TOBACCOMANCY / TOBACOMANCIA

TOBACOMANCIA + TOBACCOMANCY

'the natives brought fruit, wooden spears, and certain dried leaves which gave off a distinct fragrance."

"We found a man in a canoe he had with him some dried leaves which are in high value among them, for a quantity of it was brought to me at San Salvador" Christopher Columbus' Journal

When Christopher Columbus first arrived in the Americans in 1492 the Taino people gave to him and the Spanish Conquistadors, a great gift, the most holiest of plants, and the most sacred of ritual objects, a messenger of the Cemis (the Gods / Spirits) in the form of an herb called Tobaku. This sacred messenger of the Gods was unknown to the rest of the world. Europe, Asia and Africa did not know of its existence, and the closets counterpart to the rest of the world came in the form of unsmokable resins and incense, which like Tobaku, transmits ones thoughts, desires, wishes, and prayers to the heavens in a cloud of smoke.

Tobaku like all great spirits, was and is a force to be respected, and never abused, he like all Spirits will not tolerate disrespect; to dishonor and disrespect this ancient spirit messenger, is to unleash his deathly vengeance. Tobaku blessed all who venerated and respected him with magical and healing abilities. But like all great spirits and things sacred to pre-Colombian America, Tobaku has suffered centuries of misuse and insult in the form of commercial tobacco.

The Taino used Tobaku in Prayer, offerings to the spirits, healing, purification, leisure activities, welcoming friends, peace treaties, and it was never abused and was always respected. Tobaku has grown weary of the exploitation and disrespect done unto him and has retaliated, unleashing his death grip and wrath on those who have abused this sacred spirit. Common sense dictates that anything you do to your body in excess (a habit) is detrimental.

TOBACCO USES IN HISPANIC FOLK MAGIC TRADITIONS.

The tradition of using tobacco as a sacred ritual object survived the European Conquest of the Americas. It is used, within Santeria, Vodou, Sanse, Espiritismo, Obea, 21 Division, Santerismo, Umbanda, 3 Potencia Venezuelana, Chamanismo, Curanderia, and Brujeria, to name a few; as an offering and as a form of cleansing, and communicating with the Spirits in all African, Indigenous, and Amerindian traditional religions. It is used for smudging a body or ritual objects, blessing talismans, for ritual purification, divination and cleansing, as well as an offering to some of the Saints, Orishas, Commissions, Courts, and Lwases, and transmitting ones wishes and desires to the heavens and realms of spirits.

I clearly have to state that allot of people do not like or enjoy the aroma of tobacco, as well one has to take into deep consideration the health hazards that come with smoking tobacco. Excessive use of this sacred herb has created many health issues. If you do not smoke, don't start. Use incense such as frankincense or copal, or use sage wands or sweet grass braids as a substitute. But as with tobacco use these items in a well ventilated area.

If you are interested in divination, and do not smoke, don't start smoking, use Tarot, playing cards, cowrie shells, coconuts, palmistry, or runes. I by no means am promoting tobacco smoking or usage, what I am talking about hear is giving an inside view on how tobacco is used in Caribbean and Latin American folk magico religious systems and beliefs.

Tobacco should be respected and never abused. Because of the stigma that tobacco has received after centuries of misuse and abuse. Tobacomancia or Tobacomancy is rarely if ever mentioned outside the Spanish speaking and Amerindian population.



TAINO PRAYER TO THE CEMIS


I offer this smoke to Achiano the Spirit of the South,
I offer this smoke to Koromo the Spirit of the West,
I offer this smoke to Rakuno the Spirit of the North,
I offer this smoke to Sobaiko the Spirit of the East,
I offer this smoke to Atabey, sacred mother of Earth.
I offer this smoke to Yokahu sacred father of the sky. So be it, so it shall be.


PRAYERS TO THE SPIRIT OF TOBACCO


To the Spirits of the Four Winds, Black horse, white horse, red horse, and brown, you that find yourself in the four Corners of the Universe. Above and below and in the Four Directions. I call to you oh Charitable Spirit of Tobacco, ancient messengers of the Omnipresent One. I offer you in homage to the Guardian Spirits of (n.n.). For wherever I go with this sacred smoke, you shall purify and cleanse. You shall remove any and every, seen and unseen negative vibration that surrounds (n.n.). And with the grace and power that the Holy Trinity has bestowed upon me, I (n.n.) purify and cleanse (n.n.). So be it, Amen.

PRAYER 2


With the permission of God.
With the guidance of the 21 Commissions of Spirits and the protection of my Guardian Angel.
With the watchful eyes of my Spirit Guides.
As above so below, and in the four directions, and to the Charitable Spirits of the Four Winds that come from the four corners of the universe. I ask for health, stability, and peace.
May the fluids of the Spirits that speak through the smoke of this sacred tobacco, be beneficial towards me and my cause. May all malice and deceit depart and scatter as the smoke does scatter, and only good and charity shall prevail. Amen.

FOR INVOKING SPIRIT GUIDES


In behalf of the smoke of this sacred cigar. I do conjure and invoke the Seven Divine Guardian Spirits of the Seven Heavens.

With this sacred smoke I summon the 3001 Rays of the Moon.
In the Divine names of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, I do invoke thee.
May you bless me with your Divine Grace, Wisdom, and Power, and bring forth that which I desire.
Oh Great Tobacco, messenger of God. I call upon your Divine Name, so that you may intercede on my behalf and open the doors of the Spirit Realm, and with the help of Saint Teresa de Jesus, lead towards me that spirit which will aid me in my task. Amen.

IN FIGHTING OCCULT BATTLES


Puro, Purito, Puro! I do summon and conjure you. I invoke thee by the divine virtues that you have, and by the divine virtues that God has bestowed upon you. Spirit of the Tobacco, I ask that you penetrate the very soul of (n.n). So that he/she may not rest in peace, drink in peace, eat in peace, walk in peace, breath in peace, nor live in peace, until he/she recognizes the wrong he/she done to me and resigns.
Spirits of the Lonely Souls of Purgatory, no one believes in you. I believe in you. Spirits of the Lonely Souls of Purgatory, no one calls to you. I call to you.
Spirits of the Lonely Souls of Purgatory, no one offers you water to quench your thirst, I offer you water to quench your thirst.
Spirits of the Lonely Souls of Purgatory, I believe in you.
Spirits of the Lonely Souls of Purgatory, I believe in you.
Spirits of the Lonely Souls of Purgatory, I believe in you.
Go now Seven Intranquil Spirits, go now and follow the smoke and ashes, for they will lead you to those who have offended me.
Son/daughter of a swine! Pay Attention!
Son/daughter of a swine! Pay Attention!
Son/daughter of a swine! Pay Attention!
Spirits of the Lonely Souls of Purgatory, I believe in you.
With one, I see you, with two I bind you, with three I conquer you.
Paz, Paz, Cristo, Cristo, Dominus Nostrum.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

DOMINATING OCCULT ENEMIES


I offer the smoke of this sacred cigar to the charitable spirits of (n.n.). So that they may intercede on my behalf and dominate the five senses of (n.n.)
I conjure and invoke thee, Oh Great Spirits of the Four Winds that come from the Four Directions.
Wherever he/she may be, may he/she come humble and humiliated before my feet. As the prostitute presented herself humbled and humiliated before the feet of Christ, and as Christ presented himself humbled and tamed before Pontius Pilot. And as Pontius Pilot presented himself humble and humiliated at the feet of Christ.
So I demand you to do the same.
As Saint George slew the dragon, as Saint Martha, dominated the serpent, as Saint Michael defeated the Beast. So do I; slay, dominate and defeat you.
By the Divine Power present before me, you are commanded to no longer commit a treacherous act against me.
And if by chance you resist and continue to harass me, so shall you pay the price for your offence.
With one I see you, with two I recognize you, and with three I conquer you.
Paz. Paz. Cristo. Cristo. Dominus Nostrum.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.


CONJURATION OF PROTECTION


In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. I (n.n.) ask permission of my protective spirits to help me work my spiritual labor in this sacred hour. Give me the faculties, and strength needed to cleanse and purify, to lift and remove any negative fluids, to lift and remove negative vibrations, on my body, within my home, and all that I hold sacred.
Eliminate from my path, all curses, hexes, black magic, and wrong doing,
In the holiest names of the Queen of Heaven and Angels, I call on the 21 Commissions of Spirits, the 21 Jefes, the 7 Powers. To the brotherhood of the white mission, the Ascended ones, make my heart pure. To King Solomon the sage bestow upon me wisdom. To Saint Clair, make my path visible. Saint Expedito, Saint Benito. Saint Michael and Saint Barbara. I call on my Spirit Guides, and my Ancestors, to help me in conquering all the obstacles that are set in my path.
Eternal Father, Our Lord Papa Dios, embrace me with your divine light, and protect me. Amen.

GENERAL RULES WHEN PERFORMING TOBACOMANCY

The client is the one who purchases the cigar. 3 must be brought, or a package of cigars. One for the divination, the rest as offerings to the Diviner's, Spirit Guides and ancestors.

When you are reading the tobacco to an individual, only you and the person getting the reading should be present in the room. Consecration is the key to success. Other influences in the room can deteriorate the success of the reading. The cigar will pick up on the vibrations of others present.

Make sure all cell phones are off, loud noises, and any distraction that can cause the Adivinador to loose concentration. All gadgets, phones, and television must be turned of. Quiet music can be used.

When you give a consultation with a cigar, some say that they should not get it done more than once a week. I disagree with this theory, once a month is the more adequate and appropriate time between tobacco divination.

Never read more than one cigar per sitting, per client at a time. To do this will detract from the predictions and omens foretold by the first cigar and will give uncertain or false information.

A cigarette is never used, the cigar should be of pure quality, with out added ingredients, this includes flavored cigars. No cigars with plastic mouth pieces.

When using a cigar for tobacomancy, never use a lighter. With your dominant hand light it with three wooden matches at once.

Take 9 big puffs and proceed with the consultation,

After the reading the lit cigar is placed on the altar, the client asks the spirits to lift any and all negative information told by the ashes.

The cigar is kept erect during the reading, pointing towards the heavens, and the ashes are never flicked, let it fall naturally.

SOOTHSAYING WITH TOBACOMANCY

BENDITO ES LA HOSTIA,

BENDITO ES EL ALTAR,

BENDITO ES EL PURO QUE ME VOY A FUMAR

BLESSED IS THE HOST,

 BLESSED IS THE ALTAR,

BLESSED IS THE TOBACCO THAT I SHALL SMOKE

El Adivino (male) La Adivina (female), person doing the divination consultation.

El Cliente, the client or querent person receiving the consultation.

When the rim of the cigar has a perfect white circle, that signifies strong bonds, strong unions, a ring, love, a new relationship, an affair, marriage. Fidelity,Good health, long life.
If the crown has black spots on the ring, this signifies trouble in a relationship, a quarrel or disagreement with a loved one, separation, marital problems, false love, jealousy. Unfounded fears. If the spot is towards the person, they feel the doubts, if the spot is away and towards the diviner then its the querents partner who feels these feelings.

If there are black spots all over the foundation of the crown, this signifies resentments, gossip, mistreatment, dislikes, entangled in confusion or to trap or gain power over someone by dishonest or underhand means.

If there are spots with horizontal cracks this signifies a break up, split up, or divorce.

If there is a large black spot this signifies, bad company, untrustworthy friends, or lover. A dept that has not been paid. If the spot is towards the client, they are the one who needs to pay a dept, away from querent, someone owes them and has not paid.

When black spots touches the rim of the cigar this means bad times, towards client. If the black sports are towards the client, this means they are in it at the present, towards the consultant means in the coming future, left side means it was in the past, or that the bad times where at fault of another, and the querent client is still feeling the effects. Towards the right signifies that the client had much to do with the bad times they are going through and should take responsibilities.

A grey scale coming from the lit rim tells of sadness, and tears, towards client signifies the client, towards consultant means a loved one. On the left side means caused by outside influences, towards the right signifies within the home. Also foretells of minor illnesses.

A white scale on the lit rim, signifies good omens, reconciliation, new loves, new relations, good friend, Towards the right an old friend, right a new friend. Good health.

A red spot at the base of the rim tells of unexpected surprise or news. Towards client, something they expected and had forgotten about, towards consultant, something the client is not expecting. Towards left, news from your past, towards right important news in the distant future.

White circles on the base signifies a coming of money, could be a raise, better pay, lottery or games of chance.

One large circle on the base signifies, betrothal, the act of betrothing or the fact of being betrothed. A mutual promise or an engagement. Success in a business plans, a payment of an old dept. Happiness, good health and well being.

A large vertical slice tells of overspending,
Extraordinary spending habits, when the client should be saving. Careless spending foretells of instabilities and restless times. If slice is towards the client it is the client who has the spending problem, if towards consultant it is a loved one. Towards the left, overspending in the past is causing trouble, towards the right, save money for that stormy weather ahead.

A white vertical slice, tells of prosperity, stability, lasting friendships.

A red slice across the cigar, vertical represents getting hurt, hospitalization, operation, a horizontal red slice means loneliness, depression, sadness.

Many small red dots tells of false hope, and dissolution.

Two small red dots with a slice above it means lust or desire. If two black dots with a slice above it, this means being used or taken advantage of. Towards the client, towards consultant its another person. Towards left in the past, towards right, in the near future.

Two black dots side by side, one being bigger, self doubt, confusion, envy or unexpected betrayal.
Towards client, the client will feel this, towards the consultant, a loved one will. On the left, it happened in the not so far past, towards right in the distant future. Can also be outside influences, the evil eye.

Black slanting, or leaning lines tell of misunderstandings in a relationship.

Lines that form a zigzag or a cross means obstacles, an unpleasant trip, a barrier, Something that separates or holds apart. A boundary that obstructs or impedes, a blockage.

White thin stripes, horizontal means a trip is in the horizon, vertical, luck in business, endowment.

If the cigar only burns on one side, bad luck, unfortunate events are on the way.

Two or more scales form on top of the ashes, good luck after hard times, good times shall come. Two scales that touch means a pregnancy, a baby, twins.

If the ashes stands straight and tall. A wish or desire will come true, happiness in love, wishes will be fulfilled.

If the ashes twist to the left, in the past, right in the future. Debts, and doubts. Problems will arise in love. Pointing towards client, clients close relations, pointing towards consultant a third party, a secret lover.

If the ashes stand straight but gets thinner in center, a health problem that client needs to get checked or under control.

If the ashes suddenly break and fall, doubts in ones auspiciousness. Doubts in ones abilities for success.

In the Second part of the reading begins when the ashes fall by themselves, the consultant flicks the ashes and begins to give the second half of the reading. The consultant takes three to nine consecutive puffs and begins to read. If the patterns described here form on the first half of the reading they are interpreted accordingly as described below.

If the ashes fall within 3 or six puffs, bad omen, accidents or danger.


+++SECOND HALF+++


If many scales form interspersed that are black, gray or white. Practical life, with good and bad, no needs for major worries, problems will arise but nothing the client cant handle.

If gray scales with white rims appear, money is coming.

Many white scales means great achievements, one will achieve what they set their mind to, and desires will come true.

White scales with black rims talks about news or information is on the way. Family gathering, wedding, a social event, productive friendships.

A black dot within a circle foretells of a pregnancy.

A white dot with a crease or slice, a backup, miscarriage or abortion.

If a Cross forms in the ashes, strength, and power, control and dominating enemies.

If a point or an arrow forms in the ashes or with the body of the ashes, one is greatly.spiritually protected.

If a black spot appears on the arrow, a prayer, supplication, or offering must be made. A promise was made and not kept.

If the ashes part or split, horizontally from client to consultant, pathways, open doors, new beginnings, also someone is looking for your advice or help in personal matters.

If the ashes split vertically. Confusion, not knowing where to go, a split up, or breakup,
,
If the ashes split into a cross at the rim, crossroads, the person is at a crossroads in their life.

When the split has one large mound this signifies dominance or control. Towards client, the client is the dominant, towards consultant, the clients partner or loved one. Towards the left a woman is dominant towards the right a male.

When the larger mound has a split, this signifies mental disorders, anguish, depression.

When the superior mound has a crack or split, mental disorders.

When the smaller mound has a crack or split, this tells of problematic children, disrespectful, defiant defiance, and out-of-control child.

If the cigar burns brighter towards client, the client has bad intentions or ill wills with another. When it burns brighter towards the consultant, betrayal, bad and malignant intentions from a person, hidden agendas, they will turn their backs on you. Left side a female figure, right side a male figure.

When a pointing scale forms an arrow at the base, problems with the law, court cases. The arrow has a white rim, in your favor, black means not in your favor.

Sparks on the cigar is a good omen, signifies blessings and protection, the more sparks the greater the protection or bond is with ones spirit guides.

If a stick of tobacco sticks out from the burning cigar, court problems not in your favor.

When a scale curls, this.represents flourishing of undertakings. Plans will prosper and flourish.

EL HUMO + THE SMOKE

The Smoke can be used as well with the ashes in interpreting the tobacco. One needs a basic understanding of the symbolic of patterns. But I will include a few major important ones.

Circles caused by the smoke, symbolize a ring of protection,

A figure 8 caused by the smoke, symbolizes something that will last a long time, it could be a chronic disorder, or a long love life, this all depends on the pattern of the ashes.

If the cigar throws little smoke, the person has a hidden agenda. Enemies will prevail.

If the smoke is thin, hardships, or weak personality, frailty.

If the smoke is heavy and smooth, the person has a strong character.

If the smoke goes to the right and does not go to its left, you will prevail over obstacles and adversary.

If the smoke goes to its left and does not go to its right, your adversary will prevail over you.

If the smoke clefts or separates in two columns Disagreements, arguments and fights.

If the right hand side of the smoke is thicker the client is at fault. Or a male influence.

If the left cleft is thicker, the outside influence is at fault. Or a female influence.

If the cleft smoke is equal in length, equal parties are at fault.

If the smoke) is fragmented: there will be financial loss.

If the smoke abruptly stops short then increases. Malice, evil eye, the client is under psychic attack or under the influence of black magic.

If the smoke intertwine in a tight weave, close nit, friendship, family and relationships.

If the smoke is intertwined in a tight weave then clusters, success: protection, unity, and profit.

If the smoke goes in four different directions, great confusion and doubts.

Letters or numbers created in the smoke, letters can be the first letter in the name of an enemy. Numbers represents time frames. 

HERMANO BRUJO LUIS

time frames.

INDIAN DIVISION THE COMMISSION OF THE INDIOS

THE COMMISSION OF THE INDIOS

LA CORTE DE LOS INDIOS

" I found very many islands filled with people without number and all of them I have taken possession for their Highnesses... As soon as I arrived in the Indies, on the first Island which I found, I took some of the natives by force in order that they might learn and might give me information on whatever there is in these parts"

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS

" They...brought us parrots and balls of cotton and spears and many other things...They would make fine servants...With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want."

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS

  

O CARA! WE HAVE GIVEN ALL WE CAN TO THESE PEOPLE, AND YET THEY WANT MORE. THEY TRICKED US INTO BELIEVING THEY WHERE GODS! YET IT HAS.BEEN PROVEN THEY ARE NOT! ENOUGH! GUASABARA! GUASABARA! GUASABARA! IT IS TIME TO FIGHT

+++ INDIO TAINO +++ THE TAINO +++

Corte India, Corte Taina, Yo te llamo a Travajar. Corte Caribe, Corte Arawaque, Corte Ciboney, Yo te llamo a laborar. En los nombres de los Zemis, prestame tu bendicion..

COMMISSION OF THE INDIANS, COMMISSION OF THE TAINO, I CALL YOU TO WORK.

COMMISSION OF THE CARIB, COMMISSION OF THE ARAWAK, COMMISSION OF CIBONEY, COME WORK YOUR SPIRITUAL LABOR. IN THE NAMES OF THE GREAT SPIRITS, COME AND BLESS ME.

Before the Spanish set foot on the islands of the Caribbean, the indigenous people of Boriken (Land of the Mighty and Valiant Lords) later renamed Puerto Rico, and the Lesser and Greater Antilles, was the home to the peaceful Taino, and the Arawak, the warrior like Caribs, and a smaller group of cave dwellers known as the Ciboney. This race of people had a strong spiritual and religious foundation with many mystical beliefs. The Gods, where spirits of nature known as Zemis, or Cemis, with one head Cacique (chief) God named Yucahu and his mother Atabey or Attabeira . Other Cemis where nature spirits, great cacique chiefs and heroes who ascended into Cemis statues because of their valiant deeds. (Similar to Catholic saints). The mythology of the Taino was as vibrant and colorful, as those of Roman and Greek mythology. The tales of the Cemis, courageous Caciques, valiant heroes and ancestors were told in a feast known as an Arieto, and during nightly gatherings. The Cemis powers manifested on earth in stones, clay and wood, and all Cemis lived in mountains, plants, rocks, caves, rivers and forests.

THE COURT OF THE CEMIS (ZEMIS)

La Corte De Los Cemis

Yucahu or Yocahu, the Great Sky Father was the Cemi of the cassava root and creator of the Seas, who ruled over the skies and heavens.

Yaya, the essence, the soul of Yucahu, in his earthly personification

Atabey Attabeira, The Great Earth Mother a fertility goddess who used her breast milk called Bibi, to make women fertile, she was the Cemi of fresh waters that came from her Boh Boh "nipples". (The Puerto Rican words for a babies bottle is a bibi, and a pacifier is a boh boh)

Itiba Tahuvava, wife of Yucahu, mother of the two sets of twins, From her came the man-bat who brought the season of dry weather and drought and woman-frog, who brought the season of rain.

Baibrama, The Resurrector a healing Cemi, who was worshiped for his healing abilities and of good and fertile crops

Bayamanaco the Cemi of Fire.

Goiz: Cemi of the Breath of life.

Boinaye, One of the sacred twins, The Opposing Forces, was the Cemi of Rain and earthquakes.

Caguana, was the female Cemi who gave birth to the first humans.

Savacu, Cemi of the rays of the sun and moon, a messenger.

Márohu, Sacred twin The Opposing Forces. was the Cemi of calm weather.

Guabancex Juracán The Hurricane Bringer was a female Cemi of winds and storms.

Guataubá, messenger of Guabancex was the Cemi who foretold of the coming of hurricanes, Cemi of thunder and lightning.

Coatrisquie, the Cemi of waterfalls also created floods she also created torrential downpour.

Maketaori Guayaba, Lord of the Dead was the Cemi of the land of Coaybay. (Realm of the Dead)

Hupia Hamáno, was the Cemi of the nightfall and the Moon, her children where the dead ghosts called the Hupia after her, who haunted the night. These spirits could not enter Coaybay for rest, the realm of the dead, and were stuck in this realm, similar to Ghosts.

Huión was a Turtle God who shown in the heavens. The sun

Moroyo was the Cemi of the rainfall.

Ceiba, a Tree Spirit was the Cemi of the sacred tree, portal to the realm of the ancestors.

Yuquiyu was the Cemi of the mountains and rainforest (el Luquillo rainforest)

Opiyelguabirán', Night Dog a Cemi that took the appearance of a dog, watched over the dead.

Deminán Caracaracol was the Great ancestor, the father and heroe of the Taino nation who became a Cemi.

Macocael a bird reptile Cemi of Caves where the first humans came from.

The paraphernalia of the Cemis, which where clay vessels, mortars, and statues carved on stone, wood, and sea shells where believed to manifest the powers of the CemisCemis or Zemis. One of the most popular Cemis paraphernalia was the Cemi Stone. The Cemí stone, with its three cardinal points, is a fundamental symbol in the Taino religion. The names of the three points are Yocahu, Hupia and Goiz.

1. On top of this sacred mountain peak, in the turey (sky) of the four directions, resides the Bohio 'hut" of Yocahu the Creator, whose name means that which has neither beginning nor end and which has no male ancestor or creator.

2. Coabey, is the underworld, the place of the dead. Here resides Hupia, the spirit of the dead. The face of Guayaba, the Chief of Coabey, is represented here.

3. The land of the living. Here resides Goiz, the spirit of living people

The Taino where a peaceful people, led by a Cacique chief who could be both male or female. The Bohiques where the priests who interacted directly with the Cemis in ceremonies or while in trance and the Bohuti, Buhuithu, or Buhuitihu were the shaman, witch doctors, and healers, who could speak with the Opia, the spirits of ones Dead, the Jukiyu-jan, the Ancestors and appease the Hupia ( evil spirits) With "tobacu" smoke, and gourd rattles known as Guiro, they could appease or keep at bay the Mabuya, the demons of nature, or banish the Cuqoh, (el Cuko) an incubus spirit that took the life of young children at night. The Taino had a belief that the souls of evil spirits roamed the night. This belief still exists on the island as every Puerto Rican knows about the "Cucoh" Cuko and the "Gwitona" Gritona (Llorona) female screaming spirit that haunts the island at night seeking to torment an unsespecting victim.

Before the Buhuithu could mediate the will of the Cemis, spirits, souls or ancestors, they had to first relieve themselves of bodily waists and induce vomiting so that their bodies could not be grounded. Usually the Buhuithu fasted for many hours and did not consume food until their Spiritual labor was done.

The Bohiques in keeping with oral tradition of a mythology of how the son of Yaya by the name of Yayael tried to kill him so he could reign supreme over the other Cemis, and was killwd in battle. Yaya feeling great remorse for being responsible for the loss of his son, kept Yayael's bones in a gourd with symbols of the Cemis. From this gourd, the ocean and fish where created. The Buhuitihu on his batey kept a gourd filled with bones of an ancestor, roots, tree barks and stones which where sacred to the Cemis. The Cemis where also carved into wooden figures or sacred stones, as it was believed that the Cemis manifested their powers within them. These carved stones and wooden figures of the Cemis were kept in the bohios ontop of a batey by the Bohiques and Buhuitihu. These where the ancient altars, that are still very influential in Brujeria altars thoughout the Americas. This influence can still be seen today in Puerto Rico.

While many Santeros in Puerto Rico are those individuals who are initiated into the priestly order of Cuban Lukumi Santeria. It is important to understand that a Santero can also be considered an artist who carves figures of Saints into wood, a tradition of the Taino that still survives till this day. If you ever visit Puerto Rico, purchase one as it will make a powerful addition to your altar.

There where four class groups in a Taino clan, the Cacique or Cacica was the head chief, followed by the Bohique (priests) the Buhuithu, (Shamans) the Nitaino, the defenders and warriors of the clan, and lastly the Naboria, which were the common folk.

The Taino were a very clean race, cleansing, bathing and purifying their bodies twice a day, when the Spanish came, they forbid the captured Indians to bathe frequently, at the time the European people believed that bathing frequently meant loosing a piece of ones soul, in the process cutting in half one's life span.

While many Taino men where killed, mostly by foreign diseases or in battle, the women that survived where taken as wives, these women gave birth to the first Meztisos. While the Spanish men took care of searching for gold, trying to find the mythical fountain of youth, or in battle with native and surrounding tribes, the Taino wives who were baptized into Christianity did not completely forget or abandon their traditions and beliefs. Similar to the African slaves they hid their ancient Cemis in the disguise of Catholic saints. In time the ancient Cemis names where forgotten, but the many of the characteristics of these Cemis remained in the Catholic saints.

The language of the Taino into English words.

Although Caribbean people use many Taino words in their Creolle dialects many Taino words are used in english as well, Hurricane, barbeque, hammock, potato, tobacco, iguana. and canoe all are of Taino origin. Also Americans favorite past time, baseball came from the Taino, its a wonder why many great baseball players are from the Caribbean. Words such as Batu, the game itself, the batey, ceremonial ground where game was played and the Bateh, the club used to hit the ball.

NAMES OF THE COMMISSION OF BORIKEN CACIQUE

Abey : Cacique of Salinas Puerto Rico.

Agüeybaná: The Cacique who greeted Juan Ponce de Leon.

Aramaná: Cacique of the Coa Toa River region.

Arasibo: Cacique of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Aymamón: Cacique of Culebras Island Puerto Rico.

Bagnamanay: Cacique of Caguas Puerto Rico

Cacimar: Great Ruler of Bieques, Viequez Island Puerto Rico.

Caquax: Cacique of Caguas, Puerto Rico

Canóbana: Cacique of Canovana, Puerto Rico

Comerío: Cacique of Comerio, Puerto Rico

Dagüao : Cacique of Naguabo, Puerto Rico.

Iniex: Baptized by Juan Ponce de Leon, under the name, Doña Ines. Mother of Agueybaná.

Guacabo: Ancient Cacique great ruler.

Güamaní : Cacique of Maneti, Puerto Rico.

Güaraca: Ancient and legendary Cacique chief.

Guaraca Guayaney : Cacique of Yabucoa, Puerto Rico

Guarionex : Cacique of Utuado, Puerto Rico

Guaybana The Cacique that led the Taino Rebellion of 1511 in Puerto Rico against the Spanish settlers.

Hayuya: Cacique of Jayuya, Puerto Rico

Jacaguax: Cacique of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico

Jumacao: Cacique of Humacao, Puerto Rico

Loquillo: Puerto Ricos last Cacique, who died in battle against the Spanish.

Mabó: A Cacica of Puerto Rico

Macuya: Cacique of Coamo, Puerto Rico

Majagua.: ancient and wise Cacique of what is know Loiza Aldea, Puerto Rico

Naguabo: Cacique of Naguabo, Puerto Rico

Orocobix: Ancient Warrior Caique who governed over present day Aibonito, Barranquitas, Corozal, Morovis and Orocovis, Puerto Rico

Urayoán: the first Cacique to order the drowning of the Spaniard, Diego Salcedo to determine if they where truly Gods.

Yaureibo: Cacique of Vieguez who died in battle fighting the Spanish.

Yuisa: The Taino Cleopatra, last Cacica of Puerto Rico. Married the Mulatto Pedro Mejias. Killed for being a traitor, but legend says she wanted peace with the Taino and Spanish.

Yuquibo: el loco and invincible one, Cacique who got away with many attacks and raids on the Spaniards. After death he became a Cemis, one of the last to reach this statues.

ORACION DEL INDIO PODEROSO

OH, Gran Cacique, fidelísimo espíritu Indio Celador de tu morada. En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del espíritu Santo; yo, fiel creyente de tu poder, te invoco en este momento, ya que Tu, Gran espíritu Indio, conoces las aflicciones de mi materia para que intercedas con nuestro Padre Eterno y me brindes tu santa y divina protección. OH, gran espíritu Indio, tu que eres el encargado de brindarme protección, te pido en el nombre de Jesús, que con tu hacha de piedra rompas las malas cadenas que mis enemigos me tiendan, materiales y espirituales. Con el veneno de tu flecha, OH, Gran espíritu Indio, destruyas los malos pensamientos que en contra de mí vengan. OH, Gran espíritu Indio, contus ojos deáguilavigila misendero. Que no haya brujo, cirio, lámpara ni mal pensamiento que pueda hacerme daño corporal o material. OH, Gran espíritu Indio, te dedico esta luz en pago de tu protección, para luz y progreso de tu santo espíritu. Amen.

PRAYER TO THE POWERFUL SPIRIT OF THE INDIOS

OH GREAT CACIQUE, INDIAN CHIEF, MOST LOYAL AND FAITHFUL SPIRIT. IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY TRINITY, FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST. I A FAITHFUL BELIEVER IN YOUR POWER, ASK YOU IN THIS MOMENT TO HELP ME. OH GREAT SPIRIT, YOU UNDERSTAND MY SUFFERING, HELP ME WITH YOUR POWER AND GUIDE ME WITH YOUR HOLY AND DIVINE PROTECTION. OH GREAT CACIQUE CHIEF, I ASK YOU IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS, OFFER ME YOUR PROTECTION, WITH YOUR STONE AXE, AND HATCHET, BREAK THE CHAINS MY ENEMIES HAVE FORGED FOR ME. BOND ME WITH YOUR DIVINE SPIRITUALITY AND CLEANSE MY SOUL. WITH THE POISON OF YOUR ARROWS, DESTROY THE EVIL THOUGHTS AGAINST ME. WITH YOUR KEEN SIGHT OF THE EAGLE, WATCH AND DEFEND OVER MY HOME, MY FAMILY AND ALL I HOLD AS SACRED. LET NO SORCERY, CURSE, ILL WILL, HEX, BAD THOUGHT OR ACTION FROM MY ENEMIES HARM ME. I LIGHT THIS CANDLE IN YOUR HONOR. MAY YOUR SPIRIT FIND ETERNAL PEACE, ENLIGHTENMENT AND CONTINUED ADVANCEMENT. AMEN.

TO THE GRAN CACIQUE

O gran Cacique, tu que vencistes en la tierra, con tu flecha sagrada destruistes a tus enemigos. Ven hacia mi y ayudame sacar de mi cuerpo estos espiritus sin luz y aleje a todos estos malos pensamientos que rodean sobre mi. Oh Gran Cacique, Indio Poderoso! Con las facultades que nuestro Señor Dios Todopoderoso te brindo, ayudame a progresar en esta vida, y derme la dicha de vivir en paz. Y al que se aponga gritare. GUASABARA, GUASABARA, GUASABARA!

OH GREAT CACIQUE, INDIAN CHIEF. YOU THAT OVERCAME THE OBSTACLES SET IN LIFE. HELP ME TO OVERCOME MINE. WITH YOUR BOW AND ARROW, YOU DEFEATED YOUR ENEMIES. HELP ME IN REMOVING THE SPIRITS THAT WISH ILL FROM MY PATH. REMOVE ALL EVIL INTENTIONS FROM MY PATH.

OH GREAT CACIQUE, POWERFUL INDIAN. WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL FACULTIES THAT HAVE BEEN GRANTED UPON YOU BY OUR LORD GOD, HELP ME IN PROGRESSING IN THIS LIFE AND THE NEXT. BESTOW UPON ME THE DIGNITY TO LIVE IN PEACE. AND TO ALL MY ENEMIES WHO ALSO I SHALL CRY THE WAR CRIES OF YOUR PEOPLE. GUASABARA! GUASABARA! GUASABARA!

THE OUR FATHER IN TAINO

Guakia Baba turey toca, Guami-ke-ni, Guami-caraya-guey guarico guakia tayno-ti, bo-matun; busica guakia aje-cazabi; Juracan-ua, Maboya-ua, Jukiyu-jan; Cemis Yocahu, nabori daca, Jan-jan catu.

Our Father who touches the skies, Lord of the land and the seas. Lord of the Moon and the Sun. Come to us, standing tall, and full of generosity. Give to us our daily nourishment. Keep away bad spirits. Keep away Ghosts. But bring forth our good spirits. Yocahu I a humble servant, ask that you listen to my prayers. So be it.

DIA DE LA RAZA

While many states follow the day of Christopher Columbus, every Latin American country celebrates, El Dia De La Raza, or Day of the Race. This day falls on October 12th. Recently many Espiritistas and Brujos hold this holiday as sacred and hold a public Fiesta Espiritual in honor of the Indian Spirits. Traditional Taino food is served such as Yuca with Codfish and Casava bread. Music is played and the Indians are invoked to come down and dance and lift Causas.
A few years ago to celebrate el Dia de La Raza, I brought two friends, a Colombian and a Venezuelan to two Taino ceremonial grounds on the island, the larger Tibes Ceremonial Park in Ponce, Puerto Rico and Caguana Ceremonial Park in Utuado, Puerto Rico. Although the Tibes was much larger with many Batey, a collection of live turtles, and many stones etched with Taino and Cemis symbols. The thing I loved about the smaller Caguana Ceremonial Grounds was the Tres Picachos hills, believed by the Taino to be the point where God created life on the planet. If you meditate at the vista on Tres Picachos, you will see the resemblance of the sacred Cemis stone.