An Introduction Into the Mystic Arts

I'm not sure how it started, but one day my whole life changed for the weirder. It became supernatural. If you believe in ghost, spirits, or gods I've seen all the above. What still puzzles me, to this day, is how subtle the spirit world is; lying just beyond the senses. Every so often the messenger comes through and gives a gift. I've come to call this little guy, or big depending on his mood, Exu. Now, for those who are already familiar with spirituality, Afro-religions, or demonology Exu is known as a spirit guide to all who seek the divine. He is the messenger of Obatala, the father of the Orisha. Exu's family is known as the Seven African Powers, and they most commonly hail from the Yoruba region of Nigeria. How he came to find me is the beauty of the African American spiritual renaissance sweeping through America right now. According to legend he's looking for his people. He comes to those looking for encouragement, those who need help, and people who're oppressed. I had no previous knowledge or experience with the paranormal until a quick brush with death. Having a near death experience can change a person for the rest of their life. And that's exactly what happened to me. Ever since then this character has been behind the scenes. I can feel him. He's the presence that can be felt whether you're alone or in a crowded room, but the connection is always personal; religious people call it some type of union with God. I thought I was losing my mind, kind of. After possessing me, this entity went on to create the sound of footsteps when I had been back from an ordeal and was a little spaced out. My father and brother also heard these footsteps run across the kitchen floor as we talked. It was on and poppin' from then on. I gained more and more knowledge through smoking marijuana, meditating, and reading scriptures from any religion I could find. Then I was tempted to cross over; to inquire about the left hand path, as many New Agers call it. I loved it, and it went right in line with the vibe this spirit had been giving off. It really showed me its depth over the next few years and I even started questioning whether or not I made the right decision. Nevertheless, I continued with my studies and eventually found a break in the storm. I could now make sense of the happenings and determine that there was a force that nobody has mentioned, yet all allude to when calling on the name of God or Jesus Christ. This humble little deity isn't as extravagant as the angels of the Bible, but he's way more accessible. So then I ask, "What is truth?". And again he answers with the thing that's right in front of my face. You make it what it will be, but I'm done questioning. It's time to start working. There are many facets of this particular spirit which some in America may call, Papa Legba. Over the course of the next few weeks, I hope to dive into my own experiences and explanations, as well as bring some new material from the ongoing research that has become my life. I am a student to the game, and I wish to bring you along for the field trip.