So espiritismo is a spiritist movement heavily influenced by Allen Kardec and his publication

however due to the various amounts of people on the island and their respective cultural and
ethnic backgrounds, various forms of espiritismo developed. Hence the term Espiritsmo
Cruzado spiritualism crossed, meaning crossed with various other practices and theories.

The history of 1, 3,7, or 9 glasses being used in ones boveda is often argued. The issue arises
from lack of understanding of different altars and why.

3 glasses were used based on the theory of Christian influence, one for the father, one for the
son, and one for the holy spirit that permeates between the two. The belief that the three were
essentially one and that any and all other spirit guides there would be forced or encouraged to
work the same. Union, or el medio unidad.

7 glasses were often used as well, based on both biblical belief and that of various cultures as
the number 7 is prime spiritual number. Biblically seven is the number of completion and
perfection, full cycle come in to fruition. Seven is considered the foundation of Gods word and is
referenced 860 times there in. The Bible, as a whole, was originally divided into 7 major divisions.
They are 1) the Law; 2) the Prophets; 3) the Writings, or Psalms; 4) the Gospels and Acts; 5) the General
Epistles; 6) the Epistles of Paul; and 7) the book of Revelation. The total number of originally inspired
books was forty-nine, or 7 x 7, demonstrating the absolute perfection of the Word of God. So seven
glasses were designed to highlight the beginning transition of spirit and our journey and into the
progression into an elevated being able to work for you and those seeking help from you.

9 glasses was an overlap from I believe middle eastern mysticism understanding which believes in the 9
planetary projections. The Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. This
was usually reserved for what are known as celestial boveds kept out side to catch the star light,
moonlight and such. However, with other African influence 9 becomes a number closely associated with
the ancestors and so that became a reasoning and Im sure a justification of the use of 9 glasses. The
important thing to take notice in with the importance of 9 cups in regards to planets, is the elements there
in believed to influence the communication and work done at the boveda. La Sciencias the sciences

1 glass, this was developed most commonly in Puerto Rico where only one goblet is used on the boveda.
In the center of La Mesa Blanca sits a large goblet filled with fresh clean water, or Holy Water, this is
called a Fuente Espiritual. (Spiritual Fountain) Traditionally the Mesa Blanca had only one large Fuente
called, El Santisimo. Its a more recent practice to also included 3, 7 or 9; always with the larger of the
Fuentes in the center, each Fuente has a mystery, the larger being El Santisimo, while the others
represent, ones Protectors, healers, ones Ancestors, gate keepers and the remainder for the other spirits.
This becomes similar to other beliefs the one vessel which absorbs and transmutes energy built during a
prayer session or time at the boveda through one central point, forcing any and all other forces to work
with one accord.

David Sosa