THE BLACK MAN: WHO HE IS?
As the title of this post suggests, I am dipping my toes into the broad and deep cultural matrix of African American spiritual culture and expression. This post also honors Black History Month as it nears its end for this year.
I have recently had conversations about the elusive and mysterious figure known as the Black Man of the Crossroads. His origins are shrouded in lots of unknowns, different folk American traditions, and, I think, various groupings of us around the country. I also want to be upfront and honest that I know little about his origin. I don’t think anyone does at this point. Much more was probably known from elders who have long passed. And maybe some Hoodoo families have carried on traditions they keep within their family. That’s always possible when we are talking about Hoodoo in America.
I can see, though, that because it is so unclear, some people need clarification about how to work with him if he is or aligns with other Crossroads spirits (like Voodoo/Vodun Lwa Papa Legba). In some cases, if there is any danger in working with a spirit we know so little about.
I feel all of that! I had to work through all that to sort out how I would approach him myself, let alone introduce him in my flagship and one-off classes. I teach him based on my own gnosis, spiritual work with him, and as much scholarly and general study as I could find. I have also written extensively on who I think the Black Man is, so I will not belabor that and recommend folks read back on my previous posts.
It is acceptable for people to equate the Black Man with other spirits like Papa Legba, who DOES have spiritual ways of working with him. By spiritual, I mean that working with him does not require initiation into an indigenous tradition. New Orleans Voodoo is an example of this. I believe this to be okay because, from all my years in Lucumi, Espiritismo, Palo, and a few other things, I know that the Crossroads Spirit of these traditions has an energy that is in ANY spiritual tradition that recognizes the crossroads as a locus of power. And no, I am not saying the Black Man, Legba, and Hekate are the same spirit. Not at all. What they are is universal because the crossroads are everywhere on our planet.
My most extensive advice on this issue is if you feel a draw to him, and there’s this sort of uncertainty around how you should approach, then get a reading with someone you trust and ask. I know some teachers discount the role of divination, but I go to people I trust when I need clarity or answers, and they are seldom wrong. The person does not necessarily have to understand what Hoodoo is, but they need to have sight. They need to have a developed enough third eye to perceive a spirit like the Black Man and hear what he has to say about them beginning a devotion to him.
Others of you may take a class like mine where we work with the Black Man and have another spirit come through instead. This has happened a few times in my courses. When it does happen, it makes sense. Either the person is a practitioner of another system, and a similar spirit from that tradition shows up, or the Black Man himself will point to another spirit on that person’s behalf that fits more with that person’s makeup. In both cases, the Black Man is doing precisely what his nature is. He guides and directs a person’s development and ensures they move in the right direction. In all the traditions, I know I have a crossroads spirit that spirit guides. They ease communication. They give clarity, especially if you have a good heart.
Part of the issue we are having generally is that we have become accustomed to neat systems of spirit work that tie everything together nicely. But Hoodoo is anything but neat! Not only that, but a REAL spirit system should teach those who do it that books and even an instructor will only carry you so far. At some point in your development, if you have been diligent in your work and taught well enough to establish a real relationship with Spirit, you will have a spirit-ally who will start teaching you magic only you will know. I have experienced this time and again with my spirits, so much so that by the time I got to teaching about a spirit like the Black Man, I knew that something similar would happen with him. And it has! Students have come to me well after a cohort ends and told me of their forays with the Black Man. Lessons learned. Guidance given. New possibilities to their magic.
You will know the power and depth of a spirit like the Black Man by the fruits he produces in your life. So, take a bite if you choose, and see where the spirit of Hoodoo leads you!
