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 CENTINELA The Guardian of Sanse Relgion

THE CENTINELA
The Guardian of Sanse Religion

"Centinela Alerta!"  "Alerta Esta!"

EL FARO DE LA CENTINELA

Oh mi Centinela mi guia y mi guardiero, cuidame bien de día y noche, temprano y tarde, hasta que mi alma parta al cielo.

Oh mi Centinela, guia principal, quédate conmigo. Yo te doy gracias por tu fiel compañia. Amén
Guardiero de la paz, Guia de la Guarda, a quien soy encomendado, mi defensor, mi vigilante centinela; gracias te doy, que me libraste de muchos daños del cuerpo y del alma. Gracias te doy, que estando durmiendo, me velaste, y despierto, me encaminaste; al oído, con santas inspiraciones me avisaste. Perdóname, amigo mío, mensajero del cielo, consejero, protector y fiel guarda mía; muro fuerte de mi alma, defensor y compañero celestial. En mis desobediencias, vilezas y descortesías, ayúdame y guárdame siempre de noche y de día. Amén.

PRAYER TO THE LIGHTHOUSE OF SANSE

Oh my Sentinel, my principle Guide and my Guardian, watch over me day and night, as the sun rises and when the sun sets, from dawn to dusk.  Watch over me until my soul journeys to the heavens. 

Oh my Sentinel, principle guide, accompany me where ever I go and I shall be humbly grateful.
Guardian of Peace, Guide that Guards over my well being, given to me by God, my great defender, my vigilant Sentinel, I always shall praise and thank thee, for liberating me from all that wishes me harm, protecting and defending my body, mind and soul.  Thankful am I because when I am asleep you watch over me, and when I am awake you keep my feet routed on the earth, and in my ear you whisper words of inspiration that never leads me astray. 

Forgive me my heavenly friend and companion, messenger of God, counselor, defender, protector,  faithful watchman, heavenly fortress, watch tower, and celestial companion.  Forgive my ignorance, my disobedience, and for the times I did not listen to your advices.  Help me in being more attentive, and guard over me, day and night.  Amen.

THE CENTINELA

Of all the Saint, or Spirits within your Cuadro Espiritual none is as important as ones Centinela, the Centinela is ones Guardiana "guardian' principle spirit guide and is that spirit that guides and is the leader or head spirit of ones spiritual frame.

The Centinela is a God appointed spirit thats sole purpose and function is to guide and assist in the spiritual development of an individual within their lifespan.  The Centinela has many functions but the most important is helping a person elevate and progress within life while at the same process elevating themselves as well. Although the Centinela are highly elevated Spirits, they are not as elevated as the Spiritual Forces we in Espiritismo and the Sanse religion call the Misterios.  But they are elevated enough that they do not ask for physical offerings such as food, cigars, liquid, or flowers.  All they ask is that we talk to them, pray for them, sing to them give them light, and listen to their sound advice.   If one chooses to give the Centinela a physical offering it should come in the form of light.  The light offered to a Centinela comes in the form of an aromatic candle, but the Centinela also likes a sweet scented oil lamp or lantern.  The Centinela speaks to us through our dreams but also speak to us through our inner voice, that voice that tells us what is right from wrong.  The more we listen quietly and meditate on their words, the stronger the bond becomes with an individual and their Centinela.

The Centinela are the voice of wisdom, and inner knowledge, and will never give us advice on that which is unethical, immoral or dangerous to our well being, safety or progression. They will never give advice on anything that goes against our mental, physical well being, or spiritual growth. 

Each individuals Centinela is unique and only serves that particular person.  For example while thousands of people may honor and venerate a certain Saint for example Saint Michael or the Holy Child of Atocha, or call on a certain Spirit by name from one of the Courts or Commission the Centinela works exclusively and in unison with one person, and every person in the world has one.  Each Centinela was chosen by God and accompanies us through life, from the time of birth until the time of death of the physical body.  No two people have the same Centinela, although they may be called by the same name. 

Although they are highly elevated spirits that once lived on the earth, they are still close enough to our plane of existence to be aloud a close bond with the living, and they understand our needs, desires, wants, they understand our struggles, our pains, our joys and sorrows.

When one builds a healthy relationship with ones Centinela, we create a strong union and bond, and through their wisdom they speak to us what is acceptable and unacceptable in our progression. 

While an Espiritista or a Sancista can invoke any Spirit from the Commission of Spirits, it is extremely important to understand that while the Commissions usually act and speak in a similar fashion as they did in life, and usually the spirits from the Commission are fond of physical offerings such as candles, food and liquor.  The Centinela always presents himself or herself as a wise benevolent soul and never partakes of physical offerings.  For example, the Spirits of the Madamas or Gypsies come down dancing singing and can have a coquette demeanor, or the Congos or Indios can be stern, loud, and very opinionated, all the while smoking cigars, or partaking of liquid offerings, The Centinela comes down very wise, and humble and shuns material offerings.  If the Centinela does not agree with a persons actions in life he / she will usually send another spirit from ones Cuadro in his / her place to handle the situation.  As they always come down as wise and benevolent souls, and while other spirits from ones Cuadro come to dance, partake of offerings, remove curses and perform cleansing a Centinela usually comes quietly to give his or her blessings, or to give important spiritual messages.

Although an Espiritista or a Sansista can call on any Spirit from their Cuadro Espiritual,  they often call the Centinela into possession more  often than any other; and rather than calling the Misterios they call the Centinela because it is so close to us that less energy is needed in invoking them.  To call or become possessed by the Corrientes 'Spiritual Forces" of a Misterio more energy must be generated and more ritual labor is required.  This by no means implies that an Espiritista or a Sansista can not become possessed by the Corrientes of the Misterios.  We often do during Misas, Bautismos, Fiestas Espirituales or Rites of Passages, but on a daily basis when we need to exert the least amount of energy such as Limpias, Despojos or Consultas Espirituales we invoke the Corriente of our Centinela.

Although the Centinela do not have physical representations, Espiritistas and Sansistas keep a statue or a framed image of a Saint to spiritually represent the Centinela.  In Puerto Rico this image is usually in the form of a statue or framed picture of Saint Sebastian or Saint Pancracio for a male Centinela while the Female Centinela is represented by a picture of the virtues Faith, Hope and Charity, or a charm that has an anchor, heart and cross.

It is important to understand that ruthless, cruel, merciless, are disposed to inflict pain or suffering, are void of humane feelings and evil individuals loose the protections and guidance of ones Cuadro Espiritual and Centinela, it begins to weaken and wane within time, until the person has no spiritual protection whatsoever, and becomes enveloped by personal demons and intranquil spirits.   Individuals born with mental health issues have a strong connection with ones Centinela.  While individuals who fall under substance abuse, such as narcotics, liquor or has no control for over indulgences of the flesh are often influenced more by Demons and Intranquil Spirits, and their spiritual frame weakens within time.  Individuals who suffer mental illnesses that cause depression are protected by their Spiritual Frame, but also need to find mental help in order to align mind, body, and spirit in unison in order to properly heal and elevate.

La Gran Ivocacion

de Santerismo y Sanse Puertoriqueño

Invoco mis Antepasados conocidos y  desconosidos, para que me den las facultades y el fluido espiritual para que tenga claridad, en el camino de la vida
Bendicion a mis Antepasados.

Invoko a mis seres, y mis muertos, porque en sus hombros me cargan en esta vida, y mis pasos caminan los pasos que caminaron ellos.  Bendicion a mis Muertos.

Yo invoco la sublime influencia de las 21 Comision de Espiritus, Corte Bruja, Corte Gitana, Corte de las Madamas, Corte de los Piratas, Corte de los Indios, Corte de los Orientales, Corte de los Arabes, Corte Santiguadora, Corte de los Congos, Corte de los Santos, Corte de los Hindu, Corte de los Angeles, Corte de los Esclavos, Corte de los Espiritus Infantiles, Corte de las Bendita Animas, Corte Libertadora, Corte de los Bohemios, Corte de los Heroes de nuestro pais, Corte Africana, Corte Elementales, Corte de los Juanes y Marias y las infinitas Cortes sin nombrar, para obtener buen éxito y adelanto en todos los asuntos de mi vida y para allanar todas las dificultades que haya en mi camino.  Bendicion a Las Comisiones de Espiritus.
Invoco la ayuda de mi Centinela y los 21 Jefe Guardianas del Sanse, Santos, Misterios y los Angeles de la Guarda, para que las estrellas alumbren y guíen mi camino y me espanten la mala sombras y mala voluntad que pueda seguirme.  Bendicion le pido a mi Centinela, a mi Santo y a mi Angel de la Guarda.

Invoco a Dios de las alturas para que mi casa prospere, aumente mis negocios y mi persona reciba un mensaje de buena suerte enviado por la Divina Providencia.  Bendicion Padre Celestal, Todopoderoso e Imortal.

Invoko a la Reina Madre del Cielo, Oh mi Reina Madre de Mi devocion, no me desampare de su protecion ni de noche ni de dia, y cobijame en su mantilla y manto sagrado.
Bendicion Reina Madre.

Oh! Gran Poder de Dios, imploro tu poderosa ayuda para que me apartes del peligro en el momento preciso y para que mi camino se vea iluminado por el faro de la fortuna. Yo recibiré las infinitas bendiciones del cielo, creo en Dios Padre, Dios Hijo, Dios Espiritu Santo. Amén

The Grand Invocation

of Santerismo and Sanse Religion

I Invoke my Ancestors
whose names are known and unknown to me so that they may bless me with the Faculties needed and the Spiritual Fluids required so that I may have clarity in my life.  Benediction I ask of my ancestors.

I invoke the spirits and souls of my dead relatives, because on their shoulders they carry me through this.  My feet walk the paths that they walked in life.  Benediction I ask of my Dead.
I invoke the sublime power and influence of the 21 Commissions of Spirits.  Court of the Shamans, Court of the Madamas, , Court of the Gypsies, Court of the Sailors,  Court of the Native People, Court of the Oriental Spirits, Court of the Arabian Spirits, Court of the Healing Spirits,  Court of the Congo Spirits, Court of the Saints,, Court of the Hindu Gods,  Courts of the Angels, Court of the Slaves, Court of the Child Spirits, Court of the Blessed Souls in Purgitory, Court of the Liberators, Court of the Nomads, Court of the Legendary Heroes, Court of the African Mysteries, Court of the Elementals, Court of the Johns and Maries, and to all the infinite Courts of Heaven.  May I obtain success, elevation and advancements within this life and the following.  Benediction to the Commission of Spirits.

I invoke the guiding hands of my Guardian Spirit, and the watchful eyes of the 21 Chief Sanses, Mysteries, Elevated Saints and Archangel, so that the stars within heaven be a road map to the Celestial Court.  May they keep away all evil thoughts, ill will and bad intentions that my enemies may have for me.  Benediction to my Guardian Spirit, the Sanses, the Mysteries, the Elevated Saints and the Archangel.

I invoke God so that my home may prosper, my good affairs in life increase, and so that I may receive inner peace in all my earthly under takings.  Benediction heavenly father, immortal and all powerful.

I invoke the Queen Mother of Heaven and Angels.  Oh Queen Mother of my devotion do not forsake me and keep your watchful eye upon me.  Envelope me within your Holy Shawl and Mantle.  Benediction Holy Mother of Heaven.

Oh, Great Power of God, I implore your sublime help so that you may part from my path and keep away all that is detrimental to my well being, mental health and spiritual growth.  May my pathways in life receive the light of your heavenly watch tower, and may I receive the heavenly benediction of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  Amen.

Prayer to Saint Sebastian

O Lord, grant us a spirit of strength. Taught by the glorious example of Your martyr, Saint Sebastian, may we learn to obey You rather than men. 

O Glorious St Sebastian, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you do we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from God the Father all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of living a holy life, courage to face all perils of my believe and even to sacrifice my life as the cost of my faith and this special favour we now implore.  O, special guardian, guard me from the diseases and accidents, we feel animated with confidence that your intercession on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.
Amen


In Puerto Rico San Sebastian is often known as or called, San Se, or Sanse. A popular theory of the root of the word Sanse, among Puerto Ricans comes from the Centinela Principle Spirit Guide who is associated with San Sebastian in Puerto Rico. On the island, San Sebastian is often called, San SE, or Sanse, for short.  in Japan the word Sensei means, person who was born before, or Teacher or Master.   Puerto Rican Sanse has its roots in Haitian Voodoo and Dominican 21 Division.  Thus Sanse is a branch of Voodoo, while Santerismo is a branch of Cuban Santeria, with, both greatly influenced by Puerto Rican Brujeria, and Mesa Blanca Espiritismo.

LAS TRES MARIAS The Guardians of Espiritismo,

LAS TRES MARIAS
The Guardians of Espiritismo

 Sister Faith, Hope & Charity

FAITH

I am the eldest sister of Hope and Charity.  My name is Faith

I am big and strong and he who possesses me shall not suffer from Iron nor fire.  Nor suffer mentally nor physically.  I illuminate over your path and he who possesses the flames of my torch shall receive the radiant light within their heart, and I will bless you with the fortifications of strength and life.  The living say that I have the power to move mountains; but I say that I have come to move the whole earth.  Spiritism is my assistant.  Unite with me, for I am Faith.

I am Faith and I reside with my sisters Hope and Charity and I live in the realm of pure spirits.

I come down from the Heavens to the earth to regenerate you and bring the blessings of a spiritual life.  But not unlike the martyrs from the beginning of our faith whose sole purpose and sacrifices were to assist the progression of science and liberty.  I too find indifference and frailty.  I returned to my realm of spirit sorrowful, I thought that I lived within your heart, but I quickly found out that you deceived me, for true Faith without good intentions is untrue, and true Faith comes with a life of actions. 

Before Spiritism was revealed to humans, life was sterile, it was like a tree dying with the absence of sunlight, which sustains it.  But I come forth to tell you that I am recognized by my actions; I illuminate intelligence, and bring warmth and strength to the human heart.  I am here to conduct God's spiritual labor for the purification and perfection of your soul.  Take me by the hand and join my army, I am powerful, I am Faith.

I am Sister Faith, and my kingdom is within the world of the living.  With God's vigilance, I reign in peace, bringing the mysteries of eternal life and happiness.  I baptize the hearts of the living with rejuvenation.  I call upon you with my name, I am FAITH.

HOPE

I am Sister Hope, and I smile as I enter into the breath of life.  I continue my journey step by step and halt when I have arrived in the realm of the living bringing the recognition of the promise of eternal happiness.  I am your faithful companion, do not refute my inspiration, I am  Hope.

I am the voice of the singing nightingale whose echoes reach the highest peaks of the mountains.  I am she that inspires the swallow to make its nest in the safety of the roofs of your sacred temples.  I am she that plays with the nightly breeze that caresses your hair and I place the fragrance of the flowers before your feet.  Sadly a reality you do not contemplate, for the thought barely reaches your subconscious mind; do not refute me, for I am Hope.

I take many forms to be by your side, to inspire you, to guide you, and to be near you.  I am the brightest star in the darkest night, I am the rays of the sun that awakens, revives and inspires you, I bring but pleasant thoughts and the sweetest of dreams.  From your pathway I lead you away from danger, and keep at bay dark and somber thoughts.  And if you come in contact with the dying, I inspire within you the most wisest of words that brings hope and comfort.  Do not refute me, I am Hope. 

I am Sister Hope and assist the birds in making ribbons out of moss so that they may build their sheltering nest.  I am she that crowns the apple and almond trees with leaves and flowers, and I spread and sow the seeds that shall harvest a happier world.

I am with you when you are ill, and sing  soothing lullabies within your ear.  Do not refute me.  I am Hope.

Do not refute me because the Angel of Deception makes war, and yearns to take my place at your side.  I am not always the stronger one, and many times he defeats me and envelopes his dark wings around you, engulfing you like a babies blanket.  He leads you astray from the path of God and inspires within your mind foul and impure thoughts of suicide.  Unite with me, together we shall overcome his influences.  I shall carry you when you are down and weak.  I Am Hope.

CHARITY

I am Sister Charity, and yes it is I that represent the true meaning of the word.

  I do not resemble the charity you practice, she that has usurped my name in the midst of my absence.  This charity you claim to have is fanatic, capricious, and ego vested.  I come to warn you against the blindfold she places over your eyes and keeps you from seeing the splendor of God's work.  Remain docile to the lessons the Spirit of Truth wishes to bestow upon you, and with your ears follow my voice faithfully and without fear.  I am Charity.

I know all the pain, all the sorrows, every suffering, misfortune and every and all affliction that ascends and is conceived and spawned within the bowels of the human soul.  I am the mother of the orphaned, beloved daughter of the old, and guardian of the widows.  I come to cure infected wounds and lesions, I have come to comfort the ill, and to clothe, feed and give warmth to those in need and are less fortunate. 



My preference is to no one, and I say unto those that seek me, I have my followers who are stricken with poverty and I shall direct them to the glory and wealth of the Heavens.  Oh!  False charity, look at the harm that you create.  And to my followers who believe in me and do not refute my assistance to their fellow man, I say have mercy on one another, with the intentions of not erasing the mercy that I pour unto you.  Peace of mind, and heart is the fruits of my labor. 
I am the truthful and genuine Charity.

No one on earth shall ever conceive or begin to understand the nature of all the goodness of my labor, and only the false charity causes discomfort and damages and then ultimately humbles he who it consoles.  But be weary of this unfortunate loss of purpose, for actions of this magnitude has no saving grace before the eyes of the Lord; and shall bring nothing but pestilence before you.  One must in truth recognize the generosity of the heart especially when acting for the benefits of others.  Take great care my brothers and sisters, in giving publicly to the practice of mutual assistance, and do not give false charity, nor beg for money and do not practice false charity which is void of alms.  Follow me, I am Charity.

It is my very nature to console those that have fallen from grace, but sadly often I walk empty handed.  I also have come to inform what is required of you,  Spiritism has by its true nature; Love, Light, Progress and Charity, and all true Spiritists must confirm to this sublime concept, which has been given unto you by our Lord and Savior, more than 20 centuries ago.  Follow me in perfect trust my earthly brothers and sisters, for I shall lead you to the Kingdom of the Lord.  I am Charity.

Las Guardianas del Espiritismo

 Fe, Esperanza, y Caridad

LA FE

Soy la hermana mayor de la Esperanza y de la Caridad, me llamo Fe.

Soy grande y fuerte; el que me posea no teme mi al hierro ni al fuego; es a prueba de todos los sufrimientos físicos y morales. Resplandezco sobre vosotros como una antorcha cuyos chispeantes rayos se reflejan en el fondo de vuestros corazones, y os comunico la fuerza y la vida. Entre vosotros se dice que yo levanto las montañas y yo os digo: Vengo a conmover al mundo, porque el Espiritismo es el que debe ayudarme. Uníos, pues, a mí; yo os convido: soy la Fe.

¡Soy la Fe! Habito con la Esperanza, la Caridad y el Amor en el mundo de los espíritus puros. A menudo he bajado de las regiones aéreas y he venido sobre la tierra a regeneraros dándoos la vida del espíritu, pero a excepción de los martires de los primeros tiempos del cristianismo y algunos fervientes sacrificios hechos de tarde en tarde para el progreso de la ciencia de las letras, de la industria y de la libertad sólo he encontrado entre los hombre indiferencia y frialdad y he vuelto a remontar tristemente mi vuelo hacia el cielo; me creíais entre vosotros, pero os engañabais; porque la Fe sin las obras, no es la Fe; la verdadera Fe es la vida y la acción.

Antes de la revelación del Espiritismo, la vida era estéril; era un árbol seco por las refulgentes chispas del rayo que nada producía. Se me reconoce por mis actos; ilumino las inteligencias, caliento y reanimo los corazones en mi regazo; alejo de vosotros las influencias engañosas y os conduzco a Dios por la perfección del espíritu y del corazón. Venid y agrupaos bajo mi estandarte, soy poderosa y fuerte: soy la Fe.

Soy la Fe, y mi reinado empieza entre los hombres, reinado pacífico, que les hará felices para el tiempo presente, para la eternidad.  La aurora para mi advenimiento entre vosotros es pura, serena; su sol será resplandeciente y su ocaso vendrá a mecer dulcemente a la humanidad en los brazos de eterna felicidad. ¡Espiritismo! Derramas sobre los hombres tu bautismo regenerador; yo les hago un llamamiento supremo, soy la Fe.

LA ESPERANZA

Me llamo la Esperanza; os sonrío cuando entráis en la vida, en ella os sigo, paso a paso, y sólo os dejo cuando llegáis a los mundos en que se realizan, para vosotros, las promesas de felicidad que sin cesar oís. Soy vuestra fiel amiga; no rechacéis mis inspiraciones: Soy la Esperanza. Yo soy la que canto por el camino con la voz del ruiseñor, y la que en el eco de los bosques exhalo esas notas lastimeras y armoniosas que os hacen entrever los cielos; yo soy la que inspiro a la golondrina el deseo de anidar sus amores al abrigo de vuestros techos; juego con las brisas que acaricia vuestros cabellos; derramo a vuestros pies los perfumes suaves de las flores de vuestros jardines, y casi nunca ocupáis vuestro pensamiento con esta amiga que tan sincera os es. No la rechacéis: es la Esperanza.

Tomo todas las formas para acercarme a vosotros; soy la estrella que brilla en azul del cielo, el caliente rayo del sol que os vivifica: yo os entretengo por las noches con sueños festivos; alejo de vosotros el negro cuidado de los pensamientos; guío vuestros pasos por el sendero de la virtud; os acompaño en vuestras visitas, a los moribundos, y os inspiro las palabras afectuosas que les consuelan. No me rechacéis; yo soy la Esperanza.

!Soy la Esperanza! Yo soy la que en invierno hago crecer en la corteza de las encinas el musgo espeso donde los pajarillos construyen su nido; soy la que en la primavera corona el manzano y el almendro de blancas y rosadas flores, y las esparzo sobre la tierra sobre alfombra celeste que hace aspirar a los mundos felices. Sobre todo, yo estoy en vosotros cuando estáis pobres y enfermos, mi voz suena sin cesar en vuestros oídos, no me rechacéis: soy la Esperanza. No me rechacéis porque el angel de despero me hace una Guerra encarnizada y agota sus esfuerzos para tener mi puesto al lado de vosotros; no siempre soy la más fuerte, y cuando consigue que me aleje, os rodea con sus fúnebres alas, desvía vuestros pensameintos de Dios y os conduce al suicidio; uníos a mí para alejar su funesta influencia y dejaos mecer dulcemente en mis brazos porque yo soy: la ESPERANZA.

LA CARIDAD

Soy la Caridad, sí, la verdadera Caridad; en nada me parezco a la caridad que vosotros practicáis. La que ha usurpado mi nombre entre vosotros, es fantástica, caprichosa, exclusiva, orgullosa y vengo a precaveros contra los defectos que empañan, a los ojos de Dios, el mérito y resplandor de sus buenas acciones. Sed dóciles a las lecciones que el Espíritu de Verdad os da or mi voz; seguidme los que me sois fieles: yo soy la Caridad.

Seguidme; yo conozco todos los infortunios, todos los dolores, todos los sufrimientos, todas las afliccciones que asedian a la humanidad. Soy la madre de los huérfanos, la hija de los ancianos, la protectora y el sostén de las viudas; curo las llagas infectadas: cuido todas las enfermedades; doy vestido, pan y abrigo a los que no lo tienen; subo hasta las más miserables buhardillas; voy a la humilde pocilga; llamo a las puertas de los ricos y poderosos, porque donde quiera que viva una criatura humana, hay bajo el velo de la felicidad amargos y punzantes dolores. !Oh!  Cuán grande es mi tarea! No basto a llenarla si no venía en mi ayuda; venid a mí yo soy la Caridad.
No guardo preferencia a nadie; jamás digo a los que necesitan: “Tengo mis pobres, dirigíos a otra parte”.  !Oh, falsa caridad, qué daños haces! Amigos, nos debemos a todos; creedme no rehuséis vuestra asistencia a nadie, socorred los unos a los otros con bastante desinterés para no exigir ningún reconocimeinto de parte de los que habréis socorrido, la paz del corazón y de la conciencia es la dulce recompensa de mis obras: yo soy la verdadera Caridad. Nadie en la Tierra conoce el número y la naturaleza del bien que hago; sólo la falsa caridad hiere y humilla al que consuela. Guardáos de este funesto extravío; las acciones de esta clase no tienen ningún mérito delante de Dios, y llaman sobre vosotros su cólera. Sólo él debe conocer los generosos rasgos de vuestros corazones cuando os hacéis tributarios de sus beneficios. Guardáos, pues, amigos, de dar publicidad a la práctica de la asistencia mutua, no la déis tampoco de limosna: creedme: yo soy la Caridad. Tengo que consolar a tantos desgraciados, que muy a menudo se me quedan los pechos y las manos vacías; vengo a deciros lo que espero de vosotros. El Espiritismo tiene por divisa “Amor y Caridad”, y todos los verdaderos espiritistas querrán conformarse a este sublime precepto, predicado por Cristo hace más de diez y nueve siglos. Seguidme, pues, hermanos; yo os conduciré al reino de Dios nuestro padre: yo soy la CARIDAD.

Next Blog Post, The Centinela of the Sanse Religion

ESPIRITISMO AND SANSE RELIGION RITES OF PASSAGE

ESPIRITISMO AND SANSE RELIGION

RITES OF PASSAGE AND THE VARIOUS MISAS

 

MISA DE INVESTIGACION

The Misa de Investigación is one of the first ceremonies that is undertaken within Espiritismo and the Sanse Religion  It is a séanse of four or more Espiritas and Mediums seated around a person who is to find out the Spirits that make up his or her Cuadro Espiritual.  During la Investigacion it is rare for anyone to become possessed by a Spirit, but it does happen.  A spiritual consultation is given through divination from either the cards, tobacco, sea shells, or other methods.  Through this process one finds out the various groups that make up a person's Spiritual frame, and who are some of the Ancestors or dominant blood lineage and if the person needs to undertake any further initiations of development; and if the individual is elected to become the head Medium's (Presidente de Mesa) ahijado / ahijada (godchild).  It is important to have a Clairaudient medium a Clairvoyant medium and at least one physical medium which is the Mediamnidad de mano derecha in addition to the person presiding over the misa, which is the Presidente de Mesa and will become the Padrino or the Madrina of the person undergoing this misa.

The Centinela and each of the spirits of ones Cuadro will be invoked with prayers and songs enticing them to participate and if possible make their presence be known and what are the Cortes or Comisiones (Courts, Commissions) of  spirits that make up the ahijado's Cuadro Espiritual.

EL BAUTISMO

The bautismos are baptismal ceremonial or los Puntos are rites of passage that an individual undertakes which usually last anywhere from four to seven days.   During these days the individual undertaking los Bautismo will officially become the ahijado / ahijada of the Presidente de Mesa "head medium" performing the ceremony and the head medium will become the Padrino or Madrina of the person receiving the bautismos.   The ahijado / ahijada will undergo various bautismo ceremonies, depending on the tradition of el Padrino or la Madrina.  In tropical areas such as Puerto Rico it is always performed outdoors within a rainforest, river, lake, wooded area or mountain top, but in urban settings within the United States the bautismo are done indoors in a Centro Espiritual or the homes of the Padrino, Madrinas, or ahijado.

Some of the Bautismos and their Puntos are as followed, Bautismo de Agua, Bautismo de Fuego, Bautismo de Tierra and Bautismo de Humo y aire (air).  Each night the ahijado will receive, a special cleansing prepared with herbs, oils and perfumes called a Punto for the Centinela (head spiritual guide) and other spirits of the Corte / Comision, Angel de la Guarda, Misterio and Santo Patron.  

ALINEACION DE CUADRO ESPIRITUAL

AND THE CONSULTA DE INVESTIGACION

The Alineacion de Cuadro Espiritual, Alignment of the Spiritual Frame is a special Mesa Blanca Espiritismo  ceremony performed by the same group of mediums mentioned above for the purpose of identifying the actual names of the ahijado's Centinela, and other spirits guides that makes up the Cuadro Espiritual.   The Ceremony is performed differently by various Centro Espirituales, and depends if the Centro de Mesa Blanca Espiritismo is purely Espiritismo or more Santerismo or Sanse, in Sanse this procedure is known as la Consulta de Investigacion.  The difference with the Consulta de Investigacion and the Alineacion de Cuadro Espiritual is that the Consulta deals with finding out who ones various Puntos, Jefe, Santos and Mysterios are while the purpose of the Alineacion is to find out the name of the Centinela Principle Guide, and the names of other Commissions that make up the ahijado's Cuadro Espiritual.

Before the ceremony the ahijado undertaking the ceremony must fast that day, or consume raw vegetables and fruits until the ceremony is complete and refrain from sexual activities and vulgar usage of language.  His/her Padrino or Madrina, the Mediamnidad de Mano Derech and other mediums will prepare the altar and adequately purify and cleanse the location where the misa is to be held.

The altar usually consists of the basic Mesa Blanca layout, a table covered in a white cloth, with one Fuente Espiritual, and a large White candle and Vases full of water are placed on the altar, but some traditions add more Fuentes.  The ceremony usually starts by the ahijado or ahijada privately stripping himself/herself of the clothing warn that day and taking a despojo herbal bath prepared by the Padrino or Madrina.  Then the ahijado will dress in clean white clothing and cover the head with a white head dress, cloth or cap.  The ahijado will then be presented to the altar and a sahumerio will be used to cleanse the ahijado of any negative vibrations the bath did not pick up, this sahumerio is a mixture of garlic skins, herbs and resins that burn on a charcoal.  Then he/she will offer bouquets of white carnations to the altar, crossing him/herself with them, kissing them and placing them into the Vases on the altar and light the white candle, as all the mediums chants prayers to the Spirit Guides. 

The Padrino or Madrina holding the ceremony will recite special prayers to invite the various courts of Comisiones to come down, this is called an Embajada.  Usually the first presence  or dominant presence is that of the ahijado's Centinela, and usually takes possesions of one of the Mediums, usually the Mediamidad de Mano Derecha, or speak to the Clairaudient or show visions to the  Clairvoyant.

The ahijado is seated directly in front of the altar while the Padrino or Madrina or both sit on either side while the rest sit around the ahijado.

MISA DE DESARROLLO

During the Misa de Desarrollo the ahijado/a is in his/her apprentice stage and is taught through careful observation how to properly conduct a Misa Espiritual, reunion and a sesion.  How one must behave and conduct themselves during spiritual labor and what procedures must be taken to ensure that only positive spirits are invoked while the Espiritus Atrasado are left out, and the proper and correct prayers for any and all situations are taught, and how to detect and lift causas.  The appropriate way to communicate with the Spirits, and how to get answers.  The ahijado is also taught the importance of both material and spiritual hygiene, and the importance of performing an Amparo ritual before and after every spiritual work and how to lift causas.
The ahijado assists the Padrino and Madrina in many Sesiones and Misas, and plays a small but important role in the gatherings such as lighting candles and filling the Fuentes with Fluidos, dressing altars, handing the Mediums Florida Water and other spiritual waters and attending to the needs of an Espiritistas, Presidente de Mesa or the Mediamidad de la Mano Derecha. When the Padrino or Madrina are sure that the individual has grown in Facultades Espirituales, the ahijado is ready for further ceremonies.  In this stage of development and apprenticeship the ahijado never becomes fully mounted or possessed by a Spirit.  Instead they are taught to listen to ones intuition and inner voice, and act accordingly. 

MISA DE RECOGIMIENTO

This Misa is a divination, cleansing and purification ceremony where the Padrino or Madrina use an oracle to discover and decipher the ahijado /ahijada's spiritual, and material problems, the causes and effects, and what must be done to lift any negative vibrations and remove any Espiritus Atrasados that accompany the  ahijado / ahijada.  The severity of the negative vibrations and what must be done to remove it. Some Padrinos and Madrinas with the help of other mediums including a clairaudient, a clairvoyant and a Casilla  "physical medium" who is usually always la mediamidad de mano derecha can also perform a past life regression to see if bad karma from a past life was brought into this life and how to lift and remove it, and to give the initiated a clearer understanding of who he/she was in previous lives and how or why the cadena espirituales (spiritual links) that bind him/her to past life spirits.  Various cleansing techniques are done during this Misa such as pases, santiguos, despojos and sahumerios depending on the negative vibrations and Causas.  Some Causas vary from bad karma, to the individual being the recipient of black magic, or the individual attracting Espiritus Atrasados; to paying unpaid debts from past lives, to having a link with the spirit of a past life partner or family member that is attached to the person in the present state, and is the cause for the Causa.

MISA DE LA CORONACION

The Misa de la Coronacion is where the Centinela and the various spirits that make up ones Cuadro Espiritual are symbolically placed on the Head.  Each individual has a different Cuadro Espiritual, most individuals have two or more Spirits from the various courts of commissions, while others may have various spirits from the same Commission.  It is impossible to know all the names of the spirits that make up an individuals Cuadro Espiritual, and as the newly initiated is instructed; he / she will come to find out on their own while growing in spiritual faculties as the spirits will, unravel themselves and as the medium develops they will come in contact with other spirits and their names through out their life will come to them.  During the Coronacion, the ahijado/a makes his/her first physical contact with the Centinela, during a ritual mounting.   After the Coronacion a Fiesta Espiritual is done, and family and friends are invited to congratulate and celebrate the new Sansista, Santerista, Espirita or Espiritista, depending on the religion or spiritual path.   After the Coronacion, the ahijado / ahijada can  work his own spiritual tableau.

NOVENA / NOVENARIO DEL RECIÉN FALLECIDO

I have been to many Novenas most for departed family members and loved ones.  It is a Hispanic tradition that Espiritismo and Catholicism share in common.  I personally have only lead one Novena, and at first it was very nerve wracking, I thought I was gonna blank and forget the Credos, Our Fathers or Ave Maria, but thankfully I pulled through.  I know of a ten year old Puerto Rican girl who is so gifted in Novenas, that she has been leading the Novenas prayers since she was seven.   I once spoke to an older Puerto Rican neighbor of mine in her late 60s who performs 2 or 3 a month.  She jokingly told me that if she had gotten paid for all the Novenas she has lead in her life she presently would be a wealthy woman.  Novenas are done through what we call, la obra de la caridad.

The Novenario del Recién Fallecido, or Novenas is a Rosary prayer ceremony done one day after a burial and lasts for 9 consecutive evenings, usually begun when the sun sets. 

An altar is prepared and adorned with white candles and the funeral wreaths, in some Sanse and Espiritismo traditions a Fuente Espiritual with a cross or crucifix within the water is placed as the central piece, while others do not place the crucifix within the fuente, and others do not include the fuente; and the wall is adorned with a portrait or photos of the person who passed.  We recite the Rosary but also include prayers from Allan Kardec's books of prayers.
It is a tradition for each person or family who brings a wreath to a funeral to drop a single flower from the wreath on top of the casket and then bring the wreath to the house where the Novenas is to be held.   These wreaths adorn the altar.

The Rosary is recited and the recently departed is invoked to the altar with the  prayers of the Rosary.  Many of these spirits are confused and dazed from the transition of life into death and the purpose for a novena is to lead them into the light so that they do not remain trapped in the material plane, thus becoming wondering spirits or worse, restless souls.   The Novena is a spiritual tool in helping the spirit except death and find spiritual elevation. 

MISA DE ELEVACIÓN

This misa is done to help elevate earth bound spirits, tormented souls, lone souls, the disembodied spirit, full bodied apparitions or the soul of a deceased person that has passed and never been spiritually elevated or gone into the light.  Usually these spirits become angry, afraid, or confused and cause uneasiness on the living they get in contact with or properties they attach themselves to.  The purpose for the Misa de Elevación is to help them except that they need to leave this plane of existence and enter into the next.  Many of these spirits can be very difficult, stubborn and quit frankly dangerous, if this is the case, the Centinela, Cuadro Espiritual and Archangel or an Ascended Spirit are invoked to help intercede.  

El COLLAR DE LA  PROTECCION

The Collar de la Protecion is given to the newly initiated medium during the Coronacion in the form of a necklace or a bracelet that is placed on the left wrist or around the neck  It is cleansed, purified and blessed and placed on the person as a charm of great protection and to ward of evil, and is always worn and never removed with the exception of sexual activities and releasing the body of bodily waists.  If the charm breaks or is lost, this is a symbol that it picked up on strong negative vibrations, danger, envy or the evil eye and must be replaced by a new one.  If found it is cleansed and purified before being warn again. No one but the Padrino, Madrina and its owner is to touch it.  They are a protective symbol of ones Centinela, and are made out of hematite, azabache stone, peony seads, gold or silver.  A medallion such as an Indian head, an Indian arrow head, a tooth, a congo spirit, mano de azabache, cruz de caravaca, star of David, a pyramid, a cross or crucifix, or an amulet of a saint.  One two or three are placed on the Collar de Protecion to represent the Centinela protection.  A hematite bracelet can be plain round stones or depict images of Saints. 

The Colors represent

Black, the unseen, the unknown, but from darkness comes light.
Red, the blood of life, the essence of existence..
Silver, clarity, visions, insight.
Gold, spiritual faculties, light strength, endurance, durability.

Some also receive a Rosary and an Escapulario as a gift from a loved one during the Coronacion.  This Rosary is used during times of Novenas and Misas, and the Escapulario represents ones Sanse Spirit, or Patron saint.  These items are also blessed, purified and cleansed by the Padrino, or Madrina.

The tradition of giving a mano de azabache to a new born is widely popular in Hispanic countries, for protection from evil, this is the same concept, to protect the newly initiated from evil, envy and malice.

Lately allot of Espiritistas, Sansistas or Santerista who have been initiated into Lukumi Santeria and 21 Division use and give blessed eleke collares to their clients as a talisman for protection these are not traditional in Espiritismo but are widely respected.

EL AREITO OR MISA DE CORDON

This literary is one of the most exhausting but spiritually uplifting and powerful misa performed.  In Puerto Rico this rite is performed solely for the Commission of the Indians, the caciques and the Cemi Spirits.  Traditionally only performed by the ascendants of the Taino people, it is becoming popular within Espiritismo and Sanse traditions. Traditionally the Taino celebrated Spirit and life with a ceremony called the Areito.

In Espiritismo an Areito begins with the traditional prayers recited in Misas, then everyone stands up in a circle and begin to slowly chant and dance  counter clockwise all the while stomping their feet upon the ground.  The women usually shake gourd rattles and the men hit two palo sticks. At first the dance begins slow and becomes quicker as the music plays and chants are sung and everyone involved enters into a trance like state, as the Great Cacique and Cemi Spirits are invoked.  Some include instrument players that play the Mayohavau, the Guiro, and sea shell fluits.

The ceremony is always held outdoors, and the Fuente Espiritual is replaced by a large gourd filled with river or rain water.  Although descendants of Puerto Rican tainos have always been performing private Areitos, and since the 70s has become very popular amongst Puerto Rican Espiritista circles, in Cuba an Espiritismo sect called Espiritismo de Cordón has always been practiced.  Also the word Areito is used in the Puerto Rican language to mean  Danzas Folkloricas everything pertaining to folk dance be it African or indigenous is titled an Areito, or baile folklorico.

"A remar, a remar, a remar.  A remar, a remar, a remar.  A remar, a remar, a remar. Porque La Virgen nos va a rescatar."

"We are rowing, and paddling, and paddling.  We are rowing, and paddling, and paddling.   We are rowing, and paddling, and paddling.  Because the Virgin is going to rescue us!"