White Table Tarot: A Deeper Look (2 of 6)
At the heart of the Mesa Blanca sits the main Fuente, the largest and most central piece of the altar. Traditionally, this fuente contains a copper cross or crucifix, which holds deep spiritual symbolism and mystery.
The Symbolism of the Cross in the Fuente
The metal cross acts as an electrical conductor of spiritual energy, helping to attract one’s spirits and ancestors to the Mesa Blanca. Whether the cross includes the image of a crucified Christ or not is up to the individual constructing the altar, but what’s important to understand is that this symbol goes beyond Christianity.
It’s essential to remember the syncretism that took place in the Caribbean, where Ifá practitioners, and those of other African traditions, hid their spiritual practices behind the veil of Catholicism to protect them from colonial oppression. Nearly every African deity was syncretized with a Christian saint, allowing these traditions to survive in plain sight.
Thus, the cross or crucifix within the fuente primarily represents:
The Four Cardinal Virtues; Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance
The Four Cardinal Points; North, East, South, and West
The base of the cross touching the water represents the mysteries of life; the unseen yet essential forces that sustain existence. Just as water is vital to life yet cannot be breathed by humans, the spiritual realm is ever-present but not always visible to us. The cross, reaching in all directions, symbolizes our connection to spirit across all planes of existence.
The Importance of Water in the Fuente
The fuentes must always be kept clean, refreshed with cool tap water, also known as los fluídos espirituales (spiritual fluids). Water in the Mesa Blanca represents:
Purity and Cleansing – A conduit for clarity and spiritual hygiene
Life and Existence – A reflection of the unseen world, just as the ocean holds life beyond what our eyes can perceive
Imagine standing before the vast ocean. You feel the wind, watch the waves crash, and see the horizon shift with the rising or setting sun. Yet beneath that surface, an entire world of life exists, hidden from view. If you ever have the chance, go deep-sea diving in the Caribbean, and you’ll witness this firsthand! Any array of majestic, otherworldly creatures coexisting in a realm we rarely see.
This is why water is sacred. It represents existence, whether acknowledged or not.
Why Tap Water and Not Purified Water?
A fuente should always be filled with tap water, never purified or distilled water. Purified water, stripped of all natural elements, does not conduct spiritual currents effectively, making it unsuitable for working with spirits. The best option? Cold tap water straight from the kitchen.
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