No
other magical and spiritual tradition is as important to Puerto Ricans
as the Noche de San Juan, or Night of Saint John. Celebrated every year
on the night of June 23rd. In honor of the islands Patron Saint. During
the eve of Saint John's birthday people from all over the islands go to
the beach, build bonfires, play music and feast on food. As the clock
begins to strike 12 midnight everyone rushes into the water and
countdown out loud the final seconds, similar to New Years Eve. When the
clock strikes 12, everyone walks backwards into the waters and jump in
or dunk themselves 7, 9, or 12 times to ritually purify themselves and
make a request to San Juan Bautista. The waters are believed to be pure
on this night, blessed and have magical healing properties and help in
removing curses, bad luck, the evil eye, as well as having healing
properties. Before the countdown, many bonfires are built and many
people jump the flames to cleanse themselves of unwanted negative
vibrations.

One of the most mysterious and often misunderstood Courts of Spirits
within Espiritismo and the Sanse Religion is la Comision de los Juanes
or the Court / Commission of the Juanes It is believed that this group
of Spirits is infinite and that they come from all walks of life and
from every continent. Although they are gathered into a single
Commission of Spirits, the Juanes can also fall under any other
Commission such as the Gypsies, Indians, Pirates Africans or slaves and
so on. The name Juan, or John means "Dios es Generoso" or God is
Generous; the leader of this commission is either Juan el Bautista, John
the Baptist, also known as Juan de la Fuente, John of the Fountain, and
Juan el Apostol, John the Apostle the author of the Book of
Revelations. Juan el Apostle was a prophetic seer and wrote the last
book of the bible through visions and oracles that he used to see and
fortell future events. Juan el Apostol was the only one of the 12
disciples of Jesus who died a natural death at an old age. While San
Juan el Bautista represents beginnings Juan el Apostol represents the
End which leads to new beginnings.
The Commission of the
Juanes are the spirits of Emperors, Kings, Popes, Prophets, Patriarchs,
Visionaries, Magus, Saints, Shamans, and Seers, In Espiritismo they
are usually indirectly invoked and are often mentioned in prayers and
invocations to other Saints or Spirits, this is because the Commission
of the Juanes represent that group of Spirits that open and closes
doorways and pathways, and lead the higher level spirits to our
spiritual sessions and reunions and are the messengers of the Hierarchy
of Angelic Beings and Ascended Masters. Such as was the Indian Juan
Diego for the Virgin of Guadelupe, the three Juanes who found the statue
of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre of the shores of Cuba, and other
Juanes throughout history
The Commission of the Juanes
are also prophetic spirits, Just as Juan the Bautista prophesied the
coming of the Messiah and Savior of Man, and as Juan el Apostol
prophesized the apocalypse and the second coming of Jesus in the last
days, the Juanes usually come to foretell future events.
The
Juanes are also trickster and prankster spirits, and the King of these
Tricksters is Juan el Conquistador, or John the Conqueror. In Puerto
Rico the king of these prankster trickster spirits is the jibaro child
folk hero Spirit of Juan Bobo, or John the Simpleton.
The
Marias also fall under this particular Commission and the Punto or
leading spirit is ruled by Maria Magdalena. (Mary Magdalene, who Jesus
cast out from her body the 7 Intranquil Spirits Seven Demons) and was
the first to witness the resurrection of Christ. Another Maria was the
prostitute Maria who with her tears washed the feet of Christ and dried
them with her hair, and then she anointed his feet with perfume and oils
of Nardo "Spikenard" and Lavandula "Lavender". Some of the most
popular Maria that come to Embajadas in Sesiones Espirituales within
Espiritismo include Maria de La Luz, Maria de los Cuatro Costal, La
India Maria, la Venezuelana Maria Lionza, the gypsi Maria Candelaria,
Maria de las Siete Sayas, Maria Lucero, Maria Antonieta, Maria que Gira
el Mundo and Maria Dolerosa to name a few.
Like the Juanes,
many Marias are historical and folkloric figures and also are believed
to be Pre-Columbian Indigenous and African goddesses whose followers
hid them in images of the Virgin Mary, to keep their memory and legacy
alive.

The name Maria "Mary" appears 51 times in the New Testament and they are 6 of these which are.
1. Mary, the mother of Jesus
2.
Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons. After
Jesus cast seven demons from her, she became one of His followers.
3. Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus
4. Mary, the mother of the disciple James and Joses
5. Mary, the mother of John Mark
6. Mary of Rome
As
this group of Spirits opens and closes pathways they are often prayed
and invoked for any multiple task imaginable. Be it for work, money,
dominating occult enemies or bringing back a wondering lover. The
following prayers are popular and come from all over Latin America and
the Caribbean. In Venezuela 3 Potencia Espiritismo where this
Commission of Spirits is exceptionally popular they are known as La
Corte de los Don Juanes
SAN JUAN DEL AMOR
iOh!
Señor Juan, Espíritu de la bondad, que por medio de tu gran poder me
ayudará a conseguir no un imposible, pero si, un poco de suerte en el
juego y en el amor. Siempre te llevaré conmigo para que me des suerte y
me libres de muchos males.
San Juan del Amor, quien me dará la
grata dicha y ternura matrimonial con poder infinito, como se lo pido
en el nombre del Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo. Amén.
PRAYER TO SAINT JOHN OF LOVERS
iOh
Saint
John of the Lovers, grant me the dignity to be worthy of the love of
others and find an infinite union with my soul mate. This I ask in the
name of the Heavenly Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
JUAN DEL DINERO
Oh,
San Juan del Dinero, has que por medio de este velón con el cual invoco
la sublime influencia del Padre Eterno, para obtener éxito y adelanto
en todos los actos de mi vida, para allanar todas las dificultades que
hayan en mi camino. Invoco la ayuda del Espíritu Santo para que la buena
estrella alumbre mi camino.
Invoco al Dios de las alturas
para que mi negocio, mi casa, prosperen y mi persona reciba un mensaje
de buena suerte enviado por la Divina Providencia.
Oh, Gran Poder imploro tu suprema Majestad para que mi camino se vea iluminado por el faro de la fortuna.
Oh! Gran Poder de Dios quita de mi camino todo obstáculo que mis enemigos traten de ponerme.
PRAYER SAINT JOHN OF CURRENCY
Oh
Saint John of Currency you that through the light of this candle which I
offer to your divine and sublime influence, will intercede on my
behalf, unto our Heavenly Father, so that I may obtain success and
advancement in all the undertakings of my life. With your influence I
shall smooth down and remove all the obstacles and difficulties in my
pathway.
I invoke the Holy Spirit so that the brightest star shall brighten my darkened road.
I
invoke the Heavenly Father so that I may succeed in my personal and
business affairs. May I receive a sign from the Celestial Court of
upcoming abundance.
Oh Heavenly Power, I humbly implore
that my pathways in life be illuminated by the lighthouse of fortune and
darken the pathway of those who desire me ill fortune. Amen.
ORACIÓN A DON JUAN DEL DINERO
Por
tu suprema grandeza de poder busco refugio y protección ante ti para
que en esta vida no vaya yo a caer en la esclavitud de la pobreza.
Líbrame de este mal pensamiento. Te pido el privilegio de tener trabajo
productivo para apuntalar mis virtudes, lucir mis honores, y para
imponer y que tomen en cuenta mis opiniones y saber; porque la
experiencia humana nos enseña que el honor, la virtud y el saber, sin
dinero tienen poco valor. Amén.
PRAYER SAINT JOHN OF CURRENCY
By
your Divine Viruses, I seek refuge and protection so that in this life I
shall not fall into the bondage of poverty. Free me of evil intentions
of others, and I ask that I may be privileged in obtaining a steady
productive job. Amen.
JUAN DEL PENSAMIENTO
Hermano
mío, ven hermano, yo te imploro por medio de esta oración, te pido que
no pienses en nadie sino en mí, y en este momento sublime, este pensando
en mí y mi pensamiento lo torture y lo traiga hasta mí, manso como un
corderito. Amén.
SAINT JOHN OF THOUGHTS
Come
forth my heavenly brother, I implore you with the words of this
invocation. I ask that (N.N.) think of no one but me, and at this very
moment may he/ she be thinking of me and no other, and bring him/her
towards me as tame and obedient as a lamb. Amen
A SAN JUAN DE LA TUMBA
Con
el permiso de la Comision de los Juanes invoco al hermano de San Juan
de la Tumba, para que con su bondad y justicia, interceda por mi para
poder tumbar a todos los malos pensamientos de mis enemigo, y las malas
acciones de espiritus extractores mandados por enemigos ocultos, a este
espiritu extractor yo fulano de tal le dare mas luz de la que te dio mi
enemigo, para que te conviertas en espiritu benevolente y mas bien
resguardes de todo mal. En nombre de San Juan de la Tumba pido con toda
humildad que me des el permiso para tumbar lo malo espiritual que ami
me tengan o uno de mis seres queridos amen
SAINT JOHN OF THE TOMB
With
the permission of the Commission of the Juanes I invoke you Saint John
of the Tomb, with your justly goodness, intercede on my behalf and help
me in removing all evil thoughts my enemies send my way. Defend me
against the evil spirits my occult enemies send my way, and to you evil
spirit I humbly pray that I may help you find the Light which brings
forth eternal peace, that light that the enemy who invoked you so failed
to offer you. May the Light embrace and enlighten your darkened
soul.
In the name of Saint John of the Tomb I ask with
all sincerity to give me the strength that is needed to knock down the
barriers that my enemies have built for me or my loved ones. Amen.
ORACIÓN A SAN JUAN DE LA BUENA SUERTE
Salud,
Dinero y Amor, felicidad ansiada por todos en el Juego y el Amor;
siempre te tengo en mi mente Oh! San Juan de la Buena Suerte. Te hago
esta invocación para que en algo me ayudes. Tú que siempre has protegido
al apostador necesitado, que pobre y desamparado siempre de Ti se ha
confiado. Amén.
SAINT JOHN OF GOOD FORTUNE
Health,
Fortune and Love. Happiness, friendship and luck in games of chance,
and chances in love. I always hold you are close to my heart oh Saint
John of the Good Fortune I invoke you great spirit, so that you may
open the doorways of opportunities. You that helps those who are poor
and unprotected. As you protect and bless them, protect and bless me
with good fortune. For in you I have the utmost faith. Amen.
ORACION DEL TABACO
A LA COMISION DE LOS JUANES
Ofrezco
este cigarro por los cuatro costados y los sinco sentidos de (N.N.) por
el Santo día en que lo bautizaron y por el Santo Ángel de la Guarda,
por el Santo de su devoción, por el día en que lo engendraron, por el
día en que se va a morir, por el día en que lo van a enterrar, por los
pasos con que han de dar con el en el cementerio, por los Siete
Espíritus de (N.N.) por los Cuarto Espíritus que reinan en el Santuario
de la Reina Margarita, por San Juan de la Calle para que nos traiga a
(N.N.) por San Juan del Camino para que nos lo ponga en el camino de mi
casa, por San Juan del Pensamiento para que solamente piense en mi
(N.N.) y no pueda pensar en otra mujer, por San Juan de los Amores para
que ponga su amor solamente en mi, por San Juan del Dinero para que me
traiga dinero, por San Juan de los Obstáculos, para que venza todos los
obstáculos que tenga (N.N.) para venir a mi lado, por San Juan de los
Cuatro Vientos, Norte, sur, este y oeste para que me lleven el humos de
este cigarro donde el frecuente hasta no estar en la puerta de mi casa,
manso y humilde como llego Jesucristo a la presencia de Pilatos: así
como me emborracha este cigarro, así quiero que emborraches a (N.N.) de
amor por mi. Le ofrezco un Padre Nuestro y un Credo al Ángel de la
Guarda de (N.N.) San Marcos de León, así quiero que amanses a (N.N.) y
el espíritu vivo de el para que lo traigan a las puertas de mi casa. Por
San Juan de las Voces, para que oiga mi voz donde quiera que este
(N.N.) mas voces por el Anima de la llorona y las Animas Ambulantes. Si
tiene cabeza que piense en mi, si tiene ojos que me vea, si tiene nariz
que me huela, si tiene boca que me hable, si tiene oídos que me oiga, si
tiene corazón que me ame, si tiene manos que me tienta, si tiene pies
que me busquen, que no tenga gusto ni placer si no esta a mi lado, ni
con mujer ni hombres hablar, ni en la cama pueda dormir, ni en la mesa
pueda comer

TOBACCO PRAYER
TO THE COMMISSION OF THE. JUANES
I
offer the smoke of this cigar to the four directions and the five
senses of (N.N.), for the Holy day in which he was baptized, for his
Guardian Angel, and for his Patron Saint. For the Holy Day in which he
was conceived, and for the Holy Day in which he shall pass. For the
Holy steps they will take to bury him, and for the Holy plot and
Cemetery that shall be his eternal resting place. I offer this smoke to
his Seven Spirits of and to the Four Spirits that surround our Queen
Margarita. To Saint John of the Road so that he may clear the path for
(N.N.) To Saint John of the Pathways so that he may place (N.N.) on the
director of my home. To Saint John of Thoughts so that (N.N.) may only
think of me and no other. To Saint John of the Lovers, so that his
love may be dedicated only unto me. To Saint John of Currencies, so
that he may bring money to me. To Saint John of Obstacles, so that
(N.N.) may conquer all obstacles that do not allow him to be with me.
To Saint John of the Four Winds, North, South, East and West, so that
the Holy scent of this smoke reaches him and bring him enchanted to the
foot of my door, tame and humble as our Lord Jesus Christ presented
himself at the feet of Pontious Pilot. Just as this smoke places me in a
trance state, so will this smoke make (N.N.) feel in a state of trance,
full of love only for me.
I offer an
Our Father, and a Creed to the Guardian Angel of (N.N.). Oh Saint
Marcos de Leon, I ask that you Dominate (N.N.) from head to toe, and
bring him by my side.
To Saint
John of the Voice, so that (N.N.) may hear my voice no matter where he
may be. To the cry of the weeping spirit, and to the scattering spirits,
hear me.
If he has a
brain, then think of me. If eyes he has, see only me. If a nose he
has, then smell me. If a mouth he has then speak good about me. If
ears he has, hear me. If a beating heart he has, may it skip a beat for
me. If hands he has may they want to touch me, if feet he has may they
run to me. May he find neither rest nor pleasure if by my side he is
not. May no man nor woman come between us. May he not rest in strange
beds nor sit in a strangers chair without me in his thoughts ,
ORACION A SAN JUAN DEL DESESPERO
¡Oh!
Gran espiritu de San juan del Desespero. ¡Oh! espiritu dominador
vencedor de lo imposible desesperame a fulano de tal o fulana de tal y
humillalo ante mi como se humillo Cristo ante la cruz. Oh! Juan del
Desespero, tu que poder tuviste para dominar y desesperar, y
desesperaste a tu esposa, así yo te pido y te rezo esta oracion para que
me le desespere y le trastornes los 5 sentidos a fulano de tal. Amen.
PRAYER TO SAINT JOHN OF DESPAIR
Oh
Great Spirit of Saint John of Despair, dominating and conquering Spirit
of that which is impossible. Abandon your watchful eye from (N.N.) and
may he come humble to me as our Lord Jesus went humble before the
Cross.
Oh Saint
John of Despair, you that have the power to dominate, and you that
abandoned your wife because of her insincerity. I ask that you abandon
(N.N.) and conquer his five senses, until he feels disgrace, and humble
and tamed he shall return before me. Amen
SAN JUAN DEL DESESPERO
Y SAN JUAN DEL TABACO
Oh
San Juan del desespero junto con San Juan del Tabaco, San juan del
Tormento, San Juan del Camino, Juan de los Cuatros Vientos, Juan del
Amor, Juan de la Calle, Juan del mal pensamiento, Juan de la traicion,
Juan del volteo, junto con todos estos espiritus de la Comision de los
Juanes, pido que me desesperes a fulano (a), que llegue manso y humilde
hasta el último momento de su desesperacion que no pueda beber, ni
dormir, ni fornicar, ni comer, traquilo sino que viva todo el tiempo
desesperado.
Ofrezco las luces de este velón a: San Juan
del volteo, San desacedor y Don Juan del Estrellamiento, para que en
esta hora y esté momento volteen , devuelvan y deshagan toda maldad,
brujería, hechizería, envidia, chisme e intriga que hayan hecho en mi
contra. Amen.
TO THE COURT OF THE JUANES
Oh
Saint John of Despair, Saint John of the Tobacco, Saint John of
Torment, Saint John of the Road, Saint John of the Four Winds, Saint
John of Lovers, Saint John of the Road, Saint John of Thoughts, Saint
John of Betrayal, Saint John of the Cart, together with all the
Commission of the Johns. Ask that you abandon your protection on
(N.N.). May he come tame and humble before me. May he not rest in
peace, sleep in peace, stand in peace nor live in peace until he comes
before me asking forgiveness.
I offer
the light of this Candle to Saint John the Tumbler and Saint John the
Crasher, so that in this moment and in this hour may you repel and
return all envy, black magic, curses, hexes, evil eye, and bad thoughts
that my enemies may wish upon me. (N.N.) You can not harm me, for a
Commission of Spirits protects me. Amen.
Espíritu
bueno cuya misión es asistir a las desgraciadas ayúdame y darme tu
protección para que me vea con buenos ojos y siempre me piense y
recuerde, que yo por medio de este tabaco te invoco y te pido que me
guíes por el camino del bien. Y cuando yo te pida algún favor
concédemelo que yo lo que te ofrezca te cumpliré. Para hacer la
invocación prender una vela y poner una copa de ron donde se haga la
petición, además del tabaco del principio.
Good
Spirit whose mission is to assist those suffering a disgrace, help me
and bless me with your protection, so that I others see me with kind
eyes. I through the smoke of this cigar invoke your presence so that
you may guide me through the correct path in life. Consider what I ask
of you because all that I have ever promised you I have faithfully
complied. Amen
JUAN DEL TRABAJO
Hermano
de todos los Mártires que viven en este mundo de luchas y sufrimientos.
Te pido la gracia de conseguir un trabajo para ganar el sustento de
cada día y no me falle la alegría de mi bienestar. Siempre condúceme por
el camino del bien y la prosperidad. Concédeme esta gracia. Amen
SAINT JOHN OF LABOR
Holy
Brother of all the Martyrs that live within this world of so much
struggle and suffering. I humbly ask that you open the pathways so that
I may find work so that I may sustain myself and be able to live a life
of peace and well being. Always guide me in the direct pathways in
life, open the doors of opportunities and prosperity. Amen.
ORACION A SAN JUAN DE LA CONQUISTA
San
Juan de la Conquista, San Juan de la Calle. Según te atreviste a entrar
a la casa santa de Jerusalén y apagar la lámpara del sacramento del
altar entra por siempre en los cincos sentidos de (N.N.) y no lo dejes
pensar en nadie nada mas que en mi, que no pueda en silla sentarse, y
que no tenga un momento de paz y de reposo, hasta que venga vencido a
mis pies. Amen.
SAINT JOHN THE CONQUEROR
Saint
John the Conqueror, Saint John of the Road, as you entered into the
shrine in Jerusalem and extinguish the candles upon the altar enter into
the soul of (N.N.) and conquer his five senses. May he think of no one
but me, until he returns on his knees asking for my forgiveness. Amen.
Various Juanes From the Commission
- San Juan del Tabaco
- San Juan de las Aguas Benditas
- San Juan de los Caminos
- San Juan de los Cuatro Vientos
- San Juan del Trabajo
- San Juan de los Negocios
- San Juan de la Tumba
- San Juan del Volteo
- San Juan del Trueno
- San Juan del Relampago
- San Juan del Reventon
- San Juan de los Llanos
- San Juan de las Yerbas
- San Juan de los Bosques
- San Juan de los Altares
- San Juan de la Luz
- San Juan del Dinero
- San Juan del Dominio
- San Juan de la Sabiduria
- San Juan de la Fuerza
- San Juan de la Proteccion
- San Juan de la Estabilidad
- San Juan de la Firmeza
- San Juan de la Evolucion
- San Juan de la Buena Suerte
- San Juan de la Fortuna
- San Juan del Triunfo
- San Juan del Reviente
- San Juan del Estalle
- San Juan del Desate
- San Juan del Despojo
- San Juan Retornado
- San Juan de los Hierros
- San Juan Cazador
- San Juan Desibilisador
- San Juan del Destranque
- San Juan del Decruce
- San Juan de la Cruz
- San Juan de la Caretera
- San Juan de la Carreta
- San Juan de la Lagunita
- San Juan de la Quebrada.
- San Juan del Tesoro
- San Juan de las Calles
- San Juan del Suspiro
- San Juan del Dinero
- San Juan de las Cuatro Ramas
- San Juan del Abandono
- San Juan del Amor
- San Juan de los Suenos
- San Juan de la Cordillera
- San Juan del Domingo
- San Juan del Regreso
- San Juan de las Plantas
- San Juan de los Borrachos
- San Juan el Bebedor
- San Juan de la Luna
- San Juan del Sol
- San Juan de la Cadena
- San Juan de los Portales
- San Juan Reviente
- San Juan Terrateniente
- San Juan de los Encantos
- San Juan Santiguador
- San Juan Conquistador
- San Juan del Pensamiento
- San Juan de la Limpieza
- San Juan de las Montanas
- San Juan del Reventamiento
- San Juan del Turbamento
- San Juan del Desespero
- San Juan Minero
- San Juan de la Fortaleza
- San Juan de lo Prohibido
- San Juan Tricado
- San Juan de las Llanuras
- San Juan del Socorro
Saint John of Tobacco
Saint John of the Blessed Waters
Saint John of the Pathways
Saint John of the Four Winds
Saint John of Work and Labor
Saint John of Business and Negotiation
Saint John of the Tomb
Saint John of Turn Around
Saint John of Thunder
Saint John of Lightning
Saint John of Coalition
Saint John of the Plains
Saint John the Herbalist
Saint John of the Forests
Saint John of the Altars
Saint John of the Light
Saint John of Currency
Saint John the Denominator
Saint John the Wise
Saint John of Strength
Saint John the Protector
Saint John of Stability
Saint John the Firm
Saint John of Elevation
Saint John of Good Luck
Saint John of Fortune
Saint John of Triumph
Saint John of the Bust
Saint John of Combustion
Saint John of the Knot
Saint John the Cleanser and Purifier
Saint John the Returner
Saint John of Iron
Saint John of Union and Marriage
Saint John of the Cross
Saint John of the Cart
Saint John of the Crossroads
Saint John of the Lagoon
Saint John of the Brook
Saint John of Treasures
Saint John of the Street
Saint John of Sigh
Saint John of the Four Leaves
Saint John of Abandonment
Saint John of Lovers
Saint John of Dreams
Saint John the Ranger
Saint John of Sundays
Saint John of Roots
Saint John the Drunkard
Saint John the Drinker
Saint John of the Rays of the Moon
Saint John of the Rays of the Sun
Saint John of the Link
Saint John of Portals
Saint John of the Bust
Saint John the Land Holder
Saint John of Enchantments
Saint John the Healer
Saint John the Conquerer
Saint John the Thinker
Saint John of the Mountains
Saint John of Turbulence
Saint John of Desperation
Saint John the Miner
Saint John of the Fortress
Saint John the Prohibited
Saint John of Sorrows
Saint John Tricase
Saint John the Helper
Saint John the Trickster
