An Altaring Experience

My community contains many underbellies unbeknown'st to the public at large. Immigrants brought many of their customs with them, one of which is publicly frowned upon by the seeming majority of their contemporaries. I wonder about this though as all around the city in the Latino communities are Botanicas, stores convenient to Santeria's practitioners. Santeria, is a religion with deep roots from Africa, and many of the deities are disguised as catholic saints.

One may enter one of these Botanicas, and purchase items necessary for religious practices. Behind the counter usually is someone dressed in all white, this all white garb is reserved for a priest or priestess who is well versed in the Santeria practices. Inside the glass counter are often jewelry to protect from the "evil eye", candles, incense, figurines, tarot cards, and other important religious artifacts. On the shelves and behind the counter or elsewhere in the store are herbs, books, cauldrons and potions, each one has its own special use. Convenient for the times, one can purchase an aerosol can of "evil away" potion, and there is one for "money", and of course, several "love potions". Just spray them in places of need, and "watch them work". Amongst it all are plenty of statues of various saints each representing thier own power. Some botanicas have a special section in the back where they harbor animals to be used for sacrifice. One may purchase pigeons, doves, rabbits, turtles, goats, and of course, chickens.

Apparently, railroads are important places for these sacrifices, and commune strong magic. A major deity is Chango' (or Shango). From what I have been told by a friend who is an ethnobotanist, he is strongly associated with iron, machines, and industrial works (hence the above artistic rendering of the guy grabbing hold of lightening). Crossroads between iron and asphalt are apparently popular places to request blessings from him.

This is most evident, as (and I kid you not) hundreds of chicken corpses (of varying degrees of decomposition) litter these tracks. Now remember, this is not in the boondocks of some remote place. This is in the middle of suburbia, a Starbucks is a block away. I happen upon an altar that contained several religious artifacts. There is a sculpted head made of concrete with cowry shells for eyes, nose, and mouth. A wooden hatchet, intricately decorated. Coins litter the ground. A few sacrificed animals, the ubiquitous chicken, and an unusual turtle with a candle sticking out of its shell. A long knife with a homemade handle in the center of it all. Not being a Santeria practioner, I have no idea what this means, and it fascinates me. I never think of myself a being superstitious, but today I will be respectful of other people's religious beliefs, so I don't disturb this spot.

Home is not far now, despite seemingly having entered another country, my turn is up ahead, I am ready for a cool drink. (Railroad 4 of 5)