Inappropriate.....

Sunday, I went to the river in the afternoon. The first thing I learned is that Sundays may be a bad time. The river was too busy for my liking. If I continue to go on Sundays, it will be early in the mornings. But the reason for this post, is the foolishness I witnessed there.....

There were a ton of people doing a ton of activities. Most of which appeared to be spiritual. There was a young girl receiving a spiritual bath from 4 men. I stopped and counted. She was naked. It wasn't in a super private area either. I walked right passed. The men were chanting and washing her body. That. Is. A. PROBLEM!!!!

I have been a spiritual practitioner for over 30 years, and I have never bathed a man, nor have I ever been in the presence of a male practitioner unclothed. PERIOD! As a practitioner, I have other men that I partner with when I have to perform a ritual that requires nudity. It's as simple as that.

My point is this.... ATRs in the US are 2 things to Foundational Black Americans (FBAs)... (a) unknown and (b) expensive. Because most of us don't know what to expect from practitioners, we will fall for abuse and/or extortion. I've seen "priests" steal thousands of dollars from people. I've seen people pay for fake initiations. I've seen male priests prey on single women and the men are married! It is very easy to be taken advantage of. I don't want that for y'all.

So what do you do? Find a reputable practitioner. I'm certain that girl thought she had a reputable worker. Practitioners tend to be charismatic. But don't fall for the okeydoke. Ask questions. If the answers are fishy.... ghost them. Speak to their congregation. People in these ciphers love to talk. Talk them up and see if any red flags jump out. When a red flag does appear.... don't ignore it or explain it away. If they are asking for money.... find out what you are getting for the money. Don't pay cash, because you need a paper trail just in case you have to sue. If a man tells you that you are his prophesied wife.... NOPE! Bounce. If they get easily angered with your questions.... leave. And when you leave, leave quietly. No need to put your experiences on social media. It's not to protect bad people. It's to keep the honest people from catching strays. And don't enter these spheres with a Christian mindset. These religions do NOT work the same way.

I get that the park is public. Anyone can go. But conduct yourself in a manner befitting the environment. Because the park and rec department can shut the access to the river down immediately and no one gets to use it.