The Book of Mediums by Allan Kardec

The Spirits Book was the first published in the works compiled by Allan Kardec, dictated by the spirits of light in attending seances, and by observing and interviewing mediums. Table turning and these reunion sessions were en vogue during the Victorian era. The second in the series is the Mediums Book.

The philosophy of spiritism was thus codified, which set it apart from other spiritualism at the time during the mid 1800's- 1900. Classic or scientific spiritism follows this doctrine, in spanish espiritismo.

Thus defined:

"Spiritism has no priests and does not use or use in its meetings and practices altars, images, candles, processions, sacraments, indulgences, alcoholic or hallucinogenic beverages, incense, smoke, talismans, amulets, horoscopes, cartomancy, pyramids, crystals or any other objects, rituals or forms of worship.

Spiritism does not impose its principles. However other religions assist in Espiritismo aka Spiritism.

VS

Cruzado:

Espiritismo is a separate spiritual and religious practice that has incorporated into most houses of Santería. The type of Espiritismo practiced in Santería Lucumí is called Espiritismo Cruzado (Blended Spiritism) because it has been blended or hybridized with African elements from the Congo people." It is a nod to Kardec but contains syncretic elements in its spiritualism."

The Book of Mediums is essential to understanding Espiritismo Cruzado in our lineage and spiritual house, although it is beneficial to read other Kardec books. And of course our misa, folk seances are conducted with the Kardec Book of selected prayers.

The language is somewhat antiquated and dry. A hard copy of the book can be bought, but a free pdf is provided here. The Mediums Book  <<<<<click here

The difficulty also for some I have encountered is learning difficulties and problems with reading a digital pdf on a screen.

Therefore I have dictated a summary and parts of the chapters, and adding some information to the Mediums Book in a series on youtube, for learning in my temple, and to provide it to the public.

Book of Mediums youtube series <<<<<click here

"Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail, under the codename Allan Kardec; proposed the study of "the nature, origin, and destiny of spirits, and their relation with the corporeal world". It encompasses "A discussion of the means of communicating with the invisible world, the development of mediumship and the difficulties encountered in the practice of spiritualism" and more....

You can read a bit more about the philosophy here

                                                                              Luz y Progresso,

                                                                             Sancista 7 Crossroads

                                                                                     
                                                                

Basic supplies for beginning Espiritsmo Cruzado

Hey everyone hope you are enjoying some of your summer. Some of you know I have been out of the country, but I had a request to discuss supplies and books. I decided to do a blog post because its easier to show where to also purchase these as requested and I don't have everything to show right now with me. I have added links below that you can see by moving your mouse over text.

The amount of supplies needed is very small. We are a tradition that works on prayer, faith and light and the power that is afforded by spiritual work and personal development of refining yourself morally.

First I will discuss the absolute basics.
I wrote a 5 part blog post on the basics of setting of a white table, boveda ancestral altar that can be found by typing boveda in the search bar the first entry is the why.
Important to read that series to properly setup.

The table can be set up 2 ways.
1)A boveda has ancestors, and a second tableau espiritual .......spiritual table is set for guides traditional in Cuban system.

2)OR a table can be set to ancestors and the guides can be placed around this.
Another table would be then set for saints and Lwa in Sanse if this is practiced.
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Need to have
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So what you need for White table was listed as the most simple set up:
white tablecloth, can use a sheet, I even seen someone use a white towel dedicated and new for this purpose. The table is new or passed down in family not second hand.

One clear glass with water and a white candle.
I buy $1 white glass novena candles from dollar tree. Also Winco and Alberstons grocery have them and other saint candles for about $1.60. I also order a pack of white emergency candles from amazon a pack of 72 shabbat candles for $11 shipped. you will need candle holder.
More water glasses can be dedicated to specific ancestors or spirit guides that you have verified.
Do not leave empty bottles and glasses on altars.

***Everything we do whether its divination or work we always have a water glass and white candle to God, and this is also done in Caribbean Vodou.

Good to also have is a bell to call them. These things can be bought anywhere and need to be cleansed first, then dedicated to God and good helping ancestors and guides only.

You will do prayers of Our father and Hail Mary among others to open or to God, but also can add to divine male and female source. You will not name specific pagan or other indigenous gods/goddesses unless they are viewed as the monotheist source..

You will need the book Allan Kardec book of selected prayers to do prayer and bibliomancy.

Its essential.
There are other better translations of this book but I still use this one, because the other books do not have the complete collection. Some of the prayers can be found online.
Psalmistry can be used and also recommended to get a book of psalms, but the whole tradition is based on the prayer book including misa the seance reunions. Currently on ebay is cheapest $6 shipped but you also can buy at botanicas online or in store.

The also basic requirement to understand the tradition is Allan Kardec book of mediums. 
Here is a free pdf.<<<<Click here

This book of mediums must be read prior to entering Espiritsmo in our temple.
Most of his books you can get a free pdf online such as the gospel according to spiritism, but the book of prayers you need a hard copy.

I shop at Botanica7Mares and Original Botanica I give both 4/5 for price and service. I have had bad experience with others sending me missing items broken items and rotten herbs. With no post purchase service. Although I will say Original Botanica does not have as much for the priest to practice African religions and is more on the metaphyscial side.

                                                                  Travelling supplies

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Good to have

Metal crucifix or cross with no wood, Rosary usually white is placed on boveda

Bible, other books of prayer such as
Helping yourself with selected prayers purple volume by original publications

Your choice divination method
We do not use systems belonging to other religions like shells to the Odu and Orisha unless properly entered. You may learn from a Lucumi priest how to throw to your dead uninitiated. Anything will work for general readings besides Allan Kardec's book I recommend tarot or/and pendulum. But you can use whatever else you want such as dominoes, bone set etc.

$1 notebook from Dollar store to write prayers you collect and information from spirits do not worry about keeping nice or orderly until later.

Florida Water to cleanse and refresh yourself, clean table add to baths etc
I order from said botanica but good price on amazon pack of 12 for about $32.
I refuse to pay over $3.75-$4 a bottle. Some find them in hispanic beauty sections or stores.
You can also make your own easily with alcohol: everclear or if you have to white rum, oils or plants: roses, cinnamon stick, lavender, lemon and orange peels etc.
Hoyts cologne and 4711 is very similar but more pricey.

White rum: liquor store: veneration, activation and cleansings
Cigars: tobacco store or corner/convenience store: messages, cleansing, veneration, ashtray
White flowers: grocery store any variety: carnations or picked from garden or roadside daisys or yellow sunflowers. Petals are added to baths and serve function on boveda.

White clothing, headwrap or covering:
Can cut a pillow case or piece of satin I buy fabric on amazon $4 a yard shipped
I refuse to pay $9 and up for a mushwa. You can also use turbans, chemo caps, Large bandanas at least 22 or 27" to cover.
A white towel is a good idea for after spiritual baths, and even white pillowcase and sheets.

Cascarilla
Chalk I buy from botanica or on amazon
You can grind up your own white eggshells for some use in baths sprinkling in corners of the room floorwashes etc....
 but the chalk form is good for protection on yourself and marking boundaries on walls and doors.
I do both and still trying to make a good chalk as well. You will need to pray over it as it is not consecrated when you buy it, and may not have been made with holy water.

Holy water
From church or a pure source that you bless yourself. Do not buy.

Bluing
Reckitts squares or Mrs Stewarts liquid laundry bluing are the best brands. Used for baths, small amount its very concentrated ,color to homemade florida water. Used to make blue bowl on ground to cleanse yourself over. I made a youtube video about what else goes in this and how to use it.
Amazon has the best price. You may be able to find in regular stores in laundry section and you can use a small amount on your white fabrics to keep them bright.

Alot of the hoodoo blue ball contain toxic metals so I wouldnt suggest. Im trying not to get into the usage or why we use these things but there are spiritual significances.

Incense
Your choice scent but avoid myrhh on its own.
Many temples and even Haitian Vodou use frankinsense and myrhh together to prepare a temple area.
 I am also partial to copal or coconut.
I buy hem incense from a tobacco store for 80 cents bit more pricey on amazon,
I buy copal resin from amazon but you will need charcoal disks and a burner.
Lemon or van van would do. These are cleansing. You might want to avoid also spicy incense. Although I love dragons blood it drives good and bad spirits away. Spicy also makes things hot and we want things cool and calm. Sandal wood is good for spirituality. I do use other incenses that attract like prosperity but cleansing is very important supplies.

Music
cd's by los nanis, oba espiritual, bajon pa' muertos are versions of songs sung in misa to the guides and dead, as well is a form of prayer. You can listen to these on youtube.

Oil: just olive oil will do, but you may also want a protection oil for anointing candles
I do use a gypsy or fortuneteller oil or madama oil for misa and doing consults. Trying to make this list basic but there are other things we use.

Spiritual waters, washes: besides florida water you can get rose and orange water at arabian stores for under $3 or make your own.

.....perhaps get some Pompeya Lotion also as it is more feminine and for higher vibration spirits, but expensive also Kanaga water due to the ylangylang. Can be made or purchased online.

I make my own bitter herb washes that I pick from around my street but important ceremony you will need leaves from a Ceiba tree which is tropical. I ordered a tree from ebay, or you can get leaves from a botanica. We mostly use fresh leaf only, but some can be dried for some applications.
Also rompe saraguay: bitter bush can be ordered or order washes. Rue is a good bitter.
Basil is an important sweet blessing herb in our tradition and in Vodou.
Some herbs can be bought from grocery if you currently have no garden: garden sage, rosemary etc
You may also want to make or buy "Chinese wash" which is essentially van van lemon based.
Good for wiping down altars but also floor washes to cut away negative and residual energy.
Hyssop also you can buy some basic budget supplies from the Magickal Cat online I always have good service.
Arabian stores, dollar stores and mexican sections, stores and bakery have cheap packaged anise stars and dried herbs.
I am partial to violet water it calms anxiety and emotions spiritually and cooling also for heart break. They use this or lavender water for baby wash at bedtime.

Other cleansing supplies like soap: pure castille soap, goats milk soap, african black shea soap, coconut soap, florida water soap is good for maintenace between spiritual baths.

Camphor squares
Used for cleansing and keeping down bad spirits
Bought on Amazon or botanicas

Salt: sea salt or himalyan
White milk: fresh from a coconut, dairy, goat, runoff from rice, nut milks. Used for white bath.
Buy as needed.

There are other things like the 9 different panuelos the spirits use and the monstrance but these are not necessary for a beginner either.

Other Books:
Some of you know I am writing a much delayed book on my Espiritismo.
I would also suggest Mesa Blanca by Freddie Gueverra if you have kindle its $4 on amazon.
He is more pure Espiritsmo or Cuban.
And Sancista Luis Blog and book is closer to my cruzado as he is Puerto-rican.
Study books on Egun and ancestor veneration.
No book will tell you 100% how or is a substitute from learning from a godparent and getting baptised in the tradition.

To be a full Espiritista you are baptised and crowned the dead or are a Palero who has developed this way. (because of the dead and protections but in Lucumi many also crown the dead first whether this is ever developed). It was recently noted by one that Many Santeros are Espiritistas but almost all Espiritstas are not Santeros........
You may need to travel if you cannot attend misa locally to develop.
This way you can SAFELY practice being mounted by spirits with other developed mediums.

With them, discover and verify some of your guides and spirits. This is traditionally done in misa, but many of us do distance readings.
To be a developed Espiritista you will be able to do misa investigations to look into and communicate with other peoples dead.
To be a full Espiritista you have to be able to host mass, misa seance for the public and be proficient in performing exorcisms, and continue developing your physical mediumship and personal development. Although we do work together and you can have your own practices for your own development, ancestors and guides.

Espiritsmo is a good foundation and introduction to Palo or Sanse but also Lucumi and really any other spiritual path for your ancestors, guides and develop mediumship and psychism to augment divination etc. Although Espiritismo is not a requirement to enter or practice any other African religion other than its component of Sanse... This is because the traditions of the dead must also be completed before entering others or this connection is weakened or lost. It is not required to do espiritsmo for Palo but is a good way to get your feet wet and get direction from your spirits to find a good spiritual house whatever tradition you find your destiny....so ask them for this.
Espiritismo is not Palo and they should not be doing misa to do a life path reading or to find a nfumbe, this needs to be done the traditional Palo way, same as Lucumi you cannot tell your path or Orishas this way with tarot cards either, but it can point you in the right direction (based on your spiritual frame) to be properly confirmed in those other religions.

Beginning Espiritismo is something you can start doing now, and a good idea.
Anyone can practice by attending a boveda, or say they are a spiritualist,
but cannot call themself an Espiritsta in the cultural sense of afro-"hispanic" Spiritualism, spiritism or Espiritismo as it implies.

You can contact me on facebook: Sancista Siete Encruzhiladas

How to approach and open the tableau espirituale Part 3

When approaching the altar we knock on the door 3 times if in an enclosed room, but in my experience they like the family living room and to protect the front door.

To approach and open the altar:

Otherwise we make the sign of the cross with our right hand from our head drawn down our body to where our hand naturally falls then tap the left shoulder drawing our hand across our chest to touch the right shoulder.  Other christian sects go right to left. Then knock on the table 3 times with our arms crossed and knock with our middle knuckles. Some just knock 3 times with one hand or on the altar room door. Some touch the altar with their first two fingers to show respect with both hands.

 Ring the bell in the sign of the cross as a summoning for offerings or communication, or in notification before bed, when leaving the house, or on return for protection and acknowledgement. 

Light the candles which have been previously cleansed and anointed, and then give them a minute of silence before proceeding.

Some people kiss the two index or pointer and middle fingers on the right hand, touch the ground then point up to the sky. This acknowledges love to the ancestors from the ground to the most high god. Another variation is kiss touch heart and up to sky to just acknowledge god. This kiss and then pointing to the sky is sometimes done after crossing oneself in prayer. The middle knuckle and finger is the highest point of the hand and has significance spiritually, as does the right, “ good”, blessing, clean, hand. The spirits for the most part live in and come through a mirror, (sometimes literally as well) world to our own, so that is why we cross our arms in part to join them and join a same hand to same hand. Left to left etc in union when facing them. The higher spirits are also a mirror to us, the creole word miwa is a double meaning for look but also mirror, the looking glass, used in crossing the arms for the congo and Voudou salute. 

Use the concept of god first and address god in prayer in indigenous way or the our father and hail mary, some also do a glory be.

 You can use any prayer to call your good helpful ancestors, here is an example:
Call to ancestor prayer

In the name of the most high god I give this water and this candle to my ancestors (you can recite names, surnames or say known and unknown if you have no clue), the blood of my blood that they may receive light and progress. I offer this candle as a beacon of hope that all my ancestors should draw near. As my dead have been a light for me in my darkness may this be a light for them in theirs.

If you know the names of your spirit guides you can call them too here, or just say “good spirits of my spiritual frame I call you who manage and are responsible for my guidance, spiritual progress and elevation. I call you to be present to partake and communicate at this table".

You can use the bell and ring it for each ancestor and spirit guide called to give notice, and break up negative energy.

The cross is placed on the table when not active, but after the time of approach can be placed inside the main glass feet first, as the living or resurrected one.

You can then listen in silence or meditate to music, recite prayers, talk to your spirits and confide in them as if they were your friend standing beside you in life, do divinations or your cleansings as needed. I usually cleanse myself with florida water on approach first into a bowl of bluing water with a mixture of florida water, cascarilla and sometimes holy water. See the next part 4 where I talk more about cleansings.

With the glasses you can tap one and ask for guides and ancestor help on a matter or touch with your index  (pointer) and forefingers together (middle) with your request gives them a gentle poke or nudge.

I hope that this helps many people,
S7X

The boveda, mesa blanca & The tableau espirituale: Part 1 Purpose

The white table practice or mesa blanca is so called for the white table cloth upon the altar used in misa or seance but also at home upon the ancestor altar or boveda in espiritismo or spiritualism. In Sanse, the tableau espirituale or spiritualist table differs from the Cuban boveda in that we also include other dead and spirit guides beyond just our current bloodline ancestors or family dead.

Before I began this path, I wanted nothing really to do with the dead, since they pestered me so as a youth, as well as being somewhat disconnected from my family and family history. I learned its better to be protected as a medium, because the dead will take notice of you whether or not you look for them. To a lot of people ancestral veneration does not seem very glamorous or high level, but it is very foundational in African traditions, as well as traditionally in most indigenous cultures. This connection has purposely been targeted to weaken the family and social structure of community, yet it provides independence, through cultural spiritual power, guidance and strength.

This altar is a sacred space, religious or not, a place of  contemplation, peace, power and stability. The difference is in institutional vs experiential home churches and lived personal daily living aspects and concerns. The official catholic church did not always approve of previous local practices, and certain groups of unsanctioned dead. The white table therefore became a place also to honor those unsanctioned or sanctioned, and placed hierarchy those personally chosen such as folk heroes and freedom fighters. Cuban 19th century criollos with Santeria after war for independence had a lot of dead plus previous customs that had this need, as well as the rest of the Caribbean, Latin America, Mexico and South America. Or you can say around the world where experienced colonization, and in Europe reinvigorated after the Victorian age because of the amount of dead in World War 1.

Our relationship with spirits can be strengthened or weakened by our actions. Colonization, socialization and dominant or popular culture has attributed to our losses of our cultural connections, and the methods to do so such as teaching stories, original language, songs, ancestral record, sacred dances, knowledge of ancestral spirits and gods. We outright may ignore them and deny them and our common heritage and like energies. They need us as much as we can rely on them. They help us to be grounded, address social concerns, and have a spiritual home and family, without them we are lost without anchor or guidance of compass at sea.

Some of the authors spirit court and tableau espirituale:

I will address the guides and the other dead at another time, as the initial focus is of the ancestors.

Part of them remains, their personality, to help us even if their soul has incarnated. The dead are intermediate spirits, such as saints between us and other or higher spirits. As well our ancestors are gatekeeper or permissive spirits to others. The current family line going back generations unknown to beginning of mankind (antepasados), as well as our bloodlines from past lives (difuntos). We can pass this tradition down to the next generation in hope they will assist, communicate and remember us when we have passed from this realm and we, continue to watch over them.These spirit links or chains (cadenas) make us stronger and resistant to being controlled and tell us the truth. Their altar is a microcosm of your life. It can absorb shock of negative energies  and protect you. It can help you feel peace and relief.

Common colloquialisms is without them we are nothing, we stand on their shoulders, we walk the roads they walked, they are in our blood. The ancestors stand behind us or encircle us, whereas our main spirit guide leads from the front or the right side, and other dead and guides on the left of us. They are our first and last defense. They are more invested in and interested in us than most other spirits, and our potential for offspring and possible reincarnation through,but not always along family lines.

  Problems in our lives or misfortune is potentially seen as a need for balance and to appease these spirits. Not all our ancestors are positive influences or agree with each other or our life choices. We can communicate with them and make peace with them, so we are both best served. Sometimes they are so problematic and not ready to be in our lives, therefore we only include loving ancestors and those willing to be a helpful positive influence in our lives to our spiritual or ancestral table. 

As we work with only good and helping ancestors, with their positive influences and advices, being a good person with shared values, such as family pride and respect will help you align with them and what they would wish for you to become. Show them that you respect them, and ask their permission and blessings. They may have very different ideas about what they think you should be doing, such as occupation or religion. Of course we have free will and choice to live our own lives, however some religions and cultures might have been in direct opposition to your cultural group. In ancient or more recent times they may have warred with each other or slaughtered your people, and may be viewed as betrayal. Perspective on the other side is much less limited to ours, however just because our dead have passed doesn't mean that they are now perfect or know everything. Some may have such strong or bigoted opinions or beliefs as they did in life, whereas others may have seen the errors of their ways.

This is especially a problem with fundamentalist Abrahamic religions such as Christianity, who may believe that regardless of your race you should not follow an African or indigenous tradition or religion. You can have factions of ancestors and dead disagreeing with each other and this can play out on the stage of your life and altar. Some ancestors, feeling dishonoured, uncared for, are in need, or betrayed may then very well place obstacles in your path, problems in your life and misfortune. This concept is called osogbo misfortune in the Yoruban cultures, that the ancestors are displeased. However obstacles and difficulties are learning experiences and  may be a way of revelation and freeing oneself from religious burdens placed upon us, possibly since birth.

 We can help those troubled ancestors in another way without having them make problems until they are ready to be in our life. Spirits suffering can be alleviated and help their progression and elevation. Ask God for their elevation and relief, to gain more light and empowerment through intentions and use of prayer. The feeling on your altar should be one of peace, or something is wrong. Assistance, guidance and direction is strongly suggested. Questions about the welfare, or whether or not to include dead family members who died violently or suicide should be approached after one year of resting, with a qualified spiritualist. The dead are generally given a period of one year of rest regardless of situation before approaching.

The white table is seen as a meeting place or conference hall in our homes and life. You can preface your call to your dead as only helpful elevated ancestors are welcome, willing to make a positive difference in your life, yet support our free will and life choices.

Protections: ask them to close the doors to danger of the street, accident and violence, disease, sorcery, ask them to protect your mind, body and spirit, ask them to keep people with bad intentions away from you.

Blessings: ask them for improved and new opportunities in employment and finances, harmony in relations, ancestral issues to be resolved, traumas and problems affecting you or your family line can be healed to make us stronger, ask them to guide you towards the appropriate spiritual teacher, and for good people to come into your life.

 The altar can also be used as a place of spiritual cleansing, and I will address this at another time.

The white candles give spirits in darkness and who are lost the ability to be guided and to see, as well as energy, warmth and light. When you hear EVPs the dead often say I’m cold, I’m hungry, and this table will meet their needs, as well as orient them if they are lost or trapped somewhere. I will teach you how to read the water glass and candle which will indicate their requests.

A fresh water glass full of spiritual fluids presence and blessings

Next blog post Part 2: How to set up the altar
Part 3 How to address and basic guide to work the altar
Part  4 Cleansings
White bath
 Part 5 how to read the candles and water glasses
Baston de muerto: stick altar to the dead