GrannyMoon's Goddess Of The Day : MINA KOYA
Shalako (Southeastern United States)

Themes: Weather; Health; Ghosts; Blessing
Symbol: Salt

About Mina Koya: The Salt Goddess of the Pueblo Indians, Mina Koya is often
venerated during autumn festivals
for her power to cleanse, protect, and preserve things, including our homes
and traditions. Her healing power becomes
all the more important as winter's chilly hold gets stronger.

To Do Today: A New Mexican festival, Shalako is an all-night ritual of
dancing and chanting to bless homes,
commemorate the dead, bring good weather, and improve health for all
participants. One tradition that honors
Mina Koya and draws her well-being into the sacred space of the home is that
of noise making. Take a flat-bottomed
pan and sprinkle salt on it. Bang this once in every room of the house (so
some of the salt shakes off). This banishes
negativity and evil, replacing it with Mina Koya's blessing. To improve the
effect, chant and dance afterward, sweeping
up the salt and keeping it for the weather charm that follows. Or, flush the
salt down the toilet to flush out any maladies.
If it's been wet or snowy and you need a reprieve, bind a little salt in a
white cloth and bury it.

The weather should change temporarily soon thereafter. This bundle will
also protect your home and its residents from
damage by harsh weather for as long as it stays in the ground nearby.

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By Patricia Telesco ~