John the Conqueror and The Goddess Oya with Mawyiah Kai El-Jamah

Dine with the Divine

This comprehensive discussion, hosted by Ashley in 'Dine with the Divine,' features Mawiyah L., a transformative figure in spirituality and an advocate for marginalized communities. As an eighth-generation witch, educator, and priestess of Oya within the Yoruba system, Mawiyah shares her spiritual journey, including her early experiences with spirits, her impactful work in empowering women through Hoodoo, and her efforts to authentically represent African culture in spirituality. Her book 'Conjuring the Calabash' and podcast 'Fish Head in Red Gravy' underline her commitment to elevating the esoteric experiences of black and brown individuals, and those in the LGBTQ community. The conversation also delves into the importance of community support and gratitude, encouraging audience engagement and highlighting Maui's activism, especially for queer daughters. The series epitomizes the fusion of personal spiritual practice with broader community advocacy.

00:24 Introducing Mawiyakai L.: A Journey into Spirituality and Magic

01:43 Mawiyo's Spiritual Awakening and Journey

33:12 Exploring Brazilian Cuisine: A Tribute to Oya

36:08 Diving into Folklore: The Power of John the Conqueror

49:22 Unveiling the Mysteries of Oya: The Orisha of Wind and Storms

Mawiyah Kai El-Jamah Bomani is an award-winning writer, educator, and spirit woman. Mawiyah is an eighth-generation Witch, Egun Medium, and Priestess of OYA in the Yoruba system of spirituality. Mawiyah’s writings have appeared in Thicker Than Water, The Crab Orchard Review, Beyond The Frontier, Family Portraits, African Voices, and Essence Magazine. Mawiyah is the host of FishHeadsinRedGravy, a podcast dedicated to celebrating marginalized people of the esoteric/occult world. Mawiyah is the author of the newly released Conjuring the Calabash: Empowering Women with Hoodoo Spells and Magick, published by Llewellyn Worldwide. These days, Mawiyah may be working on her Middle-Grade series titled The Cool Beans Ghost Hunter Society, exploring the inclusiveness of special needs superhuman teens, or hosting the podcast FishHeadsinRedGravy dedicated to celebrating marginalized Black and Brown people of the esoteric/occult world.

@mawiyahbomani on Instagram

@mawiyahbomani on Twitter

Mawiyah's Website \

• Brazilian Black-Eyed Pea and Shrimp Fritters: Acarajé Recipe
• High John the Conqueror Root in Magic Spells
• The grand myth of John the Conqueror – Malcolm's Round Table

If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on!

Support Dine with the Divine

Follow the podcast on Instagram

Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine

Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram

Email me with your questions and comments at [e-mail]

Dine with the Divine website

Copyright 2024 Ashley Oppon