Modern Revivalist Bantu Divination System

Although this product, concerning a modern bone divination system,and not unrelated to the Egyptian Hermetic divination which survived in references and practice among later Egyptian inspired Greek Hermetic traditions, is in no way connected to the Hedge Mason, because of my interest in this evolving divination system, and my respect for the people who are offering this package, I've decided to repost their announcements here. Check them out. These are very interesting offerings and deserve your consideration. If you do not know much about this sort of divination and wish to learn more, feel free to contact the Hedge, and I will provide you with links and will be happy to discuss the matter with you.

At long last, the hotly anticipated Ancestor Healing divination kits are here! Hot off the presses in a limited run of 154, this special edition divination kit – codenamed “Crossroads Shaman” – is unlike anything you’ve ever seen or used before, whether you’re involved in hoodoo/conjure, Santeria/Voodoo/Palo, or something else entirely!

Based on the solar cosmogram of the Bantu Kongo, the central divination cloth features stunning, full-saturation colors on heavyweight cotton cloth, easy to fold and store, but large enough for the most demanding and complex investigations. Each quadrant intersects and reflects the energy fields of all the others, opening up a portal to a world rich in complexity and spiritual inspiration, and equally adaptable to tarot reading, dice, runes, or whatever suits your fancy.
Inspired by West Central African divinatory traditions and included in the 5×7″ red satin bag with hot stamp gold print are 22 hand-chosen throwing pieces covering every conceivable life situation, energy and archetype, from misfits and authority figures, to healing, cursing and the list goes on….! These aren’t cheap, plastic trinkets but real roots, resins, bones and charms, collected at great effort from the four corners of the globe.

So you don’t get lost in your travels, we’ve included a guidebook and red-covered manual (sample chapter here) to get you started, covering the meanings of all the throwing pieces, full explanations of the medicines and energies involved and sample throws and interpretations to inspire your explorations.

Finally, the set is ritually “fed” (in the traditional Central African style), the cloth is stamped with special ritual ingredients, and each set is packed with a numbered certificate of authenticity (red and black color palette), guaranteeing that yours is one of only 154 “Crossroads Shaman” divination kits in existence.

There will be other editions in the future, but none with this exact combination of book cover, throwing piece bag, certificate and stamp colors, pieces and accompanying ritual consecrations. Order now as supplies are limited, and when they’re gone, they’re gone!
Due to the “hot” nature of the consecration ritual employed, this edition is recommended for those already initiated into an African Traditional Religion or similar indigenous practice. If you’re uncomfortable with primal traditions, you may wish to consider the spiritually consecrated “Community Healer” edition instead.

Masonic Tools - Plumbing the Depths!

Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry offers the following observations on the Plumb, an important tool in Freemasonry:

A line to which a piece of lead is attached so as to make it hang perpendicularly. The plumb-line, sometimes called simply the line, is one of the working-tools of the Past Master. According to Preston, it was one of the instruments of Freemasonry which was presented to the Master of a Lodge at his installation, and he defines its symbolism as follows: "The line teaches the criterion of rectitude, to avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps in the path which leads to immortality." This idea of the immortal life was always connected in symbology with that of the perpendicular-something that rose directly upward. Thus in the primitive church, the worshiping Christians stood up at prayer on Sunday, as a reference to the Lord's resurrection on that day. This symbolism is not, however, preserved in the verse of the prophet Amos (vii, 7) which is read in the United States as the Scripture passage of the Second Degree, where it seems rather to refer to the strict justice which God will apply to the people of Israel. It there coincides with the first Masonic definition that the line teaches the criterion of moral rectitude.

While most modern Masons will recognize the symbolic significance of the plumb in Speculative terms, and also the practical use in Operative Masonry, few will have considered it's use as a metaphysical tool. Yet, one wonders, given the metaphysical underpinnings of Freemasonry if the Plumb's use as a metaphysical tool was unknown or ignored by many Masons in past times, as it appears too commonly to be the case today.

Plumb bobs have been used in divining in a variety of cultures. They were known to have existed and were used both in operative masonry in Egyptian society, and played a role in Egyptian death passage ceremonies. They have also been used for divination purposes by Native Americans. The National Museum of the American Indian has several examples from the Cherokee culture, designated in their collection as having been used for divination.

When we look back at the language embedded in Masonic descriptions of the Plumb, it is easy to see how it might be construed as a tool for seeking information, that could be used to divine and receive messages from beyond or at the least to access deeper sources of knowledge from within. As noted before, Mackey states that "the line teaches the criterion of rectitude, to avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps in the path which leads to immortality."  And elsewhere it has been noted that 

"It is a truly magnificient jewel, an indespensible working tool; and when applied to the work with its fellows, the square and the level, it opens the doorway of that middle chamber in those immortal mansions, whence all goodness emanates." This brief passage may be read by those who have an appreciation for esoteric masonry as an assertian that the plumb can be a direct source of access to inner wisdom.

J.V.A. Andreae, a German Mason published a poem in 1623 that may arguably offer an esotericist guidance on the use of the plumb as a divining tool.

The best logician is our God,

Whom the conclusion never fails;

He speaks - it is; He wills -- it stands;

He blows -- it falls; He breathes -- it lives;

His words are true .-- e'en without proof,

His counsel rules without command,

Therefore can none foresee his end -

Unless on God is built his hope.

And if we here below would learn

By Compass, Needles Square and Plumb,

We never must o'erlook the mete

Wherewith our God hath measur'd us.

I will not delve into the particulars on how to use a plumb to divine, but will suggest to those interested in exploring this use of a Masonic Jewel, that using the tracing boards like a chart of symbols may have interesting possibilities. I'd love to hear from you concerning your experiences.

Letra del Año Musundi de Cuba | The Congo Divination of the Year for Cuba 2013 (In English)

Originally, the Letra or divination reading of the year in Afro-Cuban traditions was an event which occurred within the confines of a spiritual temple, intended specifically for and shared only among the members of each individual house. It was a tradition which developed in Oricha temples and also in some Bantu (Congo religion) temples.

Over time several groups evolved among Babalawos to mark a letter for all of Cuba. While some decried and still decry this as a "popularizing trend" which waters down the value of the practice by making it both more generalized and eventually a politicized event, it has achieved a significant popularity, letras or readings for the year being made now across the Americas - Several in Cuba, several in the USA, Venezuela, Mexico, and Puerto Rico as well.

Over a number of years, Aldo Durades Román, Tata Tatandy  of the Cabildo Musundi, academic, author, and priest has been publishing a Bantú Letter or Divination of the Year, for the followers of the Bantú or Congo faiths of Cuba.

The Cabildo Musundi and Tata Tatandy Aldo Durades Román have announced the Letra del Año or Reading of the Year for the year 2013.

The Reigning Forces of the Year are Ngurunda (Ngurunfinda San Silvestre or San José) and Nguengerengue (Chola Nguengue - La Caridad del Cobre). The reading is as follows:

Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000166 EndHTML:0000022129 StartFragment:0000002671 EndFragment:0000022093 SourceURL:file:///Users/macintash/Desktop/EnglLetra2013.doc

March 28, 2012

LETTER Bantu MUSUNDI  GOVERNING THE YEAR 2013

FOR THE BENEFIT OF CUBA AND HUMANITY

ANNOUNCED ON THE 28^TH OF DECEMBER, 2012

BY THE MUSUNDIS TATANDY

ALDO DURADES ROMÁN

AND THE COUNCIL OF THE CABILDO OF MUSUNDI ELDERS

SPIRITS OR RULING POWERS:

NGURUNDA: creator of Ngurunfinda (Ossain in Ocha) (AS REIGNING POWER).

NGUENGUERENGUE: (Chola Nguenge -The Virgin of the Caridad del Cobre as identified in Cuba).

Both powers dominate SPIRITUALITY (territory) of Nlá (Ngó), PREMISES OF THE TIGER.

ACCORDING TO THE PREDICTION BY THE UNIQUE MUSUNDI BANTÚ SYSTEM.

THESE powers represent the psyche and the stomach, sensitive parts of our body, and represent the most vulnerable for diseases and negativities in the year, and that we we must protect in essential ways.

The LETTER, their interpretations and designs

The Prophecy says: Be careful choosing what you hunt. If you are wrong it can bring calamity instead of benefit. Determine first what will be successful for you. .

Considered in the social reality, this alert us to the decisions that we make about ways to obtain money, In the current business and economic crisis, the solutions may not be what you imagine, and the economic realm may not arrive at solutions until the year has ended.

THEREFORE, in this new year we should be more cautious and thrifty, meticulous in investing money, Do not gamble, either in games of chance or in business. Do not leave matters to chance, and above all, avoid illegality and corruption, because both represent just "prey that we should not hunt."

OTHER WARNINGS OF THE PREDICTIONS

Minga (menga), ie, blood, not only runs through the veins to sustain life, but also is a transmitter of increasingly virulent disease;  beware of being contaminated.

This year you should be very cautious about the people around you, whether family, friends or co-workers, marriage should maintain its privacy as it may be affected by a curse or envy, while you are thinking that all is well, There is a risk of losing business, family or relationship.

THE PREDICTION states that this year there will be much negativity and war of muerteras. It is advisable to be protected by spiritual means, seeking the aid of Nfumberos (Muerteros, ie, necromancers) and of Bantú Nganguleros.\

IMPORTANT:

THIS IS THE YEAR IN WHICH THE DEAD WILL PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE LIVES OF ALL, whether relating to trances, spiritualists, psychics, Nganguleros, shamans, witches, Voduistas, babalochas, iyalochas (Santeria) or even babalawos.

THE WISDOM OF THE DEAD should govern all actions taken for good, we must seize its divine influence, spirituality which flows from the ancestors and this reflection will lead us to something that will be essential, and give you an edge on resolving issues. You have to appreciate more the gifts with which nature has blessed the human race and not fall for the temptation of ambition and the overestimation of material things.

This year, 2013 is a time of visions, even the neophytes or unbelievers will dream with the dead, have visions, but be secure in your religion, There’s no need to fear them. F they are dark entities, you can neutralize them, If light, attend the message or warning they send.

Initiates of any Afro-Cuban religion know they must follow their elders advice, and be knowledge of the sources of different beliefs, FOR, AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, wherever they come from, the dead who govern our destiny and advise about the mysteries of existence, act from another dimension and because of that, we must be careful to properly interpret information they seek to convey. Although people perceive these dreams as nightmares do not be upset by them, as it is the Nfumbe’s (ancestors) messages that are being provided you.

Venerating the spirits is the means of being at peace with them, either through offerings, Masses, Parties, etc.

Being a Letter of complex interpretation (since much depends on the reality of each individual), we recommend being very careful in deciding what action to take.

Generally, we must guard against disaster, especially inundation provoked by  Nzarungamba (Baluande or Madre Agua – The Virgin of Regla) and for the mysteries of the deep, (Respect the sea).

This year, people must guard against silent diseases, those which are degenerative and chronic or triggered by stress, as well as for problems with their sexual performance.

You should perform Nzala Nkombo (spiritual work on your body), to ward off the negativity of his life;

It is something that comes from the beginning of your life.

A)   First you must prepare a root tea treatment to clean your blood.

 Then perform a working utilizing nine Langos (waters of different origins) And this must be done at the foot of  a cane (bamboo), plant belonging to NYENDY (Kobayende or San Lazaro). Pour into your head and while asking what you desire.

Then you must beg NTUTUNDIANGO (Mama Kengue or The Virgin of Mercy) and make a ceremony on your Ntu (head) to work well and reason clearly, to help direct your life.

B) The Bantu religion practices will protect you from evil or negativity in your environment.

1. Meet with your family: collect unclean or sweaty clothing from each member, purify them with dark drinks,dry wine (cooking wine) and tobacco smoke. Pass these over their bodies from head to foot, then tear those items into pieces, place them in a (plastic) bag to which will be added dark drinks, dry wine, a bit of tobacco, honey and nine coins. Take this “package” to the wilds (el monte) and on leaving it, ask for health, prosperity, and stability for you and your family.  (In other words, perform what is commonly called a rompemiento).

2. To fight obstacles and negativity

Find a birdcage and place in it three to nine of these birds. They should not be in even numbers, but three, five, seven, nine. Take good care of them, and every time you have a problem, free one, Before releasing the bird, talk to it giving it the message you want it to take to Nzambi (God). This will create a positive effect. (NOTE: If desired, you can retrieve the bird you release.)

3. Go into the woods to seek a stick of Ceiba, Pine, Guayacan, Siguaraya  or Yaya,  The stick must be equal to your height." Purfiy with dark drink, dry wine, Cane molasses, Honey and tobacco smoke, invoking the energy of NGURUNDA (Ngurunfinda), to stop negativity.

MUST purify every nine days with the same materials that were used at first.

EMPIRE OF THE TIGER.

The tiger is the symbol of power for this year and to be used in full force for its magical benefit. Utilize pictures of tigers in, charms, bandanas, wristbands or decorative figures and amulets.

C) NZILA Y NDYDY.

BASIC ELEMENTS OF THE SYSTEM.

They create a bridge, a transition between the ruling powers, Estamblishing a summary of the prediction which may be favorable or unfavorable.

ZERZERDAMBA (Susundamba) governs this year, Nfumbe, Nkanda (The Owl, the Spirit, and the Book)), Y Ndydy Nkayi (Green life of the River):

They give a positive outlook to the letter, iakin to a counterpoint against evil, so that the negative aspects of the prophecy may always be accompanied by a solution Especially when people rely on the power of TUNGUÁ, Regent power of this bridge.

This power represents the science of mysteries of the world and the animal regent is the Puma.

TUNGUÁ says do not be afraid because this bridge will lead to happiness, love, harmony, stability, and therefore the abundance of good fortune.

Recommendation:

Do all correctly and triumph, do not wish ill of others or curse them. Be patient when met with the contradiction of life, meditate and do not get carried away by fortune.

A)   - Build Or find a small wooden or other material in the form of a castle, Find a small  doll to place inside. Place this in your yard  surrounded by a small fence. Place several dolls in what would be the patio of the house, (inside the fence, representing the king, the castle and the people). Burn a black candle for nine consecutive days and invoke the TUNGUÁ (Pangúa) , You will see results.

REFLECTION OF PROPHECY:

How long and profound will the Economic crisis be?

Financial forecasts are daunting, but present to humanity an image of the inequalities that exist in our world and the unfair distribution of wealth. We know that the poor will become poorer, that the hardship will increase as never before. And we know as true believers from the depths of our belief and the heart that generosity can make a difference in an unequal relationship. The family is a bastion, godchildren, friends and the stranger who asks us for help must form an indelible part of who we are: Human Beings.

Witnesses and collaborators for the letter of 2013.

1) LIC. RAFAEL RODRIGO RUIZ CONTRERAS   

SACERDOTE DEL SISTEMA DE ADIVINACIÓN MUSUNDI BANTÚ.  TATA NKISI MALONGO NDÍ BILONGO NZÍ.

2) ANA LAURA CONTRERAS GONZÁLEZ.   

(YAYANDY DE LOS MUSUNDIS BANTÚ PARA EL PAÍS DE MÉXICO).

3) RAÚL FELIPE HORTA JUÁREZ   

TATA NKISI MALONGO NDÍ BILONGO NZÍ. BAKOYULA

4) FRANCISCO DÍAS OLIVERA (PANCHITO)

TATA NKISI MALONGO NDÍ BILONGO NZÍ. MBUMBA NDOKY DIAN DOKY.

5)  FRANCISCO LEÓN MOZO (FRANK NLÁ)  

SACERDOTE DE LOS NTOUKUÉS MBUOMAS  (SISTEMA DE ADIVINACIÓN MUSUNDI BANTÚ). TATA NKISI MALONGO NDÍ BILONGO NZÍ. BAKOYULA.

6) RAÚL ALEJANDRO HORTA  SANDOVAL 

(TESTIGO)

7) BEATRIZ SANDOVAL RAMÍREZ

(TESTIGO) 

8) CRISTIAN ALBERTO HORTA SANDOVAL

(TESTIGO)

9) DIEGO VARELA DE LEÓN   

TATA NKISI MALONGO

10) DAVID ALEJANDRO DE LA CRUZ GUTIÉRREZ  

TATA NKISI MALONGO NDÍ BILONGO NZÍ

INV. ALDO DURADES ROMÁN.

PRIMER SACERDOTE DEL SISTEMA DE ADIVINACIÓN BANTÚ NTOOUKUÉ MBUHOOMA  EN EL MUNDO.

TATANDY (REY) DE LOS MUSUNDIS.

INVESTIGADOR ADJUNTO DEL  CONSEJO CIENTÍFICO.

INSTRUCTOR ADJUNTO DE LA UNIVERSIDAD.

PRESIDENTE DE LA INSTITUCIÓN RELIGIOSA BANTÚ DE CUBA. 

musundi1@hotmail.com

institucionbantudecuba@hotmail.com

TELÉFONOS

044.55.4178.0762 CEL. MÉXICO

00.53.5276.9592 CEL. CUBA

01. (55) 5548.4472 OFICINA MÉXICO

 Para leer La Letra del Año en Castellano sigue por este enlace:

http://share.snacktools.com/57895E7EFB5/fujs4mpt

Masonic Vision: Glimpses of Glimpsing Beyond

Crystal Ball at University of Pennsylvania Museum

SCRYING: Crystals and Magic Mirrors in the history of Freemasonry

Freemasonry as an institution has always been greater than the sum of its parts. So, while some masons today seek, rather amusingly I think, to deny that Freemasonry has anything to do with Hermeticism, alchemy, theurgy, and such spiritual sciences such as divination, the fact remains that these matters have always been found attached to the Craft.

Dr. John Dee's Divination Equipment

For those who may find the subject of interest whether as an operative activity or a purely speculative examination, in this post the Hedge will take a brief glance at the art of scrying, which is the use of crystals or other reflective surfaces to inspire various types of spiritual vision.  The range of surfaces may include rock crystal, either natural or quite often as a polished sphere, natural transparent or translucent stones, glass, mirrors, polished metal surfaces, or water.

Of course, divination by means of inspiring visions (visual hallucinations if you are a neurologist) is one of the most ancient forms of seeking inspiration from the realm of the spirits. It is recorded in ancient Babylonia and Egypt, although most often those cultures used a speculum, or vessel containing some reflective liquid.

Those who would practice this art or science, are advised to use a relaxed gaze rather than a fixed stare, maintaining a steady gaze for no more than five minutes at a time. Depending on the source, the gazer may find their vision clouding over, or the interior of the crystal or scrying surface clouding over, and they may see images or symbols, or even scenes within the object. Alternately as they gaze, they may see their visions upon an internal screen. I will leave the practical comments to these few words and move on to a brief survey of some notable individuals who were Freemasons or by the common imagination may be associated with the masons, who studied or wrote on the subject. 

Dr. Dee at the Court of Queen Elizabeth I

Dr. John Dee (1572-1608)  The first Renaissance figure we might associate with both Freemasonry and Scrying is the legendary Dr. John Dee. Of course, there is no record of his having been a Freemason, but he is an indisputably significant figure in European Hermeticism, and all of the Noble Arts associated with Freemasonry. Some may wish to disassociate the craft from his name, but both Dame Frances Yates and David Stephenson place him firmly within the stream of ideas that contributed strongly to the development of speculative Freemasonry. Dee, born in London of Welsh parentage (his surname was originally Dû pronounced Dee, meaning black) was known for his work in using crystal gazers to communicate with angels.

Eliphas Levi (1810-1875) Alphonse Louis Constant made a living from his writing and by giving lessons in the occult. He renamed himself Magus Eliphas Levi, the hebrew equivalents of his first and middle names. In 1854 he took a trip to London, where he performed a ritual to conjure the spirit of Appolonius Tyana, a renowned magician of ancient times. Levi;s preparation included a week of fasting. Levi dressed in white robes and entered his magic chamber equipped with mirrors on the walls. His incantations went on for 12 hours after which the floor beneath him began to shake, and he saw an apparition in one of the mirrors. While Levi was not a Freemason, he had a great impact upon at least two very famous Freemasons, Albert Pike and A.E. Waite.

Count Cagliostro

Count Cagliostro (1743 - 1795). Moving into the category of individuals who are unquestionably identified as Masons, we come to one of my favorites, The flamboyant Alessandro Cagliostro who utilized scrying within Masonic rituals, as well as in other non-masonic spiritual practices. While a number of authors have discussed Cagliostro's divination practices, Theodore Besterman, devoted a lengthy essay to the subject. 

Frederick Hockley (1808 - 1885), an accountant by profession, was well known in circles which cultivated 'Rejected Knowledge'.Apart from his scrying experiments with crystals and so-called 'Magic Mirrors', which were used to induce trance states, he was a diligent copyist of old magical manuscripts. He became a significant figure in Esoteric Freemasonry in the 19th Century, although not well known by those who are not themselves committed esotericists.

Francis George Irwin (1828 -1892). Irwin was Chief Adept of the Bristol Soc. Ros. College. Irwin joined in succession several lodges and, according to Gould, so great was his desire to obtain more light, that there was scarcely a degree in existence, if within his range, that he did not join. In scrying seances during the years 1872-3, he communicated with none other than Cagliostro, who told him that 'the Crystal you have will be of little use. It is charged with an antagonistic principle.' Cagliostro came again on 29 October 1873 when he delivered the message that 'I am afraid that at present I cannot give (you) anything to be continuous.' Thereafter, between 31 October and 9 November Cagliostro communicated on four separate occasions and, according to Irwin's 'Spiritual Journal', dictated almost word for word the substance of the 'historical introduction' to the Fratres Lucis ritual.

John Yarker

John Yarker (1833 - 1913). John Yarker, was a prolific Masonic writer who dealt with many historic topics but was especially interested in esoteric topics. Not much admired, it would appear, by Albert Pike. Although that speaks highly of his character, among his other positive credentials was that he wrote a brief work, which was never published in full on the topic entitled "The History and Mystery of the Magic Crystal."  These final words of advice, should anyone care to try for themselves comes from Yarker's aforementioned work.  

"After carefully investigating the visions in their subjective and objective phases for nearly 20 years I imported an Indian or Bhattah Mirror in May 1886 and produced for a few friends a model that answered in every particular quite equal to the expensive original at a tenth of the cost Many investigators from some perhaps congenial cause getting no satisfactory results after repeated trials with the Ball or Egg shaped Crystals may try flat polished pieces of Rock Crystal quartz Cannel Coal Bloodstone or Obsidian or Mirrors their shape suiting them best but they must not forget that no matter whatever may be the cause of individual failure the power to see is in themselves aud not in anything they may..."  (quoted in Rosicrucian Brotherhood, vol. 1-3 (in one volume) p. 145.) S.C. Gould. 1907.

I hope that this brief post does not make any of my masonic brothers or sisters uncomfortable. If by some chance it does however, I admonish them to take a long hard look in the mirror. Any mirror will do. Take a break after five minutes, and try again.

Conference on Second Sight and Prophecy in Aberdeen

Call for Papers - with apologies for cross posting

'Second Sight and Prophecy'

University of Aberdeen on 14-16 June 2013

Conference organised by the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy, and the Elphinstone Institute at the University of Aberdeen; sponsored by the Folklore Society

This interdisciplinary conference welcomes participants from a range of academic disciplines including History, Folklore, Anthropology, Divinity and Sociology whose research interests cover a wide range of topics exploring varying methods used by different cultures (both now and in the past) to look into the future and the rationale for so doing. The future has always held a fascination for humankind especially in times of tribulation and this is worthy of academic discussion in light of the changes affecting so many of us in our current global context. The role in culture of seers and prophets, by whatever name they are known, and the use of rituals, drugs and sacred sites, etc. will be examined.

Abstracts of 300 words are invited on any of the following or related topics. These should be submitted by 15 November 2012 to the conference convenor, Dr Alex Sutherland, History Department, University of Aberdeen; a.m.sutherland@abdn.ac.uk               

Papers might address:

Astrology and its rationale(s) for predicting the future.

Biblical prophecy as depicted in the arts.

Divination in any form.

English attitudes to second sight.

Healing wells.

How modern scientists have appropriated the persona of the prophet or visionary seer.

Landscape and prophecy in art.

Old Norse and later Scandinavian sources on prophecy.

Popular Catholic belief in prophecy before and after the Reformation.

Prophecy in Native American tribes.

Prophetic utterances by the courts, commoners, and the church.

Reading the future in the landscape of settlements.

Renaissance science and astrology.

Sami shamanism.

Second sight and prophecy in Scottish Gaeldom.

Second sight and prophecy in the Viking world.

Second sight in Gaelic traditions as they survived and evolved in Nova Scotian communities.

Seers and seeresses in medieval Icelandic saga literature.

The early Islamic world & its connections with astrology.

The role of prophecies, visions and dreams in poetry and allegorical tales.

The role of prophecy in the origins of Islam, in the pre-Islamic Arabian environment

The use of sites, dreams and ancestors for prophecies by indigenous peoples.

Visual and verbal imagery of natural objects as coded language for the use of entheogens to attain divine / prophetic knowledge.

Welsh prophetic poetry.

When prophecy fails.

Dr Alex Sutherland

School of Divinity, History and Philosophy

History Department

Crombie Annexe

Meston Walk

Aberdeen AB24 3FX

Tel: 01224 273051

Email: a.m.sutherland@abdn.ac.uk

The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

Letra del Año 2012 de Cabildo Musundy y La Institución Religiosa Bantú de Cuba

La Letra del Año has over the past decades become a potent part of Afro-Cuban religious tradition, of equal importance in the exile community and the communities of non-Cuban followers of Afro-Cuban religion that have grown up around the world. The Letra, or Signs, is a divination mapping out the major concerns for the religious community for the coming year. The tradition grew out of private letras meant for specific congregations or "casas" and eventually this evolved into a Letra for the entire nation of Cuba. Gradually over the past two dozen years Letras, which are usually determined by a priest or group of priests.

While the Letra is most associated with Ifa, the rite of the Babalawo or Diviner's of the Yoruban tradition, it has never been strictly within their purview. There are records of the practice among followers of at least one sect of Kongo derived religion in Cuba going back to the early years of the last century. About five years ago, one house, El Cabildo Musundo, and the lead by Aldo Durades Román, who is also a social scientist, began to publicly circulate their annual reading.

Admittedly, it will mean little even to Spanish speakers if they are unfamiliar with the tradition, but I think it will be of interest to some, if only as a peek into the practices of another culture.

My thanks to another Cuban scholar and friend, José Millet for a swift delivery of this year's Letra Musundy.

LETRA BANTÚ MUSUNDI AÑO 2012.
PARA BENEFICIO DE CUBA Y LA HUMANIDAD
EN MEMORIA DE DON MANUEL ANTONIO NSAKU NE VUNDA EMBAJADOR DE MANI KONGO EN EL VATICANO, MBANZA-KONGO 1570-ROMA 1608; PRIMER AFRICANO ( CONGO MUSUNDI ) QUE VISITO AL VATICANO Y CUYOS RECTOS DESCANSAN ALLÍ ; EN MEMORIA TAMBIEN A SANTA TECLA (TECLA HERMINIA TORRES LA BEBA).;POR LO QUE AMBOS REPRESENTAN PARA NUESTRA RELIGIÓN MUSUNDI BANTÚ, GRACIAS.
MASENGO MA MBONGOLO SUGIERE" DECIRLE A LOS NIETOS DE SUS NIETOS LO QUE LOS PADRES DE SUS PADRES HAN VIVIDO”, DENTRO Y FUERA DEL CONTINENTE AFRICANO. (TERRITORIO BANTÚ MUSUNDI).
HABLA EL TERRITORIO DE NZAMUADI POSICIÓN NO.7:
PODER REGENTE NGUENGUERENGUE: (OSHÚN EN EL PANTEÓN YORUBÁ, MAMÁ CHOLA, CHOLANGENGE EN LA REGLA DE PALO Y LA CARIDAD DEL COBRE EN EL CATOLICISMO.
DIOSES ACOMPAÑANTES:
NYENDY DEL TERRITORIO DE NZAMBAMI POSICIÓN NO.6 (IDENTIFICADO EN EL PANTEÓN YORUBÁ COMO BABALÚ AYÉ, ASOJANO, EN LA REGLA DE PALO POR CUBAYENDY, LULENO Y PATA LLAGA Y EN EL CATOLICISMO SAN LÁZARO.
NKUNDIANZAZI DEL TERRITORIO NTATU POSICIÓN NO.3. (SHANGÓ EN EL PANTEÓN YORUBÁ, SIETE RAYOS Y NZAZI EN LA REGLA DE PALO Y SANTA BÁRBARA EN EL CATOLICISMO.
HONRAR A LOS ESPÍRITUS.
AÑO DE LA ESPIRITUALIDAD SUPERIOR, DEBEMOS HONRAR A NUESTROS ESPÍRITUS , SE DEBE HONRAR TODAS LAS COMISIONES DEL NTOFUÁ (REINO DE LOS ESPÍRITUS) RECIBIREMOS DESDE NZULU (EL CIELO) LA BENDICIÓN PARA SALVAR LA HUMANIDAD.

NKANGANÁ ERITONDA (AMARRE SU LENGUA). ESTE CUIDADO CON LO QUE DIGAN ; SEAN CAUTELOSOS.

DE ACUERDO CON LAS CARACTERÍSTICAS DEL DIOS REGENTE PARA EL AÑO ACTUAL, LAS PARTES DEL CUERPO HUMANO QUE SON SENSIBLES EN ESTE PODER, SON LAS PIERNAS, LA MENTE, ARTICULACIONES Y ABDOMEN.
ESTAMOS REFIRIÉNDONOS A QUE SON LAS PARTES MAS PROPENSAS A ENFERMEDADES Y TRASTORNOS, EN EL CASO DE LAS EXTREMIDADES INFERIORES SE PUEDEN PADECER DOLENCIAS ATRIBUIBLES AL SISTEMA CIRCULATORIO, ENFERMEDADES REUMÁTICAS AGUDAS Y TAMBIÉN DEBEN PREVENIRSE LOS ACCIDENTES PROVOCADOS POR CAÍDAS, YA QUE TODOS LOS FACTORES SEÑALADOS PUEDEN CONDUCIR A LA PARÁLISIS Y EN GENERAL A LIMITACIONES FÍSICO-MOTORAS.
CON RESPECTO A LA MENTE, ESTE PODER REPRESENTA LA SERENIDAD, EL PENSAMIENTO RACIONAL POR ENCIMA DE LA IRREFLEXIÓN. CONTRADECIR ESTE PRECEPTO, PUEDE GENERAR SITUACIONES PELIGROSAS EN LA TOMA DE DECISIONES.
DE MANERA QUE, FISIOLÓGICAMENTE HABLANDO, ES IMPORTANTE QUE CUIDEMOS EL FUNCIONAMIENTO CEREBRAL, QUE ATENDAMOS TODO LO QUE CONTROLA ESTE SISTEMA, AUNQUE SEA UN TRASTORNO DEL SUEÑO APARENTEMENTE SIN IMPORTANCIA PUESTO QUE, SEGÚN LA LETRA ES UNA PARTE MUY VULNERABLE QUE, DE NO ATENDERSE, PUEDE DESENCADENAR HASTA EN LA LOCURA.
NO A LOS VICIOS
LA GRACIA ESPIRITUAL, LA BUENA SUERTE ESTARÁN A NUESTRO ALCANCE SI SOMOS VIRTUOSOS, SI NO NOS EXCEDEMOS EN EL CONSUMO DE BEBIDAS ALCOHÓLICAS, SI RECHAZAMOS LAS DROGAS, SI OBSERVAMOS UNA CONDUCTA FIEL CON NUESTRA PAREJA, SI RESPETAMOS A LOS MAYORES DE LA FAMILIA .
DICE LA NZILA QUE ES EL AÑO DE LA FRUGALIDAD EN LA MESA, QUE DEBEMOS PREPARAR MENTE Y CUERPO PARA DESARROLLAR EL ESPÍRITU, EL BUEN JUICIO, PORQUE LA FINALIDAD ES SERVIR AL PRÓJIMO.
TIEMPO DE LA VIRTUD
LA PRÁCTICA DE LA VIRTUD EN EL MÁS AMPLIO SENTIDO ES UN MANDATO DE LA LETRA. SE RECOMIENDA TENER UNA CONDUCTA SOCIAL HONESTA, SER DECENTE Y EDUCADO, CORDIAL CON LOS SEMEJANTES, ELIMINAR LA ARROGANCIA, SER HUMILDE S Y SENSIBLES A LOS PROBLEMAS AJENOS.
DICE LA NZILA QUE ES EL AÑO DE LA FRUGALIDAD EN LA MESA, QUE DEBEMOS PREPARAR MENTE Y CUERPO PARA DESARROLLAR EL ESPÍRITU, EL BUEN JUICIO, Y QUE LA FINALIDAD DEBE SER SERVIR AL PRÓJIMO.
ES EL AÑO DE LA CARIDAD, DEL BIEN
LA CARIDAD, EL SERVICIO A LOS DEMÁS DE LA FORMA MÁS DESINTERESADA ES LA REGLA DE CONDUCTA PARA ESTE AÑO . LA SATISFACCIÓN ESPIRITUAL Y MATERIAL QUE ESTE HECHO PRODUCIRÁ EN LAS PERSONAS QUE LA PRACTIQUEN SERÁ EVIDENTE.
LA FRASE TAN SOCORRIDA DE “HAZ BIEN Y NO MIRES A QUIÉN” ES LA REGLA DE ORO PARA ESTAR BIEN CON UNO MISMO Y CON LA SOCIEDAD.
COMO ES NATURAL, LAS PERSONAS RELIGIOSAS SON LAS QUE DEBEN COMPROMETERSE MÁS CON ESTE ENUNCIADO. LA CONSAGRACIÓN EN LA “MBUMBA”, (RAYAMIENTO EN LA NGANGA, EL DESARROLLO Y LA CORONACION ESPIRITUAL) REPRESENTARÁ EL TRIUNFO Y EL DESARROLLO, NO SE DEBE RENEGAR DE NINGUNA DE LAS RELIGIONES, LO ADECUADO ES VALORAR CADA UNA DE ELLAS EN LO QUE REPRESENTA.
AUNQUE NO ESTÉ INICIADO EN ALGUNA DEBEN RESPETARSE ASÍ COMO TAMBIÉN A LAS PERSONAS QUE LAS PRACTICAN. RENEGAR DE NUESTRAS CREENCIAS CONDUCIRÁ A LA FATALIDAD, PUESTO QUE EL SOLO HECHO DE MOSTRAR RESPETO PREDISPONE FAVORABLEMENTE.


TENGA LA MIRADA EN NZULU ( EL CIELO)
HAGA DE CADA DÍA UNA FIESTA PARA EL ESPÍRITU, CUANDO SE LEVANTE MIRE AL CIELO, (NZULU), CONTEMPLE EL SOL Y RECIBIRÁ UNA SENSACIÓN DE GRANDEZA Y PEQUEÑEZ A LA VEZ; PERO CUANDO LO HAGA SENTIRÁ MÁS QUE NUNCA QUE ES PARTE DEL UNIVERSO Y QUE USTED PUEDE CAMBIAR TAMBIÉN EL CURSO DE LAS COSAS.
ES CONVENIENTE QUE USE UNA CADENA EN EL CUELLO QUE TENGA COLGADOS UN SOL, PORQUE EL TRATADO CON EL CIELO ES LA MEJOR PROTECCIÓN CONTRA LA NEGATIVIDAD.
ESTE ES EL AÑO DEL REINADO A PARTIR DEL ESFUERZO : DEBE SER INTELIGENTE, JUICIOSO Y SOBRE TODO SER BONDADOSO. DEBE VIVIR EN PAZ, SER PACIENTE Y JUSTO. EN TODO LO EXPUESTO ENCONTRARÁ LA DICHA.
ATRIBUTOS DE NGUENGUERENGUE
REPRESENTA EL PODER DE LA CURA DE ENFERMEDADES ; DOMINA EN LA TIERRA Y LOS MANANTIALES ; DE AMBOS MEDIOS TOMA LO NECESARIO. PARA SANAR A LOS QUE PADECEN. COMBATE LAS EPIDEMIAS, LOS PADECIMIENTOS DE LA PIEL, DE LOS OJOS, LAS ENFERMEDADES CARDIOVASCULARES, LA HIPERTENSIÓN, CIRCULACIÓN, TRASTORNOS MENTALES, ETC. TAMBIÉN ES DUEÑO DE LAS FLORES Y DE TODO LO BELLO DE LA NATURALEZA. NADA LE ES AJENO PORQUE TODO LO QUE ES BUENO LE PERTENECE.
AÑO DE LA PRESERVACIÓN Y REFORESTACIÓN DE LOS ÁRBOLES Y EL AMOR POR LA FAUNA, Y LA FLORA.
ESTE AÑO PREDOMINA EL PODER DE CURAR CON LOS ARBOLES : LAS RAÍCES, HOJAS, HIERBAS, FLORES, RESINAS Y AGUAS DE DISTINTAS PROCEDENCIAS: RÍOS, MANANTIALES, POZOS, LAGUNAS, AGUA DE LLUVIA, DE MAR ETC.
DE MANERA ESPECIAL DURANTE ESTE AÑO LAS PERSONAS DEBEN CUIDARSE DEL FUEGO, NO DEJE LUMBRE ENCENDIDA MIENTRAS ESTÉ FUERA DE CASA, TAMPOCO VELAS. SI VA DE EXCURSIÓN A LUGARES ABIERTOS CUIDE LA NATURALEZA PORQUE DURANTE ESTE AÑO CONTINUARÁN PRODUCIÉNDOSE DESASTRES POR LA NEGLIGENCIA HUMANA.
DICE LA LETRA QUE RESPETE EL MAR, QUE NO VIAJE EN EMBARCACIONES INSEGURAS, RECUERDE UN ANTIGUO REFRÁN BANTÚ QUE HACE REFERENCIA A NUESTRO PASADO ESCLAVISTA Y SEÑALA QUE “NKUMBRE KALUNGA, BARCO QUE VIENE POR EL MAR, PERDIÓ el FONDO Y SE FUE A PIQUE”, NO NAVEGUE SI ESTÁ GUIADO POR LA DESESPERACIÓN”.
LA MORALEJA DE UN NCHUENDO (PATAKÍN).
ESTE ES EL AÑO EN QUE LA PERSONA PUEDE PERDERLO TODO SI OPTA POR LA FANTASÍA EN VEZ DE POR LA FE.
NO VIOLENTE LOS TEMAS DE SU VIDA. NI LA FUERZA NI LA VIOLENCIA LO CONDUCIRÁN A LA META, TAMPOCO LA ARROGANCIA.
DICE EL NCHUENDO (PATAKÍN) : EL GORILA ERA EL MÁS FUERTE DEL PLANETA Y ESTABA DOTADO TAMBIÉN DE LA INTELIGENCIA. HABLABA COMO LAS PERSONAS. A PESAR DE SU FORTALEZA E INTELIGENCIA FUE VENCIDO POR EL LORO.
MORALEJA: NO SIEMPRE LAS COSAS SON LO QUE PARECEN, LA ARROGANCIA CIEGA Y NO NOS DEJA VER LO QUE ESTÁ DELANTE DE LA VISTA.

NZALA NKOMBO (EBBÓ O PURIFICACION).
Para la purificación del cuerpo (baño):
Agua de Manantial; Agua de Pozo; Agua de Río; Agua de Mar; Agua de Lluvia;
Agua de Laguna; Agua de una Cepa de Plátano (árbol de plátano). Además Vino de Mesa de color blanco; Pétalos de cinco rosas blancas.Todos unidos en una vasija.

Nzala Nkombo (ebbó o purificación ).
Un coco seco lavarlo con aguas de : Rio, Mar y Lluvia. Untarle manteca de cerdo sin sal; envolverlo con una tela de color blanco ; flotarlo desde la cabeza hasta los pies siete veces. Después depositarlo en el tronco de un árbor de caña brava o bambú, cubano o chino.

Sahumerio para el cuerpo y la casa:
Para el cuerpo:
Pétalos de cuatro rosas de color blanco.
Pétalos de cinco rosas de color amarillo.
Pétalos de seis rosas de color rojo.
Verterlas en una teja tipo española con siete carbones encendidos de cualquier tipo de madera.
Se ubica la teja en el piso y se pasa por encima de ella siete veces.

Para la casa:
Tres hierbas (hojas) de árboles medicinales.
Verterlas en una teja tipo española con nueve carbones encendidos de cualquier tipo de madera.
Se va ubicando en cada esquina de la casa después se deja detrás de la puerta de salida tres días.
INFORMAMOS
EL 27 DE DICIEMBRE DEL 2011, CON LA PRESENCIA DE UN CONSEJO DE SACERDOTES BANTÚ DEL CABILDO MUSUNDI SE REALIZO LA PRE - CEREMONIA CORRESPONDIENTE AL CICLO ESTABLECIDO PARA EXTRAER LA LETRA DEL AÑO 2012.
EL 28 DE DICIEMBRE DEL 2011, A LAS 12 M SE HIZO LA ÚLTIMA CEREMONIA : URIA NTANGO (COMIDA AL SOL) . A LAS 2:00 PM SE PROCEDIÓ A EXTRAER EL PODER REGENTE , CONCLUYENDO CON LA CEREMONIA A LAS SEIS DE LA TARDE DEL MISMO DÍA.


LOS CEREMONIALES SE REALIZARON EN LA SEDE DE LA INSTITUCIÓN RELIGIOSA BANTÚ DE CUBA.

ALDO DURADES ROMÁN.
Investigador
TATANDY DE LOS MUSUNDIS
PRESIDENTE DE LA INSTITICIÓN RELIGIOSA BANTÚ DE CUBA.

Hermesphilus: An Eclectic Hermetic Blog

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"I was first introduced to Hermetics as a teenager, through Regardies Golden Dawn teachings, in my early twenties I was actively seeking out Hermetic schools. The first contact with a group claiming roots in European schools, was in 1990. In 2001 I was accepted into an international esoteric Freemasonry group with several lodges in South Africa.

This is the place I like to share ideas and discoveries, subject matter includes Hermetics and any other related topic of interest to me."

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http://hermesphilus.wordpress.com