Collectively Patronesses of: Warriors, Reigning Women, Strategic Warfare,
Tribal Politics – more relatable purposes, however, they are Leaders. Both
defensively and offensive, they are a great ally in any “Battle,” of both
spiritual and mundane variety. They are quick-witted, adaptive, and fearsome.
But these are not their only strengths – for they are a collective, and as
such, reign over things such as: Family, Intrapersonal Relationships,
Overcoming Workplace or Familial roadblocks, so as to right whatever might
cause friction to the “unit.” They are great Deliberators and highly value Rank
and Family.
Call upon
them
for works of: Warfare – spiritual or
otherwise; But also for their aforementioned strengths regarding familial,
platonic and workplace relationships. They can smooth turbulent waters, as they
value the strength of team and community above almost all else.
Symbols: The Spear & the Double-Cobra
(above: an example of a double-cobra circlet – Egyptian)
Patroness of: Duty
– she is the first of the Kandake, Queen of Kush at its epicenter, Moroe. While
little is known of her historically, she represents the First – she is the
Beginning, and as such, represents Creativity, New Ideas and a New Approach to
old problems. She is intuitive, ingenuitive and head-on.
Call upon her
for works of: Quick Resolution, Head-On Attack, and extraordinary
Adaptability. She is quick, concise and abrupt in her dealings – specifically qualified
for works that require: on-the-go problem solving, immediate decision-making
and speedy attack/defense.
Call upon her
for works of: Strategic Warfare, Compromise, Negotiation – it is
she who lead the Kushite armies in overthrowing Egypt at Syene and Philae –
only to lose the former once again. However, the plan was yet a success upon
her negotiations with Augustus in which the Moroeites came out ahead, winning
the southern portion of the Thirty-Mile Strip and freeing Moroe from taxes
implemented by the Romans. She is The Strategist, the Leader and the
Negotiator.
Symbols: The Golden Spear & the White Eye
Prayer Addition:
“Amanirenas –
The Warrioress &
Queen – brave & just:
Bestow on me –
Your bravery,
And negotiatory –
Prowess –
So that I may –
Find Resolution.”
Amanishakheto
Patroness of: Goods,
Wealth, Luxury and Peace – She is the Queen of Gold and Treasure, Jewels and
Finery. She who reaps the reward of her predecessor. Queen and Warrior.
Call upon her
for works of: Reward,
Peacemaking, Agreement – settling disputes in a fair and peaceful manner – or the
one who brings to light any unfairness, garnering herself the recognition for
which she is deserving. If you are tired of being taken advantage of – it is Amanishakheto
who might right this wrong.
Symbols: The
Golden Collar and the Pyramid
Prayer Addition:
“Amanishakheto –
Queen of Gold & Wealth:
You are just – Great One;
Bestow on me –
You Guidance,
And seek for me –
The Justice –
Of which I am deserving;
So that I may –
Find Resolution.”
Amanitore
Patroness of:
Creation and Destruction – she ruled in what was arguably the highest age of in
Kush history, during which time she constructed and reconstructed numerous
building and destroyed her enemies with vigor. She and her “sister” Kandake, Amanirenas,
share the title of Greatest Kandakes of the Kush Empire – but for vastly
different reasons.
Call upon her
for works of: Creation or Destruction – she is the one who Builds
and the one who Burns – she is the one who might destroy so as to create and is
unmatched in works of Rebirth and Change. In the realm of relationship, she
marks the need to cut ties and move on. That though the Dark is upon you, the
Dawn will bring a time of unmatched power, strength and wealth.
Symbols: Fire
and the River
Prayer Addition:
“Amanitore –
Queen of Queens –
She who wrought –
The Golden Age:
Instruct me;
Bestow on me –
Your decisive –
Precision;
So that I may –
Ascertain –
My own Resolution.”
Ritual:
Resolution of the
Kandakes
Gather (4) golden candles and dress them in an oil of
cinnamon, clove, black pepper – or just allspice. Light them, reading the above
prayer and light the candles. Decide which of the Kandakes best relates to your
situation – alternately, you could read all of the prayers to ask for the blessings
of all of the Kandakes – and present a food offering of meat, plant and grain (I
will not give specifics, for any offering comprising of the former should suffice
– just make sure to season them all well). Ask your chosen Kandake (or all of
them) for their assistance by reading the their unique addition to the prayer.
When complete, bundle the candles with a red or gold string, and leave them
with the food offering outside near your front door. Alternately, they can be
buried near your home or workplace.
(Note: The above photo features Egyptian women, not Kushite women (as the Kandakes would be). Nubians/Kushites were depicted by their neighboring Egyptians as having round heads and facial features, slightly smaller stature and darker skin – unfortunately, finding depictions of the Kandakes only appear in stela form – and never collectively. As an editorial choice, I elected to use the above photo given lack of befitting, collective, historical depictions of the Kandakes. Realistically, they would have most certainly been of darker complexion than their copper-toned, Egyptian neighbors – of smaller stature
, shorter, cropped hair
and rounder features – and perhaps of heavier build (as seen in a few of the remaining stelas). The Kingdom of Kush existed in what is now Sudan, and possibly as far southward as Ethiopia.They probably would have looked more like: this or this or this (all which depict women of varying ages in Southern or South Sudan – the former of which is quoted as being Nuba or of the Nuba Mountains). I am unsure whether or not they, too, like the latter woman practiced any form of facial scarification for cosmetic or religious significance, but it was not mentioned in any of my readings, so I would lean towards: probably not.)
Patroness of: Luxury, Trade, Riddles, Prosperity,
Kindness, Openness, the Capacity for Learning – very powerful within the Social
Sphere, the Queen of Sheba is very much the Queen of Politics – she is one who
can sway anyone’s vote. She is outgoing, overflowing with both self-esteem and
self-assuredness, she is Proud, but not stubborn, she is mighty, but not
overbearing. In some aspects, she represents a more tolerable and balanced
Queen Jezebel – no less powerful, no less luxurious, only with the capacity to
win her people out of Respect instead of Fear. Despite her grandiose
tendencies, she is very much still grounded among her people. Her Riches are
ones to be shared, for they are the products of her Peoples.
Call upon her for works of: Persuasion, Acceptance
and all things that fall within the realm of “Winning the People.” She is one
who can crack the shell of even the grandest introvert – she is Kind,
Understanding, and beaming with a Light-Hearted Joy – she is one who: even at
her most serious, can retain an endearing light-heartedness. Foremost – she reminds
us that, while we strive for greatness, we do not always have to take ourselves
so seriously.
Symbols: (They’re unconventional symbols,
but:) The Hand & The Eye – but not the hamsa!
Before you need to impress: Run a hot bath – adding “exotic”
perfumes of your choosing – perhaps a mix of lavender and jasmine, or if you’re
feeling very Biblical: frankincense and myrrh (for these were (some of) the
gifts she brought to King Solomon). Add to the bath, a cup (or 2) of whole milk
(goat’s milk is all the better) and a drizzle of honey. Of course, you can add
just about anything you’re feeling: bubbles, petals, be extravagant about it!
You don’t become the Queen of Sheba by cutting cosmetic corners!
Just before you get in, light a few candles in red and white
and dress them in an oil of Ceylon cinnamon (and, optionally, Egyptian Licorice);
if you’re not afraid of smelling like a French whore, feel free to add some of
this to the bath as well. Speak Sheba’s “prayer” and take a nice, long soak –
all the while dreaming of lavish life styles and great adventure.
When you’re through, blow out the candles and keep them near
your cosmetics, on a vanity or by a bedroom window.
Revel in the confidence she gives, the ease with which you
might make conversation or the way she magnifies even the slightest streak of
adventure!
Maybe she was born with it: Maybe it’s The Queen of Sheba… (And a nice bath)
Patroness of: Foresight, Prophesy, Learning, Study, Hidden
Knowledge – the interpretation of Omens and Symbols, specifically. More
mundanely – female power in the realm of scholarly pursuits. She is the one who
is Worth her Merit, she is the one who Sees, convenes with the Divine – She is
a Great Teacher, versed in the Lost Knowledges – she is a woman of great power –
she is one of the Seven.Call upon
her for works of: Learning, Study,
Interpretations of Dreams, Divination and Omens. In this, she can be comparable
to the Hindu Sarasvati – she is a Great Wisdom.
Procure a key – a skeleton key, given its ability to open
all locks, is preferable, but not mandatory – and anoint it in oil infused
with: Bay, Mint, Basil, Rosemary (optionally: Camphor) – Buff the key and wipe
away the excess oil. Before a candle (white, dark blue or a votive of the
Virgin), hold the key in the palm of your right hand, and recite the first-half
above prayer. Place your left hand over your right, with the key between your
palms and flip them so the key rests in your left palm. Recite the last half of
the above prayer. Read the following addition, with the rounded part of the key
pressed to your “Third Eye”:
“With the Mortal Instrument:
I tether –
The Knowledge of
Divine
Prophecy –
And bind it at my
throat;
Speaking free
I hold the Key
Of Huldah:
Seer – and Studious
I must be.”
With a length or string or twine in hand, blow out the
candle and draw the thread through the warm wax, while still warm, work the wax
into the string, sloughing the excess. Match the string end-to-end, and draw
both ends through the ring of the key, and then through the loop of string on
the opposite side. Not at the back and wear as a pendent when doing workings
that require focus, interpretation or prophecy.
(Warning: some candlewax may leave an oily residue on
clothing – be careful when wearing it! If this may be a problem, after it has
sealed, simply draw your nail down the length and scrape off most of the wax –
it should still work perfectly fine.)
Patroness of: Beauty,Sex Workers, Business, Families (of the Womb and the Covenant), Female
Bonds of Friendship, Devotion, Guidance, Secrets, Change – She is the
Innkeeper, Queen and Lady of the Brothel: Mother to the Orphaned, Protector of
the Innocent, Keeper of Secrets – It is she who knows All Secrets, she is the
Ever-Vigilant, and will stop at nothing to protect those in her care: as such,
she is strongly Maternal – but, so, too is she a woman of Great Beauty – she is
a Creature of the Night, she is the Street-Walker, the Goods Peddler, and the
Barkeep. Patroness of Cosmetics, Wares and Elixirs. (for the more spiritual
side of Rahab, see Rahab: The Qedesha)
Call upon her for
works of: Beauty, Love, Business and
Financial Success, Change/Adaptability, and Protection – particularly in
guarding Secrets, self and home. While she, too, Knows All (much like The Witch
of Endor) her secrets cannot be bought – only earned, and even then, only to an
extent. Her business relies on her ability to Observe and remain Silent – as such,
she might also take the roll of therapist: all you need to do is ask.
Symbols: The Red Cord & Copper Coins
For the Story of Rahab, see: The Bible Gateway (for a less than unbiased interpretation)
“Prayer”:
“Lady of Ill-Repute,
Harlot of the Street –
Rahab, bound –
In scarlet garment;
Bedecked in jewels
Of lechery –
Your Crown is polished
–
Unbound by –
The Offense of any
man,
For business –
Is business;
Red Lady –
Gnash a golden tooth
–
And check the worth
Of any coin –
Or Soul –
Who clambers
To your House
Upon the Gates
Of Jericho;
Know my worth –
For I know yours:
Lady of Changing
Tides,
Keeper of the
Whispers;
For I am a –
Window;
Let down your
Vermillion rope,
Ra-Hab –
And I will scale
These crumbling –
Walls;
A coin of copper,
For your troubles;
And I’ll bestow you
A secret, too –
One you know
To be true –
For it is one
We both know.”
Ritual:
The Coin of Favor
To garner the favor of Rahab, enter an establishment in
which she would reign: bar, hotel, bordello, even a gas station – simply a
place in which a wayward traveler might get some peace. Buy something, anything
will do, but pay in cash. From the change you’ll inevitably receive, locate a
copper (toned) coin, such as a penny. Light (1) red candle, and hold the penny
in your left hand – then read the above prayer, tacking on:
“I ask of you –
Lady Rahab,
To lend me thus:
Your favor,
Protect me in my –
Travels;
Lead me hence –
Through Darkness;
And bestow on me:
Your radiance –
Beauty –
And Charm;”
On a slip of paper, write out a secret – one you’ve never
spoken aloud. Dip the coin in the hot wax of the candle and seal it to the
paper. Wrap them both in red thread or string and hang the charm in your
window. After (7) days, bury on a corner or carry it on your person to ensure
Rahab’s blessing.
Patroness of: Temptation, Feminine Sexuality – both the
power and the downfalls associated with such, Survival, Power, the Night – to Samson’s
Day – and as such, the feminine mysteries: she stands as a Lunar Being, Ruled
by Moon and Stars. She is a testament to powers of Survival, that things in the
dark are not always as they seem, the lengths that desperation can drive one
to, and the power that women hold over men. While she is demonized for her abilities
to “Tempt” Samson, Samson’s own impiety is never question – furthering the
preferred way in which the Old Testament will so soon damn women for the
downfalls of men. She is the Downfall of Samson – his cosmic opposite – but if
not for Delilah, Samson would never have learned from his actions. In that
aspect, she is an unusual Teacher – a form of Passive Teaching – one who
Damns/Curses so that they might be Redeemed and Learn from their Mistakes.
Call upon her for
works of: Power, Sexual Wiles, Temptation,
Lust, Dominion, Survival (Financial) – but also works of introspection,
intuition, and things ruled by the Moon and the Night. She is the Mystery of
Femininity, the shadows of the Night and the Tempter of Man – so that they
might be Reborn – stronger than before. As such she could easily be associated
with the Legion of Pomba Gira.
Symbols: A Lock of Hair & a Silver Coin
For the Story of (Samson and) Delilah, see: Judges 16
“Prayer”:
“Delilah – of the Moon
And Stars – Cosmic
Wonder of the Night
Walk amongst the
shadows –
Fast, and bring
With you:
Your shears:
Each Golden Strand
Of Sunlight –
Worth its weight in
silver;
Come – O night –
Delilah, walk by
The light of the
hanged
Moon bright;
Bare of foot
And naked breast,
Beneath the tresses
Of black
Plaits – woven;
Come Delilah –
Sword and Knife;
Slice the bands of
Gold;
Teacher;
Temptress;
Fiery might –
Beneath a sullen face,
Of tears –
Shed upon your pyre,
Dona Delilah –
Lady of Vice,
And Virtue;
Let these calls –
Echo forth;
Let these calls –
Stand as testament;
O Delilah –
Aid me…”
Ritual:
Dominion of Delilah
Gather (7) red candles, and dress them in an oil of: cinnamon,
rose, and anise seed. Do not light them yet – instead, light a black or dark blue
candle to work by. Cut (7) equal lengths of black yarn – which will stand as
symbolic locks of hair – and braid them together with (2) strands on the
outsides and (3) in the middle – Note: It’s better to have strands that are too
long than to short, as you’ll be using the braid to tie the red candles together.
Perfume your hands in the same oil or in a strong “warm” perfume of your
choosing and braid the locks into a long chain – while reading the above “Prayer.”
Tie off the braid and collect your candles into a bunch – wrapping the braid
around them and knotting it to hold them snuggly in place.
Take the bunch of candles and light them somewhere near the
street – a back alley near a tavern or brothel being best, however, anywhere on
or near the street will do. As you light them, recite the following addition to
the prayer:
Queen of Daggers,
Shears in Hand –
I ask of you:
Your favor –
Grant me Dominion –
Vast and True,
Over those who
Seek – to confine me;
Lady Delilah –
Give me Strength;
Give me Power;
Give me Your Blessing.
Leave the candles to burn and leave a handful of silver (colored) coins, and do not look back as you walk
away. She will lend you her power within the coming week.
Patroness of: Vehement, Unwavering Belief, Female
Sovereigns and Queens, the Old Religion, Fertility, Cult Practice and Ceremony,
Female Aggression, Hunger (for Power, Luxury and Excess), Domineering Wives,
Ruthlessness, Rebirth, & Rejuvenation – Few women are so demonized in the
Bible as Jezebel – Daughter of the Phoenician Queen. She is Power at its
wildest, upon the boundary of Totalitarian and Madness – but so, too, comes an
unmatched resourcefulness. She is a being of Excess – bountifully overflowing
with wealth, splendor and rage. She is the Ruling Tempest, the Pagan Maelstrom –
Nature, gnashing at the walls and striking like lightning at the very
foundation at the Shrine of Yahweh. She is the Jury, Judge and Executioner –
her word is Law. And with an army at her beck and call, she constructed a
Heathen Kingdom in the “Holy Land.”
Call upon her for works of: Leadership, Ruthlessness, Control, Justice, Decimation of Doubt,
Domination, Fertility, Fruitfulness, Wealth/Financial Gain, Cult Ceremony and
worship of the Old Gods. “Take what you want and destroy anyone who stands in
your way.”
“When Jehu came to Jezreel,
Jezebel heard of it. And she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked
out of the window. And as Jehu entered the gate, she said, “Is it peace, you
Zimri, murderer of your master?” And he lifted up his face to the window and said, “Who is on my side?
Who?” Two or three eunuchs looked out at him. He said, “Throw her down.” So
they threw her down. And some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the
horses, and they trampled on her. Then he went in and ate and drank. And he
said, “See now to this cursed woman and bury her, for she is a king’s
daughter.” But when they went to bury her, they found no more of her than the skull
and the feet and the palms of her hands. When they came back and told him, he
said, “This is the word of the LORD, which he spoke by
his servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘In the territory of Jezreel the dogs shall
eat the flesh of Jezebel, and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as dung on the
face of the field in the territory of Jezreel, so that no one can say, This is
Jezebel.’”
“Prayer”:
“O
Great Queen Jezebel –
Warrior of the Evening Star,
Champion of Venus;
Who Reigns in Infamy –
Eternally:
At the foot of – the Great
King Lucifer:
The Punisher;
Take up your rod –
Your blunted knife –
And the circlet
At your crown –
Paint your face
And furl your brow;
Can you hear the thunder rolling?
The earth shake underfoot –
Tis the Will –
Of Jezebel –
Reigning Queen of Nethers;
Light the lamp;
Spit the tooth;
And swathe yourself
In gold and gems –
From the bowels of your –
Homeland;
Phoenician Queen of Israel;
But head;
And palms;
And infamy –
Are all the yet
Remain;
Caught in the gut –
Of the She-Bitch:
Lupa –
Acca Larentia –
Astarte –
Astaroth –
Queen of Vexing –
Volatile Ruler:
Of sex –
And blood –
And wiles;
Rise – Child of Lilith;
Jezebel – Lady of
The Old Ways –
Decimator of the Holy –
For born in you,
A new regime –
A sacrilegious Queendom;
Come now, Devil,
From the Depths:
Queen Jezebel –
The Volatile –
Patroness of Power;
For I walk –
Ever in your shadow.”
Ritual:
Curse of Jezebel
In oil (of sulfur, rose, and anise seed) – draw the
following symbol on a flat surface (table, altar, floor, etc.) while reciting
the above “prayer”:
Light (3) Black candles in the form of an equilateral
triangle (placed on the points marked with a gray “x”, dressed in oil and
rolled in sulfur. At the heart of the triangle, light (1) Red candle and read
the following addition:
“Hark – Unchain
The Beasts of Hell –
Queen Jezebel:
Destroyer of Men;
For I mark –
The Heads of Babes;”
With a knife, needle or (as I’d highly recommend) a Lancet,
draw blood from the middle finger of your left hand – press the bloodied finger
to the forehead in the photo of you victim, or press in the center of their
name. Touch the oil symbol to your wound and draw it through the flame. With a
metal or glass bowl on hand, read the final addition and draw the photo or
name-paper through the flame of the red candle until it catches:
“Fire of my Blood,
Queen –
Blood from the Flames;
The price has been
paid.”
Let it burn then drop it in the bowl. Blow out the red
candle first, then the black. Dress the red color with the symbol-oil and roll
it in the ashes. This you must burn once a day for 7 days, or until it has
burned up. Chop the black candles into pieces with a sharp knife until they are
only shards of wax. Sprinkle them on the victim’s property or in a nearby
cemetery.
(Be Warned: The Wrath of Jezebel is unparalleled – there
is no changing your mind, there is no going back)
Patroness of: Necromancy, Mediumship, the Arcane, the
Knowledge of Death and the Knowledge of the Dead; whomever passes through the
Gates offers up their Wisdom. She also acts as a testament to the tenacity of
The Craft, as even though Saul “eradicated” all Seers and Witches from his city,
still she we there, ready… – and on a
more mundane level: Grief, Illness, Patience, Death and Loss – or more
poignantly, how to heal after being dealt a blow. She is the Liminal Witch, the
Gate between the Living and the Dead – she is as ageless as death itself and,
in death, has become Death – she is Merciful, she is Maternal, but she is.
Call upon her for
works of: Healing – for it is Death
who makes the final decision, Sorcery, Necromancy, Mediumship, Graveyard Work,
Witchcraft and Knowledge of the Esoteric, Guidance. Be not frightened of her
hidden face, for beneath she is release – she is Hope and she is Freedom; she
is the Willful Psychopomp – sworn to usher, coin or not.
Collect some scruples of food: corn meal puddings flavored
with hot peppers or cooked beans, unleavened bread sopped in vinegar and oil,
vessels of spiced rum or unfermented grape juice, water or honey, extremely
salted meat (that’s inedible by human standards) – whatever is feasible and
fits your unique faith – and a pouch of coins (I don’t care what faith you’re
in, if you’re working in the cemetery, you pay, simple as). At the Gates of the
Cemetery, leave your food offering, and some coins – actual silver, copper and
gold are great, but damn near impossible to come by. Don’t by stingy. As you do
so, read the above “prayer” or give them the abridged version: “Thank you, keep
doing what you’re doing, we’re very grateful…”
If you require knowledge from a specific spirit and can
readily access their grave, you should also bring something for them – perhaps something
they liked or something that reminds you of them. It is also good to keep
something that belonged to them on your person.
Leave the offerings at their grave and skip to the reading.
If you do not need an answer from a specific spirit or
cannot readily access their grave, you’ll have to do a little asking about. Even
if you aren’t a medium, simply vocalize (softly, don’t yell, they’re dead, not
deaf) 1) whom you wish to speak with or 2) the question you need answered or
information you seek.
If they come quickly, perfect. Ask, vocalize, and ask that
they convey the information to you in your preferred medium (dream, cards, séance,
whatever) – if not, grease the gears with this addition to the above Prayer:
“I walk amongst your
children,
Now – it is answers
that I seek,
Keeper of the Dead, I
ask:
Bring to me the Soul –
I seek; Unveil –
The hidden visage;
And the answers
That they keep…”
Wait. Listen. Feel. When they arrive you’ll always feel it
first. If they do not, try again another night – they aren’t made to serve your
beck and call.
Patroness of: Acceptance,
Social and Youthful Curiosity, Young Love, Loss (in many aspects of the word –
lost youth, lost love, lost faith), Powerlessness – not at the hands of
Shechem, but her family, Infatuation, Tenderness, Understanding and a Girl’s
Reclamation of Self. She is one who has been desecrated, whose trust has been
dismantled – by none other than her family – she, conversely, commands a great
power of retribution and will stop at nothing to ensure that no other be forced
to endure what she had to.
Call upon her for
works of: Reclamation from Patriarchal Tyranny – when the words of men
asphyxiate every fiber of your being. Too, for Justice – Her name is Judgement –
and no matter her forced meekness in life, her death brought forth the very essence
of Power that kept her living through the Hell that cropped up around her. She is
Innocence, She is Youthful Naivety but never mistake that for weakness – for it is her greatest strength, and one that
renders swift, unrelenting justice.
Symbols: The Jug
& the Veil
For the Story of Dinah,
see:Dinah (Don’t bother with
the Biblical version… It’s slightly
biased)
“Prayer”:
Cometh Dinah – bright and
new,
Wrapped in linen veils
of youth,
And a crown of gems:
Emeralds, rubies,
Lapis – blue;
Stones of love – a love
That is born in strife,
O Dinah, child,
Alight with raging
fire,
For the heat of
kindled flames,
Burn brighter than the
ember;
And in the hearth,
The fire gleans:
Uncertainty to cinder;
O Dinah, of wing-ed
heart,
Your words were swept
away,
And in the wake:
An army –
Torn asunder by the
blood,
That welled within a
broken heart,
Dinah – Dinah:
Reclaim now what was
stolen,
Not the guise of youth
– no,
But the words –
And lives –
And memories –
That were dashed like
hopeless
Dreams – the ones
You once did cling to:
For none deserve
The pain –
Dinah – we remember;
We remember you”
Ritual:
(I’m going to present two, one for both sides of the
spectrum)
Binding Hearts
To tie the hearts of two-together, first collect two onions.
Peel the skin and place them both on a red swatch of fabric – between the two,
burn a candle (one in bright red, lapis blue or a votive of the Virgin) to work
by. Once the candle is lit, read the above “prayer” to Dinah, adding to the
end:
“Dinah – of Lost Love –
Look into my feathered
heart,
And if my/our love is
True:
Stand as witness –
As I bind these hearts
together,”
Cut the two onions in half vertically, and unite the two
halves of one heart with the two halves of the other – fixing them with a blend
of honey and rose.
Wrap one onion in red fabric, tying a cord to form a “bag” –
this one you will leave at the side of a road along with the candle. As you do,
recite the last part of the prayer:
“Dinah – sweet of
honey, rose,
I bare my heart to
you.”
The other half, bury near your bedroom window. If the love
is true – he/she will show great interest very soon.
The Flames of
Retribution
Take with you into a dark room, a candle (red, black or a
votive of the Virgin) and a mirror. Prop the mirror against a sturdy backing
and light the candle; Look upon yourself in the mirror and read the above
prayer, finishing with:
“And on barren feet I walk,
‘Neath the shroud of persecution,
O, sweet Dinah of the Rose,
Bear your thorns –
For I have suffered;
I – a child of Sorrow –
Wept;
But no longer shall we
Weep for Sins –
That were not ours
To mourn –“
(Blow out the candle; and wait for the darkness to settle –
then relight the candle)
“And at last:
We are Reborn.”
Let the candle burn down or dash the flame, drizzle it with
honey and leave it at a crossroads.
Patroness of: Great Vision, Female Leadership, Strategy, Warfare, Prophecy, Cunning,
Faith, Prowess, and the Power to Overcome Great Odds. Call upon her for
works of Protection, Divination, Courage, Hope and Weather Manipulation (specifically
in regards to Lightning). She is a guide to all those who must fight to
survive.
Light (5) Red or Golden Candles. With a knife blade pressed between your hands, recite the above prayer adding in the following at the (x):
Hear my pleas –
O Warrioress of Righteous Virtue –
Lead me forth to Victory,
Oracle of Spear and Dagger;
Might these odds yet,
Be overcome?
Light the way, Deborah –
Fire of the Divine,
Fight by my side –
Fight by my side –
Extinguish the candles and arrange them with three pointed upward and two pointing downward and tie them together in a bundle – bury (in the same, upright position) near your front door.
Collectively Patronesses of: Warriors, Reigning Women, Strategic Warfare,
Tribal Politics – more relatable purposes, however, they are Leaders. Both
defensively and offensive, they are a great ally in any “Battle,” of both
spiritual and mundane variety. They are quick-witted, adaptive, and fearsome.
But these are not their only strengths – for they are a collective, and as
such, reign over things such as: Family, Intrapersonal Relationships,
Overcoming Workplace or Familial roadblocks, so as to right whatever might
cause friction to the “unit.” They are great Deliberators and highly value Rank
and Family.
Call upon
them
for works of: Warfare – spiritual or
otherwise; But also for their aforementioned strengths regarding familial,
platonic and workplace relationships. They can smooth turbulent waters, as they
value the strength of team and community above almost all else.
Symbols: The Spear & the Double-Cobra
(above: an example of a double-cobra circlet – Egyptian)
Patroness of: Duty
– she is the first of the Kandake, Queen of Kush at its epicenter, Moroe. While
little is known of her historically, she represents the First – she is the
Beginning, and as such, represents Creativity, New Ideas and a New Approach to
old problems. She is intuitive, ingenuitive and head-on.
Call upon her
for works of: Quick Resolution, Head-On Attack, and extraordinary
Adaptability. She is quick, concise and abrupt in her dealings – specifically qualified
for works that require: on-the-go problem solving, immediate decision-making
and speedy attack/defense.
Call upon her
for works of: Strategic Warfare, Compromise, Negotiation – it is
she who lead the Kushite armies in overthrowing Egypt at Syene and Philae –
only to lose the former once again. However, the plan was yet a success upon
her negotiations with Augustus in which the Moroeites came out ahead, winning
the southern portion of the Thirty-Mile Strip and freeing Moroe from taxes
implemented by the Romans. She is The Strategist, the Leader and the
Negotiator.
Symbols: The Golden Spear & the White Eye
Prayer Addition:
“Amanirenas –
The Warrioress &
Queen – brave & just:
Bestow on me –
Your bravery,
And negotiatory –
Prowess –
So that I may –
Find Resolution.”
Amanishakheto
Patroness of: Goods,
Wealth, Luxury and Peace – She is the Queen of Gold and Treasure, Jewels and
Finery. She who reaps the reward of her predecessor. Queen and Warrior.
Call upon her
for works of: Reward,
Peacemaking, Agreement – settling disputes in a fair and peaceful manner – or the
one who brings to light any unfairness, garnering herself the recognition for
which she is deserving. If you are tired of being taken advantage of – it is Amanishakheto
who might right this wrong.
Symbols: The
Golden Collar and the Pyramid
Prayer Addition:
“Amanishakheto –
Queen of Gold & Wealth:
You are just – Great One;
Bestow on me –
You Guidance,
And seek for me –
The Justice –
Of which I am deserving;
So that I may –
Find Resolution.”
Amanitore
Patroness of:
Creation and Destruction – she ruled in what was arguably the highest age of in
Kush history, during which time she constructed and reconstructed numerous
building and destroyed her enemies with vigor. She and her “sister” Kandake, Amanirenas,
share the title of Greatest Kandakes of the Kush Empire – but for vastly
different reasons.
Call upon her
for works of: Creation or Destruction – she is the one who Builds
and the one who Burns – she is the one who might destroy so as to create and is
unmatched in works of Rebirth and Change. In the realm of relationship, she
marks the need to cut ties and move on. That though the Dark is upon you, the
Dawn will bring a time of unmatched power, strength and wealth.
Symbols: Fire
and the River
Prayer Addition:
“Amanitore –
Queen of Queens –
She who wrought –
The Golden Age:
Instruct me;
Bestow on me –
Your decisive –
Precision;
So that I may –
Ascertain –
My own Resolution.”
Ritual:
Resolution of the
Kandakes
Gather (4) golden candles and dress them in an oil of
cinnamon, clove, black pepper – or just allspice. Light them, reading the above
prayer and light the candles. Decide which of the Kandakes best relates to your
situation – alternately, you could read all of the prayers to ask for the blessings
of all of the Kandakes – and present a food offering of meat, plant and grain (I
will not give specifics, for any offering comprising of the former should suffice
– just make sure to season them all well). Ask your chosen Kandake (or all of
them) for their assistance by reading the their unique addition to the prayer.
When complete, bundle the candles with a red or gold string, and leave them
with the food offering outside near your front door. Alternately, they can be
buried near your home or workplace.
(Note: The above photo features Egyptian women, not Kushite women (as the Kandakes would be). Nubians/Kushites were depicted by their neighboring Egyptians as having round heads and facial features, slightly smaller stature and darker skin – unfortunately, finding depictions of the Kandakes only appear in stela form – and never collectively. As an editorial choice, I elected to use the above photo given lack of befitting, collective, historical depictions of the Kandakes. Realistically, they would have most certainly been of darker complexion than their copper-toned, Egyptian neighbors – of smaller stature
, shorter, cropped hair
and rounder features – and perhaps of heavier build (as seen in a few of the remaining stelas). The Kingdom of Kush existed in what is now Sudan, and possibly as far southward as Ethiopia.They probably would have looked more like: this or this or this (all which depict women of varying ages in Southern or South Sudan – the former of which is quoted as being Nuba or of the Nuba Mountains). I am unsure whether or not they, too, like the latter woman practiced any form of facial scarification for cosmetic or religious significance, but it was not mentioned in any of my readings, so I would lean towards: probably not.)
The Qedavian Apocrypha 
