Saint Dymphna

Tomorrow marks the feast of the glorious Saint Dymphna. Dymphna is the patron St of mental illness and is petitioned for her intercession in cases of this nature. Dymphna was an Irish princess born in the 7^th century. Her mother was devoutly Christian and placed her in the spiritual care of a nun who taught her to read the bible.

After the death of her mother her father, a pagan king of Orie, suffered a great depression and deterioration of his mental health. He sent out servants to find a woman who looked like his wife and when none could be found began to covert his daughter. Dymphna was deeply Christian and on discovering her father’s plan to marry her she fled the kingdom with Father Gerebernus and two Christian servants. They took a boat and sailed to the continent ending up in the small town of Gheel. Furious, her father and his men tracked her down and killed the Priest the servants and finally, in a fit of rage at her refusal to return with him, he killed Dymphna too!

Dymphna and Father Gerebernus were buried in a cave in Gheel by the local residents and it is said when they decided to move the bodies to a more suitable location they were both found interred in stone coffins, both marked with a red tile baring their names.

Miracles and cures began to take place and Dymphna’s fame spread rapidly from country to country. Relics were applied to patients who became healed and novenas were created in her honour.in the 13^th century a radical institute was set up in Gheel where the mentally ill were placed in the care of families in the village.

Dymphna has a huge power of intercession when it comes to depression, mental health issues and nervous disorders.  This Virgin child truly is a wonderworker. 

For mental clarity, to lift a depression and to ease the mind

Take a large glass bowl and fill it with a cup of rain water, a cup of holy water and half a cup of lavender cologne and half a cup of eau de cologne or Florida water. Next boil 2 cups of water on the stove to this water add a handful of lemon peel and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes, remove it from the heat, cool and strain and add to the bowl.

When all the liquids are combined take an image or medal of Dymphna and add it to the waters. Before it light a pale blue candle and pray

“You are celebrated St. Dymphna, for your goodness to others. Both in your lifetime, and even more in the ages past, you have again and again demonstrated your concern for those who are mentally disturbed or emotionally troubled. Kindly secure for me, then, some measure of your own serene love, and ask our Lord to lend me his help. Amen.”    

Allow the candle to burn down and take the water to the bath room, hold your head over the bath and pour the liquid over your head in three parts saying “By God, By Mary, By St Dymphna”  wrap your head in a white towel and relax somewhere  

We will be holding a Vigil for St Dymphna at the St Martha Botianca tomorrow. If you would like lights set for you or someone else please email us with your prayer request and we will be happy to oblige. theoccultconsultancy@yahoo.co.uk

Book Reviews

We’ve never done a book review before but we simply couldn’t resist talking about these two treasures! 

The first is the Book of Gold by David Rankine and Paul Harry Barron ( http://avaloniapress.com )

This book contains a wealth of practical information so useful to the Hoodoo Community. The book comes from a 17^th century French manuscript and is literally a Psalm spell book, containing numerous easily employable charms, amulets and tricks.

The power of the psalms is well documented in Hoodoo and we found it fascinating that the mass produced “Hoodoo pamphlets” from the 1920’s onwards have drawn heavily from this little known Grimoire. There are charms throughout the book that are still in use by Root Workers today and some that they will want to try!      

Rankine and Barron run a commentary throughout packed with information and references, along with incredibly handy appendices making the book simple to reference. The Book of Gold truly is lives up to its name, a 17^th Century manual that is still beneficial and more importantly usable in modern times, brilliantly researched and wonderfully put together. The Book of Gold is truly worth its weight!

The second book we can’t speak highly enough of is the Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints and Sages by the wonderful Judika Illes (Harper Collins,  http://judikailles.com/ )

Illes has painstakingly compiled this huge compendium giving descriptions of what makes a Saint and a handy guide for working through the book. Illes’ research is flawless, giving descriptions the lives of the Saints when they walked on earth and speaks in depth about their powers of intercession from the otherworld.

Illes has not just included recognised Catholic Saints in this book but also the unofficial folk Saints, Narco saints, Sufi Saints, Jewish Saints and a whole host of others! Where applicable Illes includes tricks and charms that the Saints can help with, she has included epithets, Folk magic and a whole host of useful tid-bits that will keep you fascinated.

I have met Judika Illes at the Occult conference this year and had numerous in depth discussions with her about this book and Saints in general, meeting her and experiencing her amazing passion for her work I can honestly say people interested in Hoodoo, Folk magic or working with Saints need this book. Judika’s effort, intelligence and above all her passion are visible on every page.                  

Chief Black Hawk

Many months ago in the early hours of the morning we began a séance with some friends in the Saint Martha Botanica. We had some friends staying and we wanted to speak to previous occupants and some of the spirits of the building. The séance was a complete success as at the end of our session Marie Leveau took full possession. What was interesting was that before she did we noticed the spirit of a man pacing the room with his back to the wall. During her possession another member of the group was possessed by a spirit who went about the room performing a cleansing and making gestures in the style of a Native American.
When asked who this spirit was Marie responded “his name is Black Hawk, that is what you would calling him”. The spirit of Chief Black Hawk is found heavily employed in the Churches of New Orleans spiritualism.


Black Hawk or “Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak” to use his native was born in 1767 in Saukenuk in Illinois. There is very little known about his youth, his Father was the medicine man of the tribe who died when Black Hawk was about 19 from fatal injuries gained from a battle with the Osages. During the war in 1812 Black Hawk fought on the side of the British. He is most famous for the “Black Hawk war” which was in effect a war against the territory laws drawn up in 1804 and went on for 4 months during the year of 1832. Black Hawk lead masses of troops into skirmishes and massacres. During what is traditionally known as the Tour of the East Black Hawk was captured and held in prison for a number of weeks before his release. He recounted his life to many people and died in his 70’s on October 3rd.

During the rise of spiritualism in the early 1920’s Mother Leafy Anderson opened her spiritual church and Black Hawk became one of her guides. As a spirit guide he served the congregation well. He was a hard working powerful spirit who was later aadopted by Anderson successor Mother Catherine Seals. When Seals died Black Hawk became elevated to a powerful spirit who could aid those in need of his help.

I have only very recently installed Black Hawk in the store. Traditionally the tools to work with Black Hawk are placed in a bucket of sand or dirt. Some workers say that there are special blends of dirt that must be adhered to whilst others say that it should just be filled with sand. I have gone for a combination of both. One thing remains true regardless of what base you chose to use, where that dirt goes Black Hawk will follow. The dirt or sand can be employed in the same way as graveyard dirt, sending the spirit to where it is scattered.

On top of this is placed an image of him, I am not a fan of the Cherokee style statues as Black Hawk fought against them and as a result my partner very kindly made me the statue you see in the picture. Black Hawk is given tools to empower him, A knife, a pipe, an axe, shells, stones and other items to give him strength. The bucket is somewhat like a Nganga in Palo, work is done in it, tools go in to it and it becomes a spirit house for him.

Offering for him include fruit, red beans and rice, tobacco, beads and water. He is called upon for many different matters but specialises in protection, cleansings, legal matters as well as controlling and guarding your perimeters.

We will be adding Black Hawk to the shrine pages on our website and people are welcome to make offerings to him in store.

La Madama

La Madama Doll

The Madama’s are a family of spirits found in Espiritismo, one of the spiritual practices found in South America. These particular spirits are the patrons of bone readers, playing card readers and Conjure Doctors. Many professional Root workers call on the Madama spirits for aid when dealing with clients or performing readings for the public.

They are traditionally believed to be the elevated spirits of old house slaves, the spirits of old Conjure Women who now aid the living with their issues and problems. They give advise on all areas of life and are fiercely protective of those they like.

Madama’s carry many implements for their work; all Madama’s have a broom or brush for cleansing and clearing. Madama’s have the power to brush away curses and remove crossed conditions, these spirits are fantastic at cleansing's and work to rid people and places of any negativity, so long as they are treated well!

Along with the broom Madama’s carry certain tools. As the patron of card reader the Madama’s carry playing cards to divine the outcomes of situations and to read for their clients. They carry a stick of chalk to mark out their work, to draw symbols and create magical symbols and seals. Madama’s often carry a knife to prepare ingredients and also to pin down the work they perform. It is also said that the dolls of Madama’s have a wooden cross about their person that stores their power!

As we as being excellent diviners and healers Madama’s have many other talents, they are brilliant at making and keeping money, blessing people, commanding and compelling people, opening roads and offering success. She helps readers and Root-workers improve their talents and tricks.

To work with Madama set up a shrine with a white, orange or red cloth and place a doll or statue of her on top of it. Before the statue place a glass of cold water, a vigil candle and one of their favoured offerings. The traditional offerings to the Madama’s are strong spirits, small bowls of brown sugar or molasses, black treacle, bowls of cooked rice, home-cooked meals and black coffee. The Madama’s also enjoy tobacco, so cigarettes and cigars. It is said if you ask her for a favour you should always give her nine coloured silks as payment for her work.

Remember, each Madama is different and enjoy different things. One Madama may love Marmalade on toast whilst another may love boiled eggs! As you get to know your Madama so you will come to learn what she likes, you my also be lucky enough to learn the name of the Madama you re working with. Madama’s work incredibly hard and should be rewarded for their efforts. Treat her well, little and very often and she will look out for you.           

The Madama Doll, (photograph)

This doll has been prepared in accordance with tradition. She has been dressed in secret oils and powdered with special herbs. This Madama holds a broom made of lavender stalks for cleansing and peace.

In her apron she has a stick of chalk for drawing out her secret symbols and a deck of miniature cards for performing readings. In her hand she holds a copper knife for pinning down her work, the handle of which is bound in pine pitch.

The doll is dressed in her favourite colours, orange and white and has been entirely hand stitched. Around her neck she wears a wooden cross that holds her power and this should not be removed. .   

Concerning Relics

To dissuade gossip by the arrogant and ill informed – here a quick note on relics – one of the catholic churches most interesting traditions of saintly veneration, and objects we are lucky enough to possess at the consultancy HQ.

Relics come in various degrees:

Skull of St Vitalus - 1st Degree Relic

1^st Degree – These relics are actually part of the person (or object) – such as bones, hair or teeth. These are “magically” the most potent relics and by far the most revered. They are often housed in elaborate reliquaries and found in churches, monasteries or in the possession of trusted priests. The veneration of this kind of relic has obvious parallels with ancestor worship as seen in cultures all over the world. Relics of the true cross are examples of non-human relic  that come up from time to time.

Holy card with 2nd degree relic of Saint Philomena

2^nd Degree – These are objects belonging to the saint – usually clothing, but also things that they kept about their person during their life times, such as their bible or their crucifix., 2^nd degree relics come to light far less regularly than those of the 1^st and 3^rd. An example of this kind of relic is the vestments used to dress the bones of Saint Philomena, which are periodically changed, the old ones being cut up and distributed amongst the faithful. 

3rd class relic of Saint Francis Cabrini

3^rd  Degree – These relics are objects that have been touched to either a 1^st or 2^nd degree relic and blessed by a priest.  They are the most numerous and can be found attached to commercially available saint-medals (the price paid in this case is for the medal, and the relic is given freely). They usually take the shape of tiny fragments of linen or cotton, preserved in resin or glass – though there is no reason that any object cannot become a third degree relic.

Now – it is against the code of cannon laws to accept money for ANY relic – the same goes for holy water – as such sacred objects should be given freely to any that desire them, for their spiritual well being  and to strengthen connection with the divine. As such, WE AT THE OCCULT CONSULTANCY/St MARTHA BOTANICA DO NOT CHARGE FOR RELICS WE PASS ON TO OUR CUSTOMERS. Not only does it diminish their power but also breaks the holy laws of the tradition which surrounds them. We will NEVER ask for money for relics, nor have we ever done so in past.  9 times out of 10 we will also cover the cost of postage, so that NO money changes hands whatsoever.

We are very lucky that from time to time catholic priests have bought 1^st degree relics and blessed cloth for us, we have never made a secret of this and have open offered these to anyone who asks, free of charge. The same goes for holy water and blessed salt.  We are very lucky to be in the position to offer these objects to people who truly need them, and consider it an honor to be able to do so. 

I will not have our name besmirched by those too arrogant to even come and speak to us – we have never made a secret of how we operate and will quite happily sit down with people and talk about what we do – if you’re good, you might even get a cuppa out of it. 

Thank You

Jack – The (Usually) Silent One

Five Finger Grass

One of the staple ingredients that I employ in a lot of my work is five-finger grass. Five-finger grass is said to be able to accomplish anything that the hand can! It is employed to draw luck in gambling, to bring money and love, to protect from evil, to gain favours from others and to sweep away curses. 

Here are a few tricks you can employ to use five-finger grass:

Five finger grass oil

Take 1 cup of oil and two cups of five-finger grass powder and mix them together in a jar, seal the jar and allow it to sit it a warm dry place for two weeks. Strain the oil off and add another cup of the grass powder. Allow it to steep for another week and then strain. This oil can be employed in spiritual baths, used to feed mojo’s or added to spell bottles or honey jars for an extra boost.

Lucky gamblers powder

This is a very simple mix that is dusted over the hands before playing cards. Take 5 pinches of cinnamon powder, five pinches of chamomile powder, five pinches of sugar, five pinches of arrowroot and a five finger-grass leaf. Grind these to a fine powder and dust it over your hands before you begin gambling. Clap 5 times and say “lucky 5 fingers, lucky 5 hands”

To draw money into a home or business

Dry five-finger grass and put it in a bag along with a lodestone or magnet, hang this above the front door. You can also employ an infusion made from 1 cup of the grass boiled in 4 cups of water. Boil this for five minutes and remove from the heat. The resulting tea is then strained and poured over the doorstep starting from furthest away and working in to the home.

I also employ this tea in business floor wash, pour the tea in a bucket of water along with a little cinnamon powder, a little allspice powder and a splash of eau de cologne and a splash of liquid soap. Use this water to scrub down the pavement outside your business and also to scrub your doorstep down. Traditionally whilst you do this you would recite psalm 72

An unusual charm employed by a friend is New Orleans is to have a copy of psalm 108 painted on a board or plank. Each week anoint the whole plank with five-finger grass oil and hang it behind the door.

To summon a lover

In a red cloth bag place a lodestone, the head of a dried red rose and 5 leaves of five-finger grass anointed with “come to me boy/girl oil”. Seal the bag and dress it by crossing it with “love oil”. Pray psalm 65 over it.

Bath to summon a lover

On a clean red flannel place a heap of five-finger grass, several large pinches of Orris root powder, several large pinches of gentian root and a pinch or two of rose petals, anoint the pile with a few drops of “Dixie John oil” if you a female or “High John oil” if you wish to attract a partner of the same sex use “Q perfume”.. Tie the corners up and throw the bundle into a bath of water. Soak in the tub for about half an hour, you may wish to burn a red candle anointed with five-finger grass oil on the side of the tub whilst you bath.

To gain favours from others

Place some of the crushed grass in a small handkerchief and tie the corners up dab this bundle with “helping hand oil” when you ask the favour squeeze the bag and they wont be able to deny you!

To protect from evil

Mix fiery wall powder with steel shot and five-finger grass and pour it in two matching bottles. Stopper the bottles and place one by the front door and one by the back door.

To remove jinxes

Mix together blessed salt, holy water, Five-finger Grass, Agrimony, Rue and Sage in a bottle, top the bottle up with clean spring water and a little Florida water and a dash of Eau de cologne, allow the herbs to soak in the bottle for a few hours. To a bath of warm water add a handful of bicarb and a handful of Epsom salt soak in the bath and before you exit the bath pour the bottle of water over your head in 7 parts.

Five Finger Grass Offer

If you want to try out  any of these tricks for yourself, we are currently offering 50g of Five Finger Grass for £5.00 (price includes postage) on our website. Follow this link [link] and scroll right to the bottom of the page to purchase.

They've put the Voodoo on me!

We’ve come to notice a change in trends at the Consultancy this year when it comes to curses. Clients and customers approach us on a weekly basis claiming, sometimes legitimately, that they are under a curse. For the consultancy dealing with a genuine curse is a very rare thing, in all honesty I think we see two maybe three legitimate cases a year. Yet the number of people who believe them selves to be cursed never diminishes and the cause of the belief is always the same “I had a reading”.

Now, a run of bad luck, cross up conditions or closed roads doesn’t mean that someone has cursed you. There are numerous reasons these things can happen for example stress, illness, spiritual grime from being around the wrong people or place, day to day spiritual debris or God forbid just simply old-fashioned bad luck.

What interests us the most is how these Faux-curses come into being and what the people who approach us have been told. Here is an incredibly typical case study

Anne goes for a reading with Madame X, Madame X has an impressive advert loosely stating ambiguous qualifications and qualities and Anne books a reading with her. Madame X’s reading isn’t very long and doesn’t really pin point many facts about the person’s life. Madame X says deep and meaningful things to Anne like “you have been hurt in the past” and “there is some sort of tension in your relationship”. The reading begins to fizzle and Madame X asks “you have a questions don’t you?” “Yes” says Anne “Why are things going so badly for me?” and instead of saying “you need to change your job”, or “you need to consult someone about having a cleansing” Madame X says “you have been cursed!”. Now what is interesting about this is Madame X in her infinite new age wisdom can tell poor Anne what type of curse this is “It’s Voodoo” she says. "Your partners ex, mother in law, ex best friend (delete as applicable) has paid someone to do this"

Last year the folks that came to the store all had had a reading where they were told they'd be cursed and the only difference between this year and last year was the type of curse, last year the Romany Gypsies were the culprits, this year it’s the Voodoo’s. The Voodoo community in Britain is relatively small and there are not that many priests (Houngan’s) or Priestesses (Mambo’s) commercially working. There are a small number of Hoodoo’s working commercially and the two are still very easily confused. I know a great number of workers from other traditions in this country and they have strict ethical codes and don’t perform curses on request without excellent reason. So why Voodoo? Because there are still misconceptions? because its shocking and helps Madame X secure that extra tip? Or because it’s simpler than actually looking at the roots of the problem?   

If you receive a reading and you are told you are cursed think long and hard about it, get a second opinion and if you genuinely are cursed take the necessary step to having it removed. Spiritual baths, Novena candles and cleansing rituals all work to eliminate crossed conditions.     

This week we at the consultancy have become the accused! Claims laid that we have employed Wanga (the magic of Voodoo) to curse someone we have nothing to do with. The claim is ludicrous and hilarious, firstly the Lwa are not asked for things in our house unless it’s a personal matter. Secondly we have no reason to curse said person yet because she has had a reading and knows about the religious convictions of members of the consultancy she has assumed it is us! We operate a strict ethical code at the consultancy and although we are perfectly capable of throwing curses its very rare we do.    

Uncrossing bath

To remove a curse try this, bring 13 cups of water to the boil and add to it 1 handful of the following, Agrimony, sage and hyssop and as it boils recite psalm 69 over it. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool, once cool strain the mixture into a large bowl and add a handful of rock salt to it. Stand in a bath tub and pour this mixture over your head in seven parts. Perform this bath for seven days and the jinx should be removed. You should then look at your protection to make sure this doesn’t happen again