Yep, my sis (conniesa31) has finally returned to the States, after a year of military duty in the hellhole known as Iraq (and congrats to them on the Election thingy). She actually snuck up on me right after we had gotten back home from Books-A-Million in Centreville on Tuesday (and I was like, “omg….”, even though I didn’t go all overly ecstatic, which is something that I’ll only do by myself in front of the bathroom mirror, lol).
Oh, and on Monday, I finally applied for a(ny) job at Books-A-Million, since, of course, I could never ignore a good, socially-scientific book, and I’ve grown up around books since I was aged 5. So I’m sure that it could come (very) easy for me if I ever get hired there (of course, I do look forward to bringing home either a book or a mocha latte from Joe Muggs, which is located within the store, every day).
My big disapointment, though, was that Mom wouldn’t let me buy a “Complete Idiot’s Guide” to Shamanism, since she’s pretty iffy about stuff like that (reminds me of how most African-Americans regard Voudoun with disgusted looks). But I did find a book over there called “Totem Magic: Dance of the Shapeshifter”, which is about discovering your animal guide through Wiccan or other Shamanistic means (of course, she wouldnt let me buy that either….*sigh*)
Anyway, gotta go…
I looked into paganims and particularlly celtic shamanism for a little while. I was intersted in Voodoo, being from New Orleans because it is sort of famous where I am from. I grew up in a creole town that was mostly Catholic and my boogie man was voodoo priests who would cast hexes on you.
My mate is Native American Shamanisitc and is aspiring to be a Coyote Shaman. I have mostly lost most of my mysticism since becoming an scientist. I still believe that there is unexplain phenomenon that happen and I am constantly amazed by the power of belief, but I myself don’t really believe in magic. I think it is really cool that you are looking into Shamanism. THere is defiantly some power about reaching back to the knowledge of our ancestors to find wisdom.
aye, ’tis true.
The thing is, though, even though I am of African ancestry, I have been brought up in a society where African spirituality is treated with sheer intolerance (particularly, and ironically, among African-Americans) and, dare I say it, ignorance/arrogance.
However, I’m trying to divorce myself from that legacy, and even though I live in Mom’s house, and thus have to go to church with her (even at 18! goodness…), I will not, and do not, hesitate to explain and, in a way, defend African spirituality to Black Christians, most of whom may have never really heard Voudoun explained in that particular way (or for that matter, ANY way) before.
I don’t see them as being uneducated, I see them as being MISeducated about Voudoun, being taught by their parents and the dominant, potentially-corruptive Western media about how “bad”, “evil”, or even “satanic” Voudoun (b.k.a. “voodoo”) is to the world at large, and people of African ancestry in particular.
As a result of that, they possess a total mistrust of any type of African, European, American, Eastern, or Asian spirituality, especially those which seem “native” or “ancestor-based” in nature or image. I mean, it is a predominant belief over here that Confucianism is a RELIGION for goodness’ sake!
Its sad, I tell ya.
So I guess you can see at least a portion of what I’m up against right now…
Congrats on your sis =). My mom got back last year so I know the feeling.
thanx 😀
she’ll be here till next Thursday, when she’ll return to good ole’ Deutschland, and the kids will have to stay here until my Graduation night, when we will have our bags stuffed for the Germany trip, part deux (since the first one, back in Dec. 2003, was cut short by the fact that, of course, she had to report to Iraq). Then, after the trip, we all (including the kids and Connie) will return to Georgia, but Connie will report to Ft. Benning, and stay there for the next few years.
Or at least, that’s how Connie plans it… >:-D
Confucianism a religion? WTF lol?
So much for the 5 Relationships.
Yeah the book thing. When I lived at my grandmother’s house she always complained about my statues and my books. But I put up with it until I moved out. It’s rough. Hang in there Hoodoo man.
alright, ill try.
besides, its only 3 months till graduation, anyway.