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Saints, Talismans, and
Psalms in Hoodoo
Saints, Talismans and
Psalms! Saints are people recognized as having attained a certain level of
holiness. Characteristic of Hoodoo is the incorporation of Catholic
icons, saints, talismans, and psalms in magickal workings.
Who and What is a Saint?
The Saints in Voodoo
Saints of the Roman Catholic church. In Christian iconography, saints are often
depicted as having halos.
Who and
What is a Saint?
There are more than 10,000 canonized Roman Catholic saints. The Roman Catholic
Church teaches that it does not, in fact, make anyone a saint. Rather, it
recognizes a saint. In the Church, the title of Saint — with a capital 'S' —
refers to a person who has been officially recognized (canonized) by the Roman
Catholic Church, and is therefore believed by this church to be in Heaven.
 Though
the term is mostly used for Christians considered holy or virtuous, the concept
can be used for other religions. In Hinduism, for example, saints are generally
referred to as a mahatma, paramahamsa, or swami, or given the prefix Sri or
Srila before their name.
According to John A. Coleman S. J., associate professor of religion and
sociology at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, saints across various
cultures and religions have the following family resemblances: (a) exemplary
model, (b) extraordinary teacher, (c) wonder worker or source of benevolent
power, (d) intercessor, and (e) possessor of a special and revelatory relation
to the holy.
The French sociologist Emile Durkheim proposed that the
central concept of religion was the distinction between sacred and profane, as
opposed to deity. Based on studies of Indigenous Australians, Durkheim
stated "religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to
sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden." According to
his theory, the sacred is embodied in groups of sacred symbols, icons, and
totems. The profane, on the other hand, involves mundane individual concerns.
Durkheim explicitly stated that the dichotomy sacred/profane was not equivalent
to good/evil: the sacred could be good or evil, and the profane could be either
as well.
Saints
can be considered sacred symbols of certain religions. While the
concept of sainthood developed in the Christian tradition, there are
parallel concepts in other religions that recognize certain
individuals as having attained particular holiness or enlightenment.
Judaism speaks of a class of (unidentified) individuals known as Tzadikkim. Buddhists hold the Arhats and Arahants in special esteem.
Islam holds the hadrat in similar esteem. According to the Bible, a
saint is one who is sanctified, and there are references to all
early Christians as saints (Book of Hebrews 13:24; Jude 1:3;
Philemon 1:5, 7). The concept of sainthood is rooted in the
Judeo-Christian belief that aligning one’s motives and actions with
the “will of God” makes one more perfect and holy, and that it is
possible in life to approach perfection. As Christianity developed,
the word saint came to be used more commonly to designate
specific individuals who were held to be exemplars of the faith, and
who were commemorated or venerated as an inspiration to other
Christians. Shortly thereafter, another type of saint became
recognized. This was the anchorite or hermit, of the type of Anthony
of Egypt. Although hermits did not die in the physical sense, they
did resolve to die to the pleasures of the world, making them
effective martyrs. Subsequently, after the formation of monasteries,
monks came under consideration as saints. When convents were formed,
nuns began to be canonized. Also, outstanding laymen became more
frequently considered as saints. Within some Protestant traditions,
saint is used to refer to any born-again Christian. To assist in
the differentiation of the various kinds of saints, terms were
invented to differentiate between them. In addition to the existing
bishop, martyr, and hermit, Virgin and Matron for women, Confessor,
Abbott and Abbess, Priest, and other words were added. Since then,
churches have created additional such terms to assist in
differentiating the ever-proliferating types.
Grotto in Dickeyville, Wisconsin
Photograph by Denise Alvarado, © 2007. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
St. Francis
The Saints in Voodoo:
Afro-American Syncretism
One way in which African slaves could continue to practice
their traditional religions was by shrouding them in elements of Catholicism.
Thus, there are corresponding saints for each of the major deities or
Seven African Powers. The Seven African Powers is
largely a Hoodoo term that is used by practitioners of Santeria,
New Orleans
Voodoo, Candomble, and other religions. In Spanish, they are referred to as
Las Sietes Potencias.
Following is a list of some of the major Voodoo deities (orishas) and their
corresponding saints.
Eleggua / Elegua/ Legba:
Messenger, Opener of the Way, Trickster. Likened to
Saint Simon-Peter,
San Martin Caballero,
Saint Anthony of Padua, El Nino de Atocha, Saint Expedite, Saint Michael
Archangel.
Obatala / Obatalia:
Father-Mother of Humanity, Bringer of Peace and Harmony. Likened to Our Lady of
Mercy and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
Yemaya
/ Yemalia / Yemalla: Spirit of Motherhood, the Ocean, and the Moon. Likened to Our Lady of
Regla and Mary, Star of the Sea (Stella Maris).
Oya: Goddess of the
Marketplace, Ruler of the
Winds and Hurricanes, Female Warrior, Spirit of Wind, Storm, Thunder, and Magic.
Likened to Our Lady of Candelaria, Saint Catherine, and Saint Theresa.
Oshun / Ochum: Goddess of
Love, Beauty, and Sexuality, Spirit of Fresh Water. Likened to Our Lady of
Caridad del Cobre (Our Mother of Charity)
Chango / Shango
/ Xango / Sango:
Fourth King of the Yoruba, immortalized as Spirit of Thunder. Likened
to Saint Barbara and Saint Jerome.
Ogun / Ogum: Father of Technology, Lord of Metals, Minerals, Tools,
War, Birds, and Wild Beasts. Likened to Saint John the Baptist,
Saint Anthony (of Padua),
Saint George, and San Pedro (Saint Simon Peter)
Orula / Orunla/ Orunmila:
God of Divination, Teacher,
Prophet. Likened to Saint John the Evangelist taking Jesus down from cross.
Babalú-Ayé: Spirit of
Disease and Sickness, also Provider of Money to the Poor. Likened to Saint
Lazarus of Dives.
Saint Simon-Peter
 St
Simon-Peter was a leader of the early Christian church, who features
prominently in the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. According
to Biblical accounts, he was one of Twelve Apostles, chosen by Jesus from his
first disciples. He was a Galilean fisherman assigned a leadership role by Jesus
(Matthew 6:18) and was with Jesus during events witnessed by only a
few apostles, such as the Transfiguration.
Feast Days: In the Orthodox Daily Office every Thursday throughout the year
is dedicated to the Holy Apostles, including St. Peter. There are also two feast
days in the year which are dedicated to him:
June 29, Feast of
Saints Peter and Paul—This is a major feast day and is preceded by a period
of Lenten fasting known as the Apostles' Fast
January 16,
Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy and All-Glorious Apostle Peter—commemorating
both the chains which Acts 12:1-11 says
miraculously fell from him, and the chains in which he was held before his
martyrdom by Nero.
Over the years "St. Peter" has evolved into a stock character that is now
widely used in jokes, cartoons, comedies, dramas, and plays. Such caricatures
almost all play upon Peter's role as the "keeper of the keys of the kingdom of
heaven" in Matthew 16:19, on the basis of which
he is often depicted as an elderly, bearded man who sits at the pearly gates
that serve as heaven's main entrance, and acting as a sort of hotel-style
doorman / bouncer who personally interviews prospective entrants into Heaven,
often seated behind a desk, or standing at a lectern.
In the Cuban Santería and Palo Mayombe, he has been syncretized with Ogún.
Saint Peter is said to be the patron saint of the following categories:
Workers - bakers, bridge builders, butchers, fishermen, harvesters, locksmiths,
cobblers, masons
Petitioned for - foot problems, fever, longevity
Institutions - Bath Abbey, Bishop Cotton Boy's School in Bangalore, Exter
College (Oxford), Universal Church, St. peter's College (Oxford)
Locations -
- Birżebbuġa
- Bremen
- Brgy. San Pedro, San Pablo City
- Worms
- Calatrava
- Chartres
-
Chimbote
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Calbayog City
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Cologne
-
Köpenick
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Las Vegas
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Marquette
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Moissac
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Naumburg
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Peterborough
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Philadelphia
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Providence
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Pubnico, Nova Scotia
- Rome
- Saint Petersburg
- San Pedro Soloma
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Scranton
- Sunderland
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San Martin Caballero
Born in Hungary during the late Roman empire, San Martin Caballero was
pressed into service in the Roman army, where he became a centurion. One
day, while riding his horse, he chanced upon a near-naked beggar and cut
his cloak in half to give the poor man a covering. That night he had a
dream in which the beggar appeared to him as Jesus, so he quit the army
and became a monk in Italy. He was later promoted to the rank of Bishop
of Tours (in France) but always lived a simple life and gave a great
deal to charity. Thus San Martin is the Patron Saint of those who hope
strangers will aid them.
In Mexico San Martin
Caballero is especially popular among shop-keepers, who rely on the kindness of
passing strangers for their livelihood, and among truck drivers, who see in his
horsemanship a parallel to their own manner of earning a living. Because the
horse he rides is associated with the lucky horseshoe, he is also a favorite
saint among gamblers. In Cuba, some Santeros identify him with the orisha
Ellegua, probably because the latter is associated with crossroads and hence
with travel.
The
popularity of devotion to St Martin among men is significant because
historical evidence shows that “feminization” had affected French
Catholicism in the nineteenth century. During the nineteenth century
Frenchmen influenced by secularism, agnosticism, and anti-clericalism
deserted the church in great numbers. Martin was a man’s saint and the
devotion to him was an exception to this trend. For men serving in the
military, Martin of Tours was presented by the Catholic Right as the
masculine model of principled behavior. He was a brave fighter, knew his
obligation to the poor, shared his goods, performed his required
military service, followed legitimate orders, and respected secular
authority.Order a San Martin Caballero Talisman.
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St Martin
and the Beggar, by El Greco, ca. 1597-99
(National
Gallery of
Art, Washington) |
St.
Anthony of Padua, Patron Saint of Lost Things
Saint Anthony of Padua is the patron Saint of lost things. Nearly
everywhere, St. Anthony is asked to intercede with God for the return of things
lost or stolen. Those who feel very familiar with him may pray, "Tony, Tony,
turn around. Something's lost and must be found."
St. Anthony is traditionally invoked for help with finding
lost things because of an incident that occurred in his own life. According to
legend, Anthony had a book of psalms (psalter) that was very important to him.
Besides the value of any book before the invention of printing, the psalter had
the notes and comments he had made to use in teaching students in his Franciscan
Order.
A novice who had grown tired of living a religious life
decided to leave the community. In addition to going AWOL, he took Anthony's
psalter! When Anthony realized his psalter was missing, he prayed for its safe
return. Soon after Anthony's prayer, the thief felt compelled to return the
psalter to Anthony as well as return to the Order which accepted him back.
Oral tradition has a much more colorful version of this
story. In this version, the novice was stopped in his tracks by a horrible devil
brandishing an ax and threatening to trample him underfoot if he did not
immediately return the book. Obviously, in Christian tradition a devil would
hardly command anyone to do something good. But the core of the story would seem
to be true. And the stolen book is said to be preserved in the Franciscan friary
in Bologna.
In any event, shortly after Anthony's death people began
praying through him to find or recover lost and stolen articles. And the
Responsory of St. Anthony composed by his contemporary, Julian of Spires, O.F.M.,
proclaims, "The sea obeys and fetters break/And lifeless limbs thou dost
restore/While treasures lost are found again/When young or old thine aid
implore."
In Portugal, Italy, France and Spain, St. Anthony is the
patron saint of sailors and fishermen. According to some biographers, his statue
is sometimes placed in a shrine on the ship's mast. And the sailors sometimes
scold him if he doesn't respond quickly enough to their prayers.
Not only those who travel the seas but also other travelers
and vacationers pray that they may be kept safe because of Anthony's
intercession.
Interesting Magickal FAQS
An amulet of
St Anthony can consist of his image.
If you wish something returned to you, turn an image
of St. Anthony upside down by a St. Anthony candle. Carry the amulet and pray to
St Anthony until your request is granted.
If you desire money, each week offer Saint Anthony a
loaf of bread.
Light an anointed Saint Anthony Candle while you soak
in Special Favor Bath. Anoint the amulet with Saint Anthony oil and place it
under your pillow. Pray yourself to sleep, asking St Anthony to fulfill your
request. Anoint yourself daily with Saint Anthony perfume.
Chaplet of St. Anthony
This chaplet is composed of thirteen decades of three
beads each. On the first bead of each decade is said the
Our Father, on the second the Hail Mary, and on the
third the Glory be to the Father. At the end the
Miraculous Responsory is recited.
The Miraculous Responsory (by St. Bonaventure)
If miracles thou vain would see;
Lo, error, death, calamity.
The leprous stain, the demon flies,
From beds of pain the sick arise.
The hungry seas forgo their prey,
The prisoner's cruel chains give way;
While palsied limbs and chattels lost
Both young and old recovered boast.
And perils perish, plenty's hoard,
Is heaped on hunger's famished board;
Let those relate who know it well,
Let Padua of her patron tell.
The hungry seas forgo their prey,...
Glory be the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
The hungry seas forgo their prey,...
V. Pray for us, blessed Anthony,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray
O God, let the notive commemoration of
Blessed Anthony, Thy confessor, be a source
of joy in Thy Church, that she may always be
fortified with spiritual assistance, and may
deserve to possess eternal joy. Through Christ
our Lord. Amen
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San Martin Caballero Talisman
San Martin Caballero, "Saint Martin the Horse-rider," is the one most frequently encountered in luck charms. Born in Hungary during the late Roman empire, he was pressed into service in the Roman army, where he became a centurion, One day, while riding his horse, he chanced upon a near-naked beggar and cut his cloak in half to give the poor man a covering. That night he had a dream in which the beggar appeared to him as Jesus, so he quit the army and became a monk in Italy. He was later promoted to the rank of Bishop of Tours (in France) but always lived a simple life and gave a great deal to charity. Thus San Martin is the Patron Saint of those who hope strangers will aid them.
In Mexico San Martin Caballero is especially popular among shop-keepers, who rely on the kindness of passing strangers for their livelihood, and among truck drivers, who see in his horsemanship a parallel to their own manner of earning a living. Because the horse he rides is associated with the lucky horseshoe, he is also a
favorite saint among gamblers. In Cuba, some Santeros identify him with the orisha Ellegua, probably because the latter is associated with crossroads and hence with travel.
This talisman of San Martin Caballero consists of
images of San Martin a cross, and/or a horseshoe.
Comes beautifully framed ready for hanging.
Quantities may be adjusted at checkout.
$45.00
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Seven African Powers Macuto Amulet
An amulet is an object intended to bring good
luck
and/or protection to its owner. Amulets come in the form
of gems, beads, statues, coins, drawings, pendants,
rings, plants, animals, and even words said in certain
occasions to repel evil or bad luck. (e.g. vade retro
satana—(Latin, "go back, Satan"). Throughout
history, most cultures believed in the protective and
healing power of amulets or blessed objects.
The Seven African Powers macuto amulet represents seven Orishas with a supernatural force. The
Orishas are mediators
between humanity and the supreme being. This amulet is hand beaded and measures
approximately 1 inch in diameter, perfect for keeping on your altar, or carrying in your pocket,
mojo hand, or medicine bag. Each Seven African Powers Amulet is
carefully
consecrated according to proper Voodoo protocol,
anointed with ritual oils, and ritually prepared to
honor the major deities of the Yoruban pantheon, the
Seven African Powers. Carry this amulet with you for
blessings and protection and keep it in it's special
handcrafted magickal box
of consecrated herbs on your altar where it will be fed when you are not
using it. Quantities may be adjusted at checkout.
$45.00
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Yemaya Macuto Amulet
Yemayá is the
governess of the household and of matters pertaining to women including
childbirth, conception, childhood safety, love, and healing. Extremely
compassionate and merciful, Yemayá rules the
dreamtime, oversees the Moon, deep secrets, ancient wisdom, salt water, sea
shells, and the collective unconscious.
This
Yemaya Macuto Amulet is hand beaded and measures approximately 1 inch
in diameter, perfect for keeping on your altar, or carrying in your pocket,
mojo hand, or medicine bag. Each Yemaya Macuto Amulet is
carefully
consecrated according to proper Voodoo protocol,
anointed with ritual oils, and ritually prepared to
honor the compassionate and merciful goddess of the Yoruban pantheon,
Yemaya. Carry this amulet with you for
blessings and protection and keep it in it's special
handcrafted magickal box
of consecrated herbs on your altar where it will be fed when you are not
using it. Quantities may be adjusted at checkout.
$45.00
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Obatala Macuto Amulet
Obatala is the Androgynous Sky King of the White Cloth. As the
Creator god, all of the other Orishas are but aspects of Obatala. Always male
and female, Obatala rules the head, keeps the peace, and is the highest deity
concerned with the daily lives of humans. Her/His color is white, containing all
the colors of the rainbow. Ruler of the mind and intellect, cosmic equilibrium,
male and female, s/he carries the gifts of benevolence, wisdom, power, peace,
protection and clarity of mind.
This
Obatala Macuto Amulet is hand beaded and measures approximately 1 inch
in diameter, perfect for keeping on your altar, or carrying in your pocket,
mojo hand, or medicine bag. Each Obatala Macuto Amulet is
carefully
consecrated according to proper Voodoo protocol,
anointed with ritual oils, and ritually prepared to
honor the Androgynous Sky King of the White Cloth,
Obatala. Carry this amulet with you for
blessings and protection and keep it in it's special
handcrafted magickal box
of consecrated herbs on your altar where it will be fed when you are not
using it. Quantities may be adjusted at checkout.
$45.00
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Oshun Macuto Amulet
Oshun is the Santeria goddess of love, art, and dance. Her greatest attribute is
her ability to provide the emotions a solid foundation upon which to reside and
grow. Oshun also
provides gifts of money and material riches, sex, love, creativity, fertility,
compassion, beauty, and laughter.
This
Oshun Macuto Amulet is hand beaded and measures approximately 1 inch
in diameter, perfect for keeping on your altar, or carrying in your pocket,
mojo hand, or medicine bag. Each Oshun Macuto Amulet is
carefully
consecrated according to proper Voodoo protocol,
anointed with ritual oils, and ritually prepared to
honor the
Santeria goddess of love, art, and dance,
Oshun. Carry this amulet with you for
blessings and protection and keep it in it's special
handcrafted magickal box
of consecrated herbs on your altar where it will be fed when you are not
using it. Quantities may be adjusted at checkout.
$45.00
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Papa
Legba Macuto Amulet
Papa Legba is the master linguist,
the trickster, warrior, and the personal messenger of destiny. He has the power
to remove obstacles and he provides opportunities. All ceremonies begin and end
with Papa Legba, and there can be no communication with any of the other loas
without consulting him first.
This
Papa Legba Macuto Amulet is hand beaded and measures approximately 1 inch
in diameter, perfect for keeping on your altar, or carrying in your pocket,
mojo hand, or medicine bag. Each Papa Legba Macuto Amulet is
carefully
consecrated according to proper Voodoo protocol,
anointed with ritual oils, and ritually prepared to
honor the Guardian of the Crossroads, Papa Legba.
Carry this amulet with you for
blessings and protection and keep it in it's special
handcrafted magickal box
of consecrated herbs on your altar where it will be fed when you are not
using it. Quantities may be adjusted upon checkout. $45.00
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Ogun Macuto Amulet
With
the colors green and black representing him, this
macuto amulet brings Ogun into your ritual and
prayer. Ogun is the patron loa of metals and all
working people, as well as the overseer of
policemen, soldiers and doctors, and in this you can
find strength throughout your daily life.
This Ogun Macuto Amulet is hand beaded and measures approximately 1 inch
in diameter, perfect for keeping on your altar, or carrying in your pocket,
mojo hand, or
medicine bag. Each Ogun Macuto Amulet is
carefully consecrated
according to proper Voodoo protocol, anointed with
ritual oils, and ritually prepared to honor the
patron loa of metals, working people, policemen,
soldiers and doctors.
Carry this amulet with you for
blessings and protection and keep it in it's special
handcrafted magickal box
of consecrated herbs on your altar where it will be fed when you are not
using it. Quantities may be adjusted at checkout.
$45.00
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Chango Macuto Amulet
Chango
is the god of fire, thunder, power, and sensuality. He has the power to help you
win wars, defeat your enemies, and can help you gain power over others. He will
ensure you are victorious over all of your difficulties. Chango is believed to
have once been a Yoruban king; thus, he must be treated as such.
This
Chango Macuto Amulet is hand beaded and measures approximately 1 inch
in diameter, perfect for carrying in your pocket, mojo
hand, or
medicine bag. Each Chango Macuto Amulet is
carefully
consecrated according to proper Voodoo protocol,
anointed with ritual oils, and ritually prepared to
honor the
god of fire, thunder, power, and sensuality.
Carry this amulet with you for
blessings and protection and keep it in it's special
handcrafted magickal box
of consecrated herbs on your altar where it will be fed when you are not
using it. Quantities may be adjusted at checkout.
$45.00
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Seven African Powers Beaded Amulet
Seven colors of the seven main Orishas of the
Yoruban pantheon are represented as stones and
crystals in this amulet. Each has an evil eye bead
for added protection from evil and negativity, and
are punctuated with a cowry shell to honor the
African ancestors. These amulets are perfect for
keeping on your altar, or carrying in your pocket,
mojo hand, or medicine bag. Quantities may be
adjusted at checkout.
$5.00
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Oshun Beaded Amulet
Amber and Fools Gold
are used to represent the powerful Goddess Oshun in
this amulet. Punctuated with a cowry shell to honor
the African ancestors. These amulets are perfect for
keeping on your altar, or carrying in your pocket,
mojo hand, or medicine bag. Quantities may be
adjusted at checkout.
$5.00
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Yemaya Beaded Amulet
Blue crystal, fresh water pearl, and a silver moon bead are used to
represent Yemaya, Mother of the Seven Seas in this
delicate but powerful amulet. Punctuated with a
cowry shell to honor the African ancestors. These
amulets are perfect for keeping on your altar, or carrying in your pocket,
mojo hand, or medicine bag. Quantities may be
adjusted at checkout
$5.00
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Chango Beaded Amulet
Red and white stones are used to
represent Chango, the Patron Saint of fire,
lightning, thunder, power, and wars. Use for
Mastery, Domination, Strength, Winning in
Competition, and Defeating Enemies. Punctuated with
a cowry shell to honor the African ancestors. These
amulets are perfect for keeping on your altar, or carrying in your pocket,
mojo hand, or medicine bag. Quantities may be
adjusted at checkout.
$5.00
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Ogun Beaded Amulet
Ogun
is the patron saint of metals and all working
people, as well as the overseer of policemen,
soldiers and doctors. He is represented in this
amulet with green crystal, black onyx, and
aventurine. Punctuated with a cowry shell to honor
the African ancestors. These amulets are perfect for
keeping on your altar, or carrying in your pocket,
mojo hand, or medicine bag. Quantities may be
adjusted at checkout.
$5.00
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