Voodoo News

Gris Gris Ain't Just a Mojo Bag

2011-04-27T21:39:00.000-05:00

It's true, gris gris ain't just a mojo bag, though there are many who seem to think otherwise. But those of us who grew up in New Orleans and in the New Orleans Voodoo tradition, we know there's much more to it than a few items of conjure in a red flannel bag.

Gris Gris Ain't Just a Mojo Bag

Amazon.com: Hoodoo & Conjure Quarterly: A Journal of the Magickal Arts with a Special Focus on New Orleans Voodoo, Hoodoo, Folk Magic and Folklore (Volume 1) (9781456484675): Sharon Marino, Denise Alvarado, Don Alvarado, Karen Miranda Augustine, Chad C. Balthazar, Ricardo Pustanio, Mathew Venus, Brandon Davidson, Madrina Angelique, H. Byron Ballard, Papa Curtis, Aaron Leitch, Dorothy Morrison, Alyne Pustanio, Matthew Venus, Carolina Dean: Books

2011-04-21T01:24:00.000-05:00

The fist hoodoo magazine ever published presented by some serious practitioners and authors. You have got to check it out!

Amazon.com: Hoodoo & Conjure Quarterly: A Journal of the Magickal Arts with a Special Focus on New Orleans Voodoo, Hoodoo, Folk Magic and Folklore (Volume 1) (9781456484675): Sharon Marino, Denise Alvarado, Don Alvarado, Karen Miranda Augustine, Chad C. Balthazar, Ricardo Pustanio, Mathew Venus, Brandon Davidson, Madrina Angelique, H. Byron Ballard, Papa Curtis, Aaron Leitch, Dorothy Morrison, Alyne Pustanio, Matthew Venus, Carolina Dean: Books

Fishzilla? Really??? What's really up with the Snakehead Fish?

2010-07-23T09:51:00.000-05:00

Watch out! Now there's a fish that can breathe air and walk on land and he just might be coming out of the water to eat you! I'm talking about the Snakehead fish that is causing such a controversy and mass hysteria nowadays. It is one of the most googled search terms and stories about it abound. This fish is called a snakehead because some genius thought its head looks so much like a snake that it could be mistaken as one. I don't know, maybe its because I grew up with snakes but, it doesn't look much like one to me. National Geographic calls it "Fishzilla" in its documentary about the invasion of the species. Still, the name Fishzilla conjures up images of a big monster but the Snakehead only gets 2 to 3 feet long apparently. I guess the name refers to its status as a top level predator, meaning it has no natural enemies outside of its natural environment. Some scientists are debunking popular myths about the immediate crisis and its scary characteristics, indicating hysteria is simply not warranted.

Thirteen indigenous Grandmothers Have a Message For Us All

2009-11-03T17:42:00.001-06:00

13 Indigenous Grandmothers, shamans and medicine women from around the world have been called together to share their sacred wisdom and practices. Can they light the way for us to a peaceful and sustainable planet?

Through the years, they've become teachers and icons who are galvanizing and uniting a rapidly emerging global movement. They are awakening people to the urgent need for change if we are to survive on this planet. But they are not using fear as a weapon. They are offering us hope. What many people see as a threat, they see as an opportunity. They show us that by going back to the ancient and time-proven earth-based traditions and practices of our Indigenous people, we will be able to break away from our destructive habits and make the changes necessary for our survival.

Grandmother Bernadette's Story from Laughing Willow on Vimeo.

Voodoo Doll Beware!

2009-07-15T01:05:00.004-05:00

Beware the voodoo doll - this is an interesting article one of my loyal Voodoo Muse subscribers called to my attention. It is from the Trinidad and Tobago Express, and written by Carolyn Kissoon who can be reached at ckissoon@trinidadexpress.com.

Tuesday, May 12th 2009

OBJECT OF FEAR: It looks a bit like the gingerbread man but the discovery of this "doll" in the front yard of a home at Broomage Settlement, Princes Town, caused fear in the village, with some believing it would bring evil. Here, a villager keeps his distance from the "voodoo doll". -Photos: DAVE PERSAD

There are those among us who believe that very bad things are always waiting to do us in. Not accidents and through any fault of our own, but events perpetrated by evil things called up by evil-doers bent on causing us misery.

Few will admit to how open we are to believing that a dollop of dirt or flowers or coin found in our front yard is the work of the obeahman. Fewer will reveal how often we turn to priest or pundit or our own dark arts wizards to repel the spells cast upon us.

Which is why when a family at Broomage Settlement No 1, Princes Town awoke to find a doll lying in the front yard, fear superseded every other emotion.

The doll was fashioned out of flour, rice, milk and seeds, the same ingredients used in Hindu observances when there is a death.

The man for whom the voodoo doll was meant to hurt, was dead within a year - felled by a heart attack.

For those who believe, it is a powerful mystical practice that can bring spectacular gifts and rewards to anyone willing to place their destiny in the hands of spirits, who await the call of service.

The voodoo doll has African origins, the belief brought to Haiti by slaves. The doll represents the spirit of a specific person and powers are invoked requesting a change in attitude, influencing the person to act in accordance with someone's wishes or desires.

The dolls, which can be used for good, are mostly known to cast evil spells and to cause physical harm.

They are fashioned out of grass, cloth, mud or wood and a personal item belonging to the intended victim is usually attached.

In the case of the Princes Town family, the doll was placed in the driveway of their home, the name of the "victim" on its abdomen. It looked like a teddy bear and was actually made of flour dough mixed with milk and ground rice and seeds - ingredients used during the Hindu prayers held a week after a death.

A painted pepper represented a penis.

The family's pundit said the doll represented something evil. He performed rituals to neutralise the dark and told the family to burn the effigy.

But the 66-year-old man was unsure he wanted to burn it and the holyman took the doll away.

The man's son, whose named was scrawled across the effigy, suffered severe headaches and fever.

Months later a crumpled piece of paper was found outside the house. Inside was a blue substance, believed to be an act of black magic.

On Fathers' Day the following year, the owner of the house suffered a sudden heart attack. "I don't want to point fingers but his death was a mystery. He was really good the night before and when he got up the morning he could not breathe. My son took him to the health facility where he just died," his wife said yesterday.

Up to this day the family continues to perform prayer services to ward off evil spirits. It happened again this year.

Two weeks after murdered mechanic, Nigel Allen's tombstone was painted black, his twin sister received a voodoo doll in a coffin filled with dirt at her workplace.

She received the mysterious package with a threatening postcard. The postcard read: "You are your brothers keeper. The wages of sin is "DEATH". Time to meet your brother NYO."

The note was written in red ink. To some it was prank to scare the woman into dropping the murder investigations, but many warned that it was black magic practice to get rid of Allen's sister.

Natalie Allen said she was not intimidated by the act. It is estimated that Voodoo has over 50 million followers worldwide. Voodoo flourishes in Brazil, Trinidad, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, New Orleans and in private homes in every country in the world.

Voodoo believers accept the existence of one god. Below this almighty God, spirits (Loa) rule over the world's affairs in matters of family, love, happiness, justice, wealth, revenge.

For anyone who is searching for a solution to a difficult problem, who is trying to mend a conflict, return a lover, accumulate wealth... the Loa await your call.

To read the very interesting comments to this article, check them out here: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161476097

To really learn about the origins and meanings of Voodoo dolls, check out this book: Voodoo Dolls In Magick And Ritual

The Conficker Worm: A Cyber Worm of Mass Destruction?

2009-03-31T13:00:00.006-05:00

As if we don't have enough to worry about in today's economic environment, some brilliant kid out of Russia decides to create the mega worm of worms - the Conficker worm. This worm has infected thousands of computers and is laying dormant until April first, when it is reportedly supposed to be activated. Check out the story below for details.

Race to Witch Mountian Races to No. 1

2009-03-19T16:55:00.002-05:00

'Race to Witch Mountain' races to No. 1 at the weekend box office, bypassing expectations with 25 million dollars in ticket sales. Stars Duane Johnson. (March 16)

Weird, True, and Freaky! The Origin of the Modern-day Voodoo Doll

2009-03-04T19:22:00.004-06:00

For_Immediate_Release:

United States of America (Press Release) March 4, 2009 --
Mysterious and provocative, the foremost reigning icon of African derived religions in the minds of the Western world is the Voodoo doll. Images of ugly pin-sticking dolls used for hexing your neighbor and summoning evil spirits, satanic evil-doers engaging in bloody sacrifices, brain-eating zombies, rock music and drugs, sexual promiscuity and homosexuality, the occult, Voodoo, and demonism--they all go together in the minds of the general public, thanks to Hollywood and sensational novels. Very few things have the potential to create as much fear, panic, and paranoia as the discovery of a Voodoo doll lying on the front steps of home sweet home.

But how threatening can a doll be? Using a Voodoo doll is not like holding a gun to someone’s head, after all. On the other hand, Voodoo dolls are quite possibly worse, because to the uninformed they symbolize a war waged against your very soul. And, how can you defend yourself against that?
Using dolls and effigies in sympathetic magic rituals is as old as humankind. More often than not, ritual dolls and effigies were used for healing, fertility, and empowerment. In some cultures such as ancient Greece, they were used to bind enemies. European poppets were widely used in folk magic and witchcraft to curse an enemy. Other types of dolls were used in harvest customs and burial rites, made as talismans, or used as teaching aids for children.

In New Orleans, Voodoo dolls are largely sold as souvenirs, curios, and novelty items. For the most part, people who purchase a Voodoo doll will keep it around as a warm and fuzzy reminder of New Orleans, the Land of Voodoo.

So how did we get from objects of empowerment, spirituality, and souvenir to evil minions of hell? To answer this question requires a brief jaunt into the sociopolitical history of our country. And that is exactly what author Denise Alvarado does in her fascinating new book, "Voodoo Dolls in Magick and Ritual."

Voodoo dolls are perhaps the most misunderstood icon of any religion. According to the author, the prevailing negative stereotypes are as much the result of racism as slavery is.

For the first time anywhere, explore the history, mystery, & magick of Voodoo Dolls in this fascinating new book. Tracing the Voodoo doll’s roots back in time, this book provides a fascinating account of the most provocative and mystifying icon of the African-derived healing tradition of Creole Voodoo. The author explains the multicultural history of the Voodoo doll, dispels stereotypes and myths, while at the same time showing the reader how to make and use Voodoo dolls to enhance everyday life. Learn how to make three kinds of Voodoo dolls, find over 40 spells and rituals to find love, attract wealth, offer protection, and promote healing and happiness. The book is richly illustrated with the artwork of the author, whose work was recently featured on National Geographic's Taboo.

To purchase this book as a paperback or instant download, visit The Mystic Voodoo.

source: FPR

French President Sarkozky Not Laughing Over Voodoo Doll Made in his Image

2008-10-27T17:29:00.002-05:00

The French president is threatening to sue a firm marketing a voodoo doll in his image. The doll, emblazoned with some of Nicolas Sarkozy's most famous quotes, comes with its own set of pins and a book telling buyers where to stick them.

Cemetery destroyed by Hurricane Ike

2008-09-17T08:05:00.001-05:00

Dozens of volunteers in Orange, Texas are trying to restore a cemetery wiped away by Hurricane Ike. Caskets littered the cemetery following the storm, some even ending up in a nearby road. (Sept. 17)

My Fake Baby

2008-07-19T21:30:00.004-05:00

The extraordinary world of 're-borns' - life-like baby dolls - and the women who buy them. Called the perfect, designer babies, to some they are downright creepy.

Inheriting the Slave trade

2008-07-14T14:15:00.003-05:00

American descendants of slave traders trace their ancestry and explore the issue of race in a new documentary film. Harry Smith reports.

Creepy Toe Sucker Nabbed at Last

2008-06-02T11:10:00.006-05:00

Now this guy is a creep. A suspect with a bizarre foot fetish is in police custody. Apparently, this guy would violently attack his victims, rob them, and then make them take off their shoes so he could suck their toes. Now this warrants breaking out the Voodoo dolls...

Tribute to the Lord of the Cemeteries

2008-05-30T23:00:00.001-05:00

This piece is one of three renditions of the ritual symbol for Baron Samedi, the Voodoo Lord of the Cemeteries and Spirit of Death. You can see another version at Voodoo-Doll-A-Day.com. The differences between the two are quite subtle but effective.

Voodoo-Doll-a-Day.com is where you can find one new drawing, painting, Voodoodle or photograph, of a Voodoo doll each day. Go ahead and take a look, you know you want to.

New Voodoo Doll Digg Icon

2008-05-25T19:03:00.001-05:00

Now you can use Voodoo on a story you like or don't like...this icon has a black pin for repelling the repulsive and a white pin in for your seal of approval. Feel free to right click and save the image to use on your web site or blog. Make sure to link it to http://digg.com.

Ghosts Among Us

2008-05-17T12:40:00.000-05:00

Everyone loves a good ghost story. Perhaps the human fascination with the supernatural stems from the fact that most of us, at some point in our lives, have experienced something we couldn't quite explain. From a very young age James Van Praagh was aware of a dimension that most of us cannot see, and he has dedicated his life to explaining it to the rest of us. Ghosts Among Us: Uncovering the Truth About the Other Side takes us on an incredible journey into the spirit world that brings to light one of our greatest mysteries—what happens to us after we die? Van Praagh, the New York Times bestselling author and co-executive producer of the CBS series The Ghost Whisperer, shares his knowledge and life experience about ghosts, a subject that can seem to many of us both bizarre and terrifying. But when the world beyond is explained fully by an experienced guide, dismissal and apprehension can be turned into knowledge and inspiration. With incredible true ghost stories and surprising details about how ghosts actively participate in our lives, Van Praagh challenges us to question our perceptions and shows us how we can live more fully through understanding the world of spirits. Including eerily accurate readings, the author's development as a medium, and detailed how-to information, Ghosts Among Us: Uncovering the Truth About the Other Side is an all-encompassing guide to the supernatural. About the Author James Van Praagh is the New York Times bestselling author of Talking to Heaven and Reaching to Heaven. Currently, Van Praagh is the co-creator and co-executive producer of the primetime series Ghost Whisperer, the #1 CBS drama starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. Van Praagh is developing additional projects for Paramount and guest hosts the entertainment news shows Entertainment Tonight and The Insider.

Hitler Dolls on sale in the Ukraine

2008-05-13T09:59:00.001-05:00

Just when you think you've heard it all, something comes along that quickly dispels that myth. A toy maker in the Ukraine has sparked outrage after creating toy dolls of Adolf Hitler.

Cinco de Mayo in Washington D.C.

2008-05-05T08:31:00.000-05:00

Cinco de Mayo ("5th of May" in English) is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. A common misconception in the United States is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day; Mexico's Independence Day is actually September 16, which is the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico. It is perhaps best recognized in the United States as a date to celebrate the culture and experiences of Americans of Mexican ancestry. However, Cinco de Mayo is observed by many Americans regardless of ethnic origin. Celebrations tend to draw both from traditional Mexican symbols, such as the Vírgen de Guadalupe, and from prominent figures of Mexican descent in the United States, such as César Chávez. To celebrate, many display Cinco de Mayo banners while school districts hold special events to educate pupils about its historical significance. Examples of special events include ballet folklórico, mariachi demonstrations, and other activities that combine food, music and dancing.

Washington D.C. held 'Cinco de Mayo' celebrations Sunday which featured authentic music, food, and dance of Mexican culture.

To learn more about Cinco de Mayo, visit Cinco de Mayo.

To purchase this design as well as others on tshirts, aprons, coffee mugs and more, visit the Ju Ju Shoppe.

Two-Faced Baby Doing Well: A Case of Craniofacial Duplication

2008-04-08T18:42:00.000-05:00

Craniofacial duplication is one of the rarest malformations in humans. This photograph of the face of a 12-month-old child demonstrates duplication of the nose, a large distance between the eyes, and a large asymmetric mouth. Otherwise, the child showed no physical or mental developmental abnormality.

Recently, the parents of an Indian infant girl born with two faces say that she is eating and breathing normally despite having two pairs of eyes and lips and two noses. The baby, who is yet to be named, was born to a factory worker and his wife.

Photo courtesy of: http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/226/1/210

Ganesha getting ready to throw his lotus. Basohli miniature, circa 1730. National Museum, New Delhi.

Source: This work is reproduced and described in Martin-Dubost, Paul (1997). Gaņeśa: The Enchanter of the Three Worlds. Mumbai: Project for Indian Cultural Studies. ISBN 81-900184-3-4, p. 73, which says: "Attired in an orange dhoti, his body is enitirely red. On the three points of his tiny crown, budding lotuses have been fixed. Gaṇeśa holds in his two right hands the rosary and a cup filled with three modakas (a fourth substituted by the curving trunk is just about to be tasted). In his two left hands, Gaṇeśa holds a large lotus above and an axe below, with its handle leaning against his shoulder. In the Mudgalapurāṇa (VII, 70), in order to kill the demon of egotism (Mamāsura) who had attacked him, Gaṇeśa Vighnarāja throws his lotus at him. Unable to bear the fragrance of the divine flower, the demon surrenders to Gaṇeśa."

The two-dimensional work of art depicted in this image is in the public domain in the United States and in those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 100 years.

The False Guru Test

2008-02-16T14:23:00.000-06:00

Source: EnergyGrid.com

Take the EnergyGrid False Guru Test. If seven or more of the following describes your guru or spiritual teacher, then unfortunately he or she may not be be as enlightened or good for your soul as you would like to believe:

1. States his or her own enlightenment: The wisest masters tend not to state their own enlightenment or perfection for they know that it is both unhelpful to themselves and to their students. The false teachers often make this claim because they have little else on offer to attract followers.

2. Is unable to take criticism: False teachers strongly dislike either personal criticism or criticism of their teaching; they do not take kindly to ordinary unenlightened individuals questioning them. They or their organisations will even undertake multi-million dollar law suits to stop ex-members from spilling the beans.

3. Acts omnipotently with no accountability: Some spiritual communities are run like concentration camps, with guru and his chosen ones acting like Gestapo officers. Unjust or outrageous behaviour by the guru is passed off as what is needed to help the followers grow (how kind). These are the dangerous gurus who have often severely damaged their students. A real master respects your will even if he or she understands that your particular decisions may not be in your interest, and he or she will act accountably to an ethical code of conduct.

4. Focuses on enlightenment itself rather than teaching the path leading to it: It is amazing how much false gurus have to say about enlightenment. They argue their points in the same way that the scholars in the middle ages argued how many angels could sit on the head of a pin. Any fool can talk about the end goal because what is said is irrefutable to most of your listeners. What is skillful is guiding those listeners to having awakening within themselves. The real teacher focuses on the path and strictly avoids any talk on enlightenment.

5. Does not practice what is preached: Contrary to spiritual myth, you don't reach a point of realization whereby you can then start acting mindlessly. If a teacher preaches love and forgiveness, then he should act that way, at least most of the time, showing suitable regret for any lapses). If he teaches meditation, he should meditate. If he insists that his followers live in austere conditions, so should he.

6. Takes the credit for a particular meditative or healing technique: The fact is that meditation and guided visualisation work. Anyone doing them will experience major changes, benefits and realizations. The false guru will try to own or trademark particular methods and techniques so that she has something unique to attract followers. And she will hijack the effects of meditation as the guru's blessing rather than each individuals natural potential. Often the students or followers are forbidden from divulging the techniques to maintain a sort of intellectual property right, usually under the guise of needing the technique to be taught correctly.

7. Specifically gives satsang or darshan when it is not part of his culture: Darshan is when the disciples or students of a master line up and to pass their master, who is usually seated, with either a bow or traditionally kissing their feet (yes it does happen). In the East, this is part of their culture and a normal thing to do to show respect and reverence (even children will kiss the feet of their fathers). However, here in the West, such copycat behaviour is a strong indication that the guru is acting a role. Satsang, on the other hand, means literally "the company of the Truth". In a deeper sense it is an affirmation of the Guru-Disciple relationship in Eastern traditions. But some Western gurus will use this terminology because they are playing a role.

8. Lives in total opulence: There is nothing wrong with living in luxury or being wealthy. But when that luxury turns to unnecessary opulence using funds that were not explicity donated for that purpose then you are probably dealing with a false guru. Money is collected from followers usually in the form of donations, and those donations are given as an act of love, appreciation and to help spread the influence of the master. However, a genuine master is more likely to use such wealth to lessen the suffering in this world, not to buy another yacht, private jet or Rolls Royce.

9. Encourages or permits adoration from his followers: Avoid any group that focuses on the "master" themselves rather than the teachings or spiritual practices. This will be a hindrance to your self-realisation for your focus will be drawn outside of yourself, and usually indicates that there is not a lot more on offer than guru worship.

10. Presents himself or herself overly fashionably and glamorously: Beware of masters who present glamour photographs of themselves and dress overly fashionably (whilst proclaiming that they have no ego and leading ego-death retreats). Yes it does happen!

11. Demands love and devotion from their students: Keep clear of any master who demands love and devotion. One very well known Western guru stated, "Anyone who loves me is guaranteed enlightenment"! Real love and devotion is earned over time when we begin to really know the whole person and not their public image.

12. Speaks with an Indian accent or vernacular when he is in fact a Westerner: Not sure how much this happens now but there are some high profile Western gurus who have (or had) Indian accents, mannerisms and vernacular. This indicates that they are playing in their ego.

13. Runs expensive miracle workshops and courses: You are unlikely to reach enlightenment after a few weekend workshops with cheesy titles. In our society of "must have now", we want to be able to purchase spiritual development with minimal fuss. Also, avoid meaningless accreditation—it is often used merely to encourage followers to do more courses.

14. Takes sexual advantage of his or her followers: This happens much more than many believe. It is not being prudish to include this one because when a follower falls under the spell of a guru he or she is likely to do anything for the Chosen One. It is only afterwards that it may dawn on the follower that his or her openness has been used and abused. This can be very psychologically scaring.

15. Flatters you and treats you as very special: Sure we are all special in some ways, but this is one of the things that a false guru may do to hook a potential follower or to get a current follower to do a particular task. Nothing can be more intoxicating to the ego than to be selected by the master or leader (or any high profile person). A real master will stand back and allow you to make your decision whether to accept his or her teachings without trying to influence the process.

16. Talks bollocks: It is surprising what a person will listen to when he or she is devoted to the speaker. It is always a good idea to get hold of a written transcript of what has been said and really read the message. Then tell an open-minded friend who is not a follower what their opinion is purely on the strength of the words. You will soon find out whether there is any real substance to the teacher's message, or whether you are merely being drawn in by the charisma of the messenger.

17. Overly relies on slick presentation: Slick presentation can often mask poor content, and so it is important for you to look past the lovely music and video shows at the actual message. The slicker the presentation, the harder it is to see what eactly the teaching is.

18. Gives him or herself outrageous titles: Not satisfied by being "merely" an enlightened being, many false gurus give themselves titles (or allow their followers to do so) to indicate that they are literally God-Incarnate, the reincarnation of the Buddha or Christ, or THE chosen one. Some continually change their names, to keep pace with their burgeoning egos.

19. Runs abundance workshops: A guru or master is there to help us find an authentic life. This is nothing to do with becoming more successful at work or making more money, although this may or may not follow from being more authentic. There is nothing wrong with abundance weekends, but if we mistake spirituality for increased business success, then we are guilty of spiritual materialism and we find ourselves deeper in the illusion. (The Japanese say that the Gods laugh at those who pray for money.)

20. Is not interested in you personally: If a teacher or guru does not have time to interact with you personally, then you may as well read his teaching from a book, because merely being in his presence doesn't help you find realization inside you. You may model some of his spiritual characteristics, but that often only places you deeper in illusion.

21. Allows his followers to set up a hierarchy of access: A guru must be accessible. If he is not, or if he allows his followers to block your access, then he is playing the role of a king and not a spiritual guide. A guru is only useful to the process of awakening if you can directly interact with him.

22. Makes false claims of lineage: Many mistakenly believe that realisation can only happen under the guidance of a realized master. In this belief system, gurus are only authentic when they come from a line or lineage of realized gurus. Desperate not to be left out, some gurus claim a false lineage of enlightened masters to bolster their authority to teach. Another pseudo form of "lineage" is to recount a miracle that once happened to them (maybe they cured themselves of some disease or God spoke to them personally) which infers that they are "chosen" and therefore have the authority to set themselves up as teachers and gurus.

23. Presents themselves as non-profit whilst raking in the millions: Often, the false prophet will present her teachings for free, whilst strongly encouraging her devotees to make large donations. In this way she can appear above money considerations, whilst maintaining her greed and opulence.

24. Collects a large band of angry ex-followers: This is an indication that something is seriously wrong. If she has used kindness and love in her interactions with her students, and has discouraged them from projecting denied spiritual characteristics onto the guru (rather than encouraging their integration into the self), then it is extremely unlikely that there would be more than a few disheartened ex's. Many might drift away and feel they have wasted their time, but they are only likely to have the great anger if they have put their teacher on a pedestal, given him their power, and later realized that he was never worthy of such adoration. Contrary to what some believe, it is actually the teacher's responsibility to strongly discourage students from putting them on pedestals, for this is counterproductive to finding realisation inside.

25. Uses pseudo-technology: Many false profits and organisations base themselves around pseudo-technology in the effort to appear scientific—special meters, communication devices (do you really expect the aliens to use a mobile?) and energy clearing instruments and pendants that involve crystals and copper wire. Once again, this is to distract the unwary from the poor quality of the actual teaching.

26. Acts like a complete paranoid mad person: If your Precious One acts like a complete paranoid schizophrenic or psychotic then he or she probably is. Run! Remember that there is no such thing as "crazy wisdom"—wisdom is the art of being balanced. However charismatic they may be, and sane between moments of madness, you WILL be damaged by them.

Source: EnergyGrid.com

Make a Voodoo Doll - wikiHow

2008-01-28T17:18:00.000-06:00

Make a Voodoo Doll - wikiHow

How to Make a Voodoo Doll

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

How voodoo dolls became a means of casting a spell on an individual is unknown, but like ouija boards and tarot cards, they're popular outside of the spiritual traditions from which they arose. The fun thing about making voodoo dolls is that pretty much anything goes. Still, if you are interested in learning how to make a voodoo doll, here's how!

Steps

New Orleans Voodoo Doll

Gather the Things You'll Need, listed below.
Make a cross shape with your two sticks. Tie them together with your string. Hemp cord or waxed thread is better than regular string as they tend to be stronger.
Wrap the Spanish moss around the sticks, starting at the middle for reinforcement, and going up around the head, down to one arm, back across to the other arm, back to the middle, and down to the bottom. If possible, use moss that is connected together in a big enough piece to cover the sticks without breaking it apart. The idea is to wrap the doll in one continuous motion (the result is often times a stronger doll). If you break the moss apart and have to use more than one continuous piece, you may have to wrap string around the moss to keep it from falling off. If you wrap tightly enough, you shouldn't have to use string over the moss.
Wrap your fabric strips around the moss. Make sure to leave some of the moss showing, such as on the head (for hair), at the ends of the arms, and at the bottom. Secure with tacky glue. You may want to reinforce with a couple of stitches with your needle and thread.
Make a face. Attach beads with the needle and thread for eyes, or glue 2 black eyed peas to the face for eyes. Add a button or bead for the mouth.
Dress your voodoo doll. This step is entirely optional, but perhaps you'll get a feeling for who the doll represents, what they want to wear, whether they are male or female, and what types of items they want to carry, such as a mojo pouch or gris gris bag. Remember that a voodoo doll is supposed to symbolize a real person or a spirit. Sometimes they are made to look like a person you know, in which case you should have some hair or a piece of clothing or other personal item that belongs to that person in order to charge the doll with that person's energy.

Modern Voodoo Doll

Print the photo as large as possible on a sheet of photo transfer paper.
Transfer the image onto ironed white fabric, following the instructions that came with the photo transfer paper.
Cut around the person's shape, leaving a seam.
Cut the same shape out of a second piece of fabric, which will form the back of your doll.
Sew the shapes with the right sides facing together. Leave a hole near the center for stuffing. Cut off excess fabric when you have finished. Cut small notches at armpits, crotch, and fingers being careful not to cut the thread. You may want to sew the upper half of the doll first, stuff, sew the rest, and stuff again.
Turn the doll inside out carefully. You may need to use a pencil to push the fingers out.
Stuff the doll with fabric scraps, yarn, cotton, or any stuffing material.
Sew the stuffing hole closed.

Tips

If there's any text or graphics on the picture (such as on the person's shirt) remember to reverse the image horizontally before you print so that it shows up normally later when it's on the doll. Alternatively, you can cut out a heart from red fabric to cover that section on the doll.
Add pins. Voodoo practitioners use dolls primarily for boring positive things like healing people or sparking romance. If you harm your boss out of spite, karma dictates that the consequences for you will be worse. There are seven pins, each one with a different symbol:
- yellow - success
- white - positive
- red - power
- purple - spirituality
- green - money
- blue - love
- black - repelling negative energy

Warnings

Don't do this kind of thing in front of people, it is frowned upon in most places.

Things You'll Need

New Orleans Voodoo Doll
- 2 strong sticks
- Spanish moss
- scrap fabric cut in 2 inch strips
- 2 to 3 feet long (color of your choice, yarn that complements or contrasts fabric
- string
- hemp cord, or waxed thread,
- beads to use as eyes
- needle and thread in a color to match or contrast your fabric
- tacky glue
- pins with heads in the following colors: red, blue, green, purple, yellow, black, white
Modern Voodoo Doll
- full body shot of a person
- printer transfer paper
- white fabric
- thread and needle

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

MysticVoodoo.com - Original source of New Orleans doll instructions, shared with permission by Denise Alvarado.
JPG Magazine - Original source of modern doll instructions, shared with permission by Lauren Smith.

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make a Voodoo Doll. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Rash of UFOs Sightings in Texas

2008-01-23T09:21:00.000-06:00

Zoomed in view of UFO flying over Lake Travis in Central Texas northwest of Austin. Photo: Virgil Fowler

There have been a rash of UFO sightings in Texas recently prompting discussion about the possibility of their existence, more government cover-ups, and memories of the incident at Roswell. I heard an interview on the radio this morning with an eye-witness who stated it was in fast pursuit by military aircrafts. Calls to the authorities led to explanations from nothing was there, to it being some sort of gas cloud in the air. Here's a couple of articles and videos I found about it....judge for yourself.

How About a Voodoo Doll for Christmas?

2007-12-21T16:39:00.000-06:00

Here's a strange and bizarre idea (okay, maybe not for me but I'm a little strange and bizarre anyway), how about a Voodoo doll for Christmas? Or perhaps it would be better for celebrating the Yuletide season... I'm told Jesus and Voodoo dolls don't get along. Anyway, the Mystic Voodoo has the largest selection of authentic handcrafted Voodoo dolls on the internet. Now this is one scary looking Voodoo doll! Granted, this guy probably won't win you any brownie points with anyone (unless they know who he is and what wonderful things he can do for you). Maybe a cute little handcrafted fairy would be better...or not.

This Voodoo doll is Ogun, the Father of Technology. Among a slew of other things, he brings work to the unemployed.

Perhaps a little more palatable is the adorable moss fairy. He is supposed to bring good fortune to whomever owns him.

So there you have it in a very small nutshell. To see many more or to find out more about who these guys are, check out the Mystic Voodoo. There's a spectacular Yuletide sale going on right now, so all you proud pagans go on over there and see what kind of gifts you can conjure up.

Lucky Gambling Charms

2007-12-18T20:36:00.001-06:00

Gris Gris bags - the ultimate in good luck charms. Did you know that there are gris gris bags for every occasion? Since the beginning of time, people have used objects they were drawn to or items with special meaning to influence the outcome of specific events.
These pocket size gris gris bags combine the magickal powers of colors, herbs, stones, essential oils, and other magickal items and come complete with instructions. (via The Mystic Voodoo)

Voodoo Couture

2007-12-15T08:35:00.000-06:00

This is not just a slogan, folks...we're not just "working our voodoo magic" or "casting a spell" on someone by wearing someone's idea of Voodoo couture. No, this is the real thing. This is hip hoodoo voodoo conjure wear. Check it out at the Ju Ju Shoppe.

Pictured is Koz of Studio Voodoo wearing a Baron Samedi t-shirt.

Africans Seek Passage to Holy Land

2007-12-06T10:32:00.000-06:00

After walking thousands of miles to Egypt from their home countries, hundreds of Africans seek refuge in Israel after feeling disenchanted by their treatment in Egypt.

Voodoo Art and Brickfish Contests

2007-11-07T12:59:00.000-06:00

I need your help to finish graduate school! Please take a moment to view my entries to the Brickfish Show Me your Art 2 and Photography Blowout contests, and if you like what you see, vote for me. I really appreciate it as I need to win to pay for my tuition! Thank you!

Check it Out!

Lakshmi Reincarnate?

2007-11-06T10:04:00.000-06:00

Laxmi was born to a poor family in a village in Araria district in India's eastern Bihar city. The illiterate villagers first considered her as an incarnation of Hindu Goddess Laxmi but after some time they realized that she was not well and needed medical help. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, some people tried to make money from the child, and her parents had to hide the girl after a circus tried to buy her.

The 2-year-old girl is joined to what's called a parasitic twin that stopped developing in the mother's womb. Parasitic twins (also known as an asymmetrical or unequal conjoined twin) occur when a twin embryo begins developing in utero, but the pair does not fully separate, and one embryo maintains dominant development at the expense of the other. Unlike conjoined twins, one ceases development during gestation and is vestigial to a mostly fully-formed, otherwise healthy individual twin. The undeveloped twin is defined as parasitic, rather than conjoined, because it is incompletely formed or wholly dependent on the body functions of the complete fetus.

Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, love, beauty, and fertility. She is closely associated with the lotus flower She is the consort of Vishnu and married his incarnations Rama (in her incarnation as Sita), Krishna (as Rukmini or Radha) and Venkateshwara (as Alamelu).In Vaishnava traditions, She is believed to be the Mother Goddess and the Shakti of Narayan.In astrology Venus represents Lakshmi. In Voodoo, she could be likened to Erzulie Freda. Physically, goddess Lakshmi is described as a fair lady, with four arms, seated on a lotus, dressed in fine garments and precious jewels. Her expression is always calm and loving.

Day of the Dead News

2007-10-31T09:38:00.000-05:00

Patzcuaro, MEXICO - An old Mexican pilgrim stayed all night long next to the tomb of her relatives in a mexican cemetery during the Day of the Dead in Pastcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico.

Do You Believe in Ghosts?

2007-10-31T09:07:00.000-05:00

Halloween enthusiasts say scary costumes aren't the only things that can creep people out...

Haiti Grand Rue Artists

2007-10-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

Port-Au-Prince, HAITI - A sculpture made of gas tank at Jean Herard Celeur's workshop off Grand Rue (Main Street) in downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Friday, September 28, 2007. Celeur is slowly gaining world renown for his mixed media Vodou-related pieces made of found objects ranging from rusted auto parts to dessicated rat bodies and doll heads.

Osama Bin Laden Voodoo Sculpture

2007-10-31T08:57:00.000-05:00

Port-Au-Prince, HAITI - A sculpture of Osama Bin Laden, wearing a hubcap hat and carrying a muffler machine gun, in a corner of Andre Eugene's workshop off Grand Rue (Main Street) in downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Friday, September 28, 2007.

Haiti Grand Rue Artists-1

2007-10-31T08:54:00.000-05:00

Port-Au-Prince, HAITI - A sculpture made of bicycle parts and plastic bottles at Frantz Jacques Guillodo's workshop off Grand Rue (Main Street) in downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Friday, September 28, 2007. Guillodo is slowly gaining world renown for his mixed media Vodou-related pieces made of found objects.

Haiti Grand Rue Artists-2

2007-10-31T08:52:00.000-05:00

Port-Au-Prince, HAITI - A sculpture made of a baby doll's head pins and other objects by Frantz Jacues Guillodo in his workshop off Grand Rue (Main Street) in downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Friday, September 28, 2007. Guillodo is slowly gaining world renown for his mixed media Vodou-related pieces...

Haiti Grand Rue Artists-3

2007-10-31T08:49:00.000-05:00

Port-Au-Prince, HAITI - A sculpture made of a skull and a hat at Frantz Jacques Guillodo's workshop off Grand Rue (Main Street) in downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Friday, September 28, 2007. Guillodo is slowly gaining world renown for his mixed media Vodou-related pieces made of found objects.

Haiti Grand Rue Artists-4

2007-10-31T07:09:00.000-05:00

Port-Au-Prince, HAITI - Frantz Jean Jacques Guillodo stand in front of his workshop off Grand Rue (Main Street) in downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Friday, September 28, 2007. Guillodo's is slowly gaining world renown for his mixed media Vodou-related pieces made of found objects ranging from rust...

Voodoo Used to Intimidate Sex Slaves

2007-10-31T06:57:00.000-05:00

Witchcraft and voodoo are reportedly being used to intimidate Nigerian women sent to Denmark as sex slaves.

Harry Potter Fans: Dumbledore is Gay!

2007-10-21T19:10:00.000-05:00

(New York) J.K. Rowling has outed one of the main characters from the Harry Potter series. At a book signing in Manhattan, Rowling said Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft And Wizardry is gay.

The Mom Song

2007-10-08T20:35:00.000-05:00

If you haven't seen this, you have to take 2 minutes and watch it...especially if you are a mom. :)

"The Mom" song, sung to the William Tell Overture, by Anita Renfroe.
What a mom says in 24 hours, condensed into 2 minutes and 55 seconds! Hilarious and talented!

Lyrics for "The Mom Song" is given below.

"The Mom Song"

Get up now
Get up now
Get up out of bed
Wash your face
Brush your teeth
Comb your sleepyhead
Here's your clothes and your shoes
Hear the words I said
Get up now! Get up and make your bed
Are you hot? Are you cold?
Are you wearing that?
Where's your books and your lunch and your homework at?
Grab your coat and gloves and your scarf and hat
Don't forget! You gotta feed the cat
Eat your breakfast, the experts tell us it's the most important meal of all
Take your vitamins so you will grow up one day to be big and tall
Please remember the orthodontist will be seeing you at 3 today
Don't forget your piano lesson is this afternoon so you must play
Don't shovel
Chew slowly
But hurry
The bus is here
Be careful
Come back here
Did you wash behind your ears?
Play outside, don't play rough, will you just play fair?
Be polite, make a friend, don't forget to share
Work it out, wait your turn, never take a dare
Get along! Don't make me come down there
Clean your room, fold your clothes, put your stuff away
Make your bed, do it now, do we have all day?
Were you born in a barn? Would you like some hay?
Can you even hear a word I say?
Answer the phone! Get off the phone!
Don't sit so close, turn it down, no texting at the table
No more computer time tonight!
Your iPod's my iPod if you don't listen up
Where are you going and with whom and what time do you think you're coming home?
Saying thank you, please, excuse me makes you welcome everywhere you roam
You'll appreciate my wisdom someday when you're older and you're grown
Can't wait till you have a couple little children of your own
You'll thank me for the counsel I gave you so willingly
But right now I thank you not to roll your eyes at me
Close your mouth when you chew, would appreciate
Take a bite maybe two of the stuff you hate
Use your fork, do not burp or I'll set you straight
Eat the food I put upon your plate
Get an A, get the door, don't get smart with me
Get a grip, get in here, I'll count to three
Get a job, get a life, get a PHD
Get a dose of,
"I don't care who started it!
You're grounded until you're 36"
Get your story straight and tell the truth for once, for heaven's sake
And if all your friends jumped off a cliff would you jump, too?
If I've said it once, I've said at least a thousand times before
That you're too old to act this way
It must be your father's DNA
Look at me when I am talking
Stand up straighter when you walk
A place for everything and everything must be in place
Stop crying or I'll give you something real to cry about
Oh!
Brush your teeth, wash your face, put your PJs on
Get in bed, get up here, say a prayer with mom
Don't forget, I love you
And tomorrow we will do this all again because a mom's work never ends
You don't need the reason why
Because, because, because, because
I said so, I said so, I said so, I said so
I'm the mom, the mom, the mom, the mom, the mom!!
Ta da!!! (more) (less)

WORSHIPPERS OF THE VOODOO; HOW SOUTHERN NEGROES PROPITIATE THE SPIRIT OF EVIL

2007-10-04T17:58:00.000-05:00

June 25, 1893, Wednesday The New York Times Archives

WORSHIPPERS OF THE VOODOO; HOW SOUTHERN NEGROES PROPITIATE THE SPIRIT OF EVIL. Sacrifices Annually Made on the Night of the 24th of June -- Great Mystery Surrounding the Bites and Ceremonies -- The Voodoo Queen and Her Wonderful Powers -- Snakes "Conjured" by a Plantation Hand -- Some Wonderful Cures Described -- What Black Ben Did.

NEW-ORLEANS, La., June 24 -- Saint John's Day, the day held sacred by the Masonic fraternity all over the world, is also the great yearly period to another class of people very different from the brethren of the mystic tie. It is the one day held moan sacred by the believers in the mysteries of the voodoo, in the United States, in Cuba, Haiti, San Domingo, and wherever the voodoo rites exist.

Read the full story here.

Anubis, Big Dog of the Dead

2007-10-03T15:14:00.000-05:00

A giant, fiberglass statue of Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of the dead floats down the Thames in London Monday. But just who is this big dog, you might ask?

Anubis is the Greek name for the ancient jackal-headed god of the dead in Egyptian mythology. Prayers to Anubis, found carved on the most ancient tombs in Egypt, indicate he is associated with the Eye of Horus. He serves as both a guide of the recently departed and a guardian of the dead. It was Anubis who took newly departed souls to the Underworld and protected them on their journey.One of the reasons that the ancient Egyptians took such care to preserve their dead with sweet-smelling herbs was that it was believed Anubis would check each person with his keen canine nose. Only if they smelled pure would he allow them to enter the Kingdom of the Dead.

Now, Anubis floats merrily down the stream in England, where he is helping to promote an upcoming exhibit of Egyptian treasures.

Bury St. Joseph, Sell Your House

2007-09-28T09:34:00.000-05:00

Tom Cruise Building Bunker to Hide From Aliens!

2007-09-28T09:09:00.000-05:00

Sounds like headlines from the National Enquirer I know, but it is from CBS. Some think Tom Cruise is spending more than 10 million dollars to build a bunker below his home for the express purpose of protecting he and his family from an impending alien attack.

Zodiac Horse Head Creating a Stir in China

2007-09-28T09:04:00.000-05:00

A rare and controversial Chinese sculpture is likely to stir patriotic feelings when it goes to auction. The expected price for this bronze horse head? About 10 million dollars.

More Two Headed Creatures!

2007-09-28T08:53:00.000-05:00

Wow, two stories about two headed animals in the same day, and this story is about two two headed animals. One is a cow, the other a snake...

Two Headed Turtle

2007-09-28T08:49:00.000-05:00

A rare two-headed turtle has arrived at a reptile center in the US. Not that unusual they say, but this turtle is special because it actually has two full heads at opposite ends of the body. Check out the pictures in the story below.

Worms and Chili, Mmm, Mmm Good!

2007-09-28T08:41:00.000-05:00

Ahh, the nuances of culture. We like French fries, they like worms. Fresh worms, chili worms, lemon worms, roasted worms, worms in bottles of Mezcal, which is a liquor similar in taste and function as tequila. I've been told that the worm is the best part of the drink! Wouldn't know personally, but hey, whatever floats your boat.

Anorexic Model on Billboard in Milan During Fashion Week

2007-09-25T14:54:00.000-05:00

No News is Good News... Geez, try to find weird news on a daily basis - it's not the easiest thing to do. Sure, there is news...but the story on cow dung power is already a couple of weeks old. Today, Halo 3 fans cheer the arrival of the final installment of the successful trilogy of games for Xbox; but, that's hardly weird. And then we have our good ole boy prez implementing sanctions against the military dictatorship in Burma. Important, yes, weird, no (though it is a little humorous to hear him trying to pronounce yet another challenging word). Okay, here is one: a woman with Downs Syndrome swims Lake Tahoe to raise awareness about Downs Syndrome. Strange or bizarre? Nah, but it is quite amazing. Maybe this one qualifies as a spotlight on this blog today...woman designers in Kenya trying to put Paris and Milan off the map as fashion centers of the world. Well, another interesting one, but...

Much to my dismay at the lack of odd headlines today, I have decided to give the grand prize for weird news to...(drumroll)...Anorexic Model Appears in Billboard Advertisement. I am truly sorry, it was the best I could do!

Google Bankrolls Moon Challenge

2007-09-21T16:28:00.000-05:00

Google is bankrolling a $30 million contest that could significantly hasten the first nongovernmental flight to the moon.

Opps! I Thought You Were Dead...My Bad!

2007-09-21T16:16:00.000-05:00

Hospital workers fill out the wrong form and send a live man to the morgue...

Image of Virgin Mary in a Lemon

2007-09-20T16:12:00.000-05:00

Last month, the Virgin Mary was seen on a garage door in Pennsylvania. Then, she was morphing with Bin Laden into Jesus. Now, a Watauga Bar Owner in Dallas sees the Virgin Mary in a lemon. Where will she appear next?

Death of a Woman's Healing Ritual ?

2007-09-20T15:57:00.000-05:00

There are only a few surviving Zar performers in Egypt who practice a musical form that originated in Africa and is rooted in mysticism and spirituality. Zār custom involves the possession of an individual (usually female) by a spirit. Zār practitioners maintain certain vestiges of animism found in western and southern Africa and in African Diaspora communities in the western hemisphere.

Homosexual and effeminate male priests of a healing cult known as Zaar were described in 1977 by Pamela Constantinides. The Zaar cult served as a refuge for women and effeminate men in conservative, Muslim-dominated Sudan.

One a religious ceremony, Zar performances are now a dying art form. The following media clip describes the decline of this healing ritual performed by women for women.

Reference

Natvig, R. (1988). Liminal Rites and Female Symbolism in the Egyptian Zar Possession Cult. Numen, Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 57-68

Traditional Iranian Art Fading Away?

2007-09-20T15:41:00.000-05:00

Illumination and miniature paintings are an important part of Iran's cultural heritage. In fact, the Iranian Cultural Continent is home to one of the richest art heritages in world history and encompasses many disciplines including architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking and stone masonry. The image is an example of an Iranian miniature painting of the Qajari style (also referred to as "Coffee House painting"). Paintings of this style are a blend of European influences and Safavid miniature schools of painting. Image: Mollahs in the presence of a Safavi King, Iran. Artist is unknown.

This image is in the public domain because its copyright has expired. This applies to the United States, Canada, the European Union and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 70 years.
From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Molla2.jpg

To Catch a Predator: Witches Sacrificing Snake and Cock!

2007-09-19T09:42:00.000-05:00

Well, why not? After all the hell that sexual predators put their victims and families through, maybe we should cut off their balls and put them in a cauldron. This Squidoo lens gives both practical and metaphysical means for dealing with every child and parent's worst nightmare: child sexual abuse, exploitation, and abduction. Read more...

Swamp Granny Hoodoo Gator

2007-09-18T18:37:00.000-05:00

Now this is a Voodoo doll I bet you've never seen before...straight from the Louisiana swamps! Called "Swamp Granny Hoodoo Gator", this Voodoo doll is a completely original creation. Read more here.

Experts Deny Lucy a Home

2007-09-18T08:05:00.001-05:00

Museums across the United States have denied Lucy, the 3.2 million-year-old skeleton, a spot on their floor, worrying that it could be too fragile. I guess they don't want dem bones to break...

Forensic Artist May Help Solve Skeleton Mystery

2007-09-18T08:02:00.000-05:00

Police in Fort Myers, Fla., have hired a forensic artist from Wyoming to recreate the faces of eight unidentified skulls found in their city.

Yale to Return Relics to Peru

2007-09-18T07:57:00.000-05:00

Yale University has agreed to return to Peru hundreds of museum-quality relics taken from Machu Picchu -- the Lost City of the Incas.

The Virgin Mary as a Voodoo Doll

2007-09-15T16:50:00.000-05:00

Let me ask, would that piss you off? To see an artist's rendering of the Virgin Mary as a Voodoo doll, or the Pope as Adolf Hitler? Well, apparently it is pissing off a religious group in southwestern Ontario. The Art of Resistance is a documentary that features Argentenian artists who deliver powerful social commentary via artistic expression. It is going to be part of the Guelph International Film Festival which runs from November 3rd to the 5th. The religious group view the art as disrespectful to Christ and Catholicism. Can we please stop the madness?!

It's Not Voodoo - It's BlogRush

2007-09-15T13:29:00.000-05:00

Here's a free service that will help any blogger generate more traffic and readers for their blog using RSS technology and some other secret technology known only to the developers.

BlogRush promises to help bloggers receive “mass distribution” for their content across the Internet without spamming or abusing the internet or gaming Google.

It’s a completely FREE service. All you have to do is create your account, add your blog, create your widget, and post it on your blog. Then the viral process starts. Every time a page loads with your widget, the widget refreshes with 5 blog post titles, a link to the full post and blog. These blog links will be from related blogs across the BlogRush Network. Links are set to open in a new window so visitors are not taken away from your site.

According to developer John Reese: "This ‘process’ provides incredible LEVERAGE. You can have a blog that gets just 1 visitor a week, but if that next visitor happens to be someone with a blog that gets 25,000 visits a day, and they click your widget and sign up, you’ll start having your blog posts promoted over 25,000 TIMES A DAY. And that doesn’t even count all the potential “viral growth” that can then occur from that blog referring other blogs. It’s very, very powerful."

So what are you waiting for? Go over to BlogRush and get in on the action!

Fishkinis?!!

2007-09-15T13:18:00.000-05:00

The fashion market has a new addition, a bikini made from the skin of tilapia fish, supposedly to make you feel like a mermaid...

Niche Voodoo: Getting Traffic for Voodoo Dolls

2007-09-13T18:54:00.000-05:00

Niche Voodoo: Getting Traffic for Voodoo Dolls

Help Me Finish Graduate School!

2007-09-13T13:59:00.000-05:00

I am two months away from a PhD and no money left. I am a single mom and broke! AAHHH!!!! Thank you so much for contributing anything towards my goal.

Daily Horoscope

2007-09-13T06:24:00.001-05:00

Okay, it's not strange or bizarre, but it is your horoscope.

Scary Little Ghost; Monster Pig Murdered

2007-09-13T06:21:00.000-05:00

Poltergeist scares family from home and some idiot stabs Porky the pig to death. What?!!!

Sri Lankan dogs to fight Terrorism?

2007-09-13T06:17:00.000-05:00

Sri Lankan police on Thursday appealed to the public to donate their pet dogs to help the fight against terrorism and crime on the war-torn island. I wonder how many people in the United States would donate their dogs for such a cause? Maybe this is the answer to the all the homeless dogs in the pet shelters...or maybe not.

Mormon Church Apologizes for Massacre

2007-09-13T06:14:00.000-05:00

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints apologized this week for a massacre conducted by church members 150 years ago in southwestern Utah...

Immigrant, Artist, Curator, Stinky Folk Hero?

2007-09-12T21:05:00.001-05:00

REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - People think Silvio Barile is crazy, and Barile knows this. It's not just that his Italian restaurant has become a museum for the crude, hulking concrete statues he labors over year round. Or that he freely airs disdain for America, which he also claims to love. Or that...

Primate Picassos

2007-09-12T20:47:00.000-05:00

Zoo Atlanta is hoping primate picassos can charm crowds by painting with computers. The goal? To raise awareness of the orangutans diminishing population.

British Museum Holds Chinese Terracotta Exhibition

2007-09-12T20:23:00.000-05:00

The British Museum opens the First Emperor exhibition on September 13, 2007...

mee ~mOe~

2007-09-10T19:53:00.000-05:00

mee *~mOe~*javascript:void(0)
Publish

A Miracle from Mother Teresa?

2007-09-09T17:46:00.000-05:00

Hundreds of visitors gathered at the tomb of Mother Teresa in eastern India on Wednesday to pay tribute on the 10th anniversary of her death, with many hoping the nun will be granted sainthood.

Vikings and Angels

2007-09-09T17:43:00.000-05:00

Forty-three percent of Danes believe in angels, according to a poll conducted by market research group Zapera and published in the Christian daily Kristeligt Dagblad on Saturday.

Coffee + New York City = Art

2007-09-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

Serving cafe lattes in NYC is no longer about just steaming some milk and adding espresso - it's about art.

Stinging Cookies

2007-09-09T00:48:00.000-05:00

Wasps are being used as an ingredient to spice up traditional cookies in a remote village in Japan. Wasps had always been a traditional staple for the inhabitants of Omachi in central Japan but usually only added to rice. The wasps apparently are valued for their protein content.

Banish, Bind, and Enemy Be Gone!

2007-09-09T00:36:00.000-05:00

For the first time in three years, Osama Bin Laden shares his solution to world conflict - convert to Islam and all will be fine! Oh, that's all we have to do? Excuse me, but now's the time for everyone to get out their Voodoo dolls and perform their best banishing and binding rituals...

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium

2007-09-07T07:58:00.000-05:00

Ripley's Believe It or Not! is a franchise started in 1918 as a newspaper cartoon panel featuring unusual and startling facts from around the world. Ripley first displayed his collection to the public at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933. He called it Ripley’s Odditorium and it attracted over two million visitors during the run of the fair. As of August 2006, there are 29 Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditoriums around the world.

Firewalking in Greece

2007-09-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

Firewalking...the act of walking barefoot over a bed of hot embers or stones...has a long history in many cultures as a serious ritual and test of faith. For example, firewalking is practiced by Eastern Orthodox Christians in parts of Greece. Firewalking is also practiced by African-born Hindus, by the !Kung Bushmen of the African Kalahari desert, by Japanese Taoists and Buddhists, by Polynesian tribes, by fakirs, and by Western motivational speakers such as Anthony Robbins and Andy Harrington. Firewalking has a religious or spiritual purpose, and is practiced for healing, in religious ceremonies, religious feasts, in rites of purification, and transcendence.

Holy Fireballs!

2007-09-03T20:42:00.000-05:00

Twirl that Moustache

2007-09-03T20:39:00.000-05:00

Community Urinalysis

2007-09-02T11:17:00.000-05:00

Is this for real?!!!

Doggie Dementia

2007-09-02T11:10:00.000-05:00

Yet Another Death Defying Demonstration by the Master Mystifier

2007-09-02T10:50:00.000-05:00

As if being seen with the likes of Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan wasn't enough...

Criss and... Who's Next?

2007-09-02T10:43:00.000-05:00

People really need to get a life...

Criss Angel Clears up Rumours

2007-09-02T10:37:00.000-05:00

Two Iraqi Shrines Guarded by Troops to Prevent More Bloodshed

2007-09-01T18:46:00.000-05:00

Sri Lanka Tourists Attacked by Wasps in Heritage Site

2007-09-01T18:34:00.000-05:00

Bin Laden and Virgin Mary Morph Into Jesus

2007-08-31T23:59:00.003-05:00

McDonald's Serving Up Cockroaches on the Menu

2007-08-31T23:48:00.000-05:00

Jesus Case Before Kenyan Court

2007-08-31T23:46:00.001-05:00

Image of Virgen Mary on Garage Door?

2007-08-31T22:38:00.000-05:00

Oh, What Tangled Web We Weave!

2007-08-31T22:24:00.000-05:00

Diamond Encrusted Skull Sells for 200 Million Dollars

2007-08-30T22:38:00.000-05:00

EErie Clay Statues in Mexican Town

2007-08-30T22:25:00.001-05:00

Expensive Cat Shit or Flavorful Java?

2007-08-30T22:17:00.000-05:00

Two headed Calf named Blinky

2007-08-30T22:15:00.001-05:00

Chocolates and Maggots - A Marriage Made in Hell

2007-08-30T22:10:00.000-05:00

Pilgrims Flock to the Healing Waters of Haiti's Voodoo Virgin

2007-08-30T21:44:00.000-05:00

Nicole Kidman Stars in a New Zombie Flick

2007-08-30T21:07:00.000-05:00