palera

topic posted Sun, March 23, 2008 - 5:06 PM by  Jessica
palera
I am interested in finding a new padrino. I would actually prefer a madrina, but those are hard to find. I would also like some advice on how to better interpret my chamalangos. I feel the orishas are trying to tell me something more, but i don't know what. In particular, if Itawa comes up twice in a row, what exactly does that mean? And when two shell land on top of each other, what does that mean
posted by:
Jessica
San Diego
  • Re: palera

    Mon, March 24, 2008 - 9:26 AM
    hi jess.....if it come out twice..its called Itawa megi....as 4 the shells..i know..but cant speak out on it...2nd!! where are u from?
  • Re: palera

    Mon, March 24, 2008 - 1:48 PM
    Hi Jessica,

    I am a newer Palero having received my Rayado in 2005 so some of the Tata's and Yayi's will have more knowledge than I.
    That said I was wondering about the question you asked concerning Chomolongos. In my house we refer to both shells and
    Coconut rinds as Chomolongos, to which do you refer? You used the word Orisha's stating you wanted better contact, are you
    in fact in Ocha or Palo? If you are a Palera it would save us all time if you used the word Nkisi or Nganga. My Padrino approved of
    my using the book "Obi:Oracle of Cuban Santeria" by Ocha'ni LeLe to learn the basic structure and meaning of the Obi/Chomolongo's.
    He Ocha'ni Lele also has a book on shell divination, Diloggun. Both are excellent from what is available in english but, you must always
    remember learning from books without the guidance of your own Godparent will almost certainly lead to trouble. Just some thoughts about
    what has been helpful to me. Lastly, let me say that developing your one to one relationship with your Empaca is not as difficult as you may
    think, I try first to speak directly with my Lucero and then if needed use the Chomolongo's to confirm the information. And I forgot as books on Palo in English go, "The Book on Palo" by Raul Canizares is the only one my Padrino endorses, it is Palo Monte and we are Congo
    Briyumba but, it is still helpful. Good luck on finding a new Munanso and Godparent.

    Nsala Kiambote (stay well)
    Eleggua's boy
    • Re: palera

      Mon, March 24, 2008 - 6:50 PM
      I am in Palo. I do not have a nganga because women can not have one until they stop menstrating. I am in the very early stages of my training. My padrino has betrayed my trust, so I am trying to continue my learning elsewhere. The chamalongos I refered to are the coconut shells. I am aprehensive about using them because I do not feel like I fully understand how to, and I no long have a padrino to consult. I also have been told that Lucero is a trickster, so I am scared to use them for that reason also.
      • Re: palera

        Mon, March 24, 2008 - 10:10 PM
        jess..im sorry to hear about the breack out between u and ur padrino..that happens alot in this path..but its good that ur trying to still follow this path...to be honest..not to many paleros or palera;s are open to many of the subjects regarding palo..we follow many rules,,the law;s with in our houe;s...as 4 lucero....many can say what they will..storys or not....if u have a close connection with ur;s he will not lead u wrong...and u say ur a palera!!!!??? baby girl..theres no room to be scared in this path!!!...to hang with the big Dogs..u must have BALLS ...im not saying ..cocky(LOL) but being in palo..u cant be scared of anything,,i know ur not sure on ur steps to take...but attend ur lucero!!!! he has a voice and he will let u know...theres books on getting an understanding on how to use the tools ur talking about....u have to learn to tust ur inner self and trust lucero...if theres no trust ....u wont get no where..remember this always..the things we recive in this path ..dont carry..or are the falts of our god parents...u was born with in this path,,so carry it on...u made that promise...Nsala malekum!
      • Re: palera

        Tue, March 25, 2008 - 10:56 AM
        Let me try to jump in here....

        what CC says about fear is true. Be mindful of the thoughts and energies you emit because they can pull the very things you fear. Don’t create a problem where there is none.

        Dre also makes some good points regarding divination. Here is a little quick guide for 4-shell divination
        x=white side o=dark side

        xxxx= alaafia (definite yes, comes with a blessing)
        xxoo= ejife (balanced yes, in alignment with destiny)
        xxxo= etawa (weak yes, also do not ask what you already now. some houses require a re-throw for a definite answer, elegba/lucero speaks in this letter, be mindful)
        xooo= okana (no)
        oooo= oyeku (definite no, must refresh the shells with water to cool them down, egun also speaks in this letter)

        we could have threads and threads about divination and this in no way is the end all be all, but its a start.

        also i just wanted to address one more thing- i don’t know who told you menstruating women can’t receive nganga, but this is a common misconception. it really depends on the beliefs of your rama/munanso. in mine, we receive nganga in full. point blank, and i am very much a woman, and definitely still menstruating (i apologize for the graphics, LOL).

        i am sorry to hear about what you have been through, but press on! you are all the way in san diego so i can't refer anyone personally, but feel free to message me if you have questions.

        Malembe,
        Spirit
  • Re: palera

    Mon, March 24, 2008 - 5:36 PM
    CC u are right.That is what it means when it falls twice.(Itawa)It also is a weak yes.Or don't ask what u already know.It also means that your question can become a strong yes(Eyife)or whatever u chose to call it if spiritual work or a cleansing is done.There also can be a mistake in the divination procedure or the question may need to be reformulated.Also the topic of questioning is not really a topic of true concern.U can offer the spirits a small rum offering,honey,palm oil,or tobbaco.Then ask it again with more passion or elaborately.Jessica also when 2 chamalongos fall on top of each other(two side up)the question or topic comes with good luck.U must pick them up and kiss them immediately.So u can confirm this good luck thats to come for u or the person of the topic.When they fall 2 on top of each other on the down side I was always taught and told that this means nothing.U just continue to read which why the other 2 has fallen.I hope this answers your questions.I was u really never become a true master at reading the chamalongos.U are always learning. P.S. CC how are u women?lol...
    • Re: palera

      Mon, March 24, 2008 - 10:17 PM
      hi dre..miss talking...;-) u know me..saints week has come and gone..thank nsambi..ha,ha,ha,ha, now i can play(wink) ...ha.ha.ha. AHORA VERAN..AHORA VERAN.........(SMILE) .si tu no me conoces pa que tu me illamas..pa que tu me llamas, pa que tu me llamas....yo soy 7 rayos, pa que tu me llamas...ha,ha,ha,ha,................. nsala malekum my brother...
      • Re: palera

        Tue, March 25, 2008 - 7:31 AM
        Hi CC!Just wanted to say once again excellent advice to Jessica about the fear factor!I totally agree.I was thinking the same thing.Anyway I hope this info is helping u out Jessica.Peace to everyone.P.S. Crocker where u at?I figured u would of jumped in here by now.
        • Re: palera

          Tue, March 25, 2008 - 1:45 PM
          Nsala Malecum everyone,

          I wanted to join in on the fear issue in Palo. When I took my Lucero in 2005 my Padrino a very experienced Palero
          told me only a small amout of information. I knew to feed him rum and cigar but was unclear about blood feedings,
          when did they happen, how to do them etc. Basically I was afraid to go further. My Madrina said to talk to Lucero and
          find out what he wants. I used the coconuts a few times but was unsure what to ask. I called my Padrino and realize
          there is a language barrier, my Spanish is very very small and his English is poor. He said, "you have Lucero you talk
          to Lucero". So I did, it came to pass that is way time to feed him a rooster, I got the materials together, found a short
          prayer in the Palo book I referenced and did it. I was scared to death of doing something wrong. After I asked the coco
          if everything was OK and got Eyife. I called my Padrino and told him what I had done and how and he said that it was good,
          that I needed to work out my relationship with my Lucero. He said that the "rules" of our Munanso are more about how we
          make ceremonies and how we relate to each other as family. Our personal relationship with our Nkisi is up to us and our
          Nganga to work out and never to be afraid of our Nkisi. If we treat them with dignity, honesty and openness they will never
          lead us astray. Lucero is a trickster yes but, the kind of trickster that will let you drive yourself crazy with unfounded fear, or
          lie to yourself if that's what you want. But if you want the truth and come to him honestly he will tell you what you want to know.
          He will not harm you without serious cause on your part, honor him and he will honor you. That is my 2 1/2 cents, with
          inflation these days 2 cents does not go far enough!
          By the way CC, thank you for your comments you honor me with your praise.

          Nsala Kiambote
          • Re: palera

            Tue, March 25, 2008 - 9:51 PM
            nsala malekun my brothers and sisters...i like everyones point here..and spirit...ur right on regards of the nanga etc......plesae! just leave them people alone when ur friend is in town my sisters(LOL) when u know ur gonna get it..close them up...they know who u are.. when u come in to this path...they respect that,,so we must respect the laws on that...;-)...as 4 the Lucero...ohhhhhh i LOVE my Lucero...and to be honest...as eleggua stated about speaking in the palo terms....its hard in the beginng...plesae! but my Lucero knows...i speak to him in english..spanish and in his tongue....they will always know your needs and whats good for u regardless..cuz they look in to ur heart!...theres a term many people say...A dog is a mans best friend!!!!!.......why? theres respect and love...and most of all loyalty!!!! think about that...(im sorry-my key borad is frezzing up..tak soon my brother and sisters..
            • Re: palera

              Tue, March 25, 2008 - 9:54 PM
              Sorry..i left a point out that eleggua stated..when it comes for these people to eat..yes! its a must to know their tongue...so they can recieve..
              • Unsu...
                 

                Re: palera

                Thu, March 27, 2008 - 3:59 PM
                Some things to consider. You will not be able to avoid a Padrino if you join a new house. Most houses will require you to rayado again to join them, thus a Padrino. You should have a Madrina as well because it takes a man and a woman to birth a child. When working with the Minkisi have respect but not fear. I respect my radio's power, so I don't put it in the bath tub with me but I don't fear the electricity inside. Remember who gives you license first. Nzambi arriba, Nzambi abajo, Nzambi quartre cota, Nzambi Mpungo. It is the will of Nzambi, who is everywhere and sees everything, that you be mother, Yaya, to the Minkisi. Fear is not the proper relationship between a mother and her child. Love your children and be a good parent and you will have no trouble.

                PS I thought malembe meant evil? I wish all Kiambote, walk (kia) good (mbote).
                • Unsu...
                   

                  Re: palera

                  Thu, March 27, 2008 - 4:04 PM
                  Also, a Lucero that can't speak any language there ever was, needs to be rebuilt. Don't worry about language. Even in the most traditional houses, they speak Bosul and that's only half ki-kongo. Think of the ramifications of that. Part Lucero's job, one that I recommend you put him on and remind him of often, is to make sure that everyone and thing that you communicate with understands you as you intend to be understood.
                  • This is the maximum depth. Additional responses will not be threaded.

                    Re: palera

                    Thu, March 27, 2008 - 7:23 PM
                    Nsala malecum,

                    Very true, Crocker makes some excellent points. I forgot to mention that too! Lucero is the facilitator of effective communication, so that is something to be mindful of. When it comes to spirit/energy, language is not/should not be a barrier. Your Lucero should understand you in any language and should aid in having your prayers heard and understood they way you need them to.

                    On another note just to answer your question Crocker, the term “malembe” can mean health, bad or initiate, depending on how it is used. To say “bad” you could also use the terms “ngongo” or “yela”…again it all depends.

                    Kiambote,
                    spirit
                    • Re: palera

                      Fri, May 2, 2008 - 11:34 AM
                      not sure if it was said in a previous post, there's so many i'm not going to search them all. 2 chamalongos touching is the muerto speaking. it usually happens when asking a question about the muerto.
  • Re: palera

    Wed, April 30, 2008 - 8:13 PM
    Maloongo Yaya

    You definatley need read this book:

    Dadi OBi by JOhn Mason: It is a great guide for new palero or ocha.
    Art healing of the Bakongo



    For the padrino issue I recommend be patient take it slow. Do not rush in this religion. Many people sell bullshit at high prices. Follow your instincts and work with your eggun, the ancestors. Do your research in mayombe in the library. Art and healing of the Bakongo is a great read. Nkisi do not just use cigar, and rum they need blood. You need to learn to read obi then talk with your eggun, then your lucero. Then pick a day out the week and go to botanicas in your area which cater to both paleros and santeria. Save your money for a dorecio for the house you choose. If you feel comfortable with the munanso then you may learn under a new padrino. May Nsambia anpungo guide you safe.

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