HOODOO HERITAGE MONTH - Ep. 05

Healing in the Balm Yard with Samantha Jo: Celebrating Hoodoo Heritage Month

Welcome, beloved listeners, to another episode of Healing In the Balm Yard with Samantha Jo. This October, we're paying homage to an integral part of the black American culture —Hoodoo. In this episode, we will journey through the intricate webs of Hoodoo, its rich heritage, misconceptions, and contemporary celebrations. Are you ready? Let's go!

HooDoo Heritage Month

October is all about honoring the rich traditions of Hoodoo. As we venture through this month, we'll be reconnecting with our ancestors, understanding the customs, and deepening our spiritual journey. But first, let's address the BIG question—where does the term 'Hoodoo' originate from? It's vital to understand that Hoodoo isn't the same as Voodou. They're distinct, though they share African roots. Through my studies and experiences, I've come to realize how deeply intertwined Hoodoo is with practices like conjure and rootwork. And trust me, there's so much more to uncover!

Shedding Light on Taboos & Misconceptions

Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room. Over the years, Hoodoo has been shrouded in taboos, mostly arising from misunderstandings. How many times have we seen Hoodoo misrepresented in movies? It's essential for us to break away from these misconceptions. One crucial aspect I've discovered is how Hoodoo blends with Christianity. If you've ever been to Congo Square in New Orleans, you'll witness the strength of our African traditions firsthand. This place embodies the resilience and richness of Hoodoo practices.

HooDoo’s Influence Across Communities

Hoodoo isn't just limited to our Black community; it's made significant impacts in the Hispanic and Latino communities as well. Each year, the Hoodoo Beaucoup Fest in New Orleans becomes a vibrant celebration, uniting everyone with music, arts, and rituals. And if you're in Chicago or planning to visit, the city offers its unique blend of urban life with Hoodoo traditions. It's incredible to witness! ALSO! Mark your calendars for this event coming up on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

Spotlight: The Enchanting Rue Herb

Now, for my favorite segment: let's discuss the powerful Rue Herb this week. Throughout my practice, I've deeply respected Rue for its spiritual and protective qualities. Whether you're familiar with Santeria, Ifa, Hoodoo, or just starting out in practice, Rue offers a wealth of benefits. From its traditional applications in talismans to its modern-day significance in incense, it's truly a symbol of our spiritual resilience. But remember, as with all potent herbs, handle Rue with care and reverence.

Invitation to Dive Deeper

Before we wrap up, here's a special invitation for all of you: join me this month at the L1 Store for a plethora of magical events honoring HooDoo. Let's come together for workshops, rituals, and, most importantly, community bonding. Dive into the calendar, and let's celebrate this beautiful heritage. Stay connected, engage, and let's keep the flame of Hoodoo burning bright. Until next time, keep nurturing your soul and honoring our shared history. Much love and magic to all! 🌿✨🔮

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RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE + MORE

HOODOO HERITAGE: A BRIEF HISTORY OF AMERICAN FOLK RELIGION

AKAN ORIGIN OF THE TERM HOODOO

Hoodoo in St. Louis: An African American Religious Tradition

JUJU BAE'S PODCAST

CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING PODCAST EPISODES I LOVED FROM JUJU BAE'S PODCAST - EACH ONE SPOKE ABOUT THE POWERS OF THE HOODOO CULTURE + KEEPING THE TRADITIONS AFRICAN PEOPLE CREATED SACRED

EP. 03 INTERVIEW WITH MYESHA: HOODOO IS RESISTANCE, HOODOO IS BLACK

EP. 75 TO STUDY HOODOO, STUDY HISTORY

It's A Ghost! - Ep. 04

Ghosting, Guilt, and Getting Back: Finding My Voice in a Disconnected World

Happy October & to all my metaphysical folks - Happy Halloween spooky szn!

First off, let me start by saying, I know. I've been a bit elusive lately. Gone rogue. Pulled some Houdini acts. Or in millennial terms, I've been ghosting. Gasp! I admit it. As someone who's deeply connected to her emotions (hello, fellow empaths!), the post-pandemmy has left me feeling out of sorts. Not just with the global situation, but right here in my community in Chicago. Let's deep dive a bit into my thoughts and feelings - and maybe, just maybe, you'll see a bit of yourself in here, too.

Feeling Out of Place

Honestly, sometimes walking around my beloved Chicago feels like I'm in a Stranger Things episode, where I'm on the upside-down side. Everything's familiar yet oddly distant. And that's a feeling that has crept into my relationships, too.

Navigating Social Anxiety: Real vs. Imagined Thoughts

The tricky part about social anxiety is that it's like this deceptive friend who whispers into your ear, making you doubt everything. Did they mean that sarcastically? Do they secretly not like me? But here's the thing: Not every thought rooted in social anxiety is the absolute truth.

Showing Up

Libra season is here, and as the least confrontational sign, we might find it challenging to voice our concerns. But instead of shying away from conversations, maybe it's time we channel the balanced Libra energy into expressing our feelings more authentically.

Post-COVID Communication

Raise your hand if talking to people nowadays feels like trying to walk after you've slept on your leg wrong. Is it just me? It's like the art of casual chitchat has become as difficult as reciting Shakespeare backward.

That Overwhelming Sense of Guilt

I live alone. While there's a certain freedom to it, the silence sometimes becomes a harsh reminder of the connections I've lost. And oh boy, the guilt of not replying to messages and calls. Can we make "Sorry, I got lost in my own thoughts" a universally accepted excuse?

Finding the Balance: My Top 3 Tips

1. Throat Chakra Practices: By focusing on opening and balancing my throat chakra, I'm not only enhancing my communication but also speaking my truth without fear.

2. DBT Communication Skills: Dialectical behavior therapy offers some amazing communication techniques. From validating feelings to being more assertive - it's been a game-changer.

3. Scheduled Alone Time: Sounds contradictory, right? But scheduling alone time, where I can introspect without the pressure of replying, has made my interactions more genuine.

Lastly, here's a spiritual nugget for you. Sometimes, the universe pulls you away from social scenarios for reasons you might not immediately understand. It's like a cosmic timeout. I've been there, too engrossed in the drama to see the red flags waving wildly.

But always remember, it's okay to retreat and rejuvenate. Your true connections will understand, and if they don’t, maybe it’s the universe's way of telling you something.

Stay connected, not because it's a chore, but because our souls thrive on genuine connections. Sending love to y'all. 🌟🤍🌈

LINKS TO SOME RESOURCES CITED IN THE PODCAST

HUMAN DESIGN <3

https://www.myhumandesign.com/get-your-chart/

Where I've Been - Ep.03

Rediscovering Myself: The Year of 33 and the Power of Three

Hey fam! Been a lonnnnnnng time!

Life has its ebbs and flows, and lately, it feels like I've been caught in a tide that's pulled me away from many passions that once defined my existence. But every sunrise heralds a new beginning, and here I am, embarking on a journey of rediscovering myself and reigniting the flames of my passions.

Welcome Back: Tracing My Steps

The universe has a curious way of signaling new beginnings, and for me, it has aligned with Virgo season – a time of reflection, transformation, and growth. As I pen this down, I've just celebrated my 33rd birthday. 33! A number that holds deep symbolism in spiritual texts and Eastern cultures. The number 3 signifies growth, expansion, and ascension. Now, as I embrace this age, I feel an overwhelming urge to harness this energy, dedicating this 33rd chapter of my life to metamorphosis and positive change.

The Adventures of 33: Traveling Down Memory Lane

My birthday trip was nothing short of enlightening. A planned visit to Savannah, GA, serendipitously turned into an unexpected journey to South Carolina. This detour wasn't just geographical; it was a profound dive into my roots, as I discovered more about my Geechee lineage. Understanding my heritage, my lineage, has always meant the world to me. This unexpected journey gifted me precious insights into where I come from, adding more depth to my understanding of who I am.

The Path Ahead: Consistency and Commitment

So, what happens now? The word 'moving forward' has taken on a new meaning for me. It's not just about marching ahead, but doing so with purpose and dedication. One challenge I've grappled with is consistency, especially given my ADHD. But I've realized it's not about the battles we face but how we rise above them.

And with that spirit, I'm making a pledge – to all of you and to myself. I vow to be consistent, to share my journey, my insights, and my stories. Expect to hear from me weekly, whether it's right here or on Spotify and other podcast platforms. It's a promise to keep the communication flowing, to keep the connection alive.

To sum it up, this isn't just a 'welcome back' to my passions, but a hearty 'hello' to every one of you, as we embark on this renewed journey together. Here's to growth, rediscovery, and the magical number 3.