#mamawata

Today's Art Appreciation is Yemoja by Andre Hora. She is the Mother of the Great Water. @andrehoraart #yemoja #artappreciation #mamawata #thegreatmother #orishas #watergoddess #africanspirituality #artgoals #artistoninstagram (at Toronto, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUDNUxagWUo/?utm_medium=tumblr

As the exoteric “culture of the deities,” (religious practices) of these initial enslaved African groups were systematically suppressed, each new wave of West Africans imported would simply overlay or "refresh" the older traditions with the new, until they too were forcibly suppressed. However, what is critical to understand is that although the “culture of the deities,” (religious practices) were outwardly suppressed, the deities (and its priesthoods)themselves continued to be born in the bloodlines of the African people, and the Vodou traditions though modified, continued in individual African-American families, and ceremonies were held in secret meeting places or masked in early Christian religious worship. Haitian cultural and religious influence was the last to refresh what was clearly the exoteric (outer) cultural expression of the deities. Additionally, even their influence did not began to take root until the early 1800s, shortly after Haiti won their independence, and many disgruntled, white French slaveholders fled to the U.S. and to Cuba, bringing many of the enslaved Africans with them. The Haitian groups who refreshed and overlaid the diminishing Vodou exoteric culture in America, specifically in Louisiana, were largely from the Fon, a subgroup of the Ewe, and the final group to be imported- which is why their Haitian blends remained the most recent and the most enduring. The point that is being made, is that the Vodoun religion was introduced into America by the Africans who were directly imported into the slave-holding states from West Africa. Over the centuries, as a system of African religious and cultural suppression was effected in America, the Haitian blended influence being the last, became the most enduring. In time, it too would be ultimately reduced to the present day ethno-botanical and magical folk practices known as “Hudu” (“hoodoo”). It is this Afro-folk tradition, (practiced all throughout African for centuries) that Hollywood and Christian evangelists enjoy labeling as the “Voodoo religion” proper. Finally, spirits and deities can be born to anyone, anywhere; irrespective  of  race, ethnicity or faith.  How they are named and served is unique to each culture.  The purpose of this article is as it pertains to the Vodoun religion, and its African origins, family lineages and indigenous birthright of Africans the world over, is in making the important distinction concerning the cosmogenetic/ biological link that Africans and the Diaspora possess with the vodou spirits since time immemorial.   This relationship, history, family lineages etc, is separate and distinct from the current promulgation within the 'New Age" culture," Hollywood fantasy and the Christian evangelical disparages promoting their version of Vodou worship as something either “magical” or “malevolent”. These distinction are critical to understanding the consistency and the permanency, and the indestructibility of the unique relationship that the Afro-Diaspora have had with th

Way Wive Wordz are seeking submissions for a new publication: In Search of Mami Wata: narratives in celebration of African Water Deities . The book with be out in 2020 and edited by Dr Michelle Yaa Asantewa. The DEADLINE has been extended to enable a wider selection of contributions. Final timeline is January 30th 2020. We are looking for: Fiction - up to 2000 Words Non-Fiction - up to 1500 words (articles, personal relationships with the forces, inquiry about Mami Wata, practice, research in progress etc) Poetry - up to 2 pieces (if more than 100 lines each, would be extracted). Art - 1 - 3 pieces (can fine art, sculpture, graphic illustrations, photography, mix media work on the theme) The theme of environmentalism is encouraged. Please note: there is no contributor fee but all contributors will receive 3 copies of the book with the offer of subsequent discount for more. Kindly forward a BIO of no more than 150 words with your submission to: [email protected] . #mamawata #opportunity #waywivewordz #poetry #fiction #publish #art #fineart #articles #africanspirituality #goddesses #water #natureforce #yemaya #Yemoja #culture #sea https://www.instagram.com/p/B620GMRD6tr/?igshid=12g70eenghb99

#african #africanspirituality #mamawata (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1cz5jpDQFS/?igshid=168oyo0fojycv

I enjoyed an exquisite spa experience this morning at @sanctuaryspahou. Thank you to Jessica for an amazing facial, Courtney for getting my brows cleaned up and Tina for an unforgettable massage. Thank you to Kim Bady - you are the best!I love the sea tonic facial mist and the Infuse 7 Serum. Thank you to my lovie for the bestest surprise ever. Thank you for your love and sweetest care. I feel so pampered and restored! 🥰 #mamawata #soulcare #sanctuaryspahouston (at Sanctuary Spa Houston) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4vxDCbFcgz/?igshid=1fupgw6el1yzp

Like the sweet morning dew, I took one look at you, And it was plain to see you were my destiny. With my arms open wide, I threw away my pride. I'll sacrifice for you dedicate my life for you. #mamawata #allineed #beachbabes👙 (at Ocean Drive, South Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0JSy2aFelx/?igshid=1ab9ffy5jwtv0

Just what I needed to soothe my soul and lift my spirits. @h2omfloatjax thank you for an incredibly relaxing experience. I'm still floating.... 💖 (perfect accompaniment to the planting phase) 🌊💧#mamawata (at H2Om Float)