From Twitter 08-31-2009

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More on the 19th Anniversary Bembe

Bo-lunar2.jpg
Originally uploaded by rowanf.

rubibees wanted to hear more about the Bembe than "The 19th Anniversary Bembe of the American Magic Umbanda House was pretty amazing. I went out for Pomba, Oxossi, Oxumare, the Ibeji and Bossu as I recall. I didn't go out for Ogun and Xango really wanted me to but I resisted because I was very much needed in the chorus this time." Okay, that was a little sparse.

The big 33 power bembes are really hard, physically and psychically. I had expected to go out for Pomba, Ogun, Oxossi, & Oxumare. And probably Maman Brigitte. (Which I did, even though I didn't mention it in the first post.) But mostly I was on the hook as a chorus member because one of our main singers is taking a break in preparation for a big personal ritual. (Not sure whether to name names in open journal, no slight intended!)

The Ibeji were a big surprise and I went from them straight to Bossu. I remember saying, "no, I'm not going to be a cow" as I heeled right over into cowhood. LOL I had gone out for the Ibeji at their devotionals and maybe once before at a bembe. This was my second time for Bossu too. It is actually very restful to be a cow. Perhaps I should play my WoW Taurens more often. ;-)

We called the Ancestors just before a five minute break. They were so very present even after their 7 minutes of song that someone burst into Amazing Grace as the break began and then I sang Breaths for them too. It was so beautiful and special. After 19 years we have too many "ancestor" House members who have passed on and who are missed.

I went in and lay down during the Norse. I love that pantheon, but for some reason I often miss it in this context. Partly because they are mostly called in these really long Bembes and because my Norse head, Tyr, isn't in the House. I have been known to go out for Freya but not often.

There was a break after the Asian lines and we did a little singing for Shiva although he didn't come down. He has been being snarky in my head about Ganesha being called but not Him. He appreciated the chant.

I did mention the feast before. mr_kurt is doing a year stint as chief chef and he is, of course, an amazing cook. We had a choice of turkey alfredo with fresh basil or vegetable stew or beef stroganoff over rice plus salads. Evil Mo had made some gallettes, Kaerla had made rose cardamom cookies with a chocolate kiss topping each one, Kat had made rice pudding. And various other folks had brought additional amazing food.

After cleaning up we got home fairly late and I crashed. I was very sore the next day what with Oxumare who always is very physical and Bossu; and really just six+ hours of dancing/standing singing. It makes me appreciate our new style of devotional bembes where we are calling five-six powers at a time and it only takes three hours.