Kevin wrote:

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the religious sacrifice of animals. I’m initiated in the Lucumi tradition, which is similar to Santeria just without the Catholic stuff.

The main person I’ve been taught by is extremely “old-school” in his practice, beliefs, etc. I respect that, but try to keep it balanced with what feels right for me. One area he and I differ a bit on is animal sacrifice. He’s been doing it for so many years now, he doesn’t really give it a second thought. Though I still get a bit grossed out when the sacrifice is happening, getting rid of the animal afterwards is something I look forward to even less…

Some animals are cooked and eaten afterwards. Other times, typically as part of a cleansing, the animals are “disposed” of elsewhere. Where they are left depends on the ceremony, what is needed, etc. Typically, though, it’s usually brought to the river, ocean, rail-road tracks, crossroads, or even near places like hospitals, banks, etc.

Especially in a post-9/11 era, this kind of thing just isn’t practical or safe for the practioner. It puts them at risk for fines and harassment. Not only that, but it also seems a bit selfish.

If it’s out in the middle of nowhere and the remains are likely to be eaten by other animals, I’m fine with that. But if it’s going to potentially bother people with its proximity to modern everyday life, well, that’s a whole other issue.

Thankfully, the are some modern practicioners with their own ways of honoring the requirements of their faith while still remaining mindful of others outside of the religion.

As an example, I needed to dispose of some remains after a ceremony a few months back and was told to take it to the ocean. I needed to find a spot where I could dispose of the animal remains, fruits, grains, etc. It would’ve worked just as well to simply dunk it in the water a few times, as a symbolic gesture, and then throwing it away in the nearest trash can. I ended up letting the fish, crabs, etc. have a nice big dinner that evening, but I think it just comes down to a judgement call. Unfortunately, a lot of the people out there just seem to have poor judgement.

What’s your take on it?

P.S., The standard “Do Not Try This At Home” disclaimer applies here. The people who perform the sacrifices know how to do it humanely. It’s only done for important ceremonies, offerings, etc. It sucks if you can’t find a job, date, etc., but step away from the chicken… lol. For most things, it’s a lot less messy (and cheaper) just to offer candles, food, and alcohol as an offering instead

Animal Sacrifice done Humanely vs. an everyday practice.

Animal Sacrifice in the old ewish traditions

Issues with the news media with regards to Animal Sacrifice?

Animal Sacrifices should be disposed of in a thoughtful manner

Newsmedia love jumping on the Satanism bandwagon with regards to these things.

Animal Sacrifice where the sacrifice is used for food – that serves a dual purpose

Look at the bigger picture, sacrifices left in natural areas will be eaten by the natural wildlife.

Cow Heads

Someone seeing you dropping animal remains will draw attention

Issues with using plastic bags to wrap your sacrifice when leaving it in an area is a bad idea.

Purpose of Animal Sacrifice in the Lucumi Tradition

Two general schools of thought for Animal Sacrifice

Doing a sacrifice to remove an obstacle vs. simple offering to the gods

Doing Animal Sacrifice in an urban setting

Depending on the circumstances, you may not want to donate the body of an animal sacrifice to a soup kitchen.

Lucumi is a community-based initiatory tradition, what attracted Kevin to this tradition?

Comparing the Lucumi Tradition to Santeria

Where does the name “Lucumi” come from?

The Pantheon of the Lucumi Tradition

The Orisha

Elegua

Every person in the tradition has a guardian/teaching Orisha

The Orisha pick you, you don’t pick your Orisha

Your Orisha can change during the course of your life

Are there sacred holidays in the Lucumi Tradition?

Are there specific holidays for specific Orisha?

Jambalaya (the book)

Difference between Lucumi and Voodoo

Possession is an important part of the Lucumi Tradition

Mounting

Scheduling Mounting in advance

The irony of Kevin being in the Lucumi Tradition

Kevin’s first Drumming

Has Kevin experienced any racial issues attending events of the Lucumi Tradition?

Groups of practitioners are called Houses

Chatting on the cell phone at religious events

Electronic interference with ritual

Where can one do rituals involving animal sacrifice?

What’s the worst that can happen, legally speaking?

Don’t be a dick to your neighbors

The veneration of ancestors

We’re all standing on the backs of our ancestors.

In private pow-wows, ancestors join the circle.

Eggun (your ancestors) can mount you as well.

Rituals for the Orisha will not result in being mounted by the Eggun

Why it works as possession rather than mediumship

Mediumship is dirty, Mounting is more pure since it is specific to a single entity rather than open to everyone.

More details on how Possession works in the Lucumi Tradition

Spiritual bandwidth issues

Mounting can be entertaining to watch

Divination in the Lucumi Tradition, and its use as a source of income

Love/hate relationship with Botanicas (Religious Supply Shops)

Taking money vs. not taking money

Taking money raised by an event and giving it to the performers, food prepares and venue.

Botanicas are businesses, so they will feed on people down on their luck

Treating money as a non-animal sacrifice

Put in a little extra spare cash when you have it rather than not having the events

What is the view of those who aren’t part of the Lucumi Tradition but borrow elements from it?

Delving into the Lucumi Tradition

Who teaches you will have a significant impact on how you are viewed by the community of Lucumi practitioners.

Desiring immediate results is the wrong way to pursue the Lucumi Tradition

Godparents are there not just for religious teaching, but to help you out on a personal level as well.

Receiving your beads

Receiving your warriors