Ok…back to Morocco…back to the Jinns…
Hmmm…so what’s a Jinn? According to the dictionary, in Arabian and Muslim mythology, it’s a spirit (lower than the angels) capable of appearing in human and animal forms…and influencing humankind for either good or evil. Tahir Shah, author of The Caliph’s House, describes a Jinn as “a fraternity of spirits created by God from fire and mentioned in the Qur’an; Muslims believe they inhabit the world along with humans.”
So the story goes that the Caliph House (aka Dar Khalifa) was full of Jinns because it had set empty for so long. Tahir’s book contains numerous encounters with the Jinns and finally endures an elaborate exorcism ritual involving sacrificial goats to rid them. So you can imagine as strange things occurred during our stay there (even though we knew the exorcism eliminated them), we would say in unison…”It’s the Jinns!” And unfortunately, I think they tagged along with us throughout a portion of our travels. Remember the lost luggage and being sick?
“The shrill scream of a seven-foot horn, rang through the house. The oldest exorcist hacked off the goat’s head, bent down, and sucked the wound with his mouth. Then three others stepped forward, touched the fresh blood to their lips, savoring it, before hanging the carcass in the middle of the yard. Blood rained down, and was collected in a used paint can. The old exorcist took the long knives and skinned the animal.”
Trust me, this did not happen upon returning home…but we did have our own “exorcism” by completing a spiritual cleansing to remove the unwelcomed spirits (just in case) with burning sage…the apartment, the luggage, the clothes, including ourselves – all cleansed!
Coming up…we head north for an overnight in Rabat…where our troubles started…then we head for Mecknes…scratch that…Fez.
Stay tuned!
The front entrance is very inviting, however I would have come out of my skin on this trip. Glad you ladies did your own ” exorcism” and cleansed yourselves of all those “Jinns”. Love you!
Ha Ha!! This was truly one experience! xo
Since I am in the process of reading the book The Caliph’s House I am really enjoying reading your posts about your recent trip to Morocco, and I am on pins and needles to hear more about your stay in that house of Jinns. Thanks for sharing. XoXo
I love that you’re reading the book! Stay tuned!
You’re a brave spirit, Robin. Safe travels!
Thanks Fred!
You certainly are brave ladies. I read the book “Muslim for Dummies” years ago but don’t remember reading (it may have not been in the book) about Jinns. How fascinating and what a creepy quote on the exorcism.
I’m glad you saged yourselves and belongs upon return. I always saged my massage room, too. So looking forward to hearing more. Just so glad you returned home safely. One of those trips you’ll never forget, for sure.
xoxoxo
I love that! Muslim for dummies. I must read that book! Thanks Lisa!
Remember you traveled within Mercury Retrograde…and of course it does not hurt to burn sage and keep the Jinns happy….
What great pictures again. LOVE the one with the laundry outside the window. I know you were in photographer’s paradise.
Photographer’s paradise indeed! Oh my…hadn’t given Mercury Retrograde a thought! You are the clever one!!! Thank you!
Oh, the places you go! and the sites you see!
Yes! I’m so fortunate!
beautiful pictures and Jinns – quite an adventure!
An adventure indeed! Thanks Katrin!
Whew, good to know that you returned home Jinnless!
Yes, and thank goodness for sage, ha ha! Thanks Elena!