The Black Man

[satya_firestone]

The God in the Northeast is very enigmatic.

"Northeast God – No name was given to us. We refer to Him as 'The Black Man,'  the Messenger, the Ferryman.  He is the one who "opens the gate" to enable traveling to Venusburg, Benevento, or Blockula.  He has said He is called ONLY when one has seen the Path and needs the gateway opened."

Otherwise, it's a very "don't call Me, I'll call you" type of situation. Hence, we don't know much about Him at all, except that this directional placement associates Him with the Element of Smoke.

He's referred to as "the Black Man" not for His skin color, but for historical reasons; the Black Man was a liason and proxy for Witches and would travel abroad in their stead, conducting Magickal business with others.

So, in lieu of more experiences, I'll share some song lyrics that fit Him.



"Don't Pay The Ferryman"
by Chris de Burgh

It was late at night on the open road
Speeding like a man on the run
A lifetime spent preparing for the journey
He is closer now and the search is on
Reading from a map in the mind
Yes there's that ragged hill and there's the boat on the river

And when the rain came down
He heard a wild dog howl
There were voices in the night (Don't do it!)
Voices out of sight (Don't do it!)
Too many men have failed before
Whatever you do

Don't pay the Ferryman
Don't even fix a price
Don't pay the Ferryman
Until he gets you to the other side

In the rolling mist, then he gets on board
Now there'll be no turning back
Beware that hooded old man at the rudder
And then the lightning flashed and the thunder roared
And people calling out his name
And dancing bones that jabbered and a-moaned on the water

And then the Ferryman said
"There is trouble ahead
So you must pay me now" (Don't do it!)
"You must pay me now" (Don't do it!)
And still that voice came from beyond
"Whatever you do

Don't pay the Ferryman
Don't even fix a price
Don't pay the Ferryman
Until he gets you to the other side

Don't pay - the Ferryman!"

These lyrics convey His somewhat chaotic and unpredictable job. If the traveller cannot tell Him precisely where they wish to go, then it is not His responsibility, nor His fault, where they end up. He is not so concerned about the traveler, nor the destination, as He is the journey.






***

My Coven is gradually building a website about Sorgae 'Craft, which can be found at Aranakh.org. As it is a revealed system, we are far from knowing everything about this 'Craft and its Gods, and so what I write here will be my own personal impressions and experiences.

Comments

[enchanted-manit.livejournal.com]

Does He appear as a shadow figure at all? Do you even know?

I will have to listen to that song, as well as the other one Lea just downloaded.

Another excellent post, beautiful girl. You are doing so well in this blog challenge. I'm very proud of you.

[twistedphoenix.livejournal.com]

The one time we had contact with Him, His form was shadowy and wavering - almost like He was behind a veil of smoke. Approaching Him was like stepping through a void and ending up nowhere and everywhere. If you're familiar with Anne McCafferey's "Dragon" boons, it felt like how she described going 'between.'