An Import of my Tumblr Blog
We should know what our convictions are, and stand for them. Upon one’s own philosophy, conscious or unconscious, depends one’s ultimate interpretation of the facts. Therefore it is wise to be as clear as possible about one’s subjective principles. As the man is, so will be his ultimate truth. ~Carl Jung
I like Tyson, don’t get me wrong, but I see this a lot from evangelical atheists. (Mind you, Tyson will tell you he isn’t an atheist, just believes everything an atheist does). Fine, you enjoy studying astronomy, but am I supposed to be somehow awed into a semi-mystical worship of the natural world because of this? Which is certainly the implication. I consider myself a humanist, in the true sense of the word. I revel in the works that my own kind have achieved. A bunch of gasses never built pyramids. We are so much more than the sum of our parts. And among our greatest creations is religion. Not as a tool to control, but as a mirror in which to reflect ourselves.
Legba has his origins with the Fon people of Dahomey (Benin) Africa and is said to be the guardian and trickster of the crossroads and entrances. He is one of the most widely worshipped loas and is known by several names. In Surinam in Brazil he is known as Exu, in Trinidad, in Cuba he is known as Elegua, and in Haiti and New Orleans he is known as Papa Legba. Papa Legba is the master linguist, the trickster, warrior, and the personal messenger of destiny. He has the power to remove obstacles and he provides opportunities. All ceremonies begin and end with Papa Legba, and there can be no communication with any of the other loas without consulting him first. His gift for linguistics enables him to translate the requests of humans into the languages of the spirits and loas.
Papa Legba’s colors are red and black (as worshipped in New Orleans), and some of his favorite things that can be used as offerings include, candy, cigars, rum, and tobacco. He absolutely loves palm oil. His number is three and his day of the week is Monday.
Here’s a subject that’s been going around lately. As usual, I let Mr. Conductor be my guide.
