MANDRAGORA MAGIKA NOTE: I have to say that for the most part this website is dedicated to Wicca and Witchcraft however I do sometimes include information about Hoodoo and Vodou as they are very major influences in my spiritual life and progression. Being Southern my first introduction to Magic was Hoodoo. Because I was not raised Catholic, or even Christian, I have no aversion to Catholic magic or many of the Spirits associated with it. So sometimes you just use what works no matter what, but I want to be very clear that this information comes from Rootworkers and isn’t Paganism! Ok, now that is clear.
Saint of: Emergencies and Anyone in need of a quick solution for any problem Feast Day: April 19th Colors: Red or Yellow Day: Thursday (some say Wednesday) Sacred Animal: Raven Number: 5 Herbs: Too many to list but Basil and Pine are two Depiction: A young Roman Centurion shown holding a cross marked HODIE (Latin for ‘today’) and a crow beneath his right foot. The dying crow utters a word, CRAS (Latin for ‘tomorrow’). This image suggests that St. Expedite can’t think about tomorrow, but acts on the right now!
St. Expedite is one of those very interesting Saints that seems to transcend being restricted to one faith of people and will work for many people. His history is an interesting one because it is so up in the air. No one can be absolutely sure if the Saint ever existed at all and the Catholic Church does not recognize him as an actual Saint. There are tons of legends of where he came from however none of them actually prove anything except hes been venerated or at least acknowledged since the 1700’s.
My favorite legend as to his origins is that a Chapel dedicated to Guadalupe in New Orleans (where Saint Expedite is very popular) received at least two saint statues at the same time including one unknown statue in a crate labeled ‘Expedite’. Legend has it that the people believed that was the name of the Saint… a nice legend however it would have been more likely they meant to expedite the exported statues…
St. Expedite is associated with prompt and rapid solutions to the problems of the people, whether that be money, legal issues or a myriad of other problems. He is believed to work quickly for the person who petitions him. He is also petitioned by people who have the bad habit of procrastination, need a dispute settled, or even an enemy cursed.
St. Expedite is syncretized with the deity Mercury but his imagery is also used in some houses of Haitian Vodou for Bawon Kriminel.
Creation of an Altar Dedicated to St. Expedite An altar created for St. Expedite is created in a triangle pattern with a red candle (some use yellow), a glass of water and an image of him. I was also taught to place his image upside down until the work has been completed. Once he has completed his job his image is placed back up, 5 slices of pound cake with a penny on each slice is given to him, a glass of red wine and red carnations. Remember to thank him publicly as well.
Prayers to St. Expedite are many so I’m not going to list all of them, a quick Google search will reveal the variety that exist but here are a couple.
"St. Expedite, you lay in rest. I come to you and ask that my prayer be granted. [Insert Your Request] Expedite this, what I ask of you. Expedite now, this is what I want of you, this very second. Please don't waste another day. Please give me what I ask for. I know your power, I know you because of your work. I know you can do it. If you do this for me, I'll spread your name with love and honor. Expedite my prayer with speed, love, honor and goodness. Glory to you St. Expedite!"
“I come before you, Saint Expedite, To remedy economic problems in my work and my home. And to ask for your powerful support. Saint Expedite, protect my income, That i may obtain sufficient money for necessities, And tranquillity and joy will reign in my house. By your grace, Blessed Saint, I request and pray that i will achieve my desire. (State your petition) And I will give thanks for your glorious intercession. (Now promise to give Saint Expedite a specific offering if your desire is granted.) Amen.”
ABOUT SI MANDRAGORA
Si is a Gardnerian high priest operating in Flagler County, FL. A practitioner of various kinds of witchcraft since adolescence, he now runs Mandragora Magika, creates occult art for people, grows all kinds of plants but mostly in love with the poisonous variety. Si holds a degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute.