CENTINELA, EL GRAN SANSE / SANCE TRADITION

CENTINELA, EL GRAN SANSE

CENTINELA GUARDIAN OF

THE SANSE TRADITION

"Centinela Alerta?  Alerta Esta!"

When I began this blog a year and a half ago, one of the first articles I wrote about was on the importance of the Centinela as this Spirit and "Division" is viewed within the Sanse tradition.  A short while after I had come across a video on youtube about a person proclaiming, that their Madama, who in life was a Southern Baptist, was his alleged Centinela, and he proceded to say his Centinela's name for the world to know.  Now I never attack anyone, as this is not my nature, "unless in self defense" but I have to be responsible enough to fix the misinformation as would anyone who follows a tradition.

The video made me a bit confused because, one, a Madama / Madamas are not, nor were they ever in life Southern Baptist.   "Spain ruled the Latin Countries it colonized with an Iron fist and Catholicism was the dominant religion.  At the time when these woman lived, many where often Cuban woman of African descent who not only where followers of Catholicism in public, but also practiced their ancestral traditions in secrecy, these Madamas where Iyalocha "Santera" priestesses.  Any one caught practicing any religion out side Catholicism was deemed a heretic and was punished by death, this of course included any denomination of a Christian religion outside of the Roman Catholic doctrines, remember the Spanish Inquisition and its mindset came to the Americas with the Spaniards. It was not until the ending of the Spanish American war, and the independence of many of these Latin Countries from Spain, that other religious belief systems "often of African or Indigenous descent" as well as Spiritism and Brujeria and its folk branches came out from hiding and began to be practiced in the open.  Southern Baptist missionaries, Pentecostals and other Christian traditions where then introduced to these countries in the latter part of the 19th century and early years of the 20th century.  Often the people who began to follow these new religions were the Jibaro and Guajiro rural folk, as these traditions often shunned its nose from towns and cities of a more African population.

Know Madamas although some were Housemaids, most were respected midwives and healer woman who took care of the Spanish aristocratic white children, but the Afro Cuban Madamas were regarded in a similar fashion as the Voodoo Queens of New Orleans of old, who practiced Catholicism during the day and at night participated in outlawed rites and were highly respected within their African communities.  They were woman of authority, dignity, strength and pride, who as I have stated practiced Catholicism but also kept the African Religions of their ancestors alive.

I have noticed a trend in many American  practices where spirits that belong to La Morenas, Las Negras, and Las Congas are often being confused and grouped up as being one and the same, with las Madamas = plural or La Madama = singular.  "But those things are a part of Espiritismo Cruzado and Espiritismo Criolla, and another subject in itself.". As my Abuelita would say.  " en el mar hay peces de todos los colores." and "Cada cavesa es su mundo."
The Centinela as is viewed in Puerto Rican Sanse is the head Punto Spirit of our Cuadro Espiritual and very similar to the Haitian Vodou concept of the Spirit known as Gros Bon Ange "The Soul", while the Emisario "messenger" spirit that works under the Jefes of your Cuadro would fall under one of the Spirits of your Comisiones, such as a Madama, Gitana, an Indio, a Pirata, an Arabe, est, est, est, and this Guia which is also known as a Guia Prinicpal, represents the Consciousness or the voice of the Higher Self, which is also similar to the Ori in Lukumi Santeria.  The Centinela is like the voice of the Soul which is the human anamalistic drive and will.  Yes a Madama can be a Guia Principal of the cuadro espiritual, while a Sanse is the mouthpiece or messenger of the Misterio, and lastly the Centinela itself is the main punto and mouth piece of the whole.  "The collective higher consciousness."

Centinelas have their own Court or Comision as we call them in Sanse, Santerismo, Espiritismo Criollo, Folclorico or Espiritismo de La Caridad and other Espiritismo traditiones.  Now although some Comisiones can be found in all Espiritismo traditions, some have Comisiones or Courts that are not known or not as popular in another tradition, for example.  In Puerto Rican Sanse, and Espiritismo Criolla we have la Comision de los Sanse and La Comision de los Centinela.  These are not known in traditions such as Venezuela Espiritismo de Maria Lionza which has Corte de los Vikinga or Corte de los Malandra Calé, just as Cuban Espiritismo Cruzado or Espiritismo del Cordon has La Comision del Triangulo or Comisión de Santa Clara: which are not as popular or known in Puerto Rico or Venezuela.  Even in Puerto Rico itself, being a small island, Espiritismo traditions such as Evangélico Espiritista, and Trincadistas "which are similar to Trinidad and Tabago's Spiritual tradition known as Spiritual Baptists, has Guides that are not used in Sanse, Santerismo or Espiritismo Criollo / Folclorica.

Now back to my point, because I am jumping around.  One major important factor of ones Centinela is that one is taught by one's Padrino or Madrina, is that one never is to reveal ones Centinela's name to anyone or for that matter the identity of your Centinela in public, for this reason we often hide it or synchronize it with a Catholic Saint, such as Saint Sebastian, and use that name when we talk of our Centinela, to protect its true identity.  The Centinela is our private guardian and messenger, and his / her name is never revealed to anyone.  When we call Centinela by his/her true name, we do so in private, and use the term Centinela or the name San Sebastian or San Se for short in public.. Many Sancistas I know also call him, El Gran San Se, "the Great Ancestor".

FERIBUNDA

 

Everyone is born with a Centinela, and within Puerto Rican Sanse its name is revealed to an individual through a misa espiritual known as an Investigation de Cuadro.  Similar concepts of the Centinela can be found in Dominican 21 Division (often spelled Centinela or Sentinela) as well as Haitian Vodou, Gros Bon Ange and Ti Bon Ange.  Everything that is alive has a soul, and every thing that has a soul has Ache, and everything that has Ache has a Centinela, even Buen Dios has a Centinela, known as Simamayo Pie, Buen Centinela de Dios or Centinela de Bondye. which in Sanse is synchrenized with el Espiritu Santo or Saint Sebastian.  Under Buen Centinela de Dios resides Centinela Sangriñé, who has a Guede vuelta known as Guedé Sanguiñao or Ghede Sanguiñé and is synchronized with San Cipriano.  The Loa themselves have Centinelas, but these names "within Sanse" are not often revealed to an individual.  A well known Centinela who is also a Ghede is Feribunda who is the overseer of the Cemetery; he works closely with Ghede Cemitiel who is a Ghede that is viewed as the actual grounds of the Graveyards and Cemeteries, another vuelta for Feribunda is Guede Senche.  A darker fierce vuelta of Feribunda that is never worked in Sance is Baron Kriminel, who is a Ghuede with a mean temper.  Feribunda himself has four Centinela that guard the four corners of the Cemetery and work under El Baron del Cementerio, the Petro Division and the Ghuede.  Feribunda is always synchronized with a male Anima Sola.   Belie Belcan's  Centinela is known as Centinela Tribunal, some of the Ogun Loa work with Sentinela Tin Jan or Centinela Indio Juan, and the Gran Bwa have Sentinela Sabalo, other known Centinelas are Criminel, Sabalo, Zabalo, Kriminelo, Kriminel, Criminal, Tribunal, and the list goes on and on.  Although all that exists has a Centinela, the Centinela that are mostly widely known are those of the puntos of the Petro / Division Prieto / Negra.

While within Dominican, 21 Division Vudu "Vodoun" a Papa Boko and Mama Mambo can work with the Centinela of the 21 Division, in Sanse we do not.  We work with our own Centinela and respect those Centinela that work under the puntos of the Siete Jefes or the Siete Divisiones of our cuadro, even though most Sancistas are not revealed these Centinela's names.
The Centinela in themselves as are all Divisions, are a very complex group of Spirits.  In Sanse everyone is born with a set group of Misterio Spirits, and the Centinela make up one of these groups, and as one grows, more Misterios come into play.  This is the same with the Cuadro.
The Centinela are viewed differently in Dominican 21 Division as they would be viewed in Puerto Rican Sanse.  Sanse being a mixture of Vodou and Espiritismo Criollo work heavily on the Emisarios of the Misterios.  These Emisarios are the Messengers of the Loa and are the ones we generally work with and are the ones we call Los Sanse.  Many confuse Los Sanse with Los Antepasados "the blood ancestors" Los Muertos or Seres of the Comisiones or Cuadro Espiritual.  "Yes los Sanses are Muertos and Seres, and they are Ancestors but not necessarily of the blood line and yes in Sanse they have their own Comision but of a different level.  (A godfather's, godfather is your godfather, thus in death your ancestor.)  In life they where servitors of the Loa, and their wisdom and knowledge should be past on to you.

Now to make it a bit more complex the Centinela are Muertos and are a part of a Comision which in the Sanse tradition is a Division but not necessarily a Nation, (Nation as in an African Nation such as Fon, Ewe, Dahomey, Nago, Arara, Ibo Lele, Mayonbe, Wangol, Kongo, Makaya, Ghuede, Bantu, Togo,

Ogou, Angola, Ketu, est. ) and not all Centinela are Sanse as not all of them necessarily served a Loa in life, "many did, but not all".  Just as many Comisiones did not honor the Loa such as Los Arabes, Los Hindu, los Orientes and so forth.  Just as some Comisiones did such as las Madamas, los Congos and so forth. 

Unlike spirits from Comisiones which demonstrate many qualities of how they where in life, the Centinela as honored in Sanse do not come down as an Espiritu de materia.  They often manifest as spirits of radiant bright light, who seldom consume or partake of material offerings.  The Centinela are a bit above ones Muertos, but lower than the Nacion Ghuede but still of an equal vibration level,

"The Centinela and the Ghuede, the Yin and Yang", the natural dualities, female & male, dark & light, low & high, cold & hot, water & fire.", which makes them easily excesable to a Sancista.

The Centinela often are confused with the Sanse, which the latter "the Sanse" often come demonstrating traits and qualities of the Loa they represent, while ones Centinela does not.
A mane difference between Puerto Rican Sanse and Dominican Vodou, is that Puerto Rican Sanse also works with the Cuadro Espiritual, while Dominican 21 Division traditionally does not.  Thus in Sanse, ones Centinela becomes a messenger and guardian of one's Cuadro Espiritual as a whole, while in Dominican 21 Divisiones, that do not work with the Cuadro Espirituales,  the Centinela works for, and under the Loa, which in Sanse would be the task of of a Spirit from our Cuadro known as an Emisario that we call los Sanse.

Luke 23:42 – “Then he "Dismas the Good Thief" said, ‘Yeshua (Jesus), remember me when you come into your kingdom.’. Yeshua replied to him, ‘Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”

In life Centinela where often thieves and sinners, who at the end of their life repented.  Buen Dios being a forgiving God, forgives their humanly sins and trespasses.  But unlike the Anima Sola, who must cleanse their humanly sins in Pergatory, the Centinelas did have the chance to repent at the last moment, and in order for these spirits to find elevation and forgiveness, must complete a spiritual mission, which is that of leading us into the right paths of spiritual evolution. Whether they complete the mission or not, at the end of our life, they often find elevation, into a higher form of being, or are assigned another mission that they must complete. They are our personal messengers, gate keepers, guardians, and work as tribunals, in the sense that they have the authority to speak for us in the celestial courts.  The Centinela are also our guardians against psychic and occult attacks, and can only protect us if we are willing enough to listen to their voices of reason and experience.  Who best to teach you not to follow the rocky path or be misguided by earthly desires and wants, then the very spirit who in life had the same experiences.

People have asked me, do people with mental disabilities, drug or alcohol addictions, murderers psychotic disorders and tendencies have a Centinela.  My answer is yes, although these individuals Cuadro Espiritual is weak, and often many Spirits do abandon the individual, for an individual who may need them more, or serve them better, leaving the individual accessible to lower and higher demons, it is these very people who need the help and support of their Centinela, Guardian Saint and Angel "Loa" the most, and it is those very spirits who never give up on the person, until their very last breath is exhaled.

READ PART ONE CLICK HERE
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CENTINELA PART 1

 

 

THE HANGED MAN

If one looks at the major arcana of the Tarot, one will see a close relationship or resemblance to the 21 major arcana with the 21 Divisiones, although there are 22 cards which number from 0 to 21. The four trumps or minor arcana as they are called can represent , Rada "Coins / Earth"  , Petro "Swords Fire", Agua Dulce "Cups / Water", and lastly probably Ghede or Legba "Clubs / Air", with a little minor abjustment on the suits.  But hey maybe that will be a future blog post that I will write about. Centinela as perceived in Sanse would be The Hanged Man from the Major arcana, card number XII "twelfth". The following description is from Aclectic Tarot, one if not the greatest resource on Tarot Cards ever compiled.

SANCISTA BRUJO LUIS

ACLECTIC TAROT

THE HANGED MAN

Basic Card Symbols

A man hanging by one foot from a bar or tree. His free leg is always bent to form an inverted "4," his face is always peaceful, never suffering. Sometimes his hands are bound, sometimes they dangle. Sometimes coins fall out of his pockets or hands.

The Fool settles beneath a tree, intent on finding his spiritual self. There he stays for nine days, without eating, barely moving. People pass by him, animals, clouds, the wind, the rain, the stars, sun and moon. On the ninth day, with no conscious thought of why, he climbs the tree and dangles from a branch upside down like a child. For a moment, he surrenders all that he is, wants, knows or cares about. Coins fall from his pockets and as he gazes down on them - seeing them not as money but only as round bits of metal.

It seems to him that his perspective of the world has completely changed, as if his inverted position has allowed him to dangle between the mundane world and the spiritual world, able to see both. It is a dazzling moment, dreamlike yet crystal clear.

Timeless as this moment of clarity seems, he realizes that it will not last. Very soon, he must right himself, but when he does, things will be different. He will have to act on what he's learned. For now, however, he just hangs, weightless as if underwater, observing, absorbing, seeing.

LA MADAMA IN MY COURT??

LA MADAMA, OR LA CONGA, IS NOT A CENTINELA, MANY PEOPLE WHO PRACTICE HOODOO AND HAVE NEVER PARTICIPATED IN ANYTHING HISPANIC OR ESPIRITISMO, OFTEN THINK EVERYTHING IS LA MADAMA.   OFTEN PLACING LA MADAMA NEXT TO STATUES OF MEXICAN SANTISIMA MUERTE, WHICH HAS REALLY NOTHING TO DO WITH, SANCE, SANTERISMO OR ESPIRITISMO CRIOLLO.

The Commission of La Madama and el Congo

Commission of
the Madamas and Congos

La Madama is one of the most loved and respected groups of Spirits of the various courts or commissions in Caribbean Hispanic Espiritismo.  Many confuse La Madama, or "La Negra" as many Caribbean Hispanics call her as being one spirit but this is not the case, the Madama are many.  The Madamas represent the Female Force, and wisdom within a family unit.   Historically las Madamas or Las Negras where the Mammys, the Mamei, Mama Mei or Mai, the house slave servant who where responsible for the caring and well-being of a master’s family.  They where the matriarch, the eldest and wisest of the Masters slaves, and where loved and respected by the family

The Madamas where the healers and the midwives and where well knowledge in midwifery.  They had a vast knowledge of herbalism, and home remedies, and as one today enters into a pharmacy to seek a remedy for what ails one.  The Madamas could enter any forest or wooded area and find the correct herb for what it was needed for.  

Las Madamas where also termed as Brujas by the Spaniards as they had a vast knowledge in magic, it is a fact that the first quemaduras "witch burnings" in the Americas happened in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The historic location is in front of el Castillo de San Cristobal, today the location is marked by the Lincoln School.  In those days this area was called el Charco de las Brujas (the Puddle of the Witches).  African slaves who practiced their African magic and sorcery and where accused of Witchcraft which in the Spanish point of view was connected to the Devil where paraded through the old city walls and then brought to el Charco de Brujas and tied to stakes and burned alive.

One important historical case which took place in 1608 was that of African woman who proclaimed to have  Mayorazgo "Spirit Guide" that resided within their stomach.  The eldest of the women became possessed by her Mayorazgo Spirit and spoke in a man's voice.  The spirit even said that his name was Pedro Lorenzo, and that in Africa all Spirit Guides resided within the stomach, abdomen. Miraculously these women lives where spared, and ordered to be taken to the The Catedral de San Juan and immediately exercised and properly baptized.   Note if you look at most statues of a Madamas you will notice that either one or both hands touches their waist or abdomen.

Present day statues of La Madama are usually considered a Spiritual Vessel and Espiritistas always cleanse, baptize and open the bottom of the statue and fill her with an orange or red cloth bag with her mysteries.

La Madama has many sacred emblems, of those, a straw wooden broom which is her tool for cleansing and purifying, a pack of La Baraja Española,  Spanish playing cards which she uses to tell fortunes, a knife which she uses for protection and cutting herbs, and a bowl or basket which she uses to place  healing herbs and make healing brews.  Each of the items represents one of the four elements. Broom, air, cards earth, bowl water, knife, fire.  A wooden rosary is always places around the statutes neck.  Tradition says that the African slaves could not afford the expensive imported European beaded rosaries of their masters so they made their own out of wood and rope.  African women where often fond of rosaries.

La Madama has been venerated in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba since the days when these wise women took care of the children and there wisdom has never been forgotten, so much so that they have been sanctified within Espiritismo tradition.  There was even a law in Puerto Rico that declared that if a slave were left as guardian to his/her master's children he/she became free.

  I once spoke to a practitioner of Hoodoo who mistakenly called the Madamas  Sorceress and a conjure and root worker,  or root doctors, this is far from the truth.  A sorceress in Spanish is an Hechizera or an enchantress who works magic for personal gain, and power, something La Madamas are clearly not about since all their labor on earth was for the greater good of their oppressor and kinfolk, and it is known that in Africa root doctors where primarily men, this tradition came along to Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and Venezuela.  The women where the healer women who worked with herbs and the men worked the roots.  The Congo Spirit is the typical root worker conjure man. 

There where African women who worked in black magic and roots, these women in Caribbean Hispanic communities where called Las Congas.  While the Madamas had a motherly nature one thing is true about the Congas and the Madamas, as viewed in Espiritismo tradition, they have a strong character and are very opinionated and outspoken.   One famous Conga is that of Negra Fransisca there are two historical Negra Fransiscas one was Dominican the other Venezuelan interestingly both where powerful Spiritists and well knowledge Witches.  The Dominican Francisca was married to Don Francisco while the Venezuelean one was married to el Negro Felipe.

The Venezuelan Negra Francisca Maria Dolores lived in the 1800, her fame is as respected as that of New Orleans Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.  Legend says that La Negra Francisca Maria Dolores  was an exotic mulatta beauty of caramel skin with hazel eyes, her father was a Spaniard and her mother was a freed slave.  Her character has been described as sweet, loving, flirtatious, with superior intelligence as a business woman. 

She was well sought of from both blacks and whites as a Macumbera practitioner of Macumba and because of her superior talents as a clairvoyance and a medium.  She was married to el Negro Felipe Rodriguez who has been remembered as a womanizer and alcoholic.  (His statues always depicts him poring liquor from a jug to a cup.)  Negro Felipe was also a powerful medium and Macumbero, and is said to have been married to 9 Women, all named Francisca.

Francisca Maria Dolores was believed to have been barren, a curse placed on her by Felipe's other wives who where also all practitioners of Macumba and envious of her power, fame and beauty.  

As the legend goes Francisca through a dream was told that Felipe's other wives had placed the barren curse upon her.  The following day Francisca prepared a powerful bilongo (black magic) to lift the curse and return it to her enemies.

Shortly afterwards she became pregnant but miscarried after the death of Felipe.  Deeply saddened she went into seclusion until her death.  She is buried in the town of Ocumare de la Costa, and her tomb has been visited by Espiritistas from all over the Caribbean and Venezuela, as the tomb is always full of candles and offerings. 

Little is known of the Francisca of the Dominican Republic with the exception that she was a powerful Vodou priestess and was married young to Fransicisco and they where inseparable until the day they died.  Statues of the Dominican Francisca is always accompanied by el Negro Francisco because in embajadas (ceremonies where they are invoked to come down) she refuses to work without her life long partner.

THE CONGOS

The Congos are the spirits of the witch doctors, paleros, juju man, root workers.  They are often of a strong character, demanding, and up front.  They never hold their tongues and love to smoke tobacco and drink hard liquor.  They are often invoked in lifting curses, and combating black magic.  Many are suspicious of none black people.  In Africa they where kings, and great shamans who where captured and became slaves.  This is the reason of their suspicion to none blacks.

LOS ESCLAVOS

The commission of the Esclavos are the spirits of the slaves both male and female.  They usually appear in embajadas and sèances as very wise, soft spoken and inquisitive.  I have been working with a Esclavo by the name of Otelio since the mid 1990s.  He often comes to embajadas and sesiones, to lift causas, and give words of wisdom.  In life Otelio's face was branded, as was tradition for slaves to get branded on their foreheads by their masters.  He tried to fight it and got the left side of his face branded.  He became blind in his left eye and speaks through the right side, rarely moving if ever the left side of his face.

Some Escalvos fall under the Majordomo Court, or the Butlers.  Other where Marronage or  Cimarrón, the spirits of runaway fugitive slaves who hid in the mountain areas of Puerto Rico and lived amongst what was left of the Taino or in caves.  The unpaved roads and heavy jungles and rain forests insured their safety and freedom.

   

Names of famous Madamas and las Negras.  These are some of the names of various Madamas that come down during Sesiones and Velaciones, there are to many to name but these are the names of those that make frequent appearances and help to guide.  Understand that in present Hispanic Caribbean cultures the word Negra is not an offensive or racists word.  It is used mostly as a term of such as honey or dear.  Many Carribean Hispanic use the word Mi Negrita, to mean my love.

LA MADAMA

ACTUALLY LA CONGA MAMA LOA, ALSO CALLED IYALOA

Names of Some Madamas

Negra Tomasa

Ma Fransisca

Dońa Elena

Doña Amparo

Tia Maria Calunga

Negra Josefina

Maria de la Luz

Maria Conga

Ma Cesilia

Ma Anabel

Mai Maria Cuatro Costal

Negra Ophelia

Ma Juana

Mama Ela

Music.  Bomba and Plena

Offerings. Tobacco and black unsweetened coffee.

Color. Orange and Red

Flowers.  Carnation

Patron Saint. San Martin de Porres

Ascended Spirit. Afra

Names of Congos and Negritos

Ta Jose

Negro Francisco

Negro Felipe

Candelo el Negrito

Pa Tomas

Pai Jose

Hermano Juan

El Prieto Candido

Congo de Guinea

Hermano Moises

Tata Jaquin

PRAYER TO LA MADAMA

Oh holy spirit of La Madama. I Implore your sublime influences, for my protection. By the Virtues that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost have placed upon you, I ask you to help and Guide me. Oh Grand Spirit of La Madama, give me courage! use your divine wisdom, and your divine influences, so that no man or woman, under the eyes of God, may harm me. I ask this with pure respect, pure faith, pure hope, and pure charity.
Amen

PRAYER TO LA MADAMA

Oh Madama, I humbly invoke your sublime holy spirit.  Lady of waters, I invoke you by your name Negra Tomasa, Negra Francisca, Mama Juana, Mama Ella, Ma Elena Ma Amparo, and Mai

I invoke you as my fortress of protection and by the virtues bestowed upon you by God, intercede on my behalf. 

Liberate me from all that is evil, and bring only righteousness and goodness on my path.  May the light of God eliminate my home and all that I hold sacred.

Oh Madama, liberate me from tormented souls, and may those who wish me ill, repent and come asking for forgiveness from the offense they may have done against me.

May my pathway be clear and smooth.  May your Ascended Spirit guide me and may all evil be banished from my life.   Amen.

HERBAL BATH PRAYER TO LA MADAMA

La Madama are known for being Yerbateras and Santiguadoras, and they used herbal infusions for baths.  This is a bath and not meant for human intake.  Pregnant Women should not handle Rue (Ruda)

With Rue Rosemarry, and Basil. (Ruda, Romero, Albahca) My body I shall perfume so I may be cleansed in invoking you.

With Wormwood, Bonesett, and Sage (epasote, rompe zaraguey and salvia) to cleanse purify and remove bad thoughts, and evil vibrations.

With Marjoram  (Mejorana) so that luck come my way.

With Wild Mint, and Holy Thistle (Yerba Buena, Yerba Santa) so that I can have light and clarity of mind.

Oh Madama, as I light this candle, illuminate my life and pathway.  As I pour this herbal infusion over my body, cleanse and purify my aura.

Oh blessed and glorious Madama I place my faith under your protection.  Amen

PRAYER TO THE NEGRA FRANCISCA

Oh glorious black queen, your heart is as pure as all the Ascended Souls.  I implore that you calm my anxieties and aid me in being victorious in all my undertakings.  Show me the virtues of patience so that when times of turbulence arise,  I may deal with them accordingly. 

Oh Negra Francisca, bestow upon me courage, and values I so need in this life.  Fill me with your spiritual fluids and faculties so that no evil under the Sun and Moon may not cause me harm.  Lend me some of your wisdom and the knowledge to know the difference from what is correct and what is incorrect.  Show me a sign and let me know that where ever I go and where ever I am, I will be in peace and tranquility because your guiding spirit is not far.

I implore you Negra Francisca, as my Centinela, protective Spirit Guide, protect me in all my journeys.  In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYER TO THE

GLORIOUS CONGO SPIRIT

Oh Glorious Congo Spirit, for your virtues you have enteted the Kingdom of Heaven and have obtained the Holy Blessings of God.  You are a leader of the heavenly commission of spirits and you are surrounded by Angels.

I an admirer of your strength and courage, knowledge and wisdom, ask in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost that you fill my body with your powers and help me in separating the evil thoughts my enemies send towards me.

Free me Oh Congo from the snare of the Devil, and the embrace of his demons. Vanish from me all evil spirits and bind their hands and feet, may they never reach me.

Oh Glorious Congo, With you at my side I shall defeat my enemies, and with your strength I shall overcome all my obstacles.  With your sublime powers that have been given to you by God, I ask that you help me in my daily needs.

Guard my home against envy, jealousy, and bad faith, and free me of all negative influences.   I light this candle in your honor, and ask that you illuminate my path.  Amen.

PRAYER TO THE CONGO OF GUINEA

Oh divine redeemer, spirit of the Congo.  I call to you, may you come and work the spiritual labor.  May you work both the  material and the spiritual. 

You Congo that in life suffered what we consider unimaginable.  I implore that you protect me from suffering the same fate.  Protect my beliefs and do not let others judge me, or make me feel like I have to hide what in my heart I know is wright. 

Oh my beloved Congo, be my guiding light in this life, and keep all that is wicked away from me.  Bring only that which is good to my life.  I ask this in the name of God.  Amen.

PRAYER TO EL NEGRO FELIPE

 & EL NEGRO FRANCISCO

Negro Felipe and Negro Jose, you that where captured from your motherland of Africa and brought to the Americas against your will.  By God sent and by the Virgin protected.  In Africa you where a king, a prince, and of noble blood.  Striped  of your honorable titles and given the title of Slave.  But still you endured, and became immortalized as ever wise and ever humble, and the very descended of those who persecuted you, today honor you as living saints of the celestial courts.

Oh Negro Felipe and Negro Francisco, I ask that you make impotent those that wish to strip me of my freedom, and wish to conquer my mind, body, soul, and my freewill.  Keep away from me all black magic, evil intentions and ill will.  All this I ask with much faith and  reverence of the eternal freedom bestowed upon you by the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.

TO THE BROTHER JUAN

To you Brother Negro Juan, who was in the canoe when our Lady of Charity appeared before You, Juan Indio, and Juan Blanco.  You who are the backbone to my spiritual frame, and to all the good spirits  that take an interest in my well being.

Oh Negro Juan you that knows first hand my tribulations, I ask that you help me in making my life peaceful and still, as peaceful and still as Our Lady made the waters for you and the other Juans. 

You know all my necessities, I ask you to intercede on my behalf in front of Our Lady and the Celestial Court.  I ask this with much faith.  Amen.

RAFAEL CORDERO Y MOLINA

10.24.1790 to 07.5.1869

PRAYER TO EL MAESTRO

RAFAEL CORDERO MOLINA, SERVANT OF GOD

Our Lord and Heavenly Father, you that took into your Kingdom the Sage amd Teacher Rafael Cordero Molina, the Afro Puerto Rican Freeman, who had a burning desire within his soul to teach all children, black and white, rich and poor. 

Born of a brilliant Wisdom, and a charitable heart for his fellow man, poor and homeless.

Let me be as he was and be like a good neighbor, and a good Samaritan.  Let me be generous in serving all those who are in need. 

Lord I ask, let the memory of his charitable works be remembered and may his name be Holy and elevated upon the altars.

Veneration of Virtue, respect for the good man who devotes himself, like the Divine Master Rafael Cordero Molina, to the teaching of those who do not know.  To pouring into the hearts of the youth the principles of Faith, Hope, Charity, Love, Knowledge, and Glory.  Bring me to shed a tear, not on an opulent tomb, but on a humble grave, brightened by the merits of the virtuous man who sleeps within.Such a man as was Rafael Cordero y Molina.  AMEN.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hermano Brujo Luis

Sanse Santerismo, Brujeria, Espiritismo  Puerto Rico

THE 21 Courtes / Commisiones of Spirits in Puerto Rican Espiritismo

THE 21 Cortes / Commissions of Spirits
 in Puerto Rican Espiritismo

EL CUADRO ESPIRITUAL
LAS COMICIONES DEL ESPIRITISMO CRIOLLA

Las 21 Commisiones Espirituales del Espiritismo Puertoriqieno.

21 COMISION DESPOJANDO. 21 COMISION QUE AQUI LLEGO. SANTIGUANDO Y DESPOJANDO, DESPOJANDO EN EL NOMBRE DE DIOS
OREEN QUE OREEN HERMANOS MIO, OREEN POR ESE SER. QUE EN EL NOMBRE DE DIOS LLEGO.

21 COMMISSIONS THAT HAVE COME TO CLEANSE, 21 COMMISSIONS THAT HAVE ARRIVED. CLEANSING AND PURIFYING, IN THE NAME OF GOD. PRAY MY BRETHREN PRAY IN THE NAME OF GOD, FOR THE SOUL THAT HAS ARRIVED.

In Puerto Rican Espiritismo, there exists various Courts or Gathering Groups of Spirits known collectively as Las Commisiones. This group of spirits are part of an individuals Cuadro Espiritual, "spiritual frame" and make up a cadena espiritual, "spiritual chain" or Enlace,Espiritul "Spiritual link," with a person. On an Espiritista's tableau (altar) one will often see statutes or framed photos of Saints, Angels, pagan gods, indigenous spirits, Asian and Hindu gods, gypsies, spiritual animals, or mythical creatures all sharing a space on one altar. This makes up that particular Espiritistas, Cuadro Espiritul. But with one central piece usually being the largest, and that one being the Guia Espiritual. Or the larger can be a Guardian Angel, or an aspect of the Virgin Mary or a Saint, with a smaller statue of the Guia Espiritual towards the right side of the larger. One thing to note while a Principle Guide can often share space on a tableau. A Saint or a guardian angel should never be placed on a Fuente Espiritual. A fuente espiritual, "spiritual fountain" is an altar dedicated in the memory of Ancestral Spirits. Similar to an Afro Cuban Santeria boveda. My next blog will be on the Fuente Espiritual, the tableau altar and the Mesa Blanca.

Although I mention 21, there are more, these listed here are the Commisiones that work la obra de la Luz, the Way of the Light, and work for the Sancista and the Espiritista; in Obras espirituales "Spiritual Work" usually for the greater good of the person, "working with them" and the community. But can also be used in protection, fighting Spiritual warfare, and healing. They also work in helping a person with the development of their faculties, spiritual work, spell casting,amenities, spiritual growth, bestowing insightful messages, answer and solutions to every day problems, just to name a few things they can do

Every human has one, two and sometimes three or more of these Spiritual Forces that make up an individuals Cuadro Espiritual. But with one being a person's central Guia Principal. (Principle Guide). You will often hear an Espiritista when giving a consultation or santiguando / limpia "a spiritual cleansing" say to an individual. You have a Cadena with a Gypsi, or a Marinero, or that a Madama follows you. Or that the person has an Indian Spirit that walks with him / her. Or that the person is spiritually married to a Cacique Indian, or even has a strong Spiritual link with a Congo Spirit. One thing is for certain each individual has a Patron Saint and a Guardian Angel that is part of the individuals Spiritual Frame and also a Principle Guide. The trained Espiritista can determine from the group of Commisiones which one is a person's Guia Principal (Principle Guide) through a Spiritual Mass or Seance, in which the Guia Principal will be the first spirit to manifest and mount the Espiritista or try and take possession of a person head through a Baptismal ceremony, and therefor claiming that persons head. Other ways of determining ones Guia Principal, can be done through divination, while under a trance, or through dreams. While an Espiritista determines which is a persons Guia Primcipal, they also can determine a persons Partron Saint or Angel de la Guarda, (Guardian Angel) in the same manner. Through a Misa Espiritual "Spiritual Mass," a Sesion "seance" or baptismal." Although a Patron Saints and a Guardian Angel can be determined in the same manner, they can also be determined by analyzing a persons family lineage, or the day a person was born to see if it correlates to the day of a Patron Saint, or Guardian Angel.

The belief in past lives and Reincarnation play a pivotal and major role in Espiritismo. The spirits are a chain or link to a persons past life and not only can they be Guias Principales but also can be either a lover, or a spouse from a past life, an ancient ancestral spirit, a departed family member, or even the culture or race the person was in a past life.

Usually the person has strong qualities or traits of the Guia Principal, that is often compared to that of astrology and the zodiac. For example, if the individual is flirtatious or loves to dance and dress in extravagant clothing, a Espiritista will say, they have a Gypsy spirit with them. Or the person loves to go fishing, enjoys the sea or could be a bit of a kleptomaniac, the person has a spiritual link or chain with a pirate spirit. Or an adult person has a mischievous nature, enjoys pranks, and often gets into trouble they have an Infantil. During a seance, fiesta espiritual or a spiritual mass, the person mounted by a spirit will display traits of that particular spirit. Note that it is not unheard of, that two spirits from the Commision are at odds and fighting for a persons head, and trying to be the main Principle Guide. When this happens, the person shows traits of both spirits.

There are Comisiones also that do harm, bring upon illness, diseases, mental problems, disorder and financial difficulties to name a few of the calamities to a person. This group of spirits are our own inner demons. This group of spirits has a link with an individual usually trying to find justice from a wrong or an injustice done unto them, from a past life, seek payment from a past dept, or dealing with a past life curse.

1. COMMISIONES DE CHAMANES, BRUJOS, YERBATEROS, TRABAJADORES ESPIRITUALES. - They aid in magic, herbalism, healing, visions, knowledge of omens,
Offerings - Aguardiente, black unsweetened coffee.
Candle - Green, Brown

PUERTO RICAN CACIQUE CHIEF

2. COMMISIONES DE GITANOS AND GITANAS. - Gypsies, They aid in Divination, Fortune Telling, palmistry, love, and passion. Offerings - Crystals, tarot cards, playing cards, Aguardiente Liquor. Cigarettes.

Candle - Red, Black

3. COMMISIONES DE MADAMAS Y MADAMOS - Negra Thomasa, Nego Jose. They are the care takers, those that aid in the home, and protection of the family and children.

Offerings - Corn Meal, okra, coffee, cigars

Candle colors - Red or white.

4. COMMISIONES DE PIRATAS Y MARINEROS. - Roberto Cofresí Ramirez de Arellano / el pirata Capitan Confresi, Capitan Henry Morgan. They symbolize courage, strength, fearless hearts, overcoming adversity.

Offering. Rum, sugarcane, cigars.

Color Candles. Red, black, white.

5. COMMISIONES DE INDIOS Y CACIQUES. - Los Tainos. The Buhuitihu, They aid in Spiritual warfair, judicial matters, patience, searching, aiding one in finding wisdom and knowledge of pre-Columbian spirits and Spiritual forces.

Offerings - tobacco, black coffee, corn meal. Candle - Blue, Yellow.

6. COMMISIONES DE LOS ORIENTALES. El Buddha, Guanyin. They aid in money matters, luck, the lottery, luck in love, financial gain, and better business

Offering - Citrus fruits, incense. Candle - pink, red.

7. COMMISIONES DE LOS ARABES. - They aid with the Wisdom of the magical forces of the Djjinn Offering garbanzo beans, garlic, flat bread, Olive Color Candles. Green and Black. oil.

8. COMMISIONES MEDICAS / SANTIGUADORES / CURANDERA. - Jose Gregorio Hernandez They aid in all health matters, healing, finding a cure. Medacine and herbalism. Offering - herbal teas of all sorts. Candle, white. yellow.

9. COMMISIONSES DE LOS CONGOS. - Pa Francisco, Ma Francisca. The Congo Spirits are that group of Spirits who in Africa where Kings, Queen, of Royal heritage or important nobile figures in Africa but where slaves in the Americas. Pai Fransisco, Mai Fransisca, el Congo and La Kongas. They aid in Black Magic, defending against occult enemies and protection.

Offerings - Cigars, Rum, okra, corn meal, tobacco and coffee

Candle Color - Black,Brown, Orange, and Purple .

10. COMMISIONES DE LOS SANTOS. The Saints all have their own attributes.

Each saint has its own color candle and offering.

11. COMMISIONES DE LOS HINDU. - Hindu The wisdom of the Hindu Gods. 7 multi color candle.

12. COMMISIONES DE LOS ANGELES. Guardian Angels.

Each Angel has their own Color Candle and offering. White.

13. COMMISIONES DE LOS ESCLAVOS. Negra Amparo, Negro Felipe, Negro Jose, Negra Elena. They aid in courage, obstacles, hard work, and patience.

Offering - same as Madama and Congo Candle - White Purple,

14. COMMISIONES DE LOS INFANTILES. Nino Divino, Nino de Atocha. This group of spirits are tricksters, who play pranks on humans, But can be very protective.

Offerings - coins, candy, toys, sweets. Candle, yellow, orange.

15 COMMISIONES DE LAS BENDITA ANIMAS Y ANIMA SOLAS. - Juan Minero, Maria Celestina Abdegano, Fransisca Durante. These Spirits will aid you in any undertaking as long as you offer them prayers, and light.

Offering - Holy Water, Ice cubes, any liquor or drink to quench their thirst.

Candle - Red Black

16. COMMISIONES DE LIBERTADORA. -This group aids you in wisdom, study, and court trials, freedom and liberation.

Offering - Brandy, Cigars.

Color - White, Yellow.

17. COMMISIONES DE LOS VAGABUNDOS, Y BOHEMIOS. - This group aids in poetry, written letters, music. Offerings, toast, bread or crackers. Candle, Brown, Green.

18. COMMISIONES DE LOS HEROES Y LIDERS. - This group of spirits aid you in battles of all kinds.

Candle, White.

19. COMMISIONES AFRICANA. - Spirits that followed Los Misterios in life, the Orisha , Nikisi, and Lwa. They are the messengers of the Misterios and when they come down will show many characteristics of the Orisha and Lwa.

Offering - each spirit has his/her own preferable offering.

7 Color Candle.

20. COMMISIONES ELEMENTALES. - Cuatro Vientos. Maria de los Cuatro Costales. This group of spirits fall under the four cardinal points, spirits of the Four Elements.

Each element has its own color and offering.

21. COMMISIONES DE LOS JUANES Y LAS MARIAS. - Juan Negro, Juan Indio Juan del Tabacco. Maria de la Luz. This group kept the.secrets knowledge and wisdom of their people hidden and alive for future generations, and will aid you. In life they where not born with the name Juan or Maria, but where changed buy their white masters or because of religion.