The last year or two, I have finally found real guidance in my family religion (Luccumi). My relatives on my mother’s side have been so super secretive that they themselves have “forgotten” most of the traditions (which boggles my mind). The religion has had such a reputation with scammers and the like, it took me a long time to find the right godparent that can be a great addition to my ever growing family that I could love and trust. I already had an altar but we never called it a boveda in our family. It was just the “white table” with the saints/dead family.
Original Photo #1
So after an initial reading, my godparent told me that my boveda would be a 7 self staircase to represent the 7 continents/seas of the world my ancestors came from and for my patron Yemaya. After doing ancestory.com earlier this year, I found out that my DNA is EVERYWHERE. I have no huge % of anything. They are pretty much equal on all fronts. This blew my mind. I thought for sure I was either huge % my father’s (Irish/Scottish) or my mother’s (Puerto Rican) DNA. Nope.
Close up of Photo #1 – Ancient East Asian Ancestor?
Anyway, as I was working re-setting my boveda up, saying my new (correct) prayers, giving proper offerings to my Congos, Eggun, etc. I notice like smoke or images in the glass catching the corner of my eyes. I took pictures and found that my ancestors were kind enough to physically show themselves. My Eggun continue to surprise me and I’m super grateful for all the love and help.
Original Photo #2 – Second glass in the right side you can see a boar. On the flipped version you can see the boar turns into a shield and a man with a bear and helmet smiling next to a Taino warrior.
None of these photos are doctored. I’m way too busy as an artist, occultist (and new mom) to be bothered. I am also aware of the psychological phenomenon called pareidolla. So, let’s not go there.
I showed them to my godparent of course for feedback. My godparent expressed surprise that the Eggun would allow me to capture them like this. I can only assume they were just really happy to finally be acknowledge and remembered after so long.
Close up of Photo #2 – I found out that through my mother’s side, she has Orcadian and (Native American) Taino ancestry. I swear he looks like he’s posing for a family portrait!
Photo #3 – Mummified corpse with death mask.
If you have something similar, please feel free to share. Could be photos or experiences. I like to know that this isn’t just an isolated incident.