The care and feeding of spirits

The care and feeding of spirits play a prominent role in cultures from around the world. Whether it's leaving out food for the recently deceased or making burnt offerings to the gods the practice has been around for many centuries.

## Attracting spirits

How do you attract the spirits you seek? How do you encourage them to linger? Two general rules

*If you feed them, they will come*

*Care for them and they will stay.*

How do you get anyone to come visit you? Issue an invitation. How do you get them to stay or return? Make them feel welcome and desired. Offer what they crave and enjoy. Make the spirit feel at home.

Spirits are *constantly* cultivated, welcomed, or discouraged from drawing near. The problem is that this is generally done unconsciously with no awareness of which spirit are actually being beckoned closer. Which spirit do you cultivate? Are they benevolent? Powerful? Dangerous? Helpful? Troublemakers? Who do you attract? Is it who you want? Who are you already feeding, albeit accidentally?

The type of work you do, the food on your table, beverages, fragrances, music, friends and animals surrounding you, all this affects the types of spirits you attract. Any sounds, images, fragrance, foods, work, or emotions that are constantly, consistently present potentially serve as lures for spirits (or serve to keep them away).

The goal is to consciously issue invitations only to spirits sought, Simultaneously discouraging unwanted guests. Consciously providing the ambience and gifts a spirit craves issues a potent, seductive invitation.

Summoning spirits involves courtship, seduction, bribes, Create an atmosphere (or at least a little corner) that appeals to a spirit and makes it feel at home. Many spirits possess associations with specific colours, numbers, images, fragrances, and objects. These are the tools used to beckon them.

Spirits' special colours, numbers, images, and attributes are essentially aspects and reflections of themselves. Oshun, for example is identified with the number five, the spectrum of colours from yellow to gold to orange, sweet (not salt) water and honey. It would be accurate to say these things are sacred to Oshun, but it is also accurate to say that they share Oshun's essence. She recognizes herself in them. By presenting these things to her, she not only feels at home, she finds herself in your home.

Manipulating these items via offerings and presentations simultaneously serves as a tribute and an invitation. Thus, henna is sacred to Hathor but henna also *is* Hathor. They share the same essence. This is a complex, esoteric notion; it emphasizes and underlines the omnipresence of the sacred. Look around you: everything you see, hear, smell, and touch may share the essence of one or more spirits. Make sure they are those you seek.

The most common method of conscious manipulation and presentation involves construction of some sort of altar, but this is not necessary. Simply creating an ambience that attracts a spirit is sufficient. Select colours, items, plants, fragrances, and images (paintings, statues, photos, posters) carefully.

Spirits aren't only attracted by the tangible, but are also summoned by sound, emotion, and activities. Some love dance or certain musical instruments. Djinn can't resist listening to a good story. Yemaya despises domestic violence; negative spirits enjoy it.

Spirits generally appreciate a good meal and are inclined to linger or return for more, especially if you're serving what they like, They like to be comfortable and cosseted; their special colours, fragrances, and sacred objects attract them like a magnet. Some spirits are attracted to music, plants, animals, or different human activities.

What distinguishes people from other species? One standard anthropological suggestion is that we cook our food. Prepared foods and beverages are something special *we* have that spirits crave. These serve as tributes, payment, and bargaining chips.

Spirits like to eat. (Some really like to drink.) In the same manner that people have special treats that are their favourites, so do many spirits.

Lighting candles and offering flowers are popular forms of veneration, but feeding spirits human food or drink on a regular basis is the most common method of venerating and maintaining contact with them. Think about preparing a birthday dinner for a beloved child: there will be a special cake in the child's prefered flavour, probably complete with significant decorations plus other favourite foods. That's essentially how you feed a spirit.

The custom of providing spirits with human food and drink is global. Vestiges of this universal ritual survive in the milk and cookies left for Santa on Christmas Eve. If you are unfamiliar with the custom, then the next time you are in a Chinese or Tai restaurant, look to see whether food offerings have been placed on an altar.

Differences arise in exactly which foods are chosen, how and when they are presented, and crucially what is done with the food after it's been given to the spirit.

* Some traditions consistently serve only a spirit's favourite food and drink.
* Other traditions offer spirits a sampling of whatever people are having.

In other words, sometimes people just share their own meals. This may be a full portion or just a little morsel, similar to a tidbit for a pet. This method is often used to serve ancestors or house spirits; but it is also just standard practice in some spiritual traditions. Depending on circumstances, it may be all that people *can* offer.

On the other hand, sometimes people purchase or prepare foods especially for spirits. Tremendous care is taken to ensure that spirits only receive what they like. This may be a tiny treat or an elaborate, multi-course meal.

What the spirits receive may bear no relationship to anything consumed by its devotees. Many teetotalers buy copious amounts of liquor never to be tasted by human lips, only by spirits. Likewise many nonsmokers keep their spirit-allies well stocked with tobacco products. (Some light cigarettes for spirits or blow smoke over their images. Others offer unlit offerings, just setting cigarettes down, individually or as a pack.)

Spirits may express preferences for certain foods or beverages, often even for specific brands of alcohol, soft drinks, and cigarettes (perfume, too).

* Some have very modest, ascetic taste. (Baron Samedi accepts dry toast and black coffee.)
* Others prefer luxuries. (Ezili Freda expects champagne and fine French pastry.)
* Others enjoy home-cooked meals or ethnic specialities. (Kybele craves for Feta cheese, honey, and garlic of her Anatolian homeland.)
* Some, like Papa Legba, crave treats like candy or cigarettes.
* Others just want to drink; keeping them boozed up keeps them generous and happy.

Sometimes, as with human guests possessing food allergies, it's crucial to know what *not* to serve; Fairies and Djinn refuse anything containing salt. Some spirits reject alcohol or are vegetarians.

Spirits may be served in very simple fashion or elaborate. Some are given their own table service, to be used only by that spirit. After these dishes are washed, they may be dried with towels colour-coordinated to match a spirit's preferences. The important thing is that spirits are treated like honoured, treasured guests.

What transforms an ordinary plate of food or glass of water into a sacred offering? Your thoughts, words, and actions. Don't just put the offering down. Even if you say nothing else, address the spirit by name or title and identify the offering as being for them. This may be done silently or aloud; they *can* hear your thoughts. (So something along the lines of "Here, Aphrodite, this is for you" would be the bare minimum.)

Regardless of what, how, or when spirits are fed, an offering should never be tossed down as if it were scraps. Service should always be accompanied by a smile, respect, and courtesy. Don't hurry; treasure the moment. Feeding spirits is an opportunity to converse with them. It is your moment to thank them for past favours and to describe what may be needed in the future. Take a few minutes and speak while making your offering:

* Wish them good morning, good night, or whatever is appropriate; if it's a holiday or feast day, acknowledge it.
* Tell them about yourself, your family, and your needs.
* Bless them. Request a blessing in turn.
* Thank them for honouring you with their presence.
* If you feel inclined, sing to them, dance for them, recite poetry, prayers, or sacred texts.
* Pay attention to thoughts that just pop into your head; sometimes these are responses or messages from the spirits.

Food, beverages, and gifts make spirits feel welcome but also become influential tools of communication. Spirits are bribed with extra gifts. Consider them motivational tools. Let's say, every Monday you offer Papa Legba a glass of rum, just because you love him and wish to keep him near. However, one particular week, you need a special favour, so when offering him his regular tipple, tell him that if and when he comes through for you, you'll give him a little something extra. *You* specify what that something extra will be. (A thought that suddenly pops into your head might be his suggestion. There's a reason the word inspiration and spirit are related. If his suggestion sounds right, you're in agreement. If it's not what you had in mind, nicely say "no" and make a counteroffer.)

If you're requesting a small favour, maybe offer to buy finer rum or a cigar. Specify whether this extra treat will be a one-time deal (one favour/one extra) or whether it will occur on multiple occasions or regularly from now on. Always be very clear.

If the favour you seek is more substantial, so should be your bribe. Maybe offer a full meal, a beautiful candle, or a new altar image. Gifts are in proportion to favours done and are given when favours are received.

Conversely, you may decide a spirit has let you down. You've been feeding a spirit long-term, for instance, but recently problems have occurred that fall under his jurisdiction. It is usually not advisable to abruptly terminate devotions, but they may be cut back. Explain to the spirit why the offering is not quite as enticing this week and describe the help you need in order to remedy the situation happily for both of you. Let's say you're feeding a spirit of prosperity and for a while your finances improved. Recently, however, there have been setbacks. Explain (politely!) that unfortunately, due to this reversal of fortune, you're unable to make the same fine offering as usual but must give something less. If the spirit wishes improvement, he or she will have to help.

Negotiations may be sensitive. Who exactly is serving whom? Spirits may understand that they are doing *us* a favour by accepting offerings and gracing us with their presence. Spirits sometimes let their patronage slip a little if unhappy with their treatment and offerings. They may consider their power to be a motivational tool to be used on *you*.

The longer you work with a spirit, the more sensitive you become to its moods and desires. It will let you know if it's content or if something is amiss.

### Where are spirits served?

   Serving spirits potentially transforms any space into sacred space. Where you place offerings depend upon the spirit in question and your desires and circumstances.

Offerings may be placed:

* On an altar
* Wherever *you* eat.
* Wherever a spirit is most comfortable. For example, offerings for fire spirits are traditionally placed in or near hearths. Guardian spirits are fed near whatever they guard - no need to interrupt them from their duties.
* Libations may be poured on the ground or served in a chalice or glass.
* Depending on the spirit, offerings are placed in trees, buried in the earth, left at the shore, a cemetery, or a crossroads, or placed in living natural waters (sea, river, or stream).

Alternatively, serve spirits wherever their presence is needed. Benevolent spirits bring blessings and benefits in their wake. Their very presence is auspicious, lucky, and produces a cleansing effect: malevolent spirits and psychic debris flee before them.

### When are spirits served?

That depends on the expectations of the spirit and on your desires and resources. Some spirits expect to be fed daily; others once a week; still others expect only annual offerings, usually on their feast days. (Details are found in individual entries.) That said, the more you feed a spirit, the happier it will be. Much depends on your relationship with the spirit. Spirits who are your allies, your constant companions, are usually fed on a steady, regular schedule. Others are fed only as part of a petition for help or as a gesture of gratitude. Some, like Hekate, prefer to be fed at night; others, particularly spirits affiliated with the sun, like Apollo, prefer daytime offerings. Still others, like Aurora, Goddess of Dawn, demand service first thing in the morning.

Coordinate feeding, appeals, spells, and rituals to coincide with times when spirits are most receptive or at the peak of their powers:

* Some spirits are associated with specific days of the week. For instance, Sarasvati, Goddess of Wisdom, is associated with Sunday.
* Some spirits are associated with specific dates of the year: Nicnevin, a Scottish witch goddess, is most accessible on the eve of 31 October, the beginning of the dark half of the ancient Celtic calendar (and more Halloween)
* Some spirits are associated with celestial phenomena like solstices, equinoxes, or specific moon phases: Hekate favours the Dark Moon.
* Some spirits are at the peak of their power during specific seasons (winter, summer, etc.) Aine, beautiful Irish sun goddess, is at optimum power during summer.
* Some spirits are associated with specific time periods of the year: Brechta and Odin are particularly active at Yuletide.

Sometimes care and feeding is temporary, as with disease spirits or Birth Fairies. Sometimes spirits are feasted annually, as on the Day of the Dead when lavish gifts and meals are offered to the dearly departed before sending them on their way. Sometimes care and feeding is regular, consistent, ongoing, and potentially forever. If you succeed in attracting a spirit and it makes its presence known, it can be difficult and awkward to stop making the offerings that are now expected.

## What do you do with spirit food?

   If you work with spirits long enough, undoubtedly you will eventually witness the unusual. However, food offered to spirits usually just sits there until it's removed. Don't expect it to disappear by itself. This doesn't mean the spirits aren't eating: they partake of the essence, the spirit of the food, not its physical mass. (Beverages are different. They evaporate. The rate at which a liquid evaporates or doesn't may indicate whether or not a spirit likes the drink.)

To eat or not to eat: that is the question. What do you do with food and drink that's been given to spirits? Must it be thrown out, or should you eat it? various approaches exist. Any of the following options will work, as long as the spirit understands what's going on. Choose which is most comfortable for you, but be consistent.

* Food is shared. Spirits consume the essence of the food (the spirit of the food). Humans wait a little while, allowing the spirits to partake first, but then actually consume the food. If this method is chosen, be sure to explain it explicitly to the spirits. This a traditional Hawaiian mode of offering: chants accompanying offerings specify, "the essence for you; the food for me."
* Food may be divided into portions. When sharing food with Djinn, one portion is prepared without salt; the rest contains it. The presence of salt demarcates which part is for Djinn and which for people. Food fo Djinn is often served outside, not in the home. Once it's been given, it's just left. Whatever happens to it is up to them.
* Some people refuse to touch *any* food offered to spirits; it's perceived as unlucky, dangerous, or inauspicious to do so as it no longer belongs to the human realm. *Nothing* is shared. Physical remains are eventually thrown away, tossed down the drain, left to decay, burned, buried, given to birds or animals, or disposed of according to ritual. This may be dependent on the specific spirit. For example, while some dispose of Ogun's leftovers in the trash; others leave them at railroad tracks. Crossroads are exceptionally spiritually powerful places: many dispose of all offerings there. (This may be a rustic, forest crossroads or a garbage can located at a crossroads within a local shopping mall. Remember, a crossroads is anywhere where two or more paths cross.) Disposal methods may also depend on human preferences: those uncomfortable with "wasting" food may choose to scatter remnants to the birds.

Whatever method you choose, let the food stand long enough for the spirit to partake. How long is that? You decide, but usually at least the length of a reasonably leisurely meal. (If circumstances force you to make offerings secretly, the process may be speeded up; just explain to the spirit so that they understand. In general, spirits are very good-natured and cooperative, as long as they know what's going on. Speak to them plainly. If they're not happy with what you're able to offer, ask them to remedy the situation.) Some leave offerings out overnight or until the next is scheduled so that a spirit never has an empty dish. Beverages may be left out until they evaporate or are scheduled to be replaced.

Feasts or parties may be given in a spirit's honour. This may be for fun, for pleasure, or as a fulfilment of a vow. A party may be just for you and the spirits. Conversely, friends and family may be invited to celebrate and mingle with spirits. It is also traditional to sponsor charitable meals for impoverished and hungry people in a spirit's honour, especially as fulfillment of a vow.

Depending upon your arrangement with the spirit, it may or may not be necessary to tell anyone else about the spiritual aspects of a dinner. Secret codes may be used to represent the spirit, simultaneously honouring the spirit and protecting your privacy. For instance, Ogun, Patron of Warriors, might be honoured by sponsoring a dinner for veterans in need. Serve food and drink associated with him. Decorating the room with images of creatures associated with him (big red roosters) or images of trucks, armoured vehicles, and weapons (his attributes) evokes his presence without actually revealing his name.

### Ritual

Throw a dinner party for some spirits. How do you choose your guests?

* Invite spirits who resonate with you or those you would like to get to know better.
* Invite spirits who share your ancestry or your spiritual beliefs.
* Choose those you'd like to honour
* Choose spirit guests carefully, as if arranging a party for people. Do whatever you normally do: If you usually pay attention to proportions of male and female, single and married, old and young guests, then do the same with spirits, too. If you don't enjoy the company of children, don't invite the Marassa or any other Divine Children. Avoid whoever you dislike. Do you want all females? Males? Only the benevolent? Only the witty? The bold, the bad, the beautiful? Decide and pick.
* Alternatively, live dangerously and let divination be your guide. See which guests seek an invitation. Close your eyes, open a book or website, stick your finger on a page or hit random, and see whose name comes up. Repeat until you have enough guests. (Be careful with this method: you must be consistent. If your finger lands on a name, that spirit will be offended if not invited.)

Once you have your guest list, plan your menu. Set the table, creating place cards for each spirit. Seat yourself at the head of the table; you're the host. Add human guests or not, as desired. Be creative; have fun, include ambient music, but leave some moments of silence in order to receive inspiration and messages. After the party's over, pay special attention to your dreams.

Let's get a crucial issue out of the way, as it prevents so many from accessing the blessings of the spirit and because, ironically, in the manner of self-fulfilling prophecies, fear is what attracts attracts dangerous spirits.

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes