THE COMMISSION OF THE INDIOS
LA
CORTE DE LOS INDIOS
" I found very many islands filled with people without number
and all of them I have taken possession for their Highnesses... As soon as I
arrived in the Indies, on the first Island which I found, I took some of the
natives by force in order that they might learn and might give me information on
whatever there is in these parts"
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
" They...brought us parrots and balls of cotton and spears
and many other things...They would make fine servants...With fifty men we could
subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want."
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
O CARA! WE HAVE
GIVEN ALL WE CAN TO THESE PEOPLE, AND YET THEY WANT MORE. THEY TRICKED US INTO
BELIEVING THEY WHERE GODS! YET IT HAS.BEEN PROVEN THEY ARE NOT! ENOUGH!
GUASABARA! GUASABARA! GUASABARA! IT IS TIME TO FIGHT
+++
INDIO TAINO +++ THE TAINO +++
Corte India, Corte Taina, Yo te llamo a Travajar. Corte
Caribe, Corte Arawaque, Corte Ciboney, Yo te llamo a laborar. En los nombres de
los Zemis, prestame tu bendicion..
COMMISSION OF THE INDIANS, COMMISSION OF THE TAINO, I CALL
YOU TO WORK.
COMMISSION OF THE CARIB, COMMISSION OF THE ARAWAK, COMMISSION
OF CIBONEY, COME WORK YOUR SPIRITUAL LABOR. IN THE NAMES OF THE GREAT SPIRITS,
COME AND BLESS ME.
Before the Spanish set foot on the islands of the
Caribbean, the indigenous people of Boriken (Land of the Mighty and Valiant
Lords) later renamed Puerto Rico, and the Lesser and Greater Antilles, was the
home to the peaceful Taino, and the Arawak, the warrior like Caribs, and a
smaller group of cave dwellers known as the Ciboney. This race of people had a
strong spiritual and religious foundation with many mystical beliefs. The Gods,
where spirits of nature known as Zemis, or Cemis, with one head Cacique (chief)
God named Yucahu and his mother Atabey or Attabeira . Other Cemis where nature
spirits, great cacique chiefs and heroes who ascended into Cemis statues because
of their valiant deeds. (Similar to Catholic saints). The mythology of the Taino
was as vibrant and colorful, as those of Roman and Greek mythology. The tales of
the Cemis, courageous Caciques, valiant heroes and ancestors were told in a
feast known as an Arieto, and during nightly gatherings. The Cemis powers
manifested on earth in stones, clay and wood, and all Cemis lived in mountains,
plants, rocks, caves, rivers and forests.
THE COURT OF THE CEMIS (ZEMIS)
La
Corte De Los Cemis
Yucahu or Yocahu, the Great Sky Father was the Cemi
of the cassava root and creator of the Seas, who ruled over the skies and
heavens.
Yaya, the essence, the soul of Yucahu, in his earthly
personification
Atabey Attabeira, The Great Earth Mother a fertility
goddess who used her breast milk called Bibi, to make women fertile, she was the
Cemi of fresh waters that came from her Boh Boh "nipples". (The Puerto Rican
words for a babies bottle is a bibi, and a pacifier is a boh
boh)
Itiba Tahuvava, wife of Yucahu, mother of the two
sets of twins, From her came the man-bat who brought the season of dry weather
and drought and woman-frog, who brought the season of
rain.
Baibrama, The Resurrector a healing Cemi, who was
worshiped for his healing abilities and of good and fertile
crops
Bayamanaco the Cemi of
Fire.
Goiz: Cemi of the Breath of
life.
Boinaye, One of the sacred twins, The Opposing
Forces, was the Cemi of Rain and
earthquakes.
Caguana, was the female Cemi who gave birth to the
first humans.
Savacu, Cemi of the rays of the sun and moon, a
messenger.
Márohu, Sacred twin The Opposing Forces. was the Cemi
of calm weather.
Guabancex Juracán The Hurricane Bringer was a female
Cemi of winds and storms.
Guataubá, messenger of Guabancex was the Cemi who
foretold of the coming of hurricanes, Cemi of thunder and
lightning.
Coatrisquie, the Cemi of waterfalls also created
floods she also created torrential downpour.
Maketaori Guayaba, Lord of the Dead was the Cemi of
the land of Coaybay. (Realm of the
Dead)
Hupia Hamáno, was the Cemi of the nightfall and the
Moon, her children where the dead ghosts called the Hupia after her, who haunted
the night. These spirits could not enter Coaybay for rest, the realm of the
dead, and were stuck in this realm, similar to
Ghosts.
Huión was a Turtle God who shown in the heavens. The
sun
Moroyo was the Cemi of the
rainfall.
Ceiba, a Tree Spirit was the Cemi of the sacred tree,
portal to the realm of the
ancestors.
Yuquiyu was the Cemi of the mountains and rainforest
(el Luquillo rainforest)
Opiyelguabirán', Night Dog a Cemi that took the
appearance of a dog, watched over the dead.
Deminán Caracaracol was the Great ancestor, the
father and heroe of the Taino nation who became a
Cemi.
Macocael a bird reptile Cemi of Caves where the first
humans came from.
The paraphernalia of the Cemis, which where clay
vessels, mortars, and statues carved on stone, wood, and sea shells where
believed to manifest the powers of the CemisCemis or Zemis. One of the most
popular Cemis paraphernalia was the Cemi Stone. The Cemí stone, with its three
cardinal points, is a fundamental symbol in the Taino religion. The names of the
three points are Yocahu, Hupia and Goiz.
1. On top of this sacred mountain peak, in the turey
(sky) of the four directions, resides the Bohio 'hut" of Yocahu the Creator,
whose name means that which has neither beginning nor end and which has no male
ancestor or creator.
2. Coabey, is the underworld, the place of the dead.
Here resides Hupia, the spirit of the dead. The face of Guayaba, the Chief of
Coabey, is represented here.
3. The land of the living. Here resides Goiz, the
spirit of living people
The Taino where a peaceful people, led by a Cacique
chief who could be both male or female. The Bohiques where the priests who
interacted directly with the Cemis in ceremonies or while in trance and the
Bohuti, Buhuithu, or Buhuitihu were the shaman, witch doctors, and healers, who
could speak with the Opia, the spirits of ones Dead, the Jukiyu-jan, the
Ancestors and appease the Hupia ( evil spirits) With "tobacu" smoke, and gourd
rattles known as Guiro, they could appease or keep at bay the Mabuya, the demons
of nature, or banish the Cuqoh, (el Cuko) an incubus spirit that took the life
of young children at night. The Taino had a belief that the souls of evil
spirits roamed the night. This belief still exists on the island as every Puerto
Rican knows about the "Cucoh" Cuko and the "Gwitona" Gritona (Llorona) female
screaming spirit that haunts the island at night seeking to torment an
unsespecting victim.
Before the Buhuithu could mediate the will of the
Cemis, spirits, souls or ancestors, they had to first relieve themselves of
bodily waists and induce vomiting so that their bodies could not be grounded.
Usually the Buhuithu fasted for many hours and did not consume food until their
Spiritual labor was done.
The Bohiques in keeping with oral tradition of a
mythology of how the son of Yaya by the name of Yayael tried to kill him so he
could reign supreme over the other Cemis, and was killwd in battle. Yaya feeling
great remorse for being responsible for the loss of his son, kept Yayael's bones
in a gourd with symbols of the Cemis. From this gourd, the ocean and fish where
created. The Buhuitihu on his batey kept a gourd filled with bones of an
ancestor, roots, tree barks and stones which where sacred to the Cemis. The
Cemis where also carved into wooden figures or sacred stones, as it was believed
that the Cemis manifested their powers within them. These carved stones and
wooden figures of the Cemis were kept in the bohios ontop of a batey by the
Bohiques and Buhuitihu. These where the ancient altars, that are still very
influential in Brujeria altars thoughout the Americas. This influence can still
be seen today in Puerto Rico.
While many Santeros in Puerto Rico are those
individuals who are initiated into the priestly order of Cuban Lukumi Santeria.
It is important to understand that a Santero can also be considered an artist
who carves figures of Saints into wood, a tradition of the Taino that still
survives till this day. If you ever visit Puerto Rico, purchase one as it will
make a powerful addition to your
altar.
There where four class groups in a Taino clan, the
Cacique or Cacica was the head chief, followed by the Bohique (priests) the
Buhuithu, (Shamans) the Nitaino, the defenders and warriors of the clan, and
lastly the Naboria, which were the common
folk.
The Taino were a very clean race, cleansing, bathing
and purifying their bodies twice a day, when the Spanish came, they forbid the
captured Indians to bathe frequently, at the time the European people believed
that bathing frequently meant loosing a piece of ones soul, in the process
cutting in half one's life span.
While many Taino men where killed, mostly by foreign
diseases or in battle, the women that survived where taken as wives, these women
gave birth to the first Meztisos. While the Spanish men took care of searching
for gold, trying to find the mythical fountain of youth, or in battle with
native and surrounding tribes, the Taino wives who were baptized into
Christianity did not completely forget or abandon their traditions and beliefs.
Similar to the African slaves they hid their ancient Cemis in the disguise of
Catholic saints. In time the ancient Cemis names where forgotten, but the many
of the characteristics of these Cemis remained in the Catholic
saints.
The
language of the Taino into English words.
Although Caribbean people use many Taino words in
their Creolle dialects many Taino words are used in english as well, Hurricane,
barbeque, hammock, potato, tobacco, iguana. and canoe all are of Taino origin.
Also Americans favorite past time, baseball came from the Taino, its a wonder
why many great baseball players are from the Caribbean. Words such as Batu, the
game itself, the batey, ceremonial ground where game was played and the Bateh,
the club used to hit the ball.
NAMES OF THE COMMISSION OF BORIKEN
CACIQUE
Abey : Cacique of Salinas Puerto
Rico.
Agüeybaná: The Cacique who greeted Juan Ponce de
Leon.
Aramaná: Cacique of the Coa Toa River
region.
Arasibo: Cacique of Arecibo, Puerto
Rico.
Aymamón: Cacique of Culebras Island Puerto
Rico.
Bagnamanay: Cacique of Caguas Puerto
Rico
Cacimar: Great Ruler of Bieques, Viequez Island
Puerto Rico.
Caquax: Cacique of Caguas, Puerto
Rico
Canóbana: Cacique of Canovana, Puerto
Rico
Comerío: Cacique of Comerio, Puerto
Rico
Dagüao : Cacique of Naguabo, Puerto
Rico.
Iniex: Baptized by Juan Ponce de Leon, under the
name, Doña Ines. Mother of
Agueybaná.
Guacabo: Ancient Cacique great
ruler.
Güamaní : Cacique of Maneti, Puerto
Rico.
Güaraca: Ancient and legendary Cacique
chief.
Guaraca Guayaney : Cacique of Yabucoa, Puerto
Rico
Guarionex : Cacique of Utuado, Puerto
Rico
Guaybana The Cacique that led the Taino Rebellion of
1511 in Puerto Rico against the Spanish
settlers.
Hayuya: Cacique of Jayuya, Puerto
Rico
Jacaguax: Cacique of Juana Diaz, Puerto
Rico
Jumacao: Cacique of Humacao, Puerto
Rico
Loquillo: Puerto Ricos last Cacique, who died in
battle against the Spanish.
Mabó: A Cacica of Puerto
Rico
Macuya: Cacique of Coamo, Puerto
Rico
Majagua.: ancient and wise Cacique of what is know
Loiza Aldea, Puerto Rico
Naguabo: Cacique of Naguabo, Puerto
Rico
Orocobix: Ancient Warrior Caique who governed over
present day Aibonito, Barranquitas, Corozal, Morovis and Orocovis, Puerto
Rico
Urayoán: the first Cacique to order the drowning of
the Spaniard, Diego Salcedo to determine if they where truly
Gods.
Yaureibo: Cacique of Vieguez who died in battle
fighting the Spanish.
Yuisa: The Taino Cleopatra, last Cacica of Puerto
Rico. Married the Mulatto Pedro Mejias. Killed for being a traitor, but legend
says she wanted peace with the Taino and
Spanish.
Yuquibo: el loco and invincible one, Cacique who got
away with many attacks and raids on the Spaniards. After death he became a
Cemis, one of the last to reach this statues.
ORACION DEL INDIO PODEROSO
OH, Gran Cacique, fidelísimo espíritu Indio Celador
de tu morada. En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del espíritu Santo; yo, fiel
creyente de tu poder, te invoco en este momento, ya que Tu, Gran espíritu Indio,
conoces las aflicciones de mi materia para que intercedas con nuestro Padre
Eterno y me brindes tu santa y divina protección. OH, gran espíritu Indio, tu
que eres el encargado de brindarme protección, te pido en el nombre de Jesús,
que con tu hacha de piedra rompas las malas cadenas que mis enemigos me tiendan,
materiales y espirituales. Con el veneno de tu flecha, OH, Gran espíritu Indio,
destruyas los malos pensamientos que en contra de mí vengan. OH, Gran espíritu
Indio, contus ojos deáguilavigila misendero. Que no haya brujo, cirio, lámpara
ni mal pensamiento que pueda hacerme daño corporal o material. OH, Gran espíritu
Indio, te dedico esta luz en pago de tu protección, para luz y progreso de tu
santo espíritu. Amen.
PRAYER TO THE POWERFUL SPIRIT OF THE
INDIOS
OH GREAT CACIQUE, INDIAN CHIEF, MOST LOYAL AND
FAITHFUL SPIRIT. IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY TRINITY, FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST. I
A FAITHFUL BELIEVER IN YOUR POWER, ASK YOU IN THIS MOMENT TO HELP ME. OH GREAT
SPIRIT, YOU UNDERSTAND MY SUFFERING, HELP ME WITH YOUR POWER AND GUIDE ME WITH
YOUR HOLY AND DIVINE PROTECTION. OH GREAT CACIQUE CHIEF, I ASK YOU IN THE NAME
OF OUR LORD JESUS, OFFER ME YOUR PROTECTION, WITH YOUR STONE AXE, AND HATCHET,
BREAK THE CHAINS MY ENEMIES HAVE FORGED FOR ME. BOND ME WITH YOUR DIVINE
SPIRITUALITY AND CLEANSE MY SOUL. WITH THE POISON OF YOUR ARROWS, DESTROY THE
EVIL THOUGHTS AGAINST ME. WITH YOUR KEEN SIGHT OF THE EAGLE, WATCH AND DEFEND
OVER MY HOME, MY FAMILY AND ALL I HOLD AS SACRED. LET NO SORCERY, CURSE, ILL
WILL, HEX, BAD THOUGHT OR ACTION FROM MY ENEMIES HARM ME. I LIGHT THIS CANDLE IN
YOUR HONOR. MAY YOUR SPIRIT FIND ETERNAL PEACE, ENLIGHTENMENT AND CONTINUED
ADVANCEMENT. AMEN.
TO
THE GRAN CACIQUE
O gran Cacique,
tu que vencistes en la tierra, con tu flecha sagrada destruistes a tus enemigos.
Ven hacia mi y ayudame sacar de mi cuerpo estos espiritus sin luz y aleje a
todos estos malos pensamientos que rodean sobre mi. Oh Gran Cacique, Indio
Poderoso! Con las facultades que nuestro Señor Dios Todopoderoso te brindo,
ayudame a progresar en esta vida, y derme la dicha de vivir en paz. Y al que se
aponga gritare. GUASABARA, GUASABARA,
GUASABARA!
OH GREAT CACIQUE, INDIAN CHIEF. YOU THAT OVERCAME THE
OBSTACLES SET IN LIFE. HELP ME TO OVERCOME MINE. WITH YOUR BOW AND ARROW, YOU
DEFEATED YOUR ENEMIES. HELP ME IN REMOVING THE SPIRITS THAT WISH ILL FROM MY
PATH. REMOVE ALL EVIL INTENTIONS FROM MY
PATH.
OH GREAT CACIQUE, POWERFUL INDIAN. WITH YOUR
SPIRITUAL FACULTIES THAT HAVE BEEN GRANTED UPON YOU BY OUR LORD GOD, HELP ME IN
PROGRESSING IN THIS LIFE AND THE NEXT. BESTOW UPON ME THE DIGNITY TO LIVE IN
PEACE. AND TO ALL MY ENEMIES WHO ALSO I SHALL CRY THE WAR CRIES OF YOUR PEOPLE.
GUASABARA! GUASABARA! GUASABARA!
THE
OUR FATHER IN TAINO
Guakia Baba turey toca, Guami-ke-ni,
Guami-caraya-guey guarico guakia tayno-ti, bo-matun; busica guakia aje-cazabi;
Juracan-ua, Maboya-ua, Jukiyu-jan; Cemis Yocahu, nabori daca, Jan-jan
catu.
Our Father who touches the skies, Lord of the land
and the seas. Lord of the Moon and the Sun. Come to us, standing tall, and full
of generosity. Give to us our daily nourishment. Keep away bad spirits. Keep
away Ghosts. But bring forth our good spirits. Yocahu I a humble servant, ask
that you listen to my prayers. So be
it.
DIA
DE LA RAZA
While many states follow the day of Christopher
Columbus, every Latin American country celebrates, El Dia De La Raza, or Day of
the Race. This day falls on October 12th. Recently many Espiritistas and Brujos
hold this holiday as sacred and hold a public Fiesta Espiritual in honor of the
Indian Spirits. Traditional Taino food is served such as Yuca with Codfish and
Casava bread. Music is played and the Indians are invoked to come down and dance
and lift Causas.
A few years ago to celebrate el Dia de La
Raza, I brought two friends, a Colombian and a Venezuelan to two Taino
ceremonial grounds on the island, the larger Tibes Ceremonial Park in Ponce,
Puerto Rico and Caguana Ceremonial Park in Utuado, Puerto Rico. Although the
Tibes was much larger with many Batey, a collection of live turtles, and many
stones etched with Taino and Cemis symbols. The thing I loved about the smaller
Caguana Ceremonial Grounds was the Tres Picachos hills, believed by the Taino to
be the point where God created life on the planet. If you meditate at the vista
on Tres Picachos, you will see the resemblance of the sacred Cemis
stone.
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