hey everyone,

im new to this group lol...

anyways.

i prayed and lit a candle to St. Anthony and asked if he would help my grandma
find something she had lost for over two weeks.

About 10 minutes after i prayed and petitioned St. Anthony, her item was found
=]]

so, i was wondering, what are some traditional offerings i may give St. Anthony
as a thank you?

i have read that bread is giving to him, so i offered some bread to him.

but i want to know if theres anything else i may do?

Hello everyone,

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you have a good one!

Bendiciones,
Vero

Catherine,

Bryant passed away earlier this year. While a few of us know some of his
contacts, I've never met Paty. Maybe Concha or someone else knows her?
She lives outside of Ojinaga- you might also try contacting the reporter
who interviewed her for the documentary.

Con respeto,
Jesse

(And Bryant, I miss you, friend!)




catherinemanzanare@... wrote:
>
> Bryant:
>
> I just came across the attached posting and would like to know if you
> have information on how & where I can contact Paty Zacarias.
>
> Thank yoU!
> catherine
>
> --- In 1curanderismo@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:1curanderismo%40yahoogroups.com>, "E Bryant Holman"
> <bryanth@...> wrote:
> >
> > <<OK. After sleeping it over I have decided to leave this club.
> "Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente"
> >
> > Martha >>
> >
> > OK. I am sorry to hear that. We can't make everyone happy, I
> suppose. I just wish people would not feel they have to take parting
> shots.
> >
> > ******************
> >
> > I just went to see Paty Zacarias today (
> http://ojinaga.com/curandera <http://ojinaga.com/curandera> ) and
> visited her for quite a while. She is really amazing. Here are a
> couple of things about her. All I have to do is give her a person's
> name, so that she writes it down on a piece of paper, and she can tell
> me practically everything about them. Now, I will not tell everyone
> here what this is all about, because it involves someone whom I would
> have to ask her permission before I mentioned all of the details, and
> even if there were some agreement to do so, it probably would not be
> convenient to do so anyway. Anyway, I'm sorry but all I can do is just
> say that there is a lot about this that I can't talk about.
> >
> > It is apparant that some curanderos and curanderas do not travel in
> their spirits to other locations. Rather, they rely on spirits to do
> that for them, and report back to them. Others go to other locations
> themselves. Paty goes to the location herself, and performs several
> important acts.
> >
> > In the first place, within curanderismo, there is a concept, at
> least the way the Indians describe it, and I expect that Mexicans do
> the same thing, because it is described quite clearly in the prayers
> to the Santisima Muerte, wherein one can influence the soul of a
> person and thereby control that person without the persons being aware
> of that. Mexicans talk about two "souls" - the "sombra" (shadow) and
> the "alma" (soul). The "shadow" is the "ghost". There is a rather
> nebulous concept of separating or distinguishing one of these from the
> other in some contexts, and not doing so in others, apparantly. This
> is something I intend to look into further.
> >
> > Now, supposing that a bruja has put a spell on John. His wife or
> girl friend, Jane, comes to Paty, and all she knows is that they were
> happy together, when suddenly John left Jane for Sally there, who is
> older and not as good looking as Jane, and on top of that, she is
> rather, shall we say, uncharismatic. The whole thing makes no sense to
> anyone, not even to John, but he can't seem to wake up and smell the
> coffee. So, Paty writes John's name down on a piece of paper, and she
> sees Sally now, in her mind's eye, and John also, and she immediately
> sees the whole situation. Sally has hired a bruja (who may not
> necessarily be a Mexican, she might be a Cuban santera, or a root
> worker, or a seemingly new age type who is actually using spells for
> grimoires) to perform this, but it is not something that she does one
> time and it is a done deal. She has to keep the work in effect
> constantly, and she is doing it with one of the favored methods,
> "velando" (burning a candle). "Está velando su foto," she announces.
> She has a picture of him, and she has it under a votive candle on her
> altar, burning constantly, and when it goes out, she lights another
> one. Sally has to keep paying her to do this. The day she stops
> paying, the bruja takes it off of her altar, John calls Jane up and
> tells her he wants to get back together, and Sally is single again.
> >
> > So, Paty puts a candle on her own altar, or a glass of water with
> John's name on a piece of paper under it, and late and night, when
> everyone is asleep, she pays them a little visit. She goes into John's
> mind and puts the idea in his soul (sombra) that he loves Jane, he
> always has, and he always will, and that he needs to get rid of Sally.
> Then, she goes over to the bruja's house, and she turns John's picture
> over, so that the spell is broken. She also has Jane perform a few
> rituals herself, complete with prayers, and what is most critical is
> Jane's faith that this will work. What enforces Jane's faith is the
> clear fact that Paty has divined everything without being told, or
> without ever having met any of these people, which would be impossible
> anyway, as they are hundreds of miles away.
> >
> > Okay, I am not going to say much else about this, but I am writing
> this simply because I wanted everyone to see a few details, sort of up
> close and personal, about how a real curandera works.
> >
> > Bryant
> >
>
>

Bryant:

I just came across the attached posting and would like to know if you have
information on how & where I can contact Paty Zacarias.


Thank yoU!
catherine

--- In 1curanderismo@yahoogroups.com, "E Bryant Holman" <bryanth@...> wrote:
>
> <<OK. After sleeping it over I have decided to leave this club. "Ojos que no
ven, corazón que no siente"
>
> Martha >>
>
> OK. I am sorry to hear that. We can't make everyone happy, I suppose. I just
wish people would not feel they have to take parting shots.
>
> ******************
>
> I just went to see Paty Zacarias today ( http://ojinaga.com/curandera ) and
visited her for quite a while. She is really amazing. Here are a couple of
things about her. All I have to do is give her a person's name, so that she
writes it down on a piece of paper, and she can tell me practically everything
about them. Now, I will not tell everyone here what this is all about, because
it involves someone whom I would have to ask her permission before I mentioned
all of the details, and even if there were some agreement to do so, it probably
would not be convenient to do so anyway. Anyway, I'm sorry but all I can do is
just say that there is a lot about this that I can't talk about.
>
> It is apparant that some curanderos and curanderas do not travel in their
spirits to other locations. Rather, they rely on spirits to do that for them,
and report back to them. Others go to other locations themselves. Paty goes to
the location herself, and performs several important acts.
>
> In the first place, within curanderismo, there is a concept, at least the way
the Indians describe it, and I expect that Mexicans do the same thing, because
it is described quite clearly in the prayers to the Santisima Muerte, wherein
one can influence the soul of a person and thereby control that person without
the persons being aware of that. Mexicans talk about two "souls" - the "sombra"
(shadow) and the "alma" (soul). The "shadow" is the "ghost". There is a rather
nebulous concept of separating or distinguishing one of these from the other in
some contexts, and not doing so in others, apparantly. This is something I
intend to look into further.
>
> Now, supposing that a bruja has put a spell on John. His wife or girl friend,
Jane, comes to Paty, and all she knows is that they were happy together, when
suddenly John left Jane for Sally there, who is older and not as good looking as
Jane, and on top of that, she is rather, shall we say, uncharismatic. The whole
thing makes no sense to anyone, not even to John, but he can't seem to wake up
and smell the coffee. So, Paty writes John's name down on a piece of paper, and
she sees Sally now, in her mind's eye, and John also, and she immediately sees
the whole situation. Sally has hired a bruja (who may not necessarily be a
Mexican, she might be a Cuban santera, or a root worker, or a seemingly new age
type who is actually using spells for grimoires) to perform this, but it is not
something that she does one time and it is a done deal. She has to keep the work
in effect constantly, and she is doing it with one of the favored methods,
"velando" (burning a candle). "Está velando su foto," she announces. She has a
picture of him, and she has it under a votive candle on her altar, burning
constantly, and when it goes out, she lights another one. Sally has to keep
paying her to do this. The day she stops paying, the bruja takes it off of her
altar, John calls Jane up and tells her he wants to get back together, and Sally
is single again.
>
> So, Paty puts a candle on her own altar, or a glass of water with John's name
on a piece of paper under it, and late and night, when everyone is asleep, she
pays them a little visit. She goes into John's mind and puts the idea in his
soul (sombra) that he loves Jane, he always has, and he always will, and that he
needs to get rid of Sally. Then, she goes over to the bruja's house, and she
turns John's picture over, so that the spell is broken. She also has Jane
perform a few rituals herself, complete with prayers, and what is most critical
is Jane's faith that this will work. What enforces Jane's faith is the clear
fact that Paty has divined everything without being told, or without ever having
met any of these people, which would be impossible anyway, as they are hundreds
of miles away.
>
> Okay, I am not going to say much else about this, but I am writing this simply
because I wanted everyone to see a few details, sort of up close and personal,
about how a real curandera works.
>
> Bryant
>

Hello everyone...
Just to let every one know that its a pleassure that I have some of you as my
friends on the group....

I wanted to let you all know that I will be having a class in regards magic,
hoodoo, root work..

I will also focus on the lwas (haitian vodou spirits) and tell you information
on how to serve them and what they like.

I will provide a bath for money for the begining of the year and also a bath for
good luck and love.....

The class will focus on four sections

1. Magic in general spells on love, good luck, court cases, etc,etc

2.How to work with the spirits and how to summon them so they can help you with
your daily activities

3. Give you information on any given issues you might be going through right now

4. Information about candles, oils and herbs....

Please if you are interested in taking my class leave me a private email with
your information so I can contact you

We will have a chatt and also private readings to all who signs up for the
class...

Thank you all so much

Houngan Q

I live in Killeen, Tx and I'm looking for any good Hierberias (that specialize
in La Santisima Muerte)in the Central Texas area--especially Austin.

Any info would be greatly appreciated :)

A child who has taken First Communion is old enough to buy their scapulary and
choose a scapulary godparent. In Tecospa, Mexico a popular scapulary is an image
of the Virgin of Carmen embroidered on a cloth necklace, worn to protect the
wearer from dying with mortal sin on his soul. Most Tecospans do not get
scapularies until they are approaching death, but a person who buys his first
scapulary when he is young stands a better chance of glory in the next life. A
child may ask a friend to be his scapulary godparent, but usually he asks any
stranger he chances to meet on the street in Milpa Alta when he goes there to
buy the necklace in one of the private houses specializing in the sale of
blessed apparel for the dead.

Child and stranger go to the church, where the godparent makes the sign of the
cross over his godchild and hangs the scapulary around his neck. After the
ceremony a child may buy his godfather some fruit before they part. Since the
godfather has no further obligations he is known as a "godparent of twenty-four
hours."

Reading the Spanish Cards online Course is now open for signup
http://curiouscurandera.com

Madame Franco Pitton owner of Managua hotel in Hinche Haiti was arrested 5 weeks
ago today with no charges and no evidence because a doctors body was found in
the pool of her hotel. Her housband was also arrested but was released a week
later but for whater reason they refuse ro realease her and look for the real
killers of this good doctor a son a hosband a brother instead they choose to put
a sick woman in jail returned to Haiti to star businesses to provide job for the
Haitian people She wanted to make change in her country. Mrs Pittons is a
diabetic she suffers from high blood pressure she is asmatic she had two heart
surgeries Please let us ask the haitian goverment fot real justice for Dr.
Agustin's family also for Madame Franco Pitton

One day, in the darkness of early morning, of the year 1990, Jerónimo Quiejo Pop
was attacked by a Guatemalan army death squad. The original report from eye
witnesses stated that Jerónimo had been shot 14 times. It took the ambulance two
hours to transport Jerónimo around Lake Atitlan to the nearest hospital capable
of treating his wounds.

Jerónimo was the leading shaman (aj'kun) of Santiago Atitlan. But more
importantly, at the time of his shooting, Jerónimo was serving as telinel, the
shaman in charge of Maximon (San Simon). Many of the Protestants in Santiago
Atitlan opposed to Maximon stated, "The shooting is a sign of divine
intervention triggered by his association with the vile object."

In the hospital it was discovered that Jerónimo only sustained one wound. It was
a clean entry and exit by one bullet that hit no bones or major organs. Jerónimo
was quite responsive through the whole ordeal and remained jovial with friends,
family, and supporters. His recovery was quick and he lost very little time from
his duties as telinel.

Three gunman opened fire simultaneously on Jerónimo. An eye witness to the whole
event stated, "I saw a veil drop down in front of Jerónimo just as the shooting
started. It is a miracle that he was shot fourteen times and only one bullet hit
him. The gunmen were two close for all the other bullets to have so badly missed
their target."

Three online courses are once again open for signup...starts Oct 31st.

1. Saint Magic
2. Mastering The Art
3. Spiritual Cleansing

You can find them on my website at http://curiouscurandera.com

Concha

Hi guys I would like to apologize for not being able to be in the group and
share ideas the way I was expecting
This month has been heckted
I just got back from Los Angeles after performing a big ceremony for this one
lady
that some body else was doing some work against her and her husband to break up
their marriage and they had succeeded
after working on her situation two weeks ago.. She just called me saying that
her husband had adviced her to move back to Mexico where she is orinally from to
start a new life and that he loves her well thats just one of the situations
that happened when I was there. While I was there she told five of her friends
and I ended up staying there for another two weeks...

But how is every one in the group.????
Some body had asked me in private what is a govi...
Well A govi is a jar where the spirit resides,,,
I cant give no information on how to make one because its just for people who
are priest and priestesses to know

But I hope I can hear from you guys and I love this group

Take care guys

Houngan Q

My husband left me and the kids. When I went and saw a psycic she said that the
woman who my husband was involved with (the reason he left) had done love magic
on him. Bc our love was so strong he kept comming back to me and then to her
then back to me. He kept telling me he was confused. One day the sex stopped and
he stopped comming to see the kids and we would fight if we were in the same
room. The psycic said the girl had someone sacrifice animals to keep us apart.
The lady I am working with is trying to reverse everything but I find that when
we make progress the. Girl and whoever she is working with keep harming my lady
or does something else to make my husband and I fight. The girl who took my
husband away is hispanic and she is doing or having someone doing bruha. What do
I need to do to get my husband back???,

Fascinating!  That's the trailer for the "Saint Death" video.  It's available
through Amazon and probably other places.  Well worth buying and watching.

http://www.amazon.com/Santa-Muerte-Saint-Death/dp/B001CB6RQW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&\
s=dvd&qid=1254798903&sr=8-1


--- In 1curanderismo@yahoogroups.com, "jonathanbogel" <jonathanbogel@...> wrote:
>
>
> Here is a short video of the shrine in Tepito, Mexico City, D.F. I
> mentioned earlier:
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgQftFWM41Q
> <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgQftFWM41Q>
>
>
> --- In 1curanderismo@yahoogroups.com, "Shadow Storm"
> <wintersagefire@> wrote:
> >
> > I find this to be extremely wonderful and thank you so very much for
> sharing this with us. It sounds like a wonderful way to draw closer to
> him and to also spread awareness of him.
> >
> > Curious can the same thing be done with Santa Muerte? How would the
> party for her be done if possible?
>

Hi all, has anyone worked with this saint .If yes what are the experiences with
him.
Thanks
Mike

Hello guys I would like to introduce myself to you guys in the group. I had a
problem because I had my settings to daily digest and couldnt understand what
that meant but I changed it to the other options,,,,
I have been in this group for a while and I wanted to make sure I reintroduce
myself again since I was out of town doing some spiritual work. But I am back
again

Well I am a Voodoo Priest initiated in Haiti
I have been practicing mediumship and root work (MAGIC, SPELLS) for over 30
years...
I have helped many people with many issues regarding all different type of
situations and I am also a practitioner of the truth...

Enough about me
I hope I can meet people who are exciting and also I hope I can learn as much
from this group and share some ideas as well..

I want to thank the owner of the group for the kindness of accepting me for
being a part of this group
and looking foward in connecting and meeting some good people on here

thanks so much

W.D. Smithers was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico in the year 1895. "A curandera
brought me into the world," Smithers once wrote, "and a curandera saved me, with
potions, prayers, and physical nourishment, from typhoid.

Smither's father worked as a bookkeeper for the American Smelting and Refining
Company in Mexico. "Our family curandera, Maria ... began each morning of my
illness with the gathering of dried and fresh medicinals at the markets. ... I
was administered donkey's milk and medicines made from plants that Maria
purchased from the vendors, who also sold such things as dried lizards, herbs,
small fish, insects, snakes, and the ground bones, horns, and hooves of
livestock."

The curandera's aid worked, and Smithers slowly recovered. Unfortunately his
mother, eight year old sister Anna and two brothers would all die before
Smither's 10th birthday.

Smither's went on to live quite an eventful and fruitful life. He decided to
become a photographer after a friend of his, Juan Vargas, died at the ripe old
age of 114. He wanted to capture the images and culture of Mexico and the Texas
border region that had vanished within the memories of Juan Vargas's mind when
he died. He wanted to preserve these things for future people to experience.

Smithers worked various jobs that gave him the opportunity to travel and see the
people and places that make up a culture. From working as a mule teamster based
out of San Antonio he handle his team of mules and traveled the rugged country
along the Texas/Mexico border, delivering supplies to troops and towns in the
area. A typical delivery would take Smithers from Eagle Pass to Del Rio and on
to Marfa. A slight distance of 275 miles by todays standards, but a nine day
rugged journey in 1916.

The border was a hostile place in the early 1900s. Pancho Villa was performing
raids in along the border. General Pershing was in pursuit of Pancho Villa after
his bold raid on Columbus, New Mexico. Smithers became part of the border
skirmishes when he joined the U.S. Calvary in 1917. After serving two years he
returned to driving mule teams along the rugged Texas/Mexico border.

All through his travels and times he documented life with photographs and
journals. While living in Big Bend, he would send photographs and articles to
the San Antonio Light newspaper via carrier pigeon, a 350 mile flight for the
bird. It took 10 hours and 15 minutes for the bird to make the flight.

Smithers shot more than 9,000 images in his lifetime, and together with his
notes and articles created one of the best archives of the borderlands. He died
in Albuquerque in 1981.

Maria has been experiencing problems ever since witnessing the sudden and
violent death of a relative while visiting Mexico for the holidays. She has been
to a psychotherapist three times and has found no relief from her anxiety, fear,
worry, and irritability. Maria appears sad and frightened to her friends and
relatives. This is affecting Maria's ability to sleep and her performance at
work. Maria and her family believe she is suffering from susto due to the
traumatic event she witnessed in Mexico. In her native state of Oaxaca, they
call Maria's condition "the spirit wanders outside."

Maria truly believes that her soul has left her. Maria and her family have
prayed to statues of Saint Michael the Archangel and others at their home altar,
asking that Maria's soul be protected from evil spirits. They spoke to the local
priest and he has blessed the statues for them. The priest also gave Maria holy
water to sprinkle on the area she sleeps at night. Maria's mother has been
calling her spirit back with the words, "Spirit of Maria, return to her. You
can't live without her." Maria's mother also contacted a well known curandera to
help Maria.

Maria has faith in the curandera's ability to help; the curandera will perform a
ceremony called barrida, or spiritual sweeping. Maria's family has told her that
the curandera is going to ask Maria to recount the details of her frightening
experience in Mexico. Then Maria will be asked to lie down on the floor on the
axis of a crucifix. The curandera is going to sweep her body with the fresh
herbs basil and purple sage, and an egg. Maria has faith that the curandera will
persuade her frightened soul to return to her body. Maria's faith in the
curandera is important.

Here is a short video of the shrine in Tepito, Mexico City, D.F. I mentioned earlier:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgQftFWM41Q

--- In 1curanderismo@yahoogroups.com, "Shadow Storm" <wintersagefire@...> wrote:
>
> I find this to be extremely wonderful and thank you so very much for sharing this with us. It sounds like a wonderful way to draw closer to him and to also spread awareness of him.
>
> Curious can the same thing be done with Santa Muerte? How would the party for her be done if possible?

I've seen large gatherings for Santa Muerte occur in Tepito, Mexico City, D.F..
They include what is called a Mass for Santa Muerte, mariachi bands, Danza
performers, individuals bringing their statues of Santa Muerte forward to be
blessed by the person who performed the Santa Muerte Mass, individuals
(including children with parents) coming forward to receive a blessing, and
persons bringing gifts forward to Santa Muerte. The original Santa Muerte shrine
in Tepito is where this big fiesta is held, it draws many people. The prayers
that were said at the Mass seem generic in nature and not prayers that stem from
a long standing tradition like the Maya have for Maximon. It seems reasonable
that a person could hold a similar festival in their home to a smaller scale.

--- In 1curanderismo@yahoogroups.com, "Shadow Storm" <wintersagefire@...> wrote:
>
> I find this to be extremely wonderful and thank you so very much for sharing
this with us. It sounds like a wonderful way to draw closer to him and to also
spread awareness of him.
>
> Curious can the same thing be done with Santa Muerte? How would the party for
her be done if possible?

I find this to be extremely wonderful and thank you so very much for sharing
this with us. It sounds like a wonderful way to draw closer to him and to also
spread awareness of him.

Curious can the same thing be done with Santa Muerte? How would the party for
her be done if possible?



--- In 1curanderismo@yahoogroups.com, "jonathanbogel" <jonathanbogel@...> wrote:
>
> You could host a party or fiesta in honor of San Simon. None of us could have
a celebration to compare to the one Maximon receives in the cofradia he belongs
to in Santiago Atitlan.
>
> The cofradia in Santiago Atitlan involves a calendrical ritual cycle that
requires special prayers, traditional sacred songs, a San Simon that has been
carved from a special tree and dressed by his cofradia. And the mask that San
Simon has worn for many years. This special mask is what some of the priests who
despise San Simon have stolen at times. Scandals have evolved around this mask
over the years. This mask is an important part of Maximon.
>
> But we can make a fine party for San Simon within the humble framework of our
own quarters, a party that will make San Simon and ourselves smile. Choose
someone to be San Simon's attendant all through the party. Place your San Simon
statue or image on a table against the Eastern wall. Have a nice metal can or
brazier with hot coals on the floor in front of San Simon. Make sure you have
plenty of copal incense to keep the smoke rising for San Simon. Someone besides
San Simon's attendant should be put in charge of the coals and incense to keep
them smoking all through the party. And don't forget to have something under
your metal can or brazier that will protect your quarters from catching on fire,
unless you have a concrete floor. A large stone, or a large metal container
turned upside down is what I use, should work well. Some candles in front of San
Simon are another element needed; the incense attendant can ensure candles stay
burning through the party. An offering dish for everyone to donate to San Simon
should be placed in front of his image or statue. It is important that San
Simon's money is only used for purchasing items for San Simon. Keep his money
separate from other money and if your borrow from San Simon his interest rates
are high, five-hundred percent is his standard interest rate, payable
as-soon-as-possible. San Simon will reward those who give freely and generously
to his desires, but he will also punish those who borrow and do not pay back. If
your San Simon statue has a place big enough for a cigar on his mouth, keep San
Simon well supplied with a burning cigar all through the party. Use a high
quality cigar and not some cheap imitation. If your statue is small and can only
support a cigarette, Marlboro is a favorite brand of San Simon, Marlboro red and
not the light version. If you have an image of San Simon, keep cigars burning in
an ash tray in front of his image. Have his attendant keep the ashes from his
cigar in order whether you are using an image or a statue. And his attendant
should keep his cigar or cigarette burning by puffing on it if needed. The
attendant can even blow smoke on San Simon from puffing on the tobacco. Have
plenty of liquor for your party so that all of your guests and San Simon can
drink freely. San Simon's attendant will actually be giving San Simon drinks
from his glass by removing his smoke from his mouth, and tipping the glass
against his mouth so that liquor flows onto his mouth. Don't worry about it
running down onto the table or onto San Simon's statue or image, it's a party,
you can clean up tomorrow. Just keeps the liquor flowing for San Simon and his
guests. The guests should be drinking the liquor straight just like San Simon.
Throw down a shot glass at a time in one swallow. Make sure your guests all have
plenty of cigarettes to smoke through the night. If you don't smoke, or have
quit smoking, it will be time to light up again. Don't insult San Simon by
refusing to smoke at his party. As the host you should have cigarettes or cigars
to hand out to all your guests. As a guest you should accept the tobacco and
smoke with San Simon. While visiting Maximon in Guatemala, many tourists make
the mistake of insulting San Simon and his cofradia by refusing the cigarettes
offered them. People should talk to San Simon throughout the party. They can
talk about whatever they like, just like you would an old friend. If they make
the proper donation, they can ask San Simon for help and ask him for money. It
would be nice if everyone that came to San Simon's party could leave him
one-hundred dollars or more. You set the time limit for the party; it can be for
as long or as short as you want.
>
>
>
> --- In 1curanderismo@yahoogroups.com, "Shadow Storm" <wintersagefire@> wrote:
> >
> > This was an interesting article. I pictured what the party would look like
and it brought a smile to my face. It sounds wonderful. How would one go about
doing this? Would one have to be a shaman or a curandero in order to host one?
Would you have more detailed information on this?
>

Here is a good video featuring San Simon/Maximon:

http://www.mesoweb.com/features/balancing/film/high.html

You could host a party or fiesta in honor of San Simon. None of us could have a
celebration to compare to the one Maximon receives in the cofradia he belongs to
in Santiago Atitlan.

The cofradia in Santiago Atitlan involves a calendrical ritual cycle that
requires special prayers, traditional sacred songs, a San Simon that has been
carved from a special tree and dressed by his cofradia. And the mask that San
Simon has worn for many years. This special mask is what some of the priests who
despise San Simon have stolen at times. Scandals have evolved around this mask
over the years. This mask is an important part of Maximon.

But we can make a fine party for San Simon within the humble framework of our
own quarters, a party that will make San Simon and ourselves smile. Choose
someone to be San Simon's attendant all through the party. Place your San Simon
statue or image on a table against the Eastern wall. Have a nice metal can or
brazier with hot coals on the floor in front of San Simon. Make sure you have
plenty of copal incense to keep the smoke rising for San Simon. Someone besides
San Simon's attendant should be put in charge of the coals and incense to keep
them smoking all through the party. And don't forget to have something under
your metal can or brazier that will protect your quarters from catching on fire,
unless you have a concrete floor. A large stone, or a large metal container
turned upside down is what I use, should work well. Some candles in front of San
Simon are another element needed; the incense attendant can ensure candles stay
burning through the party. An offering dish for everyone to donate to San Simon
should be placed in front of his image or statue. It is important that San
Simon's money is only used for purchasing items for San Simon. Keep his money
separate from other money and if your borrow from San Simon his interest rates
are high, five-hundred percent is his standard interest rate, payable
as-soon-as-possible. San Simon will reward those who give freely and generously
to his desires, but he will also punish those who borrow and do not pay back. If
your San Simon statue has a place big enough for a cigar on his mouth, keep San
Simon well supplied with a burning cigar all through the party. Use a high
quality cigar and not some cheap imitation. If your statue is small and can only
support a cigarette, Marlboro is a favorite brand of San Simon, Marlboro red and
not the light version. If you have an image of San Simon, keep cigars burning in
an ash tray in front of his image. Have his attendant keep the ashes from his
cigar in order whether you are using an image or a statue. And his attendant
should keep his cigar or cigarette burning by puffing on it if needed. The
attendant can even blow smoke on San Simon from puffing on the tobacco. Have
plenty of liquor for your party so that all of your guests and San Simon can
drink freely. San Simon's attendant will actually be giving San Simon drinks
from his glass by removing his smoke from his mouth, and tipping the glass
against his mouth so that liquor flows onto his mouth. Don't worry about it
running down onto the table or onto San Simon's statue or image, it's a party,
you can clean up tomorrow. Just keeps the liquor flowing for San Simon and his
guests. The guests should be drinking the liquor straight just like San Simon.
Throw down a shot glass at a time in one swallow. Make sure your guests all have
plenty of cigarettes to smoke through the night. If you don't smoke, or have
quit smoking, it will be time to light up again. Don't insult San Simon by
refusing to smoke at his party. As the host you should have cigarettes or cigars
to hand out to all your guests. As a guest you should accept the tobacco and
smoke with San Simon. While visiting Maximon in Guatemala, many tourists make
the mistake of insulting San Simon and his cofradia by refusing the cigarettes
offered them. People should talk to San Simon throughout the party. They can
talk about whatever they like, just like you would an old friend. If they make
the proper donation, they can ask San Simon for help and ask him for money. It
would be nice if everyone that came to San Simon's party could leave him
one-hundred dollars or more. You set the time limit for the party; it can be for
as long or as short as you want.



--- In 1curanderismo@yahoogroups.com, "Shadow Storm" <wintersagefire@...> wrote:
>
> This was an interesting article. I pictured what the party would look like and
it brought a smile to my face. It sounds wonderful. How would one go about doing
this? Would one have to be a shaman or a curandero in order to host one? Would
you have more detailed information on this?

This was an interesting article. I pictured what the party would look like and
it brought a smile to my face. It sounds wonderful. How would one go about doing
this? Would one have to be a shaman or a curandero in order to host one? Would
you have more detailed information on this?

Thanks




--- In 1curanderismo@yahoogroups.com, "jonathanbogel" <jonathanbogel@...> wrote:
>
> San Simon is a very popular Folk Saint with his roots in Guatemala. He is also
called Maximon and Mam by the Maya of Guatemala. He is a real playboy in that he
loves womanizing and encouraging such activity. But then he might turn around
and be called upon to punish someone who has cheated on their spouse. Even
though he has twelve wives himself, all of them named Maria; he has been known
to punish others for their infidelity when paid proper respect by someone who
has been the victim of an unfaithful spouse.
>
> San Simon has been called the avatar of the Ancient Maya Sun God. I guess his
twelve wives named Maria are the twelve cycles of the moon in a solar year. The
sun and gold have a close relationship in Latin American cultures. And San Simon
loves money to be paid to him, especially in the form of gold coins. His well
stock wardrobe is always in need of newer fabrics, hats, scarves, and boots. I
have given San Simon gold coinage myself and found that he immediately responds
with his approval. San Simon always rewards those who give him money.
>
> San Simon is always ready for a good party in his honor. Plenty of rum and
tobacco will be needed for San Simon and all his guests. Copal incense smoke is
also a must so that the air is thick. San Simon's attendant will stand by to
remove the ashes from his cigar and keep his liquor glass full. Some of the
guests at the party will be favored by having rum sprayed into their face by the
officiating curandero or shaman. Smoking is an age old tradition in the
Americas. The Spaniards were shocked to see the Native Americans blowing smoke
from their mouths. They thought only the Devil could blow smoke like that, since
he was burning up inside. As a faithful follower of San Simon, tobacco is always
part of my daily rituals.
>
> Santiago Atitlan in Guatemala is the heart of San Simon country. Not all of
the priests that have served the community have had a very high regard for San
Simon. Some have called him Judas Iscariot, to which some local devotees have
replied, "Then we will be followers of Judas and you can go elsewhere!"
>
> Eventually an understanding priest, Father Stanley, came to lead the Santiago
Atitlan congregation. He had the cathedral in Santiago Atitlan restored and
allowed a carving of San Simon to be included on the wood that makes up the huge
altar. For his kindness to the local Maya, Father Stanley was rewarded by being
stabbed to death in the rectory by a Guatemalan government death squad. His body
was shipped back to the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City (Santiago Atitlan's
Diocese), after his heart was removed (by his followers in Santiago Atitlan) and
buried in the church.
>
> San Simon may be devilish in his ways. His appearance does resemble a Spanish
finca (plantation) owner, like the ones who so often took advantage of the poor
and humble Maya. Dressed in black from head to toe, he brings to mind the many
folktales of the Devil in Mexico and the Southwest USA. But devilish or not, he
is a force in the lives of many people far beyond his beginnings in Guatemala.
Botanicas across the Americas have statues and images of San Simon waiting to be
taken home and venerated.
>

San Simon is a very popular Folk Saint with his roots in Guatemala. He is also
called Maximon and Mam by the Maya of Guatemala. He is a real playboy in that he
loves womanizing and encouraging such activity. But then he might turn around
and be called upon to punish someone who has cheated on their spouse. Even
though he has twelve wives himself, all of them named Maria; he has been known
to punish others for their infidelity when paid proper respect by someone who
has been the victim of an unfaithful spouse.

San Simon has been called the avatar of the Ancient Maya Sun God. I guess his
twelve wives named Maria are the twelve cycles of the moon in a solar year. The
sun and gold have a close relationship in Latin American cultures. And San Simon
loves money to be paid to him, especially in the form of gold coins. His well
stock wardrobe is always in need of newer fabrics, hats, scarves, and boots. I
have given San Simon gold coinage myself and found that he immediately responds
with his approval. San Simon always rewards those who give him money.

San Simon is always ready for a good party in his honor. Plenty of rum and
tobacco will be needed for San Simon and all his guests. Copal incense smoke is
also a must so that the air is thick. San Simon's attendant will stand by to
remove the ashes from his cigar and keep his liquor glass full. Some of the
guests at the party will be favored by having rum sprayed into their face by the
officiating curandero or shaman. Smoking is an age old tradition in the
Americas. The Spaniards were shocked to see the Native Americans blowing smoke
from their mouths. They thought only the Devil could blow smoke like that, since
he was burning up inside. As a faithful follower of San Simon, tobacco is always
part of my daily rituals.

Santiago Atitlan in Guatemala is the heart of San Simon country. Not all of the
priests that have served the community have had a very high regard for San
Simon. Some have called him Judas Iscariot, to which some local devotees have
replied, "Then we will be followers of Judas and you can go elsewhere!"

Eventually an understanding priest, Father Stanley, came to lead the Santiago
Atitlan congregation. He had the cathedral in Santiago Atitlan restored and
allowed a carving of San Simon to be included on the wood that makes up the huge
altar. For his kindness to the local Maya, Father Stanley was rewarded by being
stabbed to death in the rectory by a Guatemalan government death squad. His body
was shipped back to the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City (Santiago Atitlan's
Diocese), after his heart was removed (by his followers in Santiago Atitlan) and
buried in the church.

San Simon may be devilish in his ways. His appearance does resemble a Spanish
finca (plantation) owner, like the ones who so often took advantage of the poor
and humble Maya. Dressed in black from head to toe, he brings to mind the many
folktales of the Devil in Mexico and the Southwest USA. But devilish or not, he
is a force in the lives of many people far beyond his beginnings in Guatemala.
Botanicas across the Americas have statues and images of San Simon waiting to be
taken home and venerated.

Miguel was diagnosed with cancer and became distressed. He told his wife of his
feelings of fear, worry, and panic. He also was not motivated to pursue
conventional medical treatment, going against his doctor's wishes. He began
praying to El Niño Fidencio and made a promesa (promise) to the saint to make a
pilgrimage to El Ezpinazo, a shrine in Mexico dedicated to El Niño, if he helps
Miguel get better.  While praying to El Niño Fidencio in the presence of a
materia (medium), Miguel had a beatific vision. Miguel saw El Niño with angels,
saints, and the Virgin. The Virgin gave El Niño Fidencio a bowl of water for
Miguel to drink. The water made Miguel feel better, more energy and less pain in
the location of his tumor. Miguel prays to El Niño every Sunday in church and
attends meetings of a Fidencista group (believers in El Niño). The Fidencista
group performs rituals that are very uplifting for Miguel. Miguel carries an El
Niño Fidencio prayer card which he recites several times a day and wears a
blessed scapular that invokes the presence of El Niño Fidencio.