Espiritismo ~ Espiritista
Spiritism/Espiritismo was first introduced through the writings of Allen Kardec in 1857. He published his first book on Spiritism, The Spirits' Book, and later went on to write The Medium's Book, The Gospel According to Spiritism, Heaven and Hell and The Genesis According to Spiritism. Collectively these books have become known as the Spiritist Codification.
The most fascinating aspect of his writings is that he himself never ‘passed‘ any messages or communicated with Spirits, instead he garnered his information from through messages passed on to him by various spiritualists other than himself. The fact that he himself never had direct contact with the ‘other world’ makes his work that much more dedicated and astounding.
These books on mediumship and spiritual practice eventually became available in Caribbean and Latin American countries. Many of these places already having long standing traditions of ancestral worship and trance possession. Within the cross cultural synchronisation between the native peoples, African slaves and through Catholicism, this form of Spiritualism was easily absorbed and adapted into these various belief systems. The various forms of Espiritismo that have evolved through this cross cultural blending of practices would be unrecognisable to Allen Kardec in the era he wrote his books. However, the fundamental principles and the Spiritualist’s code still stand true for most Espiritistas today.
Espiritismo and the Misa Espiritual (spiritual mass) offers a subtle and potent way of communing with the Ancestral Spirits, utilising cleansings, prayers, spirit messages etc, to help guide and elevate the Espiritista’s life.
By developing what is called their Cuadro Espiritual (spiritual framework) this unique network of ancestral spirits support and guide each person, enabling them to move into greater wholeness, personal power and spiritual effectiveness.
In turn, by stabilising the influence and power of these forces, they not only develop spiritually, but also illuminate and elevate the spirits themselves, aiding their evolution in return.
By developing what is called their Cuadro Espiritual (spiritual framework) this unique network of ancestral spirits support and guide each person, enabling them to move into greater wholeness, personal power and spiritual effectiveness.
In turn, by stabilising the influence and power of these forces, they not only develop spiritually, but also illuminate and elevate the spirits themselves, aiding their evolution in return.
Espiritismo itself has never had a single leader or centre of practice, and as such its practice varies greatly between individuals, Iles (Houses) and groups. In all cases it continues to absorb various practices from other religious practices including Curanderismo, Afro-Brazilian Macumba and Santería etc.
More recently, its evolution is entering back into the European psyche, from where it all started, and has begun to take hold. In and of itself, Espiritismo in its various forms is its own distinct practice. Yet it assimilates into the dominant cultures’ symbols, forms of praying and distinctive indigenous spirits.
More recently, its evolution is entering back into the European psyche, from where it all started, and has begun to take hold. In and of itself, Espiritismo in its various forms is its own distinct practice. Yet it assimilates into the dominant cultures’ symbols, forms of praying and distinctive indigenous spirits.
With its unique mix of Catholic symbology, latin sensibilities and African ancestral worship, Espiritismo and its various off shoots, Espiritismo Cruzado, Santerismo etc, are slowly evolving and adapting, gaining converts from the Neopaganism and new age spiritual communities, as its power to elevate peoples’ lives becomes more and more apparent.
There is a highly folk magical element to the practice of Espiritismo, whereby various Saints, Ancestors and Spiritual Commissions (Comisiones Espirituales), are invoked to help intercede on behalf of the person needing support. People may be told to make various offerings, such as a candle, some fresh fruit, a lit cigar or cigarette etc in exchange for a particular petition to various Spirits.
Unlike more traditional paths like Ceremonial Magic etc, these spirits and ancestral allies are never chosen, or somehow summoned into being; instead they are carefully divined at gatherings such as the Misa Blanca.
Specific Ceremonies such as an Investigación are used to determine each person’s guardian spirit and various spiritual guides, be they an actual ancestor, or one from the varied and many Comisiones i.e. Vikingos, Gitanas/Gitanos, Chinos, Indios, Arabes, Madamas etc.
Specific Ceremonies such as an Investigación are used to determine each person’s guardian spirit and various spiritual guides, be they an actual ancestor, or one from the varied and many Comisiones i.e. Vikingos, Gitanas/Gitanos, Chinos, Indios, Arabes, Madamas etc.
These various Spirit Guides can greatly affect the Espiritista’s life in a reciprocal relationship. The guide may offer various remedies and guidance into life’s many problems, while the Espiritista in return may offer light and prayers, both helping to elevate each other to increased alignment and spiritual enlightenment.
The basic Misa Blanca is simply constructed using a white cloth laid over any table, a Boveda (a large clear bowl of water) placed at its centre, usually but not always with a cross in it; white candles; white flowers; some spiritual colognes i.e. Florida Water; and the prayer book Collection of Selected Prayers by Alan Kardec.
If a private Misa is held in the form of a small circle of people there is no official hierarchy as such, however there is always a Presidente heading the table who begins the initial songs and prayers etc.
If a private Misa is held in the form of a small circle of people there is no official hierarchy as such, however there is always a Presidente heading the table who begins the initial songs and prayers etc.
As the spiritual energy rises and the various Comisiones are called upon, any of the Espiritistas present may pass messages or go into various states of trance as they 'pass a Spirit'.
Things are very different if a public Misa is held for the community, then only the Presidente and the Espiritistas 'working the table' may pass messages, do cleansings and perform healings etc.
Things are very different if a public Misa is held for the community, then only the Presidente and the Espiritistas 'working the table' may pass messages, do cleansings and perform healings etc.
Various forms of cleansings are a large part of any gathering, from a simple sweeping hand movement over a person’s body, to more elaborate use of ramas (branches) to cleanse the person of negative spiritual influences. Of course, fire can be used from a simple white candle passed over the person’s body to large circles to spiritual patterns being set aflame as the person cleanses themselves. Of course, the use of such elements is only trusted in the hands of an experienced Espiritista, or a known Spirit within the person’s cuadro.
The fluidos (waters) used in these Misas are also of prime importance, whether it is inside the Boveda or Baños (spiritual wash). It is considered a transitional element, something through which the spirits may pass from this world into the other, or help to capture and cleanse any negative spirits that may need purification and elevation.
As Espiritismo progresses and slowly, hopefully, touches more and more cultures it is sure to incorporate various traditions but at its heart is sure to stay the same, offering luz { light } and progress to whom ever it touches .
As Espiritismo progresses and slowly, hopefully, touches more and more cultures it is sure to incorporate various traditions but at its heart is sure to stay the same, offering luz { light } and progress to whom ever it touches .
Art is always, in its many forms, an expression of culture. These photographs were taken with the utmost integrity in honour of the various Saints and Spirits that work with Yanu at The House of Shamagika.
Within a modern European context these images were taken with the intent to capture the spiritual/magical essence of modern Espiritismo within the 21st century. Up till now there have not been too many photoshoots done in this fashion within our tradition - much of the related imagery is from past times and various other cultures. It is truly hoped that they will express something of the beauty and devotion of the modern Espiritista…
Bless
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All images are Copyright @ Shamagika ~ R.P. Zsigo
