What I don’t often see is who you’re becoming for yourself. Who will you be to lead you? How are your lessons now a transcript for you later?

Symbolically, how have your actions of the past lead you? They are in their own way an ancestral marking set in stone; they are in their own way closer to them than your next move.

Who are you, to lead you?

Many have been Christened, Baptized in the rivers or given the blessing of the leaders of your family. I was given my blessings by the Matriarch of my maternal family, a leader that’s moved her blessed hands sea to sea.

Our foundations laid for us in those moments are where we’ll begin to build, demolish, rebuild and establish. It’s where we’ll be with ourselves in our hearts, in our bedrooms, on the bathroom floors, in the tubs and backyard cookouts. It’s where we’ll be with ourselves on the dance floor, at the register, in a theater making sure the glowing light down below says “exit” just in case. It’s where we’ll be, everyday, no matter how much it changes.

It’s our podium, our soapbox, our pulpit, our desk and center stage. You might say you’re not a leader or feel like one, but that’s where a leader stands. You’re where a leader stands and you are one.

Let it be more than just a moment when you feel it. Let it be more than just an hour of your time when you plan it out. Let it be more than want or a need.

If you’ll lead anybody? Let it be you, to lead you first.

Be well, Hoodoo Folk. 🫶🏼 This is Hoodoo to me, too.

I made a buck, I made a dime
And do you know, it's not a crime
To hop around and shake a leg or two?
I’ve never done it, but I’d spend some on it
Not a chance I won’t support my crew

Much like the world
They go round and they twirl
And much like my hands, they’re blessed too. 

Fire up my prayers, no candle
Washing down your stares with no drink
If I had to choose it again, I would
And if I do, I think…

Right hand knows what my left hand do
I turn my pages for a script or two
I lean on back and flip my dime
But don’t call me forward if you don’t have the time
Don’t call me forward if your roads don’t cross like mine

They say
Child of the Hoodoo
Mouth of the bees
Niecey, Niecey what you saying to me?
Is it in my blood, well you’re gonna see?
Child of the Hoodoo
Praying on over me

My Spirits ain’t ghosts, huh?
Sighing entities
Angels stir a pot of bitter leaves
Black as the kin
Skin darker than skies
I shed my tears and they wipe my eyes

I don’t know where you want to go
But if you want to speak a language only I could know?
Put it in my hat and let me rattle your bones

They say
Child of the Hoodoo
Mouth of the bees
Niecey, Niecey what you saying to me?
Is it in my blood, well you’re gonna see?

Snakes and Magnolias
Tall pine trees
Creeks and Azaleas and pawpaw seeds
Long backroads and fox that scream
Honeysuckle, honeybees, jars full of water
Speak
Speak
Speak

What is Hoodoo if it’s not in your backyard, too? I had fun writing this. I was reading a short post elsewhere about Ma Rainey and suddenly had to write. Write when you feel it, write more when you don’t.

I like where I am in the South despite its reputation. There’s not a dull day left for creativity.

Services I Offer

Have you ever considered the faithful?

Yesterday, I was afraid of something. It was small, but it was the turning point of an uncomfortable moment of frustration. It felt bigger than it was and while I made myself aware of that, I still believed this was something that needed to happen. In my moment of frustration, someone came and removed it. When I fell asleep, I was with my Gran in her room like a child. I was in the dark. This was a literal darkness that she didn’t acknowledge because I’m not afraid of it. I never have been. It’s often when I recharge best. Despite how dark it was, I saw her clearly. I saw her white gown. I saw her in the glow of stars that made themselves known through the blinds of her window. I saw her and she asked, “what upset you?”

I told her it was something stupid but that I’ve got it.

she said, “I know. I wanted to check on you. You always have it.”

Then that was it. I sat in the glow from her window, feeling safe, until I woke up to see a glow from my own. The Sun. In my dark room, the Sun was starting to breakthrough.

Now, I’m sitting in the dark typing this out.

Dwelling never felt like an action worth committing to…

What happens when your internal lights are flickering? What happens when your home, that is your body, feels unkempt? What happens when you’ve put yourself away to focus, not on the rise and fall of life, but on the steadiness of your own?

For many, it’s not when they pray the hardest, it’s when they believe the most. It’s knowing the rising Sun will come and peek through the curtains of worry or the debris of construction.

It’s certainty in that what was done in the dark will come to light and those beliefs hug you back. Those prayers repeated in the absence of shining rays will be fruitful. It’s exposure to your own eyes that all of what you done when no one was looking, all of that work and tears, will be granted appreciation. Not just from the crowd, but from you.

The reveal is for you. Always.

Building, praying, tidying, resting, and mini celebrations filling your every step of the way in your unseen hour.

When the time comes, you’ll see what happened in the dark is beautiful.

Stay certain of yourselves and your work. Stay certain of your work and your roots.

The dark is dormancy. Privacy. Strength.

Use it like any other tool to feed.

🌎🌍🌏

Here’s my divination shop! There will be more to come since I plan to add physical items. Physical items will be handmade and will take lots of love.

I spent all of Earth Day checking my seeds, praising my zucchini, talking to the birds, taking walks and eventually, resting. It was a wonderful day with silent devices.

Anywho, what that bird do? It brings the good word.

Star, The Fifth Child is here 🌞🌞

For a limited time, use EARTHDAY for a 50% discount.

It was the message of creativity again.

Again, I also took note of the message that came from another source— time to be a teacher again.

Today, I was reminded not only for teaching, but when I went outside to venerate nature as I do, I mentioned my current projects. I asked about the continuation of them at this time and there, a Red-Bellied Woodpecker drumming started behind me. Then another to my left and right. I listened to its call a few feet away, too. Hard workers always focused on what they’re trying to reach…

Then came my “supervisors”, as I call them, the Blue-Jays. Whenever I have a project they fly as close as they’re comfortable with doing or perching not too far away in front of me. I know then, this is yet another important task.

Connecting with nature, nature’s spirits and its community is one of the best parts of Hoodoo for me. I’m excited to share more of that over time.

There’s just one thing… they accommodate, but they don’t give up.

They make all the accessibility decisions they need to for others and themselves, within their capabilities, but they will not support giving up.

Now, in this current world… that will sound like an overbearing expectation against your will, but stick with me here… it works for us.

Many of us are chronically ill, disabled, abled… you name it… We help each other, we clean each other’s houses, we’ll do every errand you can think of, even if that means finding someone to go further for you, and we’ll help you shower should you need that assistance.

We’ve seen what “giving up” looks like. It’s not pretty. It’s concerning. It hurts. It’s upsetting. Take a break, or two or three, but giving up is not on the menu. We can surrender to the situation, but that’s just a change of plans.

So, when I was down on myself last weekend? It was, “you can’t help us and then not help yourself,” and “rest for a little while, but you’re not staying like that,” and as much as I wanted to? They were right.

They were righ,t and I was accommodated.

I saw this in Hoodoo, too. Where too many people are wondering “how” when the “how” is at their altar, on their phones, on their computers and in their hands.

“How could I create this?”

With what you have.

You have it. You always have it, and you always will. It may not be the fanciest headscarf, but you have one. It may not be the candle you want to use, but you have one. It may not be the herbs you wanted, but if you have a handful of grass or a piece of kudzu, you've got work.

It won’t be done the way another will do it. It won’t. You do it how you need to.

“There are no resources!”

There’s plenty out there and plenty more people ready to help you find them. People are posting for free. I post for free. There’s something to learn in every bit of it; use it while you get to where you need to be.

“I have nothing to put my nature findings in.”

Pillowcases, aprons, old bandanas, containers that aren’t in use… if you can even create a small bag with finger crochet? Do it.

Just don’t let your work fly because you don’t have the cutest glass bottle for oils or the loaded candles. That’s what your work is about.

Be accessible for yourself, respect your local resources, and don’t forget what Hoodoo has always been to you.

It looks like us, made by us, and creativity has kept it alive.

I say three things to place myself in a headspace that keeps me direct while I work. Any work. It’s the act of holding accountability to myself and my part of the process that keeps me consistent offline.

Let me not misuse my blessings. Let me not misuse my gifts. I will move how I need to.

It’s not new, in fact, I’m sure I’ve seen variations that I’ve loved from Hoodoo Folk that are as gracious and wise as they are beautifully inspiring to me. It’s new to me in recent times, though and I’m glad I’ve adapted it to my lifestyle.

Still, if you have anything you say to yourself, lean on it a little more today. If you don’t? Use that one above or it can inspire you for your own.

Right now, the year is still fresh which means temptations aren’t at a high to cut corners but they are still there. Direct yourself and your work with patience and equally an eagerness to do it how you feel you need to. Not how someone rushing you in your inbox wants it to be, you know your work and your worth.

So, let us not be driven by hands that aren’t working like ours and be how you need to be today. 🌻

I’m grateful for being able to write and have fun. One day, I’ll be able to make a career of having fun with art, writing and have a shop one day. The focus is important though.

It’s my choice to turn that into progress.

I love this card and its visual. Not only is this person reaching for the stars but the very act of this moment has lifted them to meet those stars.

Be well— even the stars are acknowledging you.

Stagnation is stalemated and stuck like brain fog. A calm, steady stream is balanced and knows exactly where it’s headed. Lakes and ponds are inspired by its environment and pools are distracted by it. Waters that look still on the surface with strong currents beneath it are like the Hermit in waiting after a long lesson. There’s plenty to attribute to the works of water’s symbolism and here, these cards are no different.

Where Focus intends to direct me like the waters with freeing currents beneath, Spiritual Knowledge intends to gather like the lakes and ponds inspired by its environment. Together, the goal today is to become the calm, stead stream that even the birds can stop to splash onto their feathers or deer could stop to drink from it or maybe someone could rest beside it.

As I go about my day today, I’ll continue to keep my eyes open for the subtle visitations and the occasional bird paying a visit. I’ll keep an open mind to what I come across as I read and research or work today, too. The balance of focus and spiritual knowledge is as beautiful as we make it to be, even when we’re knee deep in muddy waters; as it is us that stirs the soil beneath and uncovers the vegetation that more life can eat from.

✊🏼✊🏿Hoodoo it better than you? (🥹 wordplay this early?)✊🏾✊🏽

The pull this morning Hydration, is about looking beyond the surface of your obstacles, no matter how big or small— trivial or significant, hold the space for yourself. The energy extends again this week with Sun Magic shining on the finer details beyond your eyes.

I returned to myself in January and this month is about reintroducing flow. A warm current making its way through the cultivating hands of Hoodoo with grace. That’s a warm welcome from me to future me.

I appreciate these cards and their message this morning. I hope y’all are safe and preparing to welcome yourself soon. Hoodoo can look like this; this is Hoodoo To Me, Too.

At least that’s what I call it.

I’m not able to get to the water, but I have my shells (not pictured) and my Bones when I divine with them. So, here’s the thing… I gave myself one task this year.

Just one.

Everything else is a side quest.

Today, I set up once again to make progress and I had a thought about my seasons. Summer is typically a prepping season for me, but with my task in mind, it’ll change this year. That’s what’s pictured here.

My worries are handled and disruptions are blocked. In the center, a ring with a pair of Oracle hands tied in thread lands in the center beneath the coffin nail, pot sherd and that sherd’s connected to the mink bone (sing the song).

This is commitment to what I asked for.

Commitment to what I want, mundane and spiritual.

My shells face me in with direct focus in elements air and fire; that is a steady upsurge created from my hands. Like the Oracle hands covering all seasons in the center, passive and direct buttons are both reversed. This is a sign that one is not needed more than the other. Balance. Patience. Ride steady.

Grateful for them and their support.

🧜🏾‍♀️🧜🏾‍♀️🧜🏾‍♀️🧜🏾‍♀️🧜🏾‍♀️🧜🏾‍♀️🧜🏾‍♀️🧜🏾‍♀️🌊🧜🏽‍♂️🧜🏽‍♂️🧜🏽‍♂️🧜🏽‍♂️🧜🏽‍♂️🧜🏽‍♂️🧜🏽‍♂️🧜🏽‍♂️

This card encourages us to be that. At some point in our lives, there’s been a moment of checking ourselves. Whether that was to make sure we were doing what felt true to us or not, we checked ourselves. While it’s good to do so, hold yourself accountable for your creativity, too.

Especially, the skills and talent that stays hidden. You can be great at building, seeing, art, storytelling, design and so on… and still be spiritual.

No one has to be a one and done talent, unless they choose to be. What else can you do? What is it about you that stands out naturally?

Are you a Rootworking Herbologist coming from a long line of medical professionals?

Are you a psychologist taking your practice into the grounds of spirituality? Beautifully blending them together?

Are you a storyteller that makes your own music for it too?

What is your process like? What do you like to study and how can you incorporate that?

From childhood, I’ve made dolls. I’ve made them out of whatever material I could have. I’ve also made clothing for those dolls and for myself. I’ve also had a love for culinary since I was a toddler, three years old. I’ve been in the kitchen that long thanks to my Grandma. There’s a lot that I do and am capable of outside of this, but if I had to put it all on a foundation? It would be art. I do a lot and it’s part of my Hoodoo, too. In offline spaces, I’ve allowed myself to stand out in my own way. No, I’m not the first, but not being first doesn’t mean I should hide who I am.

Neither should you.

Appreciate all that makes you the sunstone in someone else’s life.

No matter what I need to do on Tuesday, I aim to give it a little extra each time. The cards today are a reminder or, maybe it’s a call out, that it’s time to get active. However that may look to you as “active” is subjective. It isn’t a linear process, but in this moment, the action is an act of freeing yourself again.

How would it feel to be brighter than you were yesterday?

How would it feel to use this day as your small step to bringing a bigger shine to your glimmer?

Rewind and Sun Magic encourage this energy today. The stiffness can loosen up. The strict grip of creativity can ooze across whatever that canvas can be. If shining too bright feels a little worrisome, that’s okay, but nobody who wants a bright, Summer day at the beach ever asked for no Sunshine.

Show up shining, today.

Let me bake a cake real quick on this…

Mondays don’t have to be that way. I’m not sure who made that rule, but they don’t.

Monday isn’t the problem.

When I view the reset of these weekdays, I view them like it’s another area on the map of life, even if I know what tasks are prepared me. Even if I’ve already experienced them last week. Even if it’s so “new” that I’m the first one to do it that day.

It’s a time to explore that area of the map if I want to experience fresher ideas, opportunities and inspirations. If this expanding on a spiritual gift or a mundane skill set?

It’s new, not impossible.

The Page of Pentacles encourages us to make our tasks not only our focus, but our experience. It’s something that we get to do. It’s something that, while it may be incredibly new, it’s not unfathomable forever.

My Hoodoo Folk, you’ve been in these waters. You’ve moved through them with your feet in the softened souls beneath them. You’ve learned new roots, new languages, new ancestors, new skills taught from old hands, and you’ve kept this going. You’ve kept this alive. Whatever that may be, you did that. You can do it again. Once more, it was new, not impossible.

Try not to let Monday feel impossible. Adjust it. Adapt. Rearrange. Sing to it. Venerate in it. Schedule and meet with it.

Just don’t make it impossible.

🤍

A short read, but it’s something to hang on to this week. Despite the freezing weather many of us are facing right now, the Sun Wheel brings with it warming anticipation. As we enter this new week, carrying the warmth of the Sun like this is stimulating.

This weekend was a test of patience for me. There was a moment I felt off balance to a point that I seriously had to sit myself down. Now, feeling well rested, I got the message. Too much, too fast? Sit that butt down. The Sun Wheel offers a fresher experience this week. It brings the energy of noticing opportunities as well as opportunities noticing me, too. When this card shows up for me, I know taking advantage of new opportunities are positive and exciting, I’ll need to be well rested for that.

This is a great time for it.

Balance well, Hoodoo Folk. The cold is thriving outside which is good enough reason to make sure you’re thriving on the inside. Stay warm, literally, and be warmth for yourself and loved ones. While you keep well for you, opportunities are always on the way.

It’s easy to make those transitions with most objects we lose, but many of us don’t seem to extend that process to ourselves.

When I lost something recently, I wanted to be more upset than I was because I had worked hard on this. Because I worked hard, I felt it deserved that level of reaction though, I still didn’t give it. Instead, I breathed and I surrendered to this. I can’t frustrate myself to change it or reverse time, it happened so there it was. The next thing I did was look at my plate. I had several things that needed attention— the loss had freed me, in a way. When I put my attention elsewhere, I noticed there people in my close circle discussing their setbacks that changed within a day. I listened to my own relatives responding to their previous frustrations, but that changed within the day. I listened to episodes of Black spiritual folk sharing their past dilemmas that turned over within the day.

So, I took in the common ground in that. I gave it a day.

My loss found its way right back into my hands with a fresh start.

The cards I pulled here are “New Beginnings”, “Signs” and “Speak Your Truth”. This is my truth today.

We always have a way to begin again. Even if the first step we take is being honest with ourselves about direction, the approach or intention. There’s always room to welcome a new beginning.

Let that be you.

There’s more than one way to get there. There will be detours, road work, changes of speed and signs all over the place. Still, you know where you need to go.

Apply this to your celebrations, too.

Sometimes, making it to the next gas station safely is worth celebrating just as much as celebrating at the destination. There’s more than one way to celebrate your journey. You don’t have to explain it all. You don’t have to share it all. You can do your dance all by yourself and share it later.

Just celebrate. Checkpoint to checkpoint. One task to another. A halfway point through a project is worth that too, but don’t stifle the joy of your work because you “haven’t earned it” yet. You have. Do your dance and get back to it. Post it and get back to it. Waiting until you’ve earned it isn’t the only way to celebrate; let yourself feel how alive you are and keep going.

When opportunities find us or show up in our spaces, it feels like fireworks and for some of us, it feels like we’ve been caught in headlights. We start to go through a mental checklist that feels like a blur on the opened road. Here we are now, though. We’ve built the table we sit at. We’ve introduced the world to parts of us we thought weren’t unique enough.

Now, we’ll be reading our name cards on tables where our seats were kept warm and the smiles were just as welcoming.

Share your gifts. Share who you are.

Shop!? Yes. After having a gentle fuss and some encouragement, my Folks are right. I won’t be able to offer physically to many as I can right now. When I have more physical access, it’ll happen, but until then I’ll be offering some services. Today, I wanted to launch this, but I think I could fix this up better. I wouldn’t want this to be too little or too complicated.

While what I offer will support those that need somewhere to start, it’ll benefit others as well in its own way. Thank you all for the support!

In the middle of marking my tasks completed, I realized I’ve been taking breaks to play and for a second? I almost scolded myself. Almost.

Play is necessary. Don’t skip it. Balance is more than turning off your phone, go play. Be safe. Be careful. Be mindful. Go play. 🖤