I have always been a bit of a science fiction/ fantasy nerd. From watching Dr. Who and Red Dwarf with my dad, to reading Lord of the Rings, Anne Rice’s Vampire series ,The Chronicles of Elantra, Harry Potter (of course) and well any book that had faeries, vampires otherworldly creatures or some kind of magic associated with them I could get my hands on. Always wishing that my own life was magical and feeling as though something was missing. A void that usually performing is able to fill. It wasn’t until I met Terra Mysterium that I realized that it is absolutely possible to have magic in one’s life. Magic is real and to ignore it or pretend it doesn’t exist, only leaves you unprotected.
Around this time last year much to my surprise I connected with Thor. I say surprised because I had never experienced something like this before. I have always enjoyed Norse mythology, the stories seemed to be more captivating to me. I was shocked that being of African and Native American lineage, that a Norse God would take notice of me since I have no European or Scandinavian ties (that I know of). I was discussing this with Jeff Cullen and Allan Spiers at Pagan Pride last year. I had stated how surprised that my first connection with deity would be to a Norse God rather than and African or Native American God/ Goddess. That very night I was visited by Shango God of music, thunder and lightning (very similar to Thor), who spits fire in the Ifa/ Vodou/ Santeria traditions. I spoke with my mentor Matthew Ellenwood about the situation and when he explained who the deity was I was astounded. I began to do some research onto Shango and the religion he comes from, and borrowed some books on the subject.
Three days later in the middle of the night, I woke up and saw a tall dark man in a top hat standing over my bed pointing at me. My mentor informed me that it was Baron Samedi the head of the Gede; who are a family of spirits that are mischievous but bring merriment to Vodou ceremonies. I was and still am amazed. It seems as though I had called them somehow without realizing it. Just a few words and suddenly there they were. I thought I was going crazy but my mentor assured me that what was happening was very real. That with more training I would be able to better handle these things. There really are things that go bump in the night, they are not just figments of my imagination. Nor are they the devil coming to claim my soul, as my Christian upbringing would have me believe.
The Owen Society for Hermetic and Spiritual Enlightenment gatherings have been a huge inspiration in my life. Especially Dr. Xavier Day’s presentation on Hexerei and Hoodoo really seemed to strike a cord and resonated with me. Words have power, and untrained power can have some interesting repercussions. I will be starting mystery school alongside my cast mate Amy Christensen this month. It will be a challenging process but I know I will be better for it. The hardest part I already know will be letting go of the fear and doubt that has been ingrained in me. To learn not be over analytical of certain situations, and to truly believe in myself and my own power. This is all so new to me it is terrifying and exciting all at the same time.
