By Lilith Dorsey
Alcohol is a normal offering for the spirits in the traditions of New Orleans Voodoo, Haitian Vodou, and Cuban La Regla Lucumi, also known as Santeria. Most people are familiar with the custom of offering rum as a blessing. Some altar setups definitely give the impression that the bar is always open. People of all religious traditions have been known to leave out a glass of wine, or pour out a sip of beer or whiskey for those who are no longer with us. The use of alcohol as an offering, however has evolved into so much more.
The Crystal Head
Modern practitioners have certainly taken a liking to the new Crystal Head Vodka. This beverage seems primed for use in a spiritual context, not only because of the skull shaped bottle, but because the elixir itself is filtered through Herkimer Diamonds, a special variety of Quartz crystal that is said to grant magickal healing properties. Plus the company is partly owned by former Ghostbuster himself, Dan Akroyd. The Crystal Head website explains “the Head. Not a skull, but a head. A symbol of life to reflect the … message of spiritual power and enlightenment. An exquisite vessel to house a white spirit of super natural purity.” Wow, that’s quite a statement. I’ve tried the vodka, it’s pretty good, but I don’t know if I felt healed any more than I do after any much needed libation.
