Mesa Blanca: Whispering Altar

Book excerpt: Today’s Hispanic generation does not always handle the Spanish language as its vernacular. Many a time, major confusion occurs within Hispanic families because of the lack of bilingual skills. In the spiritist community, this language barrier has all too often caused potential mediums to either continue being handicapped in their development or choose another path that may lead to spiritual pitfalls. Additionally, the English-speaking community is fertile ground for new mediums from this cultural group. Many of the alleged translations of prayer books, particularly those of Allan Kardec, are a sham. You cannot translate them literally word for word. It must be translated in context of the cultural idea being presented. In this, whoever attempted the translations has slapped the public in the face with a horrid, nonsensical excuse for print. At some time, there will have to be a concerted effort to translate these works officially on paper. Up to now, it is done word of mouth, which leaves a lot to be desired when attending a misa (séance). Words evolve in definition over the centuries, as well as from one path in life to another. The word “cave” is a case in point. For mediums, the word originates as “boveda” (BO-vay-dah). The boveda consists of a grouping of glass goblets representing the spiritual quadrant of each medium. Boveda can also mean “hidden treasure box.” Indeed, this spiritual cave is a sanctuary from which our entities whisper their messages to us.