Hello, I have a concern with witchcraft and/or voodoo. It seems an uncle who is staying with us, has been doing some sort of cleansing rituals.
I know this sounds odd but it really freaks my family, and me out. Can this being practised in our home, bring on bad things, such as open portals to "evil" things, or bad vibes? I may sound ignorant to non believers, but I believe this is real. Umm I also don't think this is white magic. He's been burning a candle mentioning something about the 7 african powers, as well as the other day bathing in some herbs he boiled. Herbs along with a red heart pendent.
Does anyone know? We are of Christian faith, and are helping him out by letting him stay here, so this is making us all very uncomfortable. My mom did ask him not to do this in our home, but he's not listening.
Thanks, God bless.
2006-12-27 21:01:39 · 21 answers · asked by Belix 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Hi, thanks everyone for your feedback. I do appreciate you guys taking your time. I respect other beliefs, and understand that their are witches who are very good people. Not the stereotype many think is true. However, that being the said, it is still uncomfortable.
Especially considering the why, of what he's doing. (Hence the belief that this isn't just white magic, for positive vibes).
He does seem to be experiencing some mental "issues". Suicidal, and other things I'd feel bad to mention of him. That also, his obcession towards his ex taking him back. We are truely worried for him.
All in all, we would like him to find another residence, because all of this is just too much. Yet, we'd feel responsible for him doing something against himself, or others. My mother had another talk with him this morning, and he didn't listen to her.
2006-12-28 06:49:19 · update #1
I am a Wiccan Priestess, and unfortunately I see/hear more of these kinds of stories from the mentally ill or those unwilling to take responsibility for their own lives more than those actually practicing their religion of choice. (witchcraft and voodoo are quite different, however it is irrelevant, as upsetting housemates is unethical in MOST religions)
Your uncle is not being respectful, no matter what his spiritual practices. His practices in themselves will not open any portals or bring on any evil spirits, however they are wrecking havoc in your home in spite of this truth.
My opinion is that your uncle needs professional help and your family needs to stand their ground in what is acceptable and unacceptable in your home.
A cleansing ritual might be helpful for your uncle if he needs to gather his thoughts and intent to continue down a healthy path, however if the cleansing ritual is upsetting the family who is nice enough to let him stay with them, it seems he will not find a healthy path anytime soon, as he cares little about those around him.
2006-12-28 03:04:08 · answer #1 · answered by salt_phoenix 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I sounds like your uncle is practicing Santeria. Believers in Santeria revere the 7 African Powers as the hierarchy within the Orisha world. They are the most powerful and beneficial Orishas. I dont know the whole story but a cleansing is nothing bad. It is actually good for the house. If your family has expressed to him that they are uncomfortable about what he is doing then he should respect that and stop. However lighting a candle, praying, and taking an herbal bath should not freak anyone out. Speak to him about his religion and what it is that he is doing. You will find that many Santeria practitioners are also Catholics. The images of saints are used to represent the Orisha. I studied Santeria for a while and I can tell you that it is a harmless religion just like Christianity. Rest assured he is not hurting anyone (at least from what you are saying). I practice Vodou the cousin of Santeria. They are both beautiful religions.
2006-12-28 07:43:14 · answer #2 · answered by Nelly 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
What makes these practices work is the strong belief in them. Most of the time crossing practitioners do little harm.
If you are frightened by his activities rebuke him and his practices and stop him in his tracks. If you get bad vibes or start experiencing strange things then purify your home with the aid of your minister.
Many practices can open portals to evil. From the use of an Ouija board to Witchcraft Sorcery and Voodoo. Most often the portal opened stays with the intelligence that opened it. It takes a great deal of energy to open and hold open a portal. To find out if you have an opened portal in your home, just watch your fresh fruits and vegetables. If they rot quickly something is sapping them. If you buy a potato and it is rotted the next day, there could be a problem.
I hope I've helped you.
En Tis Blethec.
2006-12-27 22:19:45 · answer #3 · answered by tian_mon 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Actually, your main problem is simply that your uncle is disrespecting your family's wishes despite being a guest. I'm a Wiccan. I feel strongly about being allowed to practice my beliefs. But if I'm in someone else's home, and it makes them uncomfortable, then so be it--just as if I were in someone else's house and wanted to say grace, but it freaked them out, I would just *think* grace, out of respect for this being their home. For that reason alone, your family might see what you can do to hasten uncle's departure. However, that said? It really doesn't sound like he's doing anything evil. A cleansing ritual is specifically to wash away negative energies (not any sentient evil, necessarily; maybe just a build-up from everyday life). Candleflame, herbs, and a talisman (the red heart pendent) cannot and will not hurt you, *especially* since you are strong in your own faith. If it will make you feel more comfortable, pray for anything unwanted to be sent back where it came from, and be confident in the ability of your family's faith to make it so. Hopefully that will include banishing your uncle to lodgings where both he and your family will feel more comfortable, as soon as is convenient for everyone involved! Blessed be.
2006-12-27 21:31:57 · answer #4 · answered by Vaughn 6 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Before most people were "colonized," they had a belief/worship system in place. Because it was not Christianity, it was feared and prescribed negative images and thoughts.
I believe that prayer and any seeking of the spiritual realm opens portals. Does your uncle say that he's practicing "witchcraft" or Voudon (the African religion that become "voodoo" in this country)? He may in fact, just trying to bring good energy into your space.
We all can bring "bad energy" into our world by our actions, thoughts, intentions, etc.
Peace!
2006-12-28 01:38:32 · answer #5 · answered by Ebony Goddess 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like a good time for a family meeting to better understand your uncles beliefs and intentions. If they are positive or protecting, no problem. Remember that many Christians will relate that in the bible, witchcraft and fortune telling is forbidden, but will ask a priest for a blessing or randomly poke their finger into a bible page asking for answers. These are the same actions with different labels.
2006-12-28 03:48:51 · answer #6 · answered by mykl 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Voodoo and Wicca are too very different practices. In Wicca, the law of three is very important, meaning that any bad that you send out will return three times as fiercely at you. This prevents Wiccans form doing harm, as they don't really believe in harming.
In Voodoo, that thought doesn't apply. Neither in Hoodoo. There is no law of three, or evil coming back to you. What you do, you do. End of story. If the person deserves the curse, it will work. If the person doesn't, the spell simply won't work. Therefore, you are not putting yourself in any danger. The spirits decide.
A cleansing ritual is one in which evil is removed and cast away. What could be evil about banishing evil? Even the word cleansing....states the obvious. Don't judge your uncle until you ask him more about what he is doing, and what he believes.
2006-12-28 08:23:10 · answer #7 · answered by nottashygirl 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
7 African Powers candles, boiling herbs, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus are all things used to help and bring good into a home. He believes he is bestowing a boon (giving you a gift), that though you may not understand, will love. More prosperity in your home.
2006-12-28 18:17:36 · answer #8 · answered by AmyB 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hon, there's no need to be too superstitious. It's all just harmless really. It's no different to when a Christian baptises a child or prayer. His belief system is different to yours, but that doesn't necessarily make it harmful. As long as he is peaceful and has good intentions, what can be the problem?? If others can respect your religion, then why can't you learn to be tolerant?? It's this sort of ignorance that brings trouble into the world.
2006-12-27 21:10:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Each person has a right to practice what they consider to be their beliefs. But, no one should disrespect anther's home. There is no excuse for that behavior. NONE!
As far as bringing in evil spirits, you bring more into your life just speaking of evil. He is not thought of being evil...if he had been thought of being that way he would not have been asked to stay with you and your family.
2006-12-27 22:05:50 · answer #10 · answered by ldyria 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋