There becomes a point in one’s spiritual journey where you may want to start looking for a mentor. The first thing that you need to determine is where exactly you want to be spiritually in order to determine whether or not you are going to need a spiritual mentor in the first place.
If you are planning to start learning about Hoodoo, there are plenty of resources out there already. It would be beneficial to learn from a mentor, especially someone who has experience and knowledge of the old ways, but it is not necessary.
However, if you are looking to get involved in one of the African traditions like Vodou, Lukumi, Palo, Isese, Ifa, Quimbanda, etc., there is only so much information you can gather on your own before you would need to find a mentor that can teach you. A lot of these ancient African traditions have knowledge that is passed down from teacher to student. There are certain things that are kept secret. In order to learn these secrets, you would need to get initiated to get started within these traditions.
So what exactly are the correct steps to move forward within the African Traditional Religions?
1. Do your research – There is a plethora of information out there. Is it all good information? Absolutely not. This is where you need to use discernment. Right now these old spiritual traditions have become the “it” thing. Everyone is looking for sacred knowledge and others see the trend and are looking to make a profit. It’s okay to read various books and articles on the subjects that interest you. However, not all information is created equal, especially in this day and age where it is so easy to post anything on social media. Pay attention to where the author’s information comes from. If they are just spewing out someone else’s teachings, then most likely they don’t really know what they are talking about.
2. Honor Your Ancestors – There is no better protection than your ancestors. You will need to focus on this before you get involved within the African diaspora. Your connection to your roots is constantly evolving. It’s almost like going to school. You complete a the first step then you will be introduced to another ancestor that carries with them a different lesson. Working with one’s ancestors is an ever-evolving process. You can never learn all you need to know within a year. If anything were to happen within your spiritual tradition, you will always have the support of your ancestors no matter what.
3. Be Careful Who You Trust – It is very important to keep your business to yourself. Be careful who you talk to about your spiritual tradition. This is even when it comes to outsiders; friends, co-workers, acquantances. Keep your personal relationship with your spirits private. The relationship we have with our Spirits is special and it is very easy for others to become jealous and try to work with that spirit against you or they may summon their own spirits to work against you.
I’ve been in a workplace setting where a girl announced that she was a witch. Nobody with any real power announces themselves as such. In fact, some type of statement like that in the 1700s would get you executed. People who have any real power or abilities don’t need to vocalize it. It attracts the wrong sort of energy and unnecessary turmoil.
4. Get a Reading – If you are interested in getting started within an ATR, African Traditional Religion, you need to find an authority within the tradition and get a reading from them. When it comes to these traditions, the Spirits are really picky of who they will or will not work with. You will need to find out what Spirits walk with you. I know that a lot of people are attracted to the intense Spirits. I’m talking about the ones who eat hot coals or glass in possession, or the ones that have a fiery nature and can work quickly. Not every Spirit is for everybody and you can seriously fuck yourself up by diving head first towards a Spirit with a darker energy. This isn’t a joke. You gotta take baby steps. If you feel that someone is calling to you, honor and respect them. I’ve seen people go to Spirits and demand money or love and then all of the sudden they lose their job or crash their car. Don’t play with fire. Get a reading and see who walks with you.
5. Ask Questions – Don’t settle! Once you find a mentor, ask them where they come from. Yes, this is a thing! If they are not able to tell you who initiated them or what house or lineage they come from, move on. It is a sign of respect for the tradition, one’s elders and the Spirits to announce where exactly the Practicing Priest, Manbo, Houngan, etc. came from. It is a red flag not to state this information and the person could very well be a scammer or be initiated incorrectly. There are certain people that are well-known scam artists. They seek out the unknowing innocent in order to keep their Spiritual businesses afloat.
6. Watch Out for Red Flags – If at any point you are made to feel uncomfortable, run. There is absolutely no reason to stay within a toxic relationship; spiritual or otherwise. You shouldn’t have to put up with abuse of any kind (emotional, physical or sexual), manipulation, blackmail, etc. Your spiritual path should be something that brings you peace. Remember: You are here because you want to be. If you are feeling at all trapped, depressed or overwhelmed, you are not with the right mentor. Don’t give up. This is a lesson. Staying in a bad situation will only hurt you in the end.
7. Sexual Deviants – Even though the paragraph above goes over sexual abuse, this is extremely important and should not be taken lightly. Within these traditions, initiation and spiritual ceremonies are sacred. Even certain spirits are clean and pure and won’t come near you if you are considered “unclean.”
This falls into the manipulation category as well. If anyone tries to convince you to perform a sexual act during a lave tet or any type of initiation ceremony: they are using you for their own saisfaction. Secondly, they are showing the utmost disrespect towards you, all the others that joined the ceremony, the spirits and their elders. If this happens, the initiation would in fact be non-existant for you and all of the other people there. Being that these ceremonies are so expensive, it is the last thing that you want to repeat.
Lastly, it’s a bad idea to become romantically involved with a spiritual mentor. Just don’t do it. Sometimes it isn’t even the Houngan/Manbo or Babalawo/Iya. It can be a house member. Once there is a falling out and you are already initiated within that house, sour feelings will develop. This is actually a common scam within houses. After initiation, feelings may suddenly change. This is a heart-breaking lesson, but I’ve seen it play out a few times. This situation will sometimes play out with several members convincing you that the union is a good idea. It’s not. It is a way to keep your money flowing into the house while you suffer internally.
Spiritual Folktails 
Leave a comment