POLYGAMY: Let’s get something straight

This is polygyny from an Afrikan-centred perspective.  Most of us conscious folks don’t agree with the Islamic and AHI (African Hebrew Israelite) style. Both are patriarchal.  If you are interested in having a polygynous relationship please be FAIR about it.  People, no oppressive movements.   Real talk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JP7gMXAuYw    Dr. Umar Johnson talks about the subject

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XaRjpjdui8      Some co-wives speak about polyandry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCuwfjbE920    Dr. Umar Johnson addresses the topic again

P.S. – Polygamy is the general term used for a marriage with more than one partner. Polygyny is when a man has more than one wife. Polyandry is when a woman has multiple husbands.

Bringin’ out the best in our youths

Folks,  did you miss the conference on raising spiritually-centred youths? If so you can catch it here:

http://intensehigh.wordpress.com/spiritually-centered/

Also… Raising Revolutionaries (book) is available for purchase!!!!!!!! Woohoo!!! Many of us have been waiting for Sis. Iyalosa to spit this out.  Spread the word!

http://www.imegabooks.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=RR                                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDw2eCIR0Fw

P.S.- Check out the doc, Venus & Serena. Great stuff!

Our yards: Bottle trees

Are you familiar with bottle trees?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxHpxReNmDs Video with a little history on bottle trees

Some of us have them in our yards.  Blue is the suggested colour to use for the glass bottles.  Makes sense in terms of what it signifies in African spirituality.  Think: Auset/ Yemanja. Clear bottles with blue water inside. In the U.S. it appears that many folks use bottles that are actually blue. They keep negative vibes/unsettled spirits away.  I’ve rarely seen a bottle tree where I live. I’m more inclined to see coloured bottles around the perimeter of folks’ yards. It’s all part of the same bottle tree tradition. Ancient wisdom. Some folks use a variety of colours (for all the orishas). Here’s a little history & more:
http://www.squidoo.com/bottletrees
http://www.appalachianhistory.net/2010/10/bottle-tree.html
http://www.islandpacket.com/2009/12/11/1066748/blue-bottle-trees-a-throwback.html

P.S.-  I know of a woman who recently purchased a glass bottle wind
chime for her home. She said the effect has been AMAZING. It has helped bring peace to her home and family. Check out http://www.thebottlebenders.com.

Children’s book   http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Bottle-Tree-Evelyn-Coleman/dp/0531094677

One for adults  http://www.amazon.com/Bottle-Trees-Whimsical-Garden/dp/0983272697/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1

     

Navigating Halloween – Part 3

So the more you live the more you learn. People, there’s nothing like doing your own research. Let me tell you! Whether you celebrate Halloween or not, consider getting informed about it. Turns out Kali Puja (India & Nepal) , Yu Lan (Hong Kong & China), Festival of the Dead (various places) and Pangangaluluwa (The Phillipines) are worth knowing about too. Samhain (Celtic), Dia de Los Muertos (Central/South America) and Damballah Huedo (Yoruba) are as well. You’ll notice a bunch of similarities when it comes to dates, rituals and more. Educate yourself and your youths.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival_of_the_Dead          Festival of the Dead

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween_around_the_world       Halloween and similar celebrations around the world

http://writersblock.casaveneracion.com/2012/09/pangangaluluwa-celebrating-halloween-in-the-philippines/       Pangangaluluwa

http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/20153/%E2%80%98tabi-tabi-po%E2%80%99       A little more about Pangangaluluwa

http://www.celebrate-day-of-the-dead.com   Dia de los Muertos (aka Day of the Dead)

https://www.tumblr.com/thinkmexican/65868918029/facts-and-misconceptions-about-mexican-dia-de-los-muerto

http://www.haitiobserver.com/blog/tag/day-of-the-dead/the-celebration-of-haitis-day-of-the-dead.html    Haiti’s Day of the Dead

http://www.wehaitians.com/day%20of%20the%20dead.html       more on the above

http://news.yahoo.com/christianity-voodoo-mix-haitis-day-dead-203410802.html        ” ” ” “

http://www.sfgate.com/homeandgarden/article/Celebrating-Ghede-Haitian-day-of-the-dead-3264333.php      ” ” ” “

P.S.- The bottom line is that indigenous people have been celebrating their ancestors for ages.  In the larger scheme of things, All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day and Halloween are all pretty new.  Folks, check that back story!  You may be pleasantly surprised. I know I was.

Labour Day

Do you enjoy Labour Day festivities? There are marches, parades and
more. In most cases we (indigenous folks) have been at the forefront
of the labour movement. Remember to honour those who fought/continue
to fight for worker’s rights/trade unionism etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WFQ97fthY8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVEK8lRB7Io
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOkjZr2sysQ

Teach de youths da truth!