their utilization in terms of the Munanso and Misterio, and finally a section on what temperate zone (zone 6/7) relatives of the tropical plants can be utilized by Paleros living in these zones (diaspora) and what tropical plants can be grown indoors and in small gardens and patio gardens by the urban, suburban and rural Palero living in the Mid-Atlantic Region or other comparable zone.  It will also include a section on Plantas that can be purchased from local supermarkets.  Finally we will also discuss composting the plantas of various Misterios to create soils that are unique for each Misterio that can then be used within the Munanso. 

We will be making this book available, either in print form and/ or e-book form upon its completion.  We also plan to make seeds and/ or plants available for those who wish to embark upon the journey of creating a Palero's Garden!

Traditionally (until very recently) a Palero's home was easily identified by the abundance of plants growing inside and on patios/ decks around the home.  It is time for the Concrete Jungle to give way to the Medicinal/ Spiritual Gardens which can be created anywhere and everywhere!

Watariamba-WAR AND JUSTICE!

A young buck who went down in the snow came into our Munanso still warm and we prepared a feast immediately for Watariamba, the Misterio of War and Justice.    He was a buck who must have been born much earlier this year and his antlers were just beginning to develop.  We were aware that the Misterio himself had pulled this young buck so that we could prepare this feast.  We realized once again how blessed we are that we are able to have space where we can prepare these feasts outdoors in cast iron pots and directly on the grill, with the aroma of the meat and corn filling the air, and that we are in a position to be able to utilize the whole animal, including the skin which we scrape in preparation for tanning.  We are very fortunate that we live in the countryside where these animals cross our paths on a daily basis, which gives us the opportunity to present these highly valued animals to the Misterios. It is not every day that a Fundamento is presented with a complete venison feast!

These achese (organs) which include the eyes and penis of the buck will be dried and ground into a powder after being presented to Watariamba.  This powder will then be utilized in many ways, including directly in Fundamento, Bilongos, travajos, and for other Medicine Pieces.  The organs of this wild buck were very, very healthy, with a much darker and clearer coloring than any domestic animal would have.  For us it is very important to utilize healthy animals for the Misterios, as there is greater value and strength and vitality in a healthy animal.  This young buck was in supreme health before the snow put him in a position where he was unable to stand up and his organs themselves suffocated him.  (Certain animals- goats, sheep, horses, ...- if they fall in certain positions and get caught in something or it is too icy for them to stand up, their organs will put too much pressure on their lungs and they suffocate themselves.)  We see this situation and circumstance as the Misterio himself "hunting" this animal, especially since we found it while it was still warm!  Significantly this young buck arrived at a specific time, which coincided with a time when this Misterio was already in his process of going out to "hunt". 

Below, Watariamba with his buck and acheses.  The buck was cooked in one whole piece (as can be seen) upon the grill.  It is not every day or even every year that this happens, and again we have much gratitude for the blessings from Misterio that made this happen!