ROOTS & STUFF A Abramelin Oil or Oil of Abramelin "Abramelin Oil," also known as "Oil of Abramelin," is a magical oil mixture written about by "Abraham the Jew" in the medieval grimore, Book of Supposedly, the mixture known as " Abramelin Oil" is one form of the Jewish recipe for oly Oil. !See oses Oil.# Abramelin. Supposedly, $n truth, there are a number of different recipes depending on who is using the oil for what purpose. "Abramelin Oil" is used by ceremonial magicians, gnostics, %abbalists, and some hoodooists. hoodooists. ere are two commonly known reciepes Abramelin Oil which are used by some hoodooists. hoodooists. Abramelin Oil recipe &' contains one part myrrh essential oil, one part cassia essential oil, one part calamus essential oil, one half part cinnamon essential oil, and seven parts olive oil. Abramelin Oil recipe &( contains eight parts cinnamon essential oil, four parts myrrh essential oil, two parts galangal essential oil, and seven parts olive oil. $n hoodoo folk magic, Abramelin Oil is used for simple consecration of talismans, candles, mo)o bags, etc. to be used in spell work. *oth olive and myrrh oils are sacred unto the +O- od. /innamon, however, draws money and luck. /alamus is used to sweet control of others. 0hus recipe &' can be also be used to counteract counteract evil influences or control control from others. ecipe &(, containing containing galangal galangal !aka +ow John#, is used in protective protective work, especially that involving court cases, contacting spirits during rituals or as an incense to sanctify the a ltar or magical tools. Abramelin Oil may be used for anointing altar candles in spirit work11especially if Abramelin $ncense is also burned. Adam and Eve Root ( Aplectrum ( Aplectrum hyemale hyemale) Adam and 2ve flower is a species of orchid, which is also known as "putty root." 0he name "putty root" comes from the thick, gluey fluid which can be removed from the crushed roots. 0his mucilaginous fluid was used by early American settlers to repair broken pottery. pottery. $n hoodoo, the root is used in marriage magic. Adam and 2ve oot is used by both men and women to draw a potential spouse to be a "help meet," by reciting enesis (3'4, "And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field5 but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him," and adding "*ring me one who is destined to be flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone." 0his root is often a s an ingredient in mo)o bags by women, usually wives, to cement their marriage relationship by reciting enesis (3(6 over the root3 "0herefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife3 and they shall be one flesh." !$7m guessing it could make a useful protective charm for handling a mother1in1law who is over1 possessive possessive with her son.# +ikewise, if a woman wishes wishes to attract a wealthy man for prospects prospects of marriage, she can tie Adam Adam 8 2ve oot, Je9ebel oot, oot, orrisroot, dried rose buds, sweet flag, and catnip into a red flannel bag. She should dress the bag with a little Je9ebel Oil. All Saints Oil 0he formula, "All Saints Oil," is said to bring blessings and success. $t is used for petitioning the saints in heaven. $t can also be used on the :east of All Saints, ;ovember '. 0he oil includes the following botanicals3 gardenia ! Gardenia angusta formerly known as Gardenia jasminoides#, lavender ! Lavandula Lavandula angustifolia angustifolia#, vetivert !Vetiveria zizanoides #, patchouli ! Pogostemon cablin cablin#, mugwort ! Artemisia vulgaris vulgaris#, and cinnamon !Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum aromaticum, or Cinnamomum Cinnamomum burmannii# which are mixed into a base of sweet a lmond and )o)oba oils. aloe vera ( Aloe vera or vera or Aloe Aloe barbadensis barbadensis)) Aloe vera is now an item commonly sold in mainstream drug stores. A gel from the leaves of this desert plant may be applied externally for sunburns and mild burns. $t may also be applied externally to topical bruises or inflammation. /ommon names include "$ndian aloe," "burn aloe," "*abados aloe," ":irst Aid plant," and "9abila." 2arly records of the use of aloe vera appear in the 2bers
SA it is cultivated in 0exas, Ari9ona, Ari9ona, /alifornia, and :lorida. Some health stores sell aloe vera f or internal consumption as a laxative, but its laxative properties are very powerful. $t can give diarhea and gas. $t is probably best not not to use it internally. internally. alum powder (hydrated (hydrated aluminum potassium sulfate) sulfate) Alum is a naturally occurring mineral substance also called " potash alum" or hydrated aluminum otassium sulfate . Alum powder has numerous uses. Alum powder is found in the spice section of many grocery stores. $t is popularly used in many pickling recipes, particularly cucumber pickles. About '?4 teaspoon of alum powder put in an empty muslin tobacco1sack with a piece of brown paper that says, "All 0hose @ho aliciously ossip About e," will stop gossip. *ecause of its use as a pickling agent, a bit of alum causes the mouth to pucker11affecting speeh. ence, this charm bag will silence gossipers by puckering their mouths. Alum powder is also a home health cure for foot odor. 0he powder will neutrali9e the growth of bacteria that causes most body odor. Alum Alum has also been applied to small cuts to prevent infection due its astringent ualities. A pinch of alum powder is an e xcellent home remedy for ahthous stomatitis , commonly known as "canker sores," when applied to the affected area. $t is also used as an ingredient in some cosmetic recipes. Alum is also one of the mineral ingredients of 0hree $ngredient *ath. Alum powder has long been used to treat water. @hen added to water, small particles of pollutants present in water tend to stick together, forming colloid particles, and sink to the the bottom. 0he pure water water can be separated out after the the heavy colloid particles get get settled down at the bottom bottom of the container. container. American sweet flag ( Acorus calamus) calamus) American sweet flag is a wetland plant native to the northern >SA and /anada 0he foliage has a citrus1like spicy aromatic uality, uality, and can be used to flavor beer. $t is sometime used in mo)o bags for love which call for sweet flag or calamus. angelica root ( Archangelica officinalis officinalis)) 0his root is used in some mo)o bags for protection and uncrossing. $f it is sprinkled in the four uarters of the home, it can provide powerful protection from negative influences. ant bed 0hose who have breast fed know that the more gradually a woman weans her child from breast feeding, the less likely her breasts are to become sore and engorged engorged with milk. Often it takes about seven to ten days for a woman7s milk to dry up. /linicians will suggest cold compresses to help with the discomfort during this time period. $t is said that applying raw cabbage leaves, chilled in an ice box, to the breasts reduces milk production and helps ease discomfort of engorgement. !;aturally, !;aturally, if someone has an allergy to cabbage or sulfa drugs, she should not be applying cabbage leaves to her breasts.# Occasionally, Occasionally, during the weaning process, women are advised to express a small amount of milk to ease the discomfort of the engorgement. According According to @est @est :lorida folk wisdom in the 'BCD7s, the "best" way for a woman to "dry up" her milk after her child has been weened was to go into the backyard at high noon and express a little bit of milk over the opening of an "ant bed." She can repeat this action only one or two days. $n theory, it should be done only once. !$nterestingly, !$nterestingly, the species of ant did not seem to be important, but there was some disagreement among locals as to whether the ants should be black or red.# 0he woman woman could also drink an infusion infusion of sage tea, maybe maybe with a little honey, honey, as well. Apace Tears "Apache 0ears" 0ears" are small naturally f ormed droplets of obsidian or nodular obsidian !volcanic black glass# that range in color from black to smoky brown. Such nodules are also known as "Obsidian SA Southwest they are known as "Apache 0ears." ;ot surprisingly, surprisingly, these nodules can be found in locations where Apache $ndians lived, especially Ari9ona, ;evada, and ;ew exico. 0he San /arlos Apache eservation in Ari9ona, >SA, is a famous source of Apache 0ears as is the area surrounding Apache +eap ountain. 0he name "Apache 0ear" originated from a legend relating to the Apache tribe. According to the story, a band of seventy1five Apache Apache warriors rode their horses off the edge of Apache +eap ountain to their deaths in order to avoid capture by the >S Army. @hen news of their deaths reached other members of the Apache tribes, the tears that were shed were turned into the obsidian Apache 0ears 0ears which are found in the surrounding area in abundance. Allegedly, Allegedly, this sorrowful tale took place in '4EC, but historians say there is no genuine historical basis for this story. ;evertheless due to the the legend, Apache Apache 0ears 0ears are said to remove pain and and relieve grief. 0hey are good good luck stones and are said to bring good good luck to anyone who has one. 0hat is because the Apache have shed enough tears already, and no more need be shed. agically, Apache 0ears 0ears serve as healing black obsidian obsidian stones. 0hese stones stones are apparently used by some hoodoo practitioners practitioners who live out out in the western states of the >SA. >SA. Apache 0ear 0ear gemstones appear to be opaue by reflected light, but are actually translucent if held up to the light.
All obsidian is naturally occurring volcanic glass, not actually a true mineral. $t can be found in places where volcanic activity occurred, including exico, South America, Japan, and Afghanistan. 0he hot lava forming the obsidian cooled rapidly within the earth. Apricot !ernel oil ( Prunus armeniaca armeniaca)) Apricot kernel oil is cold1pressed and refined from the dried kernels of apricots. 0his oil has been tradtionally credited with moisturi9ing, nourishing, and revitali9ing properties. $t is a base oil that combines well with essential oils and supposedly is easily absorbed by the skin. Apricot kernel oil is often recommended as a beauty treatment for dehydrated, mature, delicate, or sensitive skin and for damaged or dry hair. Since it is used for beauty treatments, this oil is a key ingredient in the hoodoo recipe for /leopatra oil. arrowead root ( Sagittaria graminea graminea)) Arrowhead plant grows wild in shallow water from 2astern >SA to 0exas 0exas and is found in ponds, ditches, wetlands, canals, and slow rivers. 0he roots were cut up and strung in a circles on a cord to draw pain and fever out of a child during teething. Arrowhead root can also be mixed with good luck herbs in gambling powder to reinforce the mo)o. Arrowhead roots, when dried and ground into powder, are sold as "arrowroot powder." powder." Arrowroot powder can be mixed with gambling powders, or fast luck powders. $t can also be used to dust a lucky rabbit7s foot. +ottery tickets can be blessed with a mixture of arrowroot powder and lucky powder and the set next to a green candle annointed with a lucky oil like :ortuna adama. $n cooking, arrowroot powder is a thickener used in place of flour or corn starch. ence, arrowroot powder can also act as a thickener for luck. asafoetida (Ferula (Ferula assafoetida) assafoetida) Asafoetida, also spelled asafetida, is commonly known as "giant fennel," "stinking gum," and "devil7s dung." 0he asafoetida plant has a hollow stem and roots which contains a milky substance that is rich in organic sulfur. 0his 0his flowering perennial plant, which is native to the iddle 2ast, grows about six feet tall. 0he gum comes from the dried sap extracted from the stem and roots. $t is greyish1white when fresh, but is a dark amber color when dried. aw asafoetida has a pungent, stinking smell, which is the origin of the the names "stinking gum" and "devil7s dung." $t was used as spice in oman and $ndian cuisine and once cooked in $ndian ghee or oil, its odor becomes much milder and more pleasant. $t is said to be something like sautFed onion and garlic. Asafoetida must be stored in airtight containers in order to avoid contamination of other spices. $t is commonly sold as food in speciality shops in spice bottles as a fine powder which is compounded asafoetida11containing asafoetida11containing GDH asafoetida resin, along with rice flour, and gum arabic. Asafoetida powder is also known known as "ing." Asafoetida has a long history of medical use. $t was believed to be good for digestion, flatulence, asthma, bronchitis, and painful menstruation. menstruation. $t does have antibiotic properties which check the growth of microbes. 0hus, asafoetida has been used as a preservative in pickles and sauces. Since asafoetida has an unpleasant smell, it has been used as a natural pesticide. $n aryland folk medicine, asafoetida was worn about the neck in a little bag to drive away disease, like the cold and flu. $n the practice of Jamaican /umina, asafoetida was traditionally applied to infants in order to prevent spirits11like malevolent "duppies"11from entering the children and making them sick. $n the African1American hoodoo tradition, asafoetida is used in magic spells as it is believed to to protect against disease, as well as certain malign spirits11like *oo ags. $t is sometimes employed in spells to drive way, or )inx, a specifically named individual. " basil (Ocimum (Ocimum basilicum and basilicum and Ocimum tenuiflorum a!a tenuiflorum a!a Ocimum sanctum) sanctum) 0he common culinary herb, basil, is a magical or sacred herb in numerous cultures. 0here are numerous varieties of this plant. Sweet basil ! !cimum basilicum# is one of the widely used varieties. $n $ndia, tulsi or holy basil ! !cimum tenuiflorum aka !cimum sanctum# is associated with various religious rituals. $n hoodoo, apparently both of the above and possibly other kinds of basil are used by practitioners in their personal recipies. -ried basil is sometimes sprinkled on the kitchen floor and then swept up and carried out to "drive away evil" and increase peace and happiness in the home. 0he green herb, basil, can also be used to draw prosperity. prosperity. *asil water, traditionally made by soaking the herb for three days, can be sprinkled around a doorstep to bring success and money. *asil oil, particularly "sweet basil oil" ! !cimum basilicum# can be used to draw sweet green cash to someone rubbing it on a mo)o bag for prosperity or a dollar dollar bill, particularly if the bill is wrapped wrapped around a igh John John the /onueror /onueror oot ! "omoea jalaa jalaa#. See basil oil . basil oil# basil essential oil ( Ocimum basilicum) basilicum) *asil essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and the flowering tops of the herb, sweet basil. *asil essential oil is usually the 7basil oil" used by sundry magical practitioners5 however, culinary basil oil can also be used. See basil oil, culinary basil oil basil oil# culinar$ basil oil /ulinary basil oil is used mostly in food preparation and is usually made with sweet basil ! !cimum basilicum#, but other varieties can be used. 0he culinary oil is made by steeping two cups tightly packed chopped sweet basil leaves in one cup mild olive oil for seven days in the refrigerator or cool spot. *asil essential oil is usually the 7basil oil" used by sundry magical practitioners5 however, culinary basil oil can also be used for rootwork purposes. See basil oil, basil essential oil ! !cimum basilicum# bat nut# bat ead (Trapa (Trapa bicornis) bicornis) 0he seed pod of #raa bicornis is known as the bat nut, bat head, ling nut, ling ko, ling)iao, devil pod, goat head, bull nut, and buffalo nut, water chestnut, singhara, or pani1fol. 0he seed inside the pod is edible when cooked. $n /hina, the edible nut is known as the ling ko or ling)iao. $n /hinese lore, the seed pod is said to resemble resemble a bat or bat7s head. $n /hina, /hina, the bat is a lucky animal, animal, because the the word for "happiness" "happiness" !fu# is also the word word for "bat" !fu#. 0he ling ko or ling)iao is considered a lucky food to eat. 0he unusual shape of the bat nut7s seed pod and its rarity in the >SA have resulted some of the other colorful names, including "devil pod," "goat head," etc. Some hoodoo practioners use it to ward off evil and is included in mo)o bags, such as "%eep Away Away 2nemies." :or protection placed above a doorway, facing outward or hung on the wall. 0he bat nut or bat head is used by some for increased psychic awareness. ba$berr$ candles ( Myrica cerifera or cerifera or Myrica Myrica Pensylvanica Pensylvanica)) Southern bayberry ! $yrica cerifera#, which is most common in peninsular :lorida and on the coast of the Southeastern >SA, can be described as either a large shrub or small tree. 0he e vergreen narrow leaves are aromatic when crushed. Southern bayberry is also known as "wax myrtle," "Southern wax myrtle," "dwarf waxmyrtle," "bayberry tree," "candleberry," "waxberry" and "tallow shrub." $t is adaptable to many habitats, including fresh and brackish water banks, savannas, swamps, pastures, and woodlands. $t has a moderate tolerance of salt1spray and an ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. 0he waxy berries serve as winter food for many different types of native and migratory birds. Southern bayberry or "wax myrtle" was cultivated for medicinal purposes in the >SA South. South. $n 'E((, it was reported that colonists in +ouisiana drank a mixture of wax and hot water to treat severe diarrhea or the "bloody flux," which was accompanied by fever and abdominal pain. 0he /hoctaw ;ative American $ndians in Southeastern >SA had boiled and used parts of the plant as a treatment for fevers. 0he Seminole ;ative American $ndians supposedly fermented leaves into a medicine for stomach aches, fevers, and headaches. 0he Southern bayberry has also been cultivated as an ornamental plant, as well for candlemaking. As an ornamental plant, it creates wildlife1friendly screens and hedges. $t was planted around homes to keep f leas out and likewise placed in closets to keep cockroaches and other insects away. 0he common names "candleberry," "candleberry," "waxberry," "wax myrtle," and "tallow shrub" particularly relate to its use in candle1making. :our pounds of berries yield about one pound of wax. 0he small bayberries were crushed before being boiled. 0he candlemakers skimmed off the waxy residue that floated to the surface. 0his residue was heated and strained again. 0he sage green colored wax candles burned much more cleanly than animal fat tallow candles, with a more pleasant scent. *ayberry wax candles burn longer than beewax candles. 0hough it was time consuming to make, wax from the native bayberry was initially more economical than beeswax. Iet, Iet, bayberry wax is more brittle than beeswax. 0he Southern bayberry ! $yrica cerifera# is closely related to ;orthern bayberry ! $yrica ensylvanica ensylvanica#, which loses its leaves in winter, bears much larger berries and has wider leaves. *oth species overlap in irginia and some of the surrounding states 0he ;orthern bayberry ! $yrica ensylvanica# is native to eastern ;orth America. $t is found in ;orth /arolina to Ohio and up to ;ova Scotia and Ontario. 0he leaves are dark green and leathery and aromatic when crushed. ;orthern bayberry is used in candle1making and is also commonly known as "bayberry" and "candleberry." "candleberry." 0he berries of the ;orthern bayberry, like the Southern bayberry, are bluish1black encrusted with a whitish, waxy coating, which is used to make bayberry wax candles. According to the ;ational /andle Association, American colonists discovered the use of bayberries for candle1making by boiling these fruits from a suat bush growing in the sandy dunes of of the ;ew 2ngland shore. shore. 0he fruit of the ;orthern bayberry bayberry was preferred over Southern bayberry bayberry simply because because its berries are much larger. larger.
ence, bayberry wax was the /olonial American contribution to candle1making. *ayberry candles became traditional American gifts of prosperity and friendship. "A bayberry candle burned down to the socket, brings food to the larder and gold to the pocket." 11;ew 2ngland traditional rhyme @ith the onset of the industrial revolution, many attempted to come up with uicker, cheaper ways of producing candles. -uring the late '4th and 'Bth centuries, other materials were discovered?experimented with for manufacture of candles3 spermaceti wax, /ol9a oil, stearin, SA South, the custom of burning bayberry candles exclusively for the midwinter holidays never took root. *ayberry candles and bayberry scented candles might be burned at almost any time of year11if an appropriate occasion arose. Kuite probably the year around use of bayberry candles may have been related to its use as a medicinal plant. $n Southern hoodoo tradition, bayberry candles were also associated with prosperity. $ndeed, here are two other versions of the bayberry rhyme. A bayberry candle burned to the socket -raws luck to the home and wealth to the pocket. A bayberry candle burned to the socket will bring )oy to the heart and gold to the pocket. $n hoodoo, bayberry candles are burned in spells for all sorts of financial needs. *ayberry can work as a catalyst. A "+ucky *ayberry /andle," which is a bayberry scented devotional seven day candle, can be burned to unblock winning lottery numbers. 0he bayberry candles in )ars can also be used to remove any )inxes or hexes. Any bayberry candle can be burned to change luck for the better and draw money to whoever is setting the light. *ayberry candles can be burned to spur a debtor into repaying a loan11particularly if he is able to do so and the one burning the candle needs the money. As a single bayberry is used to attract good luck, it can also be used to attract a lover. A pair of genuine bayberry candles are said to bring )oy and luck to a couple or family. "ell %itc 0he "*ell @itch" is an early 'Bth century legend of a poltergeist spirit from >SA Southern folklore, involving John *ell and his family who had moved to an area later known as Adams, 0ennessee, from 2dgecombe /ounty, ;orth /arolina. 0he poltergeist activity was viewed as inexplicable "witchery" and the story became known as "*ell @itch." $n '4'E, John *ell, Sr. encountered a strange animal, which had the head of a rabbit and the body of a dog in a cornfield on his far m. e shot the strange creature, and thereafter the family began to experience poltergeist activity. 0hey heard sounds of gnawing and knocking. Ob)ects moved about. :amily members were assaulted. 2ventually, voices were heard singing hymns, uoting scripture, and speaking to people. John *ell, Sr. died on -ecember (D, '4(D, allegedly poisoned by the poltergeist. benne wafer Among the ullah peoples, benne wafer is a cookie made with sesame seeds and eaten for good luck. 0hese cookies were introduced by slaves from @est Africa. "entonite green cla$ ( Aluminum phyllosilicate) SA. 0his plant is also commonly known as "*ethroot," "*irth oot," "red trillium," "purple trillium," "Jew7s harp plant," "rattlesnake root," "@ake1robin," "Suaw :lower," "$ndian *alm," "$ndian Shamrock," "round +ily," and "Stinking *en)amin." 0he plant grows well in the shady places, in damp soil. 0he name "@ake1robin" relates to the fact that it is spring1flowering plant with a deep red f lowers and a stout simple stem bearing a whorl of three ovate leaves. 0he plant blooms as early as April in some areas. ense, "@ake1 robin" is like the bird, robin red breast, which appears in springtime. Iet, these deep red flowers have the smell of rotting meat which relates to the common name, "Stinking *en)amin." 0he blossoms are pollinated by flies who attracted by the odor. 0he three ovate leaves are probably the reason for the common name "$ndian Shamrock." $t is a member of the +ily family which is why this plant is also known as the "round +ily." Some of the reasons behind some of the common names of this plant eluded me, like "Jew7s harp plant." 0he dried root has been used in folk medicine. *eth oot has been used as an astringent and antiseptic. $t was also used as an ingredient in recipes for poultice for ulcers, bleeding, and excessive menstruation. 0he common names "*eth oot" and "*irth oot" were apparently related to the root7s supposed beneficial effects on the female reproductive system as well as allegedly treating post1partum hemorrhage. Supposedly, some ";ative American tribes" used this root to "aid in birth." $ must state $ was unable to find out which "tribes" used it. -uncan7s *otanical
$nterestingly, in the >SA Southern hoodoo lore, this root is sometimes also known as "Southern John oot" or "-ixie John oot." $n that case, it can be used in mo)o bags as a substitute for "+ittle John" ! Alina galanga#, which is also known as galangal. owever, "*eth oot" or "Southern John oot" !#rillium erectum%#rillium endulum# is not the same plant as "+ittle John" ! Alina galanga#. "Southern John oot" or "-ixie John oot" must not be chewed. See +ittle John. *eth oot is now an endangered species in some states and should not be gathered from the wild. blac!e$ed peas (Vigna unguiculata subsp' unguiculata) 0he black1eyed pea is really a type of bean. $t is used for prosperity and general good luck. 0hree dried black1eyed peas can be tied in a mo)o bag with a silver coin, such as a "ercury" dime, to draw money. 0his favorite of >SA Southern cooking is traditionally served in the ;ew Iear7s -ay dish, "oppin7 John." *lack1eyed peas swell when they cook and thus magically represent abundance. blac! river stones *lack river stones are good for grounding negative energy. blac! sand *lack sand can be used in protection, grounding, and )inx removing. Sprinkle )ust a pinch. $t can also be faintly sprinkled along property lines to strengthen boundaries. !A person told me about the uses of black sand. 0he uses of black sand are similar to the uses of black salt#. blue a$# a$bird (Cyanocitta cristata) 0he blue )ay can be found from southern /anada through the eastern and central >SA south to :lorida and northeastern 0exas. 0he "coastal blue )ay" !Cyanocitta cristata cristata # is found on the coastal >SA from ;orth /arolina to 0exas. 0he ":lorida blue )ay" ! Cyanocitta cristata semlei# is found in Southern :lorida. *lue )ays are corvids, or members of the crow family, and like crows and ravens they are intelligent birds with a bit of the mischievous trickster in them. 0his bird is sometimes a thief, and will snatch brightly colored or reflective ob)ects, such as pieces of aluminum foil or bottle caps and carry them around until they lose interest. eportedly, they will make off with wooden match sticks that have bright red match heads. 0he blue )ay is sometimes also called a ")aybird." 0he avian7s name derives from its loud call and bold and vocal nature. *lue )ays are fearless when it comes to protection and are well known to attack anything that threatens their nest. $7ve seen them dive bomb cats, children, and even adult humans. $ was told the )aybirds were crying "0hiefL 0hiefL" when protecting young whenever they spotted a cat. $n Southern African American folklore, the )aybird was said to fly to the devil7s house each :riday. According to one version, the )aybird goes down to hell on :riday to have his blue crested head combed. $n fact for this reason, it was said that someone was unlikely to see a blue )ay on a :riday. /hildren were cautioned that )aybirds will carry tales to the devil each :riday about all the bad things that they have done and said during the week. !$nterestingly, the loud and chattery blue )ays are known to mimic the sounds of other birds and sometimes even humans.# A different bit of folklore said )aybirds once sold themselves to the devil for an ear of c orn and now must fetch something for the devil on :ridays. -ifferent variations claimed he was fetching sticks as kindling, matches, sand, or a drop of water down to hell. $ndeed, he was so chirpy and happy on Saturday as he was relieved to have returned. Iet although the blue )ay is chattery and extremely foolish, he is sometimes described in the folklore as benevolent. 0he drop of water he sometimes fetches to hell is brought to comfort a poor soul, and the grains of sand are brought to abate the fire. Any )aybirds who remain on :riday are c hecking up on what people are doing. $ haven7t located a specific hoodoo use for blue )ay feathers, but as a child $ was certain the naturally shed feathers $ found under trees certainly should be used for something. "luTac! $nvented in the 'BED7s, *lu10ack is a specific brand of a versatile, reusable pliable and semi1elastic adhesive, which is commonly used to attach papers to walls or other surfaces. 0he orginal *lu10ack manufactured by *ostik was blue colored5 many different colored variations have since been made. $t is less likely to damage prayer cards when the c ards are temporality attached to the outside of ) ars, glasses of water, picture frames, etc. "oo ag A *oo ag, also known as known as a ag spirit, is a type of haint well known throughout Southern folklore, particularly in the f olklore of the islands off of the /arolinas. 0hese malicious invisible spirits usually dwell among the trees or in swamps, where they hide in daylight hours. eciting SA, possibly as leftover scraps, or even acuired specifically for the purpose of writing a spiritual petition or creating a charm.
;owadays, "kraft paper" rolls can be purchased in craft supply and office supply stores. $t can also simply be cut from a brown paper grocery bag or brown paper sack. buc!e$e nut ( Aesculus octandra) $f carried in the pocket, a yellow buckeye nut, also known as "big buckeye," or "sweet buckeye," is said to be a powerful charm for drawing more pocket money. @ild animals do not use them for food because the yellow buckeye nuts are poisonous. 0hey contain a poisonous glucoside aesculin. buttermil! 0he term "buttermilk" refers to more than one type of dairy drink. Originally, buttermilk was what was left behind after churning butter out of cream, i.e. milk left over from the butter. 0his type of buttermilk is known as "traditional buttermilk" or "old fashioned buttermilk." 0he term buttermilk also refers to a range of fermented milk drinks, common in warm c limates, including the Southern >SA and $ndia, where unrefrigerated fresh milk can sour uickly. 0his fermented dairy product produced from cow7s pasteuri9ed whole milk or skim milk is known as "cultured buttermilk." /ultured buttermilk has a yogert1like or slightly sour taste caused by lactic acid bacteria. 0he formation of buttermilk is caused the fermentation by the starter bacteria which turns milk lactose or milk sugar into lactic acid. 0he acidity of buttermilk also explains its long shelf life in a modern refrigerator. Southern >SA buttermilk has its place in Southern folk medicine. /hristine uhlke7s article Got Buttermilk( in the ;I0imes.com, April ((, (DDB, stated3 "+ike its cousin yogurt, buttermilk has gastrointestinal benefits." $n the same article /heri /ru9e stated, "7$t7s grandmaMs probiotic...7" y own family believed it was the best cure for a uee9y stomach. $t7s also believed to be good for curing a hangover. * calamint (Calamintha officinalis or Calamintha nepeta) 0wo varieties of calamint are "common calamint" ! Calamintha officinalis # and "lesser calamint" !Calamintha neeta#. Adding to the confusion, there are actually about eight species in the genus Calamintha, apparently all of which could casually be r efered to as "calamint." !0his confusion underscores the need for using the +atin botanical names.# Other common names include "mountain mint," "mountain balm," "mill mountain," and "basil thyme." 0he "calamints" are native to the northern temperate regions of the >SA, 2urope, and Asia. 0he common calamint !Calamintha officinalis%Calamintha sylvatica%Calamintha sylvatica ascendens # is a low1growing plant with a minty smell and light blue blosoms. /ommon calamint prefers alkaline soil. 0he leaves can be used to make an infusion. +esser calamint ! Calamintha neeta%Calamintha neetoides# also has a minty smell and light blue blosoms. +esser calamint also grows in very alkaline soil. $t is used in $talian cuisine where it is called mentuccia, niitella, or neitella. 0raditionally, people took calamint for colds with fever and respiratory illnesses. $t was believed to loosen chest congestion and promote sweating. /alamint flower tops make a " pleasant cordial tea," which was formerly taken for "weaknesses of the stomach" and "hysterical complaints." ;either plant is suitable for use by women when pregnant, as both common calamint ! Calamintha officinalis# and lesser calamint ! Calamintha neeta# reputably cause miscarriage. 0he name of the genus, Calamintha relates to the magical properties associated with the plant. "/ala" is derived from the reek kalos meaning "excellent, beautiful, admirable, precious," relating to the ancient belief in the herb7s power to drive away serpents, including the dreaded basilisk. ence, calamint is used as an ingredient in some magical incense formulas to drive away malign spirits. calamus ( Acorus calamus) /alamus, commonly known as "sweet flag." $t is a tall perennial wetland flowering plant with scented leaves and more strongly scented root. $ts root is "anodyne" and was once used as an aphrodisiac. $t is an ingredient in some love spells. *ecause of its scent, calamus essential oil is still valued in the perfume industry. $n 'B=4, the >SA :ood and -rug Administration banned the use of calamus and products derived from calamus, including its oil, as food additives and medicines. calendula (Calendula officinalis Calendula arvensis# or Calendula maritima) /alendula is the name of several species of flowering plants in the daisy family. $t is known by the common names "summer7s bride," "sunbride," "little clock," "husbandman7s dial," "ruddes," "roligold," "holigold," and "goldbloom." 0he bright yellow calendula flowers can protect against malign magic. arlands of calendula were hung over entry doors. SA South. $n '4EC, trance medium eorge <. /olby came to the wilderness of /entral :lorida on the advice of a spirit guide who instructed him to f ound a Spiritualist community in the South. /olby homesteaded land here. On January G, '4BC, /olby signed a warranty deed to the newly incorporated /assadaga Spiritualist /amp eeting Association for thirty1five acres. Spiritualism is not hoodoo. 0he official website of the /assadaga Spiritualist /amp specifically stated that neither "witchcraft" nor "black magic" is part of Spiritualism. Spiritualism is a religion which professes the " survival of the personality after death." owever, the African1American practice of Spiritualism certainly influenced hoodoo and African1American religious practice. cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum) /assia !Cinnamomum aromaticum# is an ingredient in r ecipes such as oses Oil, Abramelin Oil, etc. /assia is sometimes used as a spice substitute for "cinnamon" !Cinnamomum verum# aka "true cinnamon." *astile soap /astile soap is a vegetable1based variety of mild soap made from olive oil and sodium hydroxide. 0he name "/astile soap" is used in 2nglish1speaking countries to indicate a style of soap similar to the soap produced in /astile, Spain. "-r. *ronner7s agic Soaps" are a specific brand of /astile soap often sold in magical shops catering to root workers and such. "-r. *ronner7s agic Soaps" product labels are c rowded with statements of *ronner7s philosophy, which he called "All1One1od1:aith" and the "oral A*/," doubtless the labels add to the appeal of a family1operated soap company founded in the >SA in 'B64. cat (Felis catus or Felis silvestris catus) 0he domestic cat is viewed with some ambivalence in hoodoo. ;o doubt this ambivalence is due to the long and mixed history involving the animal. /ats are commonly believed to have been domesticated in 2gypt as early as 6,DDD years ago. $n a ncient 2gypt, cats were sacred and identified with the deities a and *ast. $n the form of a cat, au, the sun od, a, slayed his enemy, Apep, the serpent of darkness. *ast !>basti? *astet?*aset# was the cat oddess of fertility, dance, and wine. 0he 2gyptians mummified their beloved cats for their )ourney to the Afterlife and sometimes entombed them with mummified mice. 0hey were valued for their ability to kill vermin. *ast7s fer tility aspect related to her protection of the grain from mice and rats. 0he dread of cats began in parts of 2urope during the middle ages. 2ven today there are people who view certain cats, particularly black cats, as unlucky. $n $slam, mistreating a cat is regarded as a severe sin. 0he prophet uhammad was fond of cats. uhammad once cut off his sleeve rather than disturb his sleeping cat, ue99a, when it was time for the prophet to attend to prayers. *efore he left for prayers, the prophet stroked his cat three times. $t is said that for this reason, cats were ganted by Allah seven lives as well as the ability to always land on their feet. oodoo folklore has been influenced by small portions of black uslim lore. Some uslims are said to view the cat as a lucky animal with seven lives, and the black cat is credited with magical powers. owever, interpreting a cat as an omen or magical charm would be the sin of "Shirk" in $slamic terms. Attention to "lucky charms" or "talismans" contradict a genuine faith in Allah7s rulership by attributing power to an ob)ect or animal to cause good fortune or misfortune.
$n /hristian 2urope, barn cats, farm cats, ship cats, etc. were still used to effectively control vermin. Iet cats in late medieval 2urope were also identified with witches, sorcerers, and heretics. An unknown, stray cat wandering around in an area might be either an ordinary stray cat, a witch7s familiar, or a witch in disguise. 0he :rench theologian Alain of +ille, !Alain de +ille or Alanus ab $nsulis# !c. '''=?'''EN'(D(?'(DG# sought to refute /hristian heresies, specifically that of the @aldensians !vaudois# and /athars !cathares?catharisme#. Alain believed that "/athar" derived from cat !chat#. e explained that origin of the name is +atin "...from the cat +atin3 catusP, because, it is said, they /atharsP kiss the posterior of the cat, in whose form, as they say, +ucifer appears to them." -escriptions of /athars kissing le derriere d)un chat were recycled into descriptions of gathering of witches and sorcerers, as noted by Jeffrey *urton ussell in *itchcraft in the $iddle Ages. $n ermany about three decades later, papal inuisitor /onrad of arburg dealt with the +uciferan heresy, with the blessing SA folklore, it has been deemed particularly unlucky for someone to meet a strange black cat or to have a strange black cat cross one7s path. 0his belief is known among hoodooists. $n order to break the possible )inx of a black cat crossing someone, that person can turn around counterclockwise and spit. Another way to reverse the bad luck is for someone to walk in a circle and count to 'G. A Southern gambler, meeting a black cat on the way to a casino, card game, or racetrack, would have to run around and retrace his steps to home, and then set out toward his destination again. ;evertheless, a gambler may "set a light" of a black cat figure candle at home to increase her?his "gambler7s luck" while s?he is at a casino. Iet on no account should a person kick a cat, especially a black cat. Otherwise, he will develop a bad case of rheumatism in his leg. $t is very black luck to drown any cat, or kittens, especially black ones5 the -evil will come for whoever does so. $n the >SA, if someone spots a one1eyed cat, he should spit on his thumb and stamp the palm of his?her hand in order to receive good luck. $n the >SA, cats bring good luck to ships and theatres. Stealing a ship7s cat or throwing the animal overboard would bring misfortune to all. 0o cure a stye, one should encourage a black cat to brush its tail against the eyelid with the stye. Stroking a black cat brings health and wealth. $n the south of :rance, black c ats are now believed to bring good luck to their owners, who respect and care for them. 0his belief is related to the folklore of the matagots or mandragots, which are ma gician cats, magic cats, or sorcerer cats. See matagots. $nterestingly, spiritual merchants sell a whole slew of magical cat items which can be used in hoodoo11including lucky black cat oil, black cat incense, and lucky cat figure candles in a variety of colors. 0hese may be for countering a )inx or related to drawing on the uncanny power of the magician cat. See lucky black cat oil. See black cat incense. See lucky cat candles. catnip# dried ( !epeta cataria) A hot infusion of the dried leaves of the herb most commonly known as "catnip" was drunk for colds, fever, and bronchitis. 0his herb was also known as "field balm," and an ointment or salve of catnip was used on the skin the skin for mosuitos11a remedy that would be uite useful ar ound the wetlands of the >SA South. /atnip was brought to the >SA by colonists. $t grows well in well drained soil and full sun. "/atnip" is also known as "catmint," a nd both names refer to the intoxicating effect the dried herb has on adult cats. !$t does not have the same effect on humans. $n fact, "catnip" tea is said to have a calming or peaceful effect on humans.# Aside from its medicinal uses, catnip is magically used for business success, health, beauty, and peace. $t can be sprinkled outside a business or kept in a glass )ar. :or purely practical rea sons it should not be tied in mo)o bags, herb pillows, or gloves, and then tucked with clean laundry in a drawer. -ue to the effect dried catnip has on cats, almost any household cat will sniff the item out and chew, roll, and play roughly with it. Some modern practitioners burn catnip on charcoal as an offering to the 2gyptian *ast, /at oddess of dancing, mirth, beer, and fertility. cia ( Salvia hispanica) /hia is a mint plant indigenous to exico. 0he seeds of the plant are what people grow in those /hia SA Southwest and in exico. $n hoodoo, chia seeds can also be buned with slippery elm bark on charcoal to stop malicious gossip. cic!en bones ("allus gallus domesticus) +eftover chicken bones can be used to make something other than soup. "/asting the bones" is an old form of hoodoo divination. 0his method seems to be a direct survival of a @est African system of divination which uses bones. Apparently, there are several different ways in the >SA to perform this practice. :reuently, cleaned and dried chicken bones l have a meaning and the pattern in which they fall will be significant as well. cic!en egg ("allus gallus domesticus) An unbroken raw egg can be rubbed over the body to remove all negativity and stress. An individual sometimes uses an egg like this to spiritually cleanse her or himself of ties to a former lover. Afterward the egg is cracked over the bathroom flush1toilet. 0hen the person flushes away the inside of the egg immediately. 0he eggshell is suashed, broken into tiny fragments and then disposed of in the next flush. cic!en foot and+or cic!en nail+spur ("allus gallus domesticus) -own in the deep South >SA, chickens are called "yardbirds." -uring the day, the birds were often allowed to move around unrestricted in the family7s yard. A chicken coop or hen house would often be provided for nighttime. $n other words, all chickens were what is now referred to as " free1range chickens." 0he chickens would wander around all day scratching up tiny seeds, tiny bugs, tiny worms, a few roots, and an occasional yummy, fat slug as
well as being fed some spilled grain, certain scraps from the vegetable garden, and other chicken feed. ost small farms had only a small free1range barnyard flock. *arbara /o99ens in Adatations of Chickens, e2o34com wrote about chickens and their feet3 "/hickens have developed particularly strong feet and toes, an adaptation that allows them to scratch the ground, turn over leaves and rake up dirt to forage for insects and seeds. 0hese strong feet, coupled with flexor tendons in their legs, also allow chickens to perch on roosts, a behavior that protects the birds from predators, particularly at night." ;aturally, folks in the rural South observed all the daily scratching that the family fowl did in the yard. $t was a common belief that a fri99led hen, that is a chicken with the feathers turned back the wrong way, could be employed to scratch up11and thus destroy the potency of11any "trick" or ")inxing powders" that may have been secretly sprinkled on one7s property by an unknown enemy. +ive fri99led chickens have strong protective power and can "scratch up the goofer" from the yard. /hickens were raised for both eggs and meat. $n the rural South, it was understood one should waste nothing of potential value. 0he bones from cooked chickens could be used in soups or used to make divination tools. 0he chicken feet could be dried and used as a charm. 0he nail or spur could be a dded to mo)o bag. %arma Rain in on chicken foot charms, no3 and then, has collected a lot of Southern and other folkore regarding the use of chicken feet. Rain wrote about his family folk traditions !:lorida, Alabama, +ouisiana# which she believed were "pretty common." She explained, "One was of the sort of protective variety11you could bury a chicken foot in the backyard to cure what my great grandmother called 7cholera morbis,7 which near as $ can tell, was a deliberately fancy1sounding term for any number of minor childhood illnesses. $ filed that one in the same mental folder as burying the apple for warts and similar tricks11you 7put off7 the bad stuff on the item, sometimes by rubbing it on the affected part, and then buried it. !0his was the :lorida branch of the family#." $ find that :lorida tradition particularly interesting because John eorge offman7s Po35*o3s, or Long Lost &riend , !'4(D# explained that to get rid of warts one should "oast chicken1feet and rub the warts with them5 then bury them under the eaves." /hicken feet are mentioned nowhere else in the little book. $n the case of sing the magical 6la36 of contagion%contact or transference , the wart is dug up by the foot. 0hen via contact with the foot, the wart is transfered to the roast chicken foot. As the chicken foot rots in the ground, the wart fades away. According to Rain, there is a tradition around ;ew Orleans that dried !preserved# chicken foot charms are used for protection, luck, and money. $n the 'BBD, Rain learned how to dry and "fix" chicken foot charms from a oodoo practitioner in ;ew Orleans. 0hese charms "...en)oyed a period of popularity as car protection charms in ;ew Orleans." 0here is also a tradition of wearing?carrying them as part ardi ras ornamentation and dressing up. Rain provided a 'B(D list of ingredients for a hoodoo bag3 "...a pinch of salt, a pod of red pepper, a rabbit7s foot, a chicken spur, and some ashes." !-r. -aniel +indsey 0homas, -entucky .uerstitions, 'B(D, p. (46# A chicken spur is a claw1like growth on the back of the foot. $t is used primarily to save their flock by fighting off predators but roosters will fight each other too. -r. -aniel +indsey 0homas, an 2nglish professor who was the founder of the %entucky branch of the American :olklore Society, published his collection of folklore recorded in %entucky. y speculation is that these items tied up in a six by four inches red flannel bag were used as a protective mo)o3 saltprotection, pod of red pepperaggressive protection to burn any enemy, or perhaps strength, rabbit7s footluck, or perhaps swift flight from an enemy, a chicken spurfighting and protection, ashesused as a protective barrier. $f it was used as a powerful protection against an enemy known or unknown it likely would have been carried secretly on one7s person. Rain speculated that it might have been to cross or ) inx someone, in which case it would have been hidden on the target7s property. !Of course, if this bag was to cross someone why include a rabbit7s footT# According to 0ayannah +ee cKuillar in her oot3ork' 0sing the &olk $agick of Black America for Love, $oney and .uccess !(DDG# the nail off a c hicken foot is considered to enhance good luck when placed in a mo)o bag for money. $t is significant that cKuillar refered to a chicken "nail" rather than "spur." As stated above, a spur is used for fighting. On the other hand, the nails on a chicken7s foot are used for scratching, specifically scratching up something for the chicken to eat. Scratch is an old slang term used to mean "cash money" generally meaning cash that was scratched up to be spent on something11similar to something scratched up by a chicken foraging for food. cicor$ root# common (Cichorium intybus) /ommon chicory !Cichorium intybus# is also known as " blue sailors," "blue daisy," and "blue dandelion" due to the color of its flowers. Also known as "succory," "radicchio" and "coffeeweed," chicory root has been used in the >SA South as a coffee substitute. 0o prepare the roots as a coffee substitute, they are baked and ground and then steeped in hot water. -uring the American /ivil @ar, coffee was scarce in the South, and chicory root infusion was freuently drunk as a substitute during the American /ivil @ar on both sides. Since it grows wild on roadsides and fields across ;orth America, chicory root has sometimes been called "poor man7s coffee." $t is caffeine free. Some people, however, prefer the flavor of chicory root infusion to coffee. $t likewise has long been en)oyed as a coffee additive, particularly in +ouisiana. /hicory is also a coffee additive in the editerranean region, where it is native. 0hose allergic to ragweed or other members of the Comositae should be cautious with harvesting common chickory. $n rare cases, an allergic skin reaction has been caused by contact with the fresh plant. "/hicory" is also the common name in the >SA of curly endive ! Cichorium endivia# and illustrates the reason for also paying attention to +atin names of plants. cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum Cinnamomum aromaticum or Cinnamomum burmannii ) /innamon can be used to "warm1up" luck and gently stimulate sales a nd business. Sprinkle a small pinch of ground cinnamon outside a shop with a fe w :lorida /rystals !light brown raw sugar# to sweeten and draw customers to the business. cinnamon# wild (Cinnamomum iners) Some claim that wild cinnamon ! Cinnamomum iners# was orginally native to the iddle 2ast and was the original "cassia." owever most seem to agree that "cassia" actually denotes Cinnamomum aromaticum which is sometimes used as a substitute for cinnamon ! Cinnamomum verum#. Once again, this confusion underscores the need for always using +atin names. clar$ sage ( Salvia sclarea) /lary sage is native to Southern 2urope and some areas in north Africa. $t is commonly known as "c lary," "clary wort," "c ommon clary," "muscatel sage," "clear eye," "toute1bonne," and "Oculus /hristi." /lary sage has a long history as a medicinal herb. 0he name "clary" related to that it was once used to clear the eyes. $t was recommended for womenMs complaints, including menstruation problems and depression. /lary sage has also historically been used for insomnia, stress, anxiety, dry skin, insect bites, circulation, and muscular aches. /lary sage is currently grown for its essential oil, which is used widely in perfumes. $n hoodoo, clary sage essential oil can be used in money spells to enhance clear sighted wisdom, and give strength to women. 0he essential oil is sometimes used to draw romance when mixed with the essential oils ylang ylang and sandalwood when used with magnetic sand to dress a candle. /lary sage essential oil is also said to bring vivid and clear dreams. $f tra veling by airplane, cotton balls dipped in clary sage essential oil and sealed in a 9iplock plastic baggie can impart a calming scent.
attentions of ark Anthony after he returned to his wife in ome. er life continues to inspire artists, playwrights, movie producers, perfumers, and cosmeticians. cloves# wole ( Sy#ygium aromaticum# s$n' $ugenia aromaticum or $ugenia caryophyllata) @hen whole cloves are tied in a suare cloth and hung in a corner of a room, they promote peace and prosperity. coffee (Coffea arabica Coffea canephora) /offee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted seeds of the coffee plant. /offee seeds, more commonly called "coffee beans," are produced by several species of small evergreen bush of the genus Coffea. 0he two most commonly cultivated coffee plants are Coffea arabica and Coffea canehora, though there are several other species which can be used. Originally coffee beans were roasted over a stove, ground in a mortar and pestle, and then boiled in water on the stove until done. $n the >SA south, it was the mark of a good woman that she knew how to brew a decent pot of coffee. James ason patented the first American coffee percolator in '4=C. $n '44=, Joel /heek named his popular coffee blend "axwell ouse," after a hotel in ;ashville, 0;, where it was served. 0he American SA. $n 'B6C, Americans happily went back to en)oying a hot "cuppa Joe" several times a day. -rip coffee makers finally appeared to usurp coffee percolators in the 'B=D7s. American coffee was served in the morning hot and fresh, either black or with cream and?or sugar. Americans en)oyed midday coffee breaks, as well as afternoon coffee and sometimes after dinner coffee. 0hroughout the (Dth century, the >SA was unuestionably a coffee drinking nation. $n ;ew Orleans, +ouisiana, coffee is a mixture of coffee and chicory. %nown for its intensely dark color and thick consistency, +ouisiana coffee is called Ucafe noir.V $t has a distinctive chocolate1caramel flavor, and lower caffeine content than regular coffee from a modern drip coffee maker. /a)un coffee is often served up hot, strong, and sweet, mixed with molasses, nutmeg, and a dash of good /aribbean rum. Often topped with a thick dollop of whipped cream, /a)un coffee is nothing like the :rench cafe au lait. Among coffee drinkers, coffee7s stimulating properties are highly valued. edicinally, a hot cup of coffee was commonly recommended to ease whee9ing asthma. $n some African1American folklore, a woman could supposedly spike a man7s coffee in order to "hoodoo" him, that is to enspell him and keep him from getting interested in other women. !Although, $ was born in the South, $ didn7t know any woman who would risk r uining a good cup of coffee by putting dubious substances in it.# -ue to its stimulating ualities, coffee is sometimes claimed to be an aphrodisiac. $n a ;ew Orleans folktale, a kitchen maid saved everyone in a household in which a robber had lit a "hand of glory" in order to make all in their beds sleep like the dead. $t was clear that after he had bagged all the valuables he could carry, the robber planned to slit every throat in the household. $n desperation, the kitchen maid tried to douse the cursed light with water, milk, and finally some leftover +ouisiana coffee, which was described as "black as sin and stronger than hell." Only the coffee succeeded in extinguishing the flame before the robber could murder anyone. $n Africa, supposedly coffee beans were freuently used in magic and in fertility rituals. -ue to an aura of magic associated with coffee, there are a number of coffee brands and blends using descriptive terms like "*lack agic," "o)o," "aise the -ead" etc. ,cola, carbonated beverages According to anthropologist Alfred etraux in his book Voodoo in 2aiti , !'BCB#, aitians offered "cola" carbonated beverages11such as /oke /ola11to the loa spirits, because they were sweet, caffeinated, and the aitians thought the drinks were delicious. $t is probably true that aitians en)oyed drinking the >SA "cola" carbonated drinks, but the key ingredient of such beverages are the kola nuts, which were used in Africa as an important part of traditional spiritual practices. See kola nut ! cola#. corn !ernels# dried (-ea ma$s) -ried kernels of corn, particularly the varieties of corn known as "popcorn" ! 7ea mays everta# or "flint corn," ! 7ea mays indurata#, also known as "calico corn," "$ndian corn," and "ornamental corn," are sometimes used in money spells. cubeb essential oil ( Piper cubeba) 0he cubeb berry plant is native the Spice $slands, including $ndonesia, Java, and other parts of the 2ast $ndies. $t is a commonly known as "cubeb berries," "false pepper," "Java pepper," "tailed pepper," "tailed cubebs," and "cubebs." 0his spicy berry is also now cultivated for its fruit and essential oil in several other tropical areas, including Southeast Africa. /ubeb essential oil with its spicy woody scent is used as an ingredient in soaps and fragrances. $n hoodoo, cubeb essential oil is often incorporated into sex charms to draw passion and love. 0he cubeb berries have the nickname, "love berries." *uranderismo /uranderismo is a system traditional exican or exican1American folk magic and folk medicine combining indigenous folklore, Spanish folklore, a knowledge of local herbs, and a strong belief in the curative powers of the /atholic saints and od. Some aspects of /uranderismo have wandered into >SA hoodoo practices. c$press# .editerranean c$press (Cupressus sempervirens) 0he "editerranean cypress" is a medium1si9ed columnar evergreen tree, a species of cypress that grows around the eastern editerranean region. $t is often said to be native to ;orthern 2gypt, @estern Syria, +ebanon, ;ortheast +ibya, and $srael. $t is also commonly known as "$talian cypress," "0uscan cypress," "/olumnar cypress," "common cypress," "graveyard cypress," and "pencil pine." 0he species has been and continues to be cultivated as an ornamental tree in numerous areas, including 0uscany, $taly, Southeast reece, /rete, /yprus, Southern 0urkey, and southwest South Africa. $n the >SA, it is also grown in /alifornia, Ari9ona, and :lorida. 0he editerranean cypress is a tall, slender, almost pencil1shaped tree, hence the common name "pencil pine." $ts foliage is needle1like and dark green at all times of year. According to eorge 8 Audrey -e+ange, "$t is very long1lived, with some trees having been reported to be over ',DDD years old." 0he trees is known for its very durable, scented wood, which the ancient 2gyptians used to made their sarcophagi. p through ictorian times, it was associated with funerals and mourning, and it continues to be planted in graveyards. ence, the common name "graveyard cypress." 0he ancient reeks and omans considered the cypress sacred to Artemis, ecate, SA, from :lorida north to eastern ;orth /arolina, and is one of +ouisiana7s most widespread native plant species. 0he dwarf palmetto can be found deep in the swamp encircling isolated high ground. 0he dried leaves were made into crosses and placed in the house to ward off misfortune. E F fair$ cross# fair$ stone (staurolite)' 0hese stones are a naturally occuring cross shaped stone. ;atural staurolite, which normally forms )ust a bar shaped earth c olored stone, sometimes fuses two bars together forming what is commonly known as a "fairy cross" or "fairy stone." 0hese fairy crosses or fairy stones are sold as good luck stones and can be worn on )ewelry !ie charm braclets# or carried around in a pocket.
A popular /hristian tale is that at the time of Jesus7 crucifixion, the fairies shed tears that c rystalli9ed into crosses as they fell to earth. 0he crosses come in three different shapes3 oman /ross, St. Andrew7s /ross, and altese /ross. According to some practitioners, the fairy crosses are occasionally used in charm or mo)o bags in irginia. 0he natural cross shape is viewed as a good luck talisman and is a classic example of "reinforcement." "einforcement" is when two separate charms?blessings?prayers are used together to "reinforce" and enhance the effectiveness of the outcome. :airy crosses are one of the few stones, other than lodestones, that are used in mo)o bags. According to Judika $lles in #he /lement /ncycloedia of 9::: .ells !(DD6#, the twinned staurolite crystals allegedly also protect against car accidents, if one is kept in the glove compartment or if it is worn as a charm. 0here is a :airy Stone State nited States. Arts and /raft stores often sell white turkey feathers with the ends dyed black as substitute eagle feathers. 0he *ald 2agle SA South referred to this large cat as %landagi, "0he +ord of the :orest." 0he /reek $ndians called them %atalgar, "reatest of unters." 0o the /hickasaws, they were known as %oe1$shto, "0he /at of od." $mages of :lorida panthers can be used in magic, but actual pieces of fur, bone, etc. are not used. 0here is persistent >SA Southern folklore that claims black1colored :lorida panthers or spirit cats haunt patches of trees and underbrush, particularly in eorgia. owever, the :lorida panther does not have black coloring. Florida %ater ":lorida @ater" is a 'Bth century formula for a commercially1prepared type of inexpensive perfume known as "toilet water." 0oilet water generally contains ' to = ounces of essential oil per gallon of alcohol. :lorida @ater blends an array of floral essential oils in a water1alcohol base and there are several different formulas. ost seem to contain some sort of orange citrus scent along with other f loral scents and spices. $t is traditional to dye :lorida @ater a pale aua1green. According to /atherine Ironwode, "0he name refers to the fabled :ountain of Iouth said to have been located in :lorida." $n hoodoo, :lorida @ater is used in spiritual cleansing and home protection. $ts scent rids an area of bad spirits. A rub1down with this toilet water is used to refresh those who are suffering from psychic distress. $t can be added to bath water for a cleansing. +ikewise, :lorida @ater can attract good spirits. *ottles may be set upon altars as offerings. A few drops can also scent bowls of water set out for the spirits of the dead. :lorida water is ;O0 drinkable, and it is not intended for animal or human consumption. Fran!incense ( &os'ellia sacra &os'ellia frereana# and &os'ellia bha'(da)iana) :rankincense, also called olibanum, is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Bos3ellia which was burned for thousands of years as incense, particularly in religious rites. $t was one of the gifts the three wise men, elchior, aspar, and *althasar. $t is used to answer prayers, to gain favor from all good spirits, to create a hallowed atmosphere. 1 gad A gad is a type of protective magic ! a "magical shield"#, often set up by the front door. 0he term, "gad," may be from the :rench "garde," meaning guard, protector, or warden. galangal essential oil ( Alpina galanga) alangal essential oil is a spicy, gingery, oil which is steam1distilled from the galangal root ! Alina galanga# from $ndonesia. alangal essential oil is used in hoodoo as a protective oil, especially in legal matters. See galangal oil and +ittle John. galangal oil alangal oil is often sold with pieces of genuine galangal root ! Alina galanga# in the bottle. 0his root is also known as "+ittle John," "+ow John," "+o John," or "/hewing John," and has long been associated with success in court cases. 0hus, the oil could simply be bits of the r oot floating in a base oil, such as peanut oil. owever, the term "galangal oil" could also refer to an essential oil, "galangal essential oil." 0raditionally, galangal oil is rubbed on one7s feet and forearms before court cases, so that the )udge will likely rule in one7s favor. See galangal essential oil and +ittle John. gardenia ("ardenia angusta also !nown as "ardenia )asminoides and "ardenia florida) ardenias are semi1tropical plants, originating in /hina. Stephanie ose *ird refered to gardenia as a "balenced scent." $t is one of the the important ingredients in "All Saints Oil."
garlic ( Allium sativum) 0hough the magical use of garlic to ward away evil originated in 2uropean magical practices, the use of garlic has been absorbed into some African American practices. :or example, three slices of garlic is added to a mo)o bag to get hired for a )ob. SA freshwater wetland areas, rivers, lakes, and small ponds. @hite gators are very rare in the wild, because they tend to get eatten by predators when still small. 0he white c oloring is due to a genetic condition. 0here are two types of white gators,"leucistic alligators" and "albino alligators." +eucistics have electric blue eyes. Albinos have pinkish1red eyes. +eucistics are strong gators, with nasty tempers. Albinos tend to be more phyically fragile. +eucistics are like white ghosts in the water. ecently a bunch of small leucistic white gators were discovered in +ouisiana in 'B4E. According to local /a)un lore down in parts of +ouisiana, managing to look directly into the blue eyes of a live white gator is powerful good luck. ginseng root ( Pana* ginseng or Pana* +uin+uefolius) *oth Asian ginseng roots ! Pana+ ginseng # and American ginseng roots ! Pana+ ;uin;uefolius# are used in traditional /hinese medicine and in the >SA can be found in /hinese herbalist shops, healthfood stores, and even some spiritual supply stores. 0raditionally, the roots are used to balance the cool and hot energies in a patient. *oth Asian ginseng and American ginseng roots are taken orally. According to /hinese medicine, ginseng boosts the immune system as well as improves overall health. $t is a healthful stimulant and regarded as an aphrodisiac. 0he root is often sold dried, freuently as root shavings, sliced roots, or root powder. Other ginseng products include tea, carbonated bottled beverages, energy drinks, ginseng extract, ginseng capsules, candy, and chewing gum. 0he 2nglish word "ginseng" derives from the /antonese jSA is now cultivated. grits ( ,ea mays) ;ative American in origin, "grits" is a food of coarsely ground corn that is common in >SA Southern cooking. $t is sometimes added to a charm to "feed" it. 1ulla 0he "ullah" peoples are a group of f olks of African descent who live in the Sea $slands and coastal areas of South /arolina, eorgia, and northern :lorida. "ullah" is also the creoli9ed language of the ullahs, based on 2nglish and several other African languages and spoken in Sea $sland communities. ig 2on te *on3ueror Root ( -pomoea )alapa) 0his root is carried in the pocket or as an ingredient in a mo)o bag. $t is a powerful magic root in hoodoo practice. @omen, as well as men, can carry it. owever, igh John the /onueror is sometimes considered a "man7s root" and is sometimes associated with male virility and power. igh John the /onueror is a strong protective root that assures confidence and strength. $t is believed to be able to remove obstacles and achieve goals. igh John the /onueror oot is also commonly sold as John the /onueror oot, igh John oot, and i John. $t is sometimes known as John de conker, John /on)urer, igh John, or Juan the /onuistador. igh John the /onueror oot is not edible and it is never eaten or chewed. one$suc!le essential oil enuine honeysuckle essential oil has a sweet floral aroma. 0his essential oil might be made with any of the varieties of the Lonicera species.
As always, the savy spiritual shopper should read the lables carefully. See honeysuckle?trumpet honeysuckle ! Lonicera semervirens#, honeysuckle?white honeysuckle ! Lonicera jaonica#, and honeysuckle essential oil. one$suc!le+trumpet one$suc!le ( .onicera sempervirens) 0rumpet honeysuckle is a species of honeysuckle native to the eastern >SA, down into :lorida. /ommon names of the Lonicera semervirens honeysuckle include "trumpet honeysuckle," "woodbine honeysuckle," or "coral honeysuckle." $ts showy, trumpet1shaped flowers are bright red to pinkish1red and are the reason for the common names "coral honeysuckle" and "trumpet honeysuckle." 0hese coral colored blossoms are a favorite of hummingbirds !in Spanish, chuarrosa #. $t blooms mid1spring and intermittently into the summer. ;ot surpringingly, the flowers attract bees and butterflies, as well as hummingbirds. $n >SA Southern folk magic honeysuckle vines are used to magically bind lovers together. $ts floral aroma is a popular scent. -ried honeysuckle blossoms, rose petals, and a cherry stone, can be bound in a red cloth to sweetly scent a romance between two lovers. Other herbs, like red clover !#rifolium ratense# or Kueen oot ! "ris fulva#, might be added into the packet. 0his mo)o could be with with a suitable oil. $n >SA folk medicine, the 0rumpet honeysuckle leaves were traditionally applied to bee stings af ter being ground up by chewing. An infusion of the flowers was used to make a "hot tea" for sore throats. See honeysuckle?white honeysuckle ! Lonicera jaonica# one$suc!le+wite one$suc!le ( .onicera )aponica) @hite honeysuckle is a species of honeysuckle vine native to eastern Asia which has become naturali9ed in much of the >SA. 0his fragrant flower with honey sweet nectar often has both white and yellow flowers blooming on the same plant. :lower production occurs from late April through July, and the vines are glorious around mid1summer in June. /ommon names of the Lonicera jaonica honeysuckle include "white honeysuckle," " suikazura," " jinyinhua," "Japanese honeysuckle," and "/hinese honeysuckle." $n the >SA white honeysuckle is classified as a noxious weed in irginia and 0exas, and has been placed on the :lorida 2xotic SA South, which is thought to bring luck and prosperity for the new year. 0he black1eyed peas are set to soak overnight on ;ew Iear7s 2ve and then the water is poured out. *oth black1 eyed peas and rice swell when cooked, symboli9ing prosperity and abundance. 0he pork can be either the /hristmas ham bone, ham hocks, or bacon. ed onions are often used in luck spells. Of course, there are many variations to this basic recipe. Some call for spicy red peppers or tabasco sauce. :resh baked cornbread often accompanies this ;ew Iear7s meal, as do collard or turnip greens. 0he greens are said to symboli9e money. Some folklorists have speculated that the name oppin7 John relates to the Southern folk hero, igh John. orsesoe $ron is a highly magical substance and the iron horseshoe has long been associated with magic and luck. According to /atherine Ironwode, "...the most commonly encountered lucky charm in modern ;orth America is the horseshoe." As working animals in a rural society, domestic horses needed extra protection for their hooves. /ertain type of dangerous spirits do not like iron. iniature horseshoes made of silver, gold, or another metal have become a gambler7s lucky charm, particularly with horse1racing. orsesoe nails $ron has a long magical history, and it was definitely a symbol of power and strength. According to historians, iron horseshoes and horseshoe nails were introduced around (DD bce. 0he good luck charm of a ring made from an iron or steel horseshoe nail became something of a fad in the 'BED7s. +ikewise, horseshoe nail cross pendants, some wrapped with either green, blue, or gold colored craft wire have been sold to draw luck and blessings. $ron nails may also be added to bags, spell bottles, etc. $ssop water+erb $ssop infusion ( yssopus officinalis) yssop was known as "holy herb," and was once used to purify places of worship. $t does have antiseptic properties and can be used as a purifying wash. Supposedly, one should steep one teaspoon of dried hyssop ! 2yssous officinalis# in warm water for 'D minutes and then remove the herb. One can then add the infusion to bath water, reciting SA. 0he "$rish moss" seaweed now used in the /aribbean might be from another genus of red algae seaweed, Gracilaria, which can also be used as a thickener and stabili9er. Sun dried "$rish moss" is sold as a good luck plant. Some hoodoo practitioners use it. $rish moss is carried on trips, particularly across waters, for protection and safety. Some folks place the whitish brown seaweed under rugs to ensure steady flow of money and luck into a household like waves from the ocean. 0he seaweed is also an ingredient in some mo)o bags for money with a drop of luck oil to increase its strength. $t can be used in a spell )ar in a business to bring in customers. Some say it is an excellent gambler7s herb. 2 2aca!alantan $n 0rinidad and 0obago, the Jacakalantan is a mysterious light that appears to folks, then suddenly vanishes after misleading them to a desolate spot far from their intended destination. See Jacky1my1lantern. 2ac!$m$lantern Jacky1my1lantern is a spirit who is said to haunt the >SA southern wetlands. is tale is told throughout the South and can be heard in irginia, the /arolinas, and eorgia. According to the story, the Jacky1my1lantern spirit is condemned to wanter betwixt and between the worlds. A light from a Jacky1 my1lantern can compell a traveler at night to follow it, causing the traveler to become hopelessly lost. See )acakalantan. 2e5ebel oil Je9ebel oil is traditionally made by placing a Je9ebel oot ! "ris he+agona, "ris fulva, or "ris foliosa# with )o)oba oil ! .immondsia chinenis # and either sunflower oil or castor oil. 0his traditional recipe also contains essential oils of myrrh, frankincense, bergamot, and amyris. >sing castor oil is f or sterner commanding spells. 0o seduce a lover and intensify and relationship, a woman will mix the )o)oba oil with sunflower oil. She will dress a purple candle with the )e9ebel oil mixture and r oll it in powdered cinnamon and ground rose pedals.
2e5ebel Root+6ueen Root ( -ris he*agona -ris fulva or -ris foliosa) Je9ebel oot or Kueen oot can be the root of one of at least three different varieties of plants of +ouisiana $rises. "-ixie iris" ! "ris he+agona# grows in wet spots. $ts beautiful blue blooms can found in ditches, swamps, and slow moving shallow streams in either full sun or half shade in the >SA 2astern South. $t is the oldest recogni9ed species from the +ouisiana iris group ! 2e+agonae#, having been named by 0homas @alter in his book &lora Caroliniana !'E44#. +ike other irises in the +ouisiana series, "-ixie iris" inhabits wet spots. $t is found in ditches, swamps and shallow slow moving streams in either full sun or half shade. 0he +ouisiana iris, "copper iris" ! "ris fulva#, is found in wet areas in the ississippi alley and as far north as %entucky and Ohio. 0he wildflower blossoms are usually a rusty red color, brownish orange, and rarely a yellowish hue. $t was catalogued in the ;ew Orleans area in '4'(. 0he +ouisiana iris, "ris foliosa, also known as "ris brevicaulis, is commonly found growing in swamps and wet meadows. 0his species ranges north into Ohio and west into %ansas. $n American hoodoo folk magic, Je9ebel oot is a woman7s root and is used to empower many women7s spells in hoodoo. Small pieces of Je9ebel oot may be tied in in mo)o bags for several reasons. A small piece can be tied in a red flannel bag with orrisroot, dried r ose buds, sweet flag, catnip, and Adam and 2ve oot to attract a wealthy man as husband. 0ied in a green flannel bag, Je9ebel oot it can help women get raises from bosses. A woman7s nation sack may or may not contain one large piece or some small, chopped bits of Je9ebel oot. $n Southern magical folklore, Je9ebel is envisioned as a powerful African ueen, capable of commanding respect and obedience from men, as well as from other women. 0his magical root is also commonly sold under the name "Kueen 2li9abeth oot"11as Kueen 2lisabeth $ of 2ngland was also a powerful woman in history. ;owadays, "orrisroot," "orris root," or "orris," which is the root of the ":lorentine iris" ! "ris florentina or "ris germanica, "ris germanica florentina# is sometimes used as a substitute for Je9ebel oot, although occasionally both will be used together. !round orris was used in the feminine pharmacopeia for making perfumes, makeup, and medicines. SA South in women7s magic, because they grew wild in the wetlands rather than the root of ":lorentine iris," which hailed f rom $taly.# 2ob0s tears (Coi* lacryma )obi ) "JobMs tears" is an annual grass the produces a fruit shaped like a tear drop. $t is said that the biblical Job shed many tears. "ine eye poureth out tears unto od." Job '=3(D. 0his grain1bearing tropical plant has been naturali9ed in the Southern >SA as well the @estern hemisphere tropics. $t is a common weed in >SA, but is grown for its pearl tear1shapped seeds. $t was orginally native to Southeast Asia. 0he common names of this plant include "Job seed," "seed beads," "Job7s1tears," ")ob7s tear beads," "tears of Job," "lacrima di iobbe," "tears of Jesus," "lacrime di esu," "tear grass," " larmilles," "ary7s tears," "Juno7s tears," "lagrima de San ob1s tears rosaries. See tears of .an Pedro memorial rosary !santo rosario luto de "lWgrimas de San ob1s #ears osaries as Artifacts of -inshi, !'BBB1(D'(#3 ":or many, rosaries are common gifts for first communion, confirmation, and marriage. ob !tear1of1Job#, larmes de >ob, larmilles, or graine chaelet !seed rosary#. 0he seeds ripen in late September and the plant is cultivated by /a)uns specifically for the purpose of getting seeds to make r osaries. 0he rosary makers whom +eJeune interviewed "...consider the uniueness of the plant and the specificity of its use as an example of od7s divine planning....0he holes present in each seed, the varnished look the seeds gain after being prayed, and the variety of colors indicate an ama9ing, divine design for many rosary makers." ooba oil ( Simmondsia chinenis) "Jo)oba oil" is a botanical extract of the seed of the )o)oba tree. 0echnically, ")o)oba oil" is not an oil, but rather a liuid wax with a golden hue. 0he )o)oba tree is a small shrub native to Ari9ona, northern exico, Southern and *a)a /alifornia. Jo)oba has long been used as an ingredient for beauty hair and skin products. 0hus, )o)oba is also used in a number of hoodoo reciepes. 7 !ola nut (cola) %ola nut is a nut1like seed that grows on one of several evergreen kola tree species in the genus Cola. 0hese seeds are also known as "cola seed," "cola," "cola nut," and "guru nut." %ola trees ! Cola vera, Cola acuminata, Cola nitida # are native to the tropical rainforests of Africa. 0he kola tree bears f ruit that is shaped like a star. $nside the fruit, about a do9en round or suare seeds can be f ound in a white seed shell. %ola nuts are chewed in many @est African cultures to restore vitality, combat fatigue, and ease hunger pangs and and thirst. 0he kola nut has a bitter flavor and contains a high amount of caffeine %ola nuts and kola extract are the key ingredient in "cola" carbonated drinks. /oca1/ola and SA and the /aribbean. %ola nuts are an acceptable offering for many of the orishas. See "cola" carbonated beverages. 7umina %umina, also known as /umina, is a creation of the rich culture of Jamaica. Jamaican "%umina" refers to a type of Afro1Jamaican syncretic religion. "%umina" also refers to an art form of music and folk dance. @ithin the religion of %umina there are apparently two different forms, Obeah and yal. Apparently, Obeah relates more to the practice of folk magic, sorcery, and spirit work, and yal relates more to dance, music, and spirit possession. Some Jamaican folklore seems to have influenced some >SA 2ast coast Southern hoodoo folklore. Some %umina or Obeah folklore involving roots and herbs seems to have been absorbed into >SA 2ast coast Southern hoodoo. 0ales of Jamaican "duppy" and the >SA South "*oo ag" may have had some influence on each other. 8 lavender ( .avandula angustifolia) $n 2uropean magic, the calming scent of lavender is used for love and friendship. +avender is an ingredient in one of the the hoodoo formulas for "All Saints Oil." owever, lavender water, perfume, and scented oil was considered an aphrodisiac by some @estern herbalists. According to Stephanie ose *ird, lavender essential oil was used by some hoodoo practitioners to attract the attentions of those of the same gender. lil$ essential oil ( .ilium candidum)
0he white lily, commonly known as the "adonna lily," grows throughout editerranean regions and western Asia. @hite lilies bloom from ay onwards. Although often cultivated as a garden plant, it can be found spontaneously growing in the fields around gardens and country houses. 0he essential oil is used in the perfume industry. SA. 0here is a belief that if you rub his belly, it will bring good luck and wealth. Small figurines are sold in Asian shops. +arger representations are seen in /hinese restaurants and businesses in /hinatown. is image is found in numerous amulets. e is sometimes depicted riding on a magical creature, such as the -ragon 0urtle. any Asian people also believe that this image is useful in the practice of :eng Shui, as the proper placement of an auspicious symbol may bring good fortune. *udai is a /hinese folkloric deity and, according to legend, was a n eccentric Ren *uddhist monk in /hina !BDE11B(G ce#. e is depicted wearing a voluminous robe and carrying, or wearing, prayer beads. 0he name "*udai" means "/loth Sack," referring to his bag. As a wandering monk, *udai is said to travel, sometimes giving candy to poor children. e has also been incorporated into a number of /hinese 0aoist folklore traditions.0his same *uddha depicted standing with arms raised is probably the Japanese, otei. otei is one of the Shichi :uku)in, the seven Japanese Shinto1gods of luck. !*udai is not the founder of *uddhism, Siddhartha autama, the Supreme *uddha, who was a spiritual teacher from ancient $ndia.# $n any case, since the practice of hoodoo has never operated in a cultural vacuum, African1Americans watch Asian movies, eat /hinese food and fortune cookies, etc. ence, the /hinese spirit of luck a nd wealth has manifested the hoodoo practice of calling upon the "+ucky *uddha" for favors Supposedly gamblers would set a light that they win by the help of od with a "+ucky *uddha" candle. Alternatively, one might speak aloud the petition, "@ith the blessing of Old *uddha, $7m going to be lucky tonight," while lighting the candle. Spiritual supply stores now sell "+ucky *uddha" figure candles in a variety of colors and si9es. 0he green "+ucky *uddha" candle is for family, harmony, health, longevity, peace, and well being. 0he gold?yellow "+ucky *uddha" is lit to draw wealth, prosperity, and strength. 0he pink "+ucky *uddha" candle is burned for love, reconciliation, and romance between husbands and wives. According to *uddha3 "0housands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. appiness never decreases by being shared." 8uc!$ *at candles :igure candles in the form of cats are popular items sold at spiritual merchant shops. 0hey can often be purchased in a variety of colors. -ressed with the proper oils, red cat figure candles are used in romance and sex. reen cat candles can be used to draw luck and specifically money. 0he black cat candles are used for a variety of purposes to draw powerful good luck, as well as repell )inxes, hexes, bad luck, and evil intent. amblers, for example, may dress a black cat candle with +ucky *lack /at oil, galangal root oil ! Alina galanga# or a similar luck drawing oil. 8uc!$ Rice+green rice+fi9ed rice ice !!ryza sativa# is the staple food of more than half the world7s population. $t symboli9es sustenance in Asia5 the word for rice is the same as the word for "meal" in /hina, Japan, and ietnam. ice has come to symboli9e prosperity and happiness in many parts of the world. $n the >SA, handfuls of white rice are thrown at newly wed brides and grooms. ice which swells when it is cooked is part of the >SA South ;ew Iear7s dish, oppin7 John, symboly9ing adundance for the coming year. 0hough rice is not native to the Americas, it was introduced to the /aribbean and South America by 2uropeans. $t was a traditional food plant in Africa, and was recogni9ed by those brought here during the African -iaspora. ice grows best in wetlands and swamps. *ecause of its association with prosperity and happiness, all rice could be considered "lucky." owever spiritual supply stores sell packets of green1dyed rice known as "+ucky ice," "green rice," or "fixed rice." 0his green colored rice is used in money drawing magic and is not intended for human or animal consumption. $t is generally made with white rice, rubbing alcohol, water, and green food1coloring. $n modern Southern spiritual traditions, green tinted rice can be used in a number of ways. $t can sprinkled in front of one7s business to bring in trade. $t can be stored in a tightly lidded glass )ar with coins to draw prosperity. $t can be displayed in small packet on the wall with a green stone. Some practitioners claim that to be really effective "+ucky ice"?"green rice" "fixed rice" ought to have a shredded dollar bill stored with it. Others claim that a variety of different coins is sufficient. . .ardi 1ras !ing ca!e $n ;ew Orleans, +ouisiana, people bake ring1shaped cakes which are served as part of the ardi ras celebration. 0hey are called "king cakes." 0raditionally, each cake contains a figurine of an infant, hidden inside. 0he one who finds the small infant figurine in her?her slice receives good luck, but traditionally incurs ardi ras duties for the next year. $n ('st century king cakes, the figurine is usually replaced by a tiny plastic dolly. $n exico, people bake ring1shaped cakes in honor of the "0res eyes agos" who brought gifts to the /hrist /hild. 0hese cakes are called "osca de eyes" and they are served as part of the celebration of "2l -ia de eyes." 0raditionally, each cake contains a figurine of the infant Jesus, hidden inside. $t is considered good luck to be the one to find the figurine. @hoever gets the figurine in her?his slice is supposed to take the figurine to the local church. S?he will buy the tamales for the /andelaria !/andlemas# feast in :ebruary. See 0res eyes agos. marigold (Tagetes erecta)
0he marigold, which is also known as the "exican marigold," "A9tec marigold," " cemas?chil ," and " &lor de $uertos" !:lower of the -ead#, is native to exico and /entral America. 0he blooms are naturally bright yellow, golden, or orange colors. 0he Spanish name cemas?chil or cemaz?chil is dervived from the name from the A9tec language, @ahuatl . 0he @ahuatl name " zemoal+ochitl " for this plant literally translated as "twenty flower." 0his plant was regarded as the flower of the dead in pre1ispanic exico. 0he f lower is commonly planted in exican cemeteries. 0he yellow blossoms are used during Los 8ias de los $uertos !October G', ;ovember ', and (# and are said to be sacred to La .anta $uerte. 0his marigold may help protect garden plants from certain pests, as will some of the other marigold plants from the #agetes species. 0he plant has long been gathered and cultivated for numerous purposes. $ts petals are used as natural dye. *ecause of the flower7s coloring, it7s often used in magic to draw wealth. 0he common 2 nglish name, "marigold," derived from "ary7s old," due it association with the irgin ary. $f the dried petals are burned on charcoals, they can be used for clairvoyance or to communicate with spirits. -ivination items can be consecrated in the smoke. 0he #agetes erecta marigold is only one of several varieties including #agetes lucida, #agetes atula, #agetes tenuifolia , and #agetes minuta. arigold plants from the #agetes species should not be confused with "pot marigold" also known as "calendula" ! Calendula officinalis#. matagots
$n the south of :rance, black c ats are now believed to bring good luck to their owners, who respect and care for them. 0his belief is related to the folklore of the chat d1argent , matagots or mandragots , which are magician cats, magic cats, or sorcerer cats. 0he chat d7argent is the "silver !coin# cat" or "money cat." 0his creature of :rench folklore is apparently an important influence in the hoodoo +ucky *lack /at. +egends involving the money cat, chat d1argent , matagots or mandragots , are also tied into sorcellierie, witchcraft and superstitions regarding the black cat. 0he money cat chat d7argent?silver cat?silver !coin# catP or matagot is always black. 0his cat is often in service to either a sorcerer or witch. Stroking a money cat?matagot brings health and wealth. A money cat should be fed with the first bite of the meal at dinner. A suitable box should be provided for the money cat to sleep in. :inally, the cat must be given on to someone else before his master7s death. $n ascony, the money cat !le chat d7argent# is called a "mandragot." $n SA hoodoo lore is the mention of crossroads as the place to go get a money cat, !le chat d7argent#, matagot or mandragot. $t is likely that :rancophone folkore brought stories of this c reature to +ouisiana. A more detailed account of the money cat folklore is at atagots. mimosa oil "imosa fragrance oil" is described as having a delicate floral scent which lifts the spirit and sooths worries. ;ine drops of mimosa fragrance oil, added to a warm bath soak on a :riday night, will help someone f ind the answers regarding romance during dreams. @hat is often sold as " mimosa oil" is a "fragrance oil." $t is also possible to purchase "mimosa essential oil" ! Albizia julibrissin# which is used by a romatherapists for "protection, purification, and prophetic dreams." See mimosa tree ! Albizia julibrissin#. mimosa tree ( Albi#ia )ulibrissin) 0he beautiful mimosa tree has many c ommon names3 "silktree," "powderpuff tree," "silk acacia," "+enkoran acacia," "pink siris," "Japanese mimosa," and "bastard tamarind." 0his tree is ;O0 the same plant as "flowering mimosa" ! Acacia dealbada# in spite of the confusion caused by similar names "silk acacia" ! Albizia julibrissin# and "flowering mimosa" ! Acacia dealbada#. Originally from /hina, the lovely mimosa was introduced to the >SA in 'E6C. $t has been cultivated since the '4th century primarily for use as an ornamental tree, due to its attractive fern1like leaves and fragrant and "pom1pom" silky1looking thread blossoms, which range in color from deep pink to pale pink to white. 0he tree flowers in June and July. 0he blossoms grow in dense clusters arranged on stems on the branches in a tight cluster of stamens (NG inches long. 0hese delicate flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. ;ot surprisingly some people still grow an ornamental tree for its beauty. >nfortunately, the mimosa tree has become an "invasive plant species" or "weed" in the >SA. imosa adapts to almost any well1drained soil. imosa has a tendency to readily establish itself in the wild after escaping from cultivation. $t grows rapidly. 0he tree is often seen along roadsides and open vacant lots in suburban and urban areas. $t can become a problem along banks of waterways, where its seeds are easily transported in water. imosa is a strong competitor in open areas or forest edges due to its ability to grow in various soil types, its ability to produce large amounts of seed, and its ability to re1sprout when cut back or damaged. After the flowers fade, the tree grows hundreds of =1inch long, bean1like, brown seed pods, which hang on the tree through winter. 0hese pods almost look like tamarind seed pods, hence the name "bastard tamarind." 0he seeds have impermeable seed coats that allow them to remain dormant for many years. imosa is now considered an invasive plant species that is disrupting native plant communities in most of the >SA Southeast, including :lorida, eorgia, and as far west as 0exas. $ recount all the above information so that folks will understand that mimosa is not an endangered plant nor is it legally protected in the wild in the >SA South. ence you can cheerfully gather all the seed pods for magical purposes. agically, the seed pods are used in spells for abundance and psychic dreams, and relates to the e thereal beauty of the tree and its blossoms. $t is said that mimosa aids someone to find the answers s?he seeks. 0hese pods can be tied in bags, stored in )ars, etc. $ remember playing with the seed pods in :lorida as a child. 0he red bean1like seeds are extremely poisonous to animals and should not be ingested by either human or animals. 0he pods should not be buried as part of any spell, same with the seeds. 0he /hinese name for the mimosa tree is hehuan4 2ehuan translates as "shut happy." At night on cool evenings, the leaves of this tree fold up. 0he name supposedly symboli9es a happy couple in bed. $n Spanish, the word mimosa !feminine#?mimoso !masculine# means "affectionate." 0he feminine form, mimosa, also has several shades of meaning including "beguiling," "playful," "snuggly," "couette," frolicsome," "pleasing to touch !hug#," "cuddly," and "endearingly soft." ence, the pink mimosa tree blossoms and green leaves are especially used in ingredients for mo)o bags involving love and romance. See mimosa oil. moo bean Sicilian immigrants brought the arch 'Bth tradition of St. Joseph7s -ay altars to ;ew Orleans, +ouisiana, >SA. A "mo)o bean" is a dried fava bean ! vica fava#. :ava beans are traditionally placed on St. Joseph7s -ay altars and given to people as good luck charms. Supposedly, carrying a dried fava bean ensures that one will always have the essentials of life. $n light of this tradition, fava beans have become one of the items found in the contents of mo)o hands?mo)o bags. o)o beans are also called St. Joseph beans. moo bag+moo and A "mo)o bag" or "mo)o hand" is also known as a "hand," "con)ure hand," "lucky hand," "con)ure bag," "prayer bag," "trick bag," "root bag," "gris1gris bag," "gri1gri," "charm bag," or even more euphemistically as a "sachet." /on)urean Ali in #he Conjurer1s .ecret *eaon commented3 "$ was raised calling them con)ure hands, prayer bags, and spirit bags." A mo)o hand or mo)o bag is a flannel bag containing one or more magical items in African1 American hoodoo magic. $t is very similar to the /aribbean "oanga bag" or "wanga bag." 0he mo)o is most probably an African1derived practice. any "Southern style" con)ure bags or mo)o bags are made of red flannel. !$nterestingly, red flannel charm bags are often used in the *lue idge ountains7 folk magic.# owever some practitioners use certain colors of cloth for the bag, relating to the bag7s specific purpose. reen f lannel cloth might be used to make a "money mo)o" or "money charm." *lue flannel cloth might be used to make a "peaceful mo)o." 2tc. @hat items a mo)o hand contains will depend on the purpose of the bag. According to /atherine Ironwode, a mo)o hand to draw money might have a John the /onueror root wrapped up in a X( bill, a silver "ercury" dime, a lodestone, and a pinch of brown sugar, all tied in a flannel bag. Someone might also add three black1eyed peas or a "mo)o bean" to the contents. 0his bag will need to be rubbed !anointed with# with lemon oil or an an Oil from time to time. 0here are similar practices in traditional 2uropean and *ritish folk magic which may have grown up independently of each other. +ikewise the "mo)o bag" and ;ative American "medicine pouch"?"medicine bag" are similar practices, but likely grew up independently of each other. African1American "mo)o hands" are usually made of cloth. ;ative American "medicine pouches" are usually made of leather. .oses 4ncense "oses $ncense" is sometime called "oly $ncense." According to /atherine Ironwode, "oses is an old hoodoo formula for oil, incense, sachet powders, and bath crystals that are intended for the use of those who wish to work with the spirit of oses for protection, )ustice under the law, and freedom from oppressive conditions." ;aturally there exist several versions for the powdered incense recipe for this old hoodoo formula. :or example, +ucky o)o /o. sells oses
A description of this incense can be found in 2xodus GD3G61GE. And the L!8 said unto $oses, #ake unto thee s3eet sices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum these s3eet sices 3ith ure frankincense' of each shall there be a like 3eight'' And thou shalt make it a erfume, a confection after the art of the aothecary, temered together, ure and holy' And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and ut of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, 3here " 3ill meet 3ith thee' it shall be unto you most holy4 And as for the erfume 3hich thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the comosition thereof' it shall be unto thee holy for the L!84 /+odus :'5D E->VF *elow are comments and speculations the ingredients likely used in a oses $ncense recipe. :rankincense3 :rankincense resin ! Bos3ellia sacra, Bos3ellia frereana, and Bos3ellia bha35dajiana# is freuent still used as a "church incence." $t has been burned as a holy offering to sundry deities for thousands of years. :rankincense resin is also known as levonah 9ach !ebrew#, olibanum, and dhoop. •
albanum3 albanum was the aromatic gum resin, from &erula gummosa and &erula galbaniflua# $n ebrew, both the gum resin and plant was known as khelbanah, and it was imported from
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Onycha3 Some have deduced that "onycha" meant the "operculum" of a sea snail found in the ed Sea. 0he ictorie $nc webpage explained that operculum was used in ancient perfume and incense formulas "as a fixative to help amplify the overall fragrance of a c ompound or formula." owever not all agreeed that "onycha" meant the operculum mollusks were considered unclean creatures. "Shecheleth was the orginal ebrew word for onycha. Some claim that "shecheleth" actually referred to "labdanum," a resin from hoary rock1rose ! Cistus ladaniferus, variety Cistus creticus#.
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Stacte3 "Stacte" was the reek term used for the ebrew word "nataf." Stacte is likely either Styrax ! .tyra+ officinalis# or *en9oin?um *en)amin !.tyra+ benzoin#. Styrax !.tyra+ officinalis#is typically used as a f ixative in in fragrance compounds. Others think it could have been storax resin from the 0urkish sweetgum ! Li;uidambar orientalis#. Others suggest stacte is "stacte myrrh" which could be a form of myrrh extract, which has been extracted from myrrh resin heated over fire.
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Sweet Spices3 0he sweet spices are not specifically named in 2xodus but could have been myrrh, cassia, cinnamon, and calamus. A modern recipe might use essential oils of myrrh, cassia, cinnamon, and calamus.
According to /hanan orrison, Jewish oral tradition stated there were eleven ingredients in the "ketoret" !incense# . ED maneh each of the "balsam"!nataf #, "onycha" !shekheleth#, galbanum" !khelbanah#, and "pure frankincense" !levonah 9ach#. o o
'= maneh each of myrrh, cassia, spikanard, and saffron.
o
'( maneh of costus.
o
B maneh of cinnamon.
o
G maneh of cinnamon bark.
See oses Oil. .oses Oil or Oil of .oses 0his oil mixture is usually called the "Oil of oses." 0here is another mixture "oly Oil of oses" which is probably more or less the same reciepe. "Oil of oses" is a holy oil. oses was a man of od and the greatest magician in the bible. oodoo practitioners recogin9e him as a mighty hoodoo mountain man. is oil is a very powerful oil and used in many forms of spiritual and magical work. $t can consecrate altars, utensils, and items for working. $t can be used to anointing positive talismans, blessing, prophetic work, and spiritual insights. 0he recipe for this oil was dervived from 2xodus GD3 ((1(6 "oreover the +O- spake unto oses, saying, 0ake thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin..." One modern interpretation for this reciepe was3 0ake about five liters of olive oil and add about six kilograms of cassia ! Cinnamomum aromaticum#, six kilograms of myrrh ! Commihora myrrha #, three kilograms of cinnamon ! Cinnamomum verum#, and three kilograms of calamus ! Acorus calamus#. *iblical scholars debate what are the correct a mounts. *esides individual hoodoo doctors and con)ure men probably have their own "secret" reciepes for the Oil of oses. Another modern oses Oil recipe used modern essential oils mixed with olive oil3 one teaspoon cassia ! Cinnamomum aromaticum# essential oil, one teaspoon myrrh ! Commihora myrrha# essential oil, one half teaspoon cinnamon ! Cinnamomum verum# essential oil, one half teaspoon calamus ! Acorus calamus# essential oil, and three and one half ounces of olive oil. oses is famous as the spiritual leader who led the $sraelites out of slavery in 2gypt and to sweet freedom in the SA, most of exico, and even up into southern /anada. 0hese birds are one of the most widespread and adaptable ;orth American birds, and they occupy a wide variety of open and semi1open habitats, including urban and suburban areas, farms, f ields, and lightly wooded areas. 0hey avoid thick forest and swamps. ourning -oves feed on seeds almost exclusively. Seeds make up about BBH of their diet, and bird watching enthusiasts set up bird feeders in their yards to attract ouring -oves. Spring migration north runs from arch to ay. 0he voice of the /arolina 0urtledove in the >SA South was employed in divination of a forthcoming marriage. @hen a eorgia girl heard the plaintive call 3oo5!!5oo5oo5oo, she ought to take nine steps forward and nine backward, then take off her right shoe. $n that shoe, she will spy a hair which is the same color of the hair of the man whom she is destined to marry. $n part this folk practice r elated to Song of Solomon (3''1'(, ":or, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone5 0he flowers appear on the earth5 the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land5" owever, other eorgia folklore claimed a ourning -ove !aka "moanin7 dove"# cooing outside a bedroom window of a sick person could be a death omen. $n this case, the ourning -ove might be lamenting the forthcoming death. See feathers, $ourning 8ove. mugwort ( Artemisia vulgaris)
According to /atherine Ironwode, "ugwort brings success to those who engage in psychic and visionary work. $f kept in a red bag under one7s pillow, it aids in the production of clairvoyant dreams." As such, it has been used by Spiritualists. ugwort can draw protective and benevolent spirits when burned on charcoal with star anise, and resin incenses like :rankincense and myrrh. ugwort is an ingredient in "All Saints Oil." See Spiritualism. .ustard seed ( Sinapis alba &rassica alba# or &rassica hirta# also &rassica nigra) A mustard seed usually refers to the small r ound seed of a plant commonly known as "white mustard" ! .inais alba, Brassica alba , or Brassica hirta# which grows wild in ;orth Africa, the iddle 2ast and e diterranean 2urope. $t can also refer to the seed of the "black mustard" ! Brassica nigra# plant which is believed to be native to the southern editerranean region of 2urope. 0he small seeds are used as spices. @hen ground up fresh they impart a powerful flavor. ustard seeds symboli9e courage, endurance, and faith. 0hey are sometimes used in hoodoo charms. ustard seeds bound in a bag guard against in)ury. A single mustard seed in a glass charm bestows faith and success. According to atthew 'E3(D, "And Jesus said unto them, *ecause of your unbelief3 for verily $ say unto you, $f ye have faith a s a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, emove hence to yonder place5 and it shall remove5 and nothing shall be impossible unto you." m$rr oil (Commiphora myrrha) A perfume created from reddish1brown resinous material collected from the dried sap from myrrh trees on the African continent. Among hoodoo practitioners, it is used in blessing and anointment oils. $t is a component of a regal "oil of gladness" along with cinnamon ! Cinnamomum aromaticum# and aloe ! Aloe erryi#. yrrh has been used to honor Asherah, Astarte, and $sis. : nation sac! A "nation sack" is similar to a mo)o, but it can only be prepared by a woman for herself, or by a woman for another woman. $t is woman7s magic. en should not open a nation sack. :eroli oil (Citrus aurantium ) ";eroli" is a plant oil produced from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree. nutmeg ( Myristica fragrans) ;utmeg is the oval shaped seed inside the fruit of the tropical evergreen nutmeg tree ! $yristica fragrans#. $t has a characteristic, pleasant fragrance and slightly warm taste. As a spice, nutmeg is usually used in powdered or grated form. *ecause of its pleasant aroma, nutmeg oil is used to scent soaps and perfumes. An ointment of nutmeg butter has been used as a counterirritant and in treatment of rheumatism. 0he nuts were c arried to ward off sickness in 'Eth century 2urope, and were occasionally associated with being lucky in love. 0hey were also associated with male virility. ;utmegs are used in magic associated with luck, attraction, meditation, and money. $n fact, this spice was sometimes called the "lucky nutmeg." @hole nutmegs were magically often used to "draw" or "attract" something to the practitioner. $n American folklore, whole nutmegs could be carried for general good luck. One traditional hoodoo charm involved tying a nutmeg in a green flannel mo)o bag with sundry money drawing herbs. Another Southern magic charm to draw prosperity involved binding a folded dollar bill with red thread to a whole nutmeg. amblers often carr ied a "fixed" nutmeg which had a small hollow drilled in it. 0his hole was filled with mercury and sealed with wax. 0he /hurch of ood +uck advised against having mercury1filled nutmeg3 "@ith what we know about ercury today, this type of :ixed nutmeg is considered ha9ardous." $ncidentally the /hurch of ood +uck explained that nutmegs can be "fixed" using items such as tin foil, green wax, oyt7s /ologne, along with a ritual involving a mercury head dime, a lodestone, and prayer. SA South, folks carried a small red onion in the left pocket as a protective charm. ed onions have a deep color sometimes more purplish, than red. 0here are presently numerous varieties of red onion, including the "0ropea red onion," and "$talian red onion" and "creole onion." 0he "0ropea red onion" was introduced to $taly around (,DDD years ago by the SA south and symboli9e marriage and prosperity. 0he fragrant orange blossom is traditionally associated with good fortune. $t has long been popular in bridal bouuets and head wreaths for weddings. 0hus, orange flower water can be used as an offering to attract good spirits or to attract marriage and luck. orange peel# dried (Citrus sinensis s$n' Citrus aurantium dulcis or Citrus aurantium) 0he bright orange color of the peel of the sweet orange fruit magically draws wealth. sed medicinally, dried orange peel is a source of vitamin /. @hen steeped in a tea, dried sweet orange peel can be useful in preventing colds. orrisroot ( -ris florentina or -ris germanica -ris germanica florentina)
0his root is from a n $ris plant native of Southern 2urope that is commonly called "orris root," or "orris." :inely powdered orrisroot was used in the feminine pharmacopeia for making perfumes, makeup, and medicines. agically, ground orrisroot can be worn to attract the opposite sex. Orrisroot powder is sometimes called "+ove -rawing SA city of ;ew Orleans. ; patcouli ( Pogostemon cablin) SA South, the plant was used as a common slave remedy for skin conditions. $n particular, it was used for yaws, hence the common name "yaw root." Iaws was a c ommon infectious skin ailment at that time, which is now treated more successfully with antibiotics. A fresh root was reuired for medicinal use. $t was also used as a purgative, and to treat lung diseases, and syphilis. $f ingested for medicinal use, it gave a burning sensation in the stomach and bowels. +egends claim that a married woman could drink an infusion of ueen7s delight root to become pregnant. Supposedly, taking a bath in water with a bag containing chopped up dried ueen7s delight root would help a woman get married. Apparently, these magical applications are the reason for the common names of "ueensroot" or "ueen7s delight root." Allegedly, burning a small piece of this dried root in a fireplace could magically help locating some lost item. Iet, -rugs.com stated "/lassical use of ueen7s delight called for ( g of the root, however the documented presence of irritant and tumor1promoting phorbol esters in this plant contraindicates therapeutic use."..." -o not ingest or use topically in human medicine. Observe particular caution with the fresh root, which appears to be more toxic than the dried product. Stillingia root is a purgative and irritant product that should be avoided because of a high likelihood of tumor promotion and documented severe irritancy to skin. 0here are reports of sheep poisoned by Stillingia in :lorida. *ecause of the reported phorbol esters, this plant should not be ingested or used topically in human medicine." SA. $t is also found in eastern exico and /entral America and northern and central South America. /ottontails do not burrow under the ground. 0hese rabbits rest in a shallow, scratched1out depression in a clump of grass or under brush called a form. SA South, humans have also hunted rabbits for meat and fur. 0he 2astern cottontail rabbit is an extremely prolific animal, hence the phrase "...breed like rabbits." SA Southern folklore, the rabbit was often depicted as a trickster11such as "*rother
abbit" aka "*rer abbit," "*r7er abbit," "*re7r abbit," or "*ruh abbit." As is not surprising for a trickster spirit, the African American rabbit folklore figure has roots in both storytelling traditions from @estern, /entral and Southern Africa and from ;ative American /herokee and Algonuin $ndian in 2astern ;orth America. !$t must be noted that the animal in African tales is a hare, although sometimes the word was translated as rabbit.# 0he rabbit, as well as the African hare, is also associated with sudden swiftness and agility. abbits are fast sprinters. abbits can run anywhere from (C to 6C mph, depending upon the age and health of the individual rabbit. any claim a rabbit7s foot brings good luck. Some hoodoo practitioners said that the most potent rabbit7s foot was the left hind foot on a graveyard rabbit, which was caught at midnight11ideally on alloween. rue ( 1uta graveolens) According to 0ayannah +ee cKuillar in her oot3ork' 0sing the &olk $agick of Black America for Love, $oney and .uccess!(DDG# dried leaves of the rue plant can protect a person from the "eye" !evil eye# when placed in a mo)o bag. rue oil ( 1uta graveolens) ub rue oil on candles for money, as well as protection from negativity and hexes. S sandalwood oil ( Santalum album) Sandalwood is a calming scent with spiritual undertones. Iet, sandalwood oil also has a sensuous side to its nature, perhaps because some of the best sandalwood comes from $ndia, which is both a deeply spiritual and serenely sensual place. ub sandalwood oil onto the pulse points of one7s own wrist and throat to order to arrest the attention of the opposite sex. $ncidentally, sandalwood essential oil, like other essential oils, should be "cut" or diluted with a base oil11like olive, almond, sesame, peanut, etc. 2ssential oils are highly concentrated and some can irritate the skin. sandalwood incense ( Santalum album) Sandalwood incense is used in high spirituality. salt# blac! *lack salt is sometimes labeled "Sal ;egro" or "-rive1Away Salt." 0raditionally, it was composed of iron pot scrapings and regular table salt, sometimes with charcoal. *lack salt is used f or purify effects, )inx removing, as well as keeping away evil forces and bad neighbors. Some people use "iwa %ai," black awaiian sea salt, or "%ala ;amak," $ndian black salt, which is an unrefined mineral salt which has more of a purplish hue. salt# blessed "*lessed salt" is some form of salt which has been prayed over. $n truth, any salt may be blessed by sincere prayer. One /hristian prayer for blessing white salt is3 "O +ord od, /reator and SA Southern and Appalachian folk medicine, it was dried and powdered to make washes, ointments, poultices, etc. An infusion made with the powdered bark was used to treat sore throats. 0raditionally, Appalachian herb doctors also burned the slippery elm inner bark to stop gossip. $n Southern hoodoo, it was said to make whoever carried a piece impervious to gossip, lies, and slander so that none of the talk will stick. Spanis moss (Tillandsia usneoides) Spanish moss is also known as "air plant." $t grows in wet, humid areas in the >SA South, including Alabama, eorgia, +ouisiana, ississippi, :lorida, 2astern ;orth /arolina, South /arolina, southeastern irginia, etc. 0he Spanish moss plant is neither a moss, nor is it S panish. 2arly :rench travelers dubbed this grey curly hair1like or chain1like festooning plant, Barbe /sagnol , meaning "Spanish beard." Spanish moss absorbs nutrients !especially calcium# and water from the air and rainfall. $t prefers to grow on Southern +ive Oak trees, but can be found on cypress and some other trees. 0his plant is not a parasite and does no harm to the trees on which it hangs. Spanish moss creates a home for several of creatures, including three species of bats and rat snakes. Sensitive to air pollution, Spanish moss can be used as an indication of air uality. $n hoodoo, Spanish moss enhances money charms, and is used to bring good fortune. $t is used in rituals to banish poltergeists and some other haints. +ikewise, it can be used in spell )ars to entrap hostile enchantments. Some claim it can be used for more sinister work, probably due to is association with old Southern gothic ghost stories. spi!enard essential oil ( !ardostachys grandiflora or !ardostachys )atamansi ) Spikenard has also been called "7nard," "nardin," and "muskroot." 0he pungent rhi9ome root of spikenard was used to make perfume. ;ard oil was obtained from an $ndian plant, found in the imalaya mountains. 0his expensive sweet smelling oil, spikenard was used by a woman to anoint the feet and head of Jesus /hrist. $t was a relaxing and soothing oil for the skin. ;ard oil was hightly pri9ed in early 2gypt and though out the id12ast. $t has been is used as a perfume, a sedative, and an incense. $n ome, the oil was the main ingredient of the perfume nardinum . $ts scent was believed to fight insomnia and other minor a ilments. 0here are f ive verses in the %ing James ersion which mention spikenard. Spiknard apparently links /hrist with the heavenly bridegroom of the spiritual marriage supper. @hile the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof. Song of Solomon '3'( 0hy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits5 camphire, with spikenard, Song of Solomon 63'G Spikenard and saffron5 calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of f rankincense5 myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices3 Song of Solomon 63'6 And being in *ethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious5 and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. ark '63G
0hen took ary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair3 and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John '(3G Spiritualism 0he religion of Spiritualism is not hoodoo. 0he practice of hoodoo is not Spiritualism. Iet, the Spiritualist movement certainly influenced some African1American practices, and enhanced others. 0here were already African1American practices connected to paying respects to the spirits of the dead, some of which had their roots in Africa. Ancestor worship was very prevalent throughout Africa. $n @est Africa, families maintain an ancestral shrine to honor the spirit of the founder of the lineage, who inhabits the shrine. 2ven though other religions such as $slam and /hristianity have made inroads into several cultures, ancestor veneration still remains common among many Africans. $t is sometimes practiced alongside other religions, including $slam and /hristianity. Spiritualism flourished in the >SA South in the late 'Bth century and early (Dth century. *riefly, Spiritualism is based on the belief that the "spirit" or "soul" !a.k.a. consciousness, individual personality, etc# continues to exist as it was af ter the death of the physical body. Spiritualism also maintained that it was possible for the living to contact the dead, usually through a Spiritualist medium. $n other words, Spiritualism provided )ust one more method to contact the spirits of the dead, or one7s deceased family or ancestors. :reuently, Spiritualism also had a practical emphasis involving healing. Spiritualist faith healing involved a techniue of directing healing energy to the sufferer from a higher source. 0he idea was similar to the f aith healing practiced in Southern charismatic /hristian churches. $t also somewhat resembled /hristian healing through prayer and the SA folklore to describe a ghost, haint, or some similar, freuently invisible, supernatural being. 0he term apparently came into common use in the 'Bth century in America as it was first recorded in '4D'. 0he word is borrowed from -utch sook , from iddle -utch soocmeaning "spook, ghost" and apparently derived from the ermanic suk , "ghost, apparition." An American 2nglish innovation was to use the word as a verb, "to spook," as in "to frighten or scare" as in "+oud noises will spook the horses." 0he word "spooky" was first recorded in '4C6. $ defined this word, "spook," because $ have seen it in Southern folklore. $7m aware that it has other meanings in American speech which are outside the scope of this website. See .ook 2ill . Spoo! ill# Florida Spook ill is a hill in +ake @ales, :lorida, where cars appear to roll uphill due to an optical illusion. eographical locations with this type of optical illusion are commonly called "gravity hills." 0he spirits responsible for this event in :lorida11according to a sign marking the spot11are an $ndian chief and alligator spirit. ariants of this local legend claim that the $ndian chief is /hief /ufoowellay of the Seminoles. is tribe settled on +ake 0icowa, which is now +ake @ales. 0he chief drove a powerful alligator spirit from the area for the safety of his people. 0his legend is probably not true, as it doesn7t seem to fit known historical facts. According to this legend, which may be fakelore, white settlers around the lake later named the area Spook ill when their carts would be pushed up hill. Another version of the story involved an old man planning to do some fishing in the lake. :orgetting to set the handbrake, he had parked his old truck on the very spot where the spooky phenomenon takes place. e unloaded his fishing gear and turned smiling towards the water. 0hen, he turned back to get his bait, which he left in the truck. 0o his surprise, his truck seemed to be rolling uphill11apparently pushed by some invisible force. e is reported to have yelped, "SpooksL" as he scrambled to hop in and pull the handbrake. Supposedly, this took place in the early 'BCD7s and thereafter folks started c alling the area Spook ill. One variant of this version of the legend with the old man is preseved on a vintage post card which can be seen on /ard/ow.com. $t is unknown if the version of the legend of the elderly fisherman was genuine folklore. >ltimately who and when this spot was dubbed "Spook ill" remains a mystery. $nterestingly, there is a Spook ill 2lementary School in the area, which has a friendly ghost as its mascot. See sook and .ook 2ill%Gravity 2ill, $aryland . Spoo! ill+1ravit$ ill# .ar$land apland oad in *urkittsville, in central aryland, leads to the outskirts of the center of town. Spook ill?ravity ill is on apland oad near the intersection with ountain /hurch oad. $f a vehicle is placed in neutral, it will appear to move uphill, due to an optical illusion. eographical locations with this type of optical illusion are c ommonly called "gravity hills," and this site is )ust as well known as aryland7s "ravity ill" as "Spook ill." According to local legend, ghosts of dead /ivil @ar soldiers are responsible for pushing wheeled vehicles uphill. Just prior to a battle, the soldiers had to transport canons into a position on high ground. *efore all the artillery were set in position, however, the opposing forces charged out of the woods, killing many. $t is said the spirits of these soilders remain, still trying to complete their mission. 0he area surrounding *urkittsville is rich with /ivil @ar history. +arge numbers of /onfederate and >nion soldiers occupied and moved through the town during the campaigns of '4=G and '4=6, marching to and from /rampton7s ap in South ountain. On January '(, (D'', the /rampton7s ap istoric -istrict was designated, comprising the mountain around /rampton7s ap and *rownsville ap, the town of *urkittsville, and surrounding landscape in honor of the "*attle of /rampton7s ap" aka "*attle of *urkittsville." -uring this battle for /rampton7s ap, many houses were used for cover, bombarded by shells, and were converted into field hospitals for the wounded. See .ook 2ill, &lorida. spoo! ligts# gost ligts "Spook lights" are the modern Southern >SA name for the phenomenon of mysterious lights resembling a flickering lamp carried by an unseen hand in the dark. 0hey have been called "spook lights" and "ghost lights," since at least the 'BCDs. One case of well known Southern folklore involving spook lights are the *rown ountain +ights in ;orth /arolina. 0hey are said to appear over the low1lying ridge of *rown ountain in the sually, St. Jude Oil is a pure olive oil which has been blessed at one of the shrines of St. Jude. 0here are a number of well known shrines to St. Jude 0haddeus in /hicago $+, ;ew Iork, ;I, and San :rancisco, /A. 0he largest shrine in the >SA dedicated to St. Jude is the "Saint Jude Shrine" in *altimore, -. St. Jude Oil can be used in severe cases when all else has failed. $f a petitioner needs help for a difficult problem, s?he can turn to St. Jude, "the saint of the impossible." 0his oil is often annointed on candles to St. Jude or petitions written on brown paper. Some petitioners will also use the oil to annoint an image of the saint when asking his help. Sometimes three drops of St. Jude Oil are added to water for a purifying wash. sweet potato ( -pomoea batatas)
0his plant with sweet tasting tuberous roots was useful for more than yummy "sweet potato pie." $ts raw roots could be laid over tired, irritated eyes to draw out the inflammation. 0he leaves from the sweet potato vine plant could be dipped in boiling water, and then when cooled enough, placed on a stone bruise on the foot to the reduce the severity of the in)ury. ecite nsweetened black teas are heplful when dealing with diarrhea and digestive complaints. Also black teas are highly astringent, and can be an ingredient in a hair wash. Oolong teas can be soothing and may lower blood pressure. reen teas are reputed to enhance the natural immune system. 0ea is drunk throughout Asia as a delicious beverage and for its health giving properties. 0he >SA still drinks more coffee, than tea. /offee ranks third in the order of most popular beverages, right after water !no.'# and soda and other soft drink beverages !no.(#. 0ea ranks as the sixth most popular beverage in the >SA, right after beer !no. 6# and milk !no. C#. "Southern Sweet 0ea" is a very sweet iced beverage, now often made with black tea. $n the early '4th century, this sweet iced tea was often made with green tea and white sugar. -ue to the expensive nature of the ingredients11ice, imported tea, and sugar11in 'Bth century >SA, it was a luxury item en)oyed by the Southern genteel class. As the ingredients of iced tea became less expensive, the beverage became more widely served, with black tea becoming more popular than green tea during @@$$. "Southern Sweet 0ea" is now en)oyed by lots of folks on hot summer days throughout the South. ,tears of San ;edro, memorial rosar$ (santo rosario luto de ,lSA +atin American communities and in African American communities. $dentifying the agi as "reyes" or "kings" is linked to Old 0estament prophesies in $saiah =D3G, ruguay, it is customary for children to receive gifts on the morning of January =, "2l -ia de eyes." 0hese presents are brought by the 0res eyes agos during the night of January C, which is the 2ve of the 2piphany. On January C, children set out a drink for each of the eyes. Some also set water and?or grass for the kings7s camels. 0he whole celebration is known as "la festividad de los eyes agos." 0his same celebration is found in some >SA ispanic communities.
A protective charm used in the >SA was to put the letters "/. . *." over the doors to the outside before dawn on the January =. 0hese letters represent aspar?/aspar, elchior, and *althasar, the 0res eyes agos. See 0hree %ings esin $ncense and ardi ras king cake. True "a$ Rum# ba$ rum ( Pimenta racemosa) "0rue *ay um" is the name which is a recipe of traditional Jamaican magical f ormula used for luck, gambling, cleansing, and healing and a well known men7s cologne. "0rue *ay um" is made from mixing certain spicey essential oils into a liuor base of fine dark /aribean rum. 0he key ingredient is the essential oil from the leaves and?or berries of the Jamaica bayberry tree ! Pimenta racemosa# commonly known as the "@est $ndian bay tree" and "bay rum tree." Other ingredients may include essential oils of petigrain ! Citrus aurantium #, allspice, cardamon! /lettaria cardamomum#, cloves !/itrus aurantium #, and?or lime !Citrus limetta#. Orange 9est !Citrus sinensis# may be subsituted for petigrain. Aside from being a men7s cologne, "0rue *ay um" is also used as as a general astringent and is a fragrance for shaving soap. Although "0rue *ay um" is essentially rum, the Jamaica bayberry tree ! Pimenta racemosa# is toxic and renders the mixture completely unfit for internal consumption by humans or animals. tur!e$ bones $n aryland, the collar bone of the domesticated turkey! $eleagris galloavo# has been used for more the well known tug of war wishing game. An unmarried woman or girl might place a whole turkey wishbone over the doorway. 0he first single man to walk under the turkey bone will be the one she marries. See f eather, turkey. turtle bones $n the >SA south, it was believed one should waste nothing of potential value. 0urtle bones, especially left over from soup, were thought secure good luck, if kept in the pocket. 0urtle soup is an old +ouisiana favorite. /ommon snapping turtles ! Chelydra serentina# are still caught locally. !0urtles can carry salmonella in their intestinal tract, so the cook preparing the dish had better know what s?he is doing when butchering a live turtle.# /ommon snapping turtles are among the more abundant freshwater turtles. /ommon snapping turtles, or "snappers," are known to bite. At one time, "snappers" were considered a dangerous pest, as well being an inexpensive protein source. $n the late (Dth century, it was noted that over1collecting had seriously reduced many populations of common snapping turtles, and in some places laws have been enacted involving collection, hunting, or harvesting. Always abide by any regulations involving hunting?harvesting of freshwater turtles in any area. emember, it is very unlucky to kill a turtle, if you do not intend to eat the meat. U = vanillabean pod (Vanilla planifolia# s$n' Vanilla fragrans) A vanilla1bean pod can be used to make sensuous love last. On a :riday evening, three 'C inch cloth ribbons, colored white, rosy1pink, and lavender?lilac purple are braided together and knotted at both ends. 0hen, the braid would be wrapped around the vanilla1bean pod several times and tied fast. 0his charm can be tucked inside a pillow case, and it will scent the bed. vetiver essential oil (Vetiveria #i#anoides or Chrysopogon #i#anioides) etiver or khas1khas is a type of tropical grass native to $ndia, and is also cultivated in aiti and Java. etiver is mainly grown for its fragrant essential oil distilled from the plant roots. 0he essential oil is also known as "khus oil" or "Oil of 0ranuility." 0his oil has an earthy, woody, erotic, sweet scent. $t is said to repel insects and reduce stress. $n hoodoo, this steam distilled oil is primarily used in love, protection, and money spells. violet (Viola spp' Viola sororia Viola odorata) A hoodoo charm to bring marr iage used dried heart1shaped violet leaves and?or sweet1smelling violet flowers, tied in a r ed bag with pieces of *eth oot !#rillium erectum%#rillium endulum#, along with some magnetic sand and a lodestone. iolet roots burned with dried patchouli and sandalwood oil on charcoal are said to assist with astral travel and spirit communication. =odoun "odoun" is an archaic spelling of oodoo and was once used to indicate ;ew Orleans oodoo !;O+A#, one the African American religions which developed within the cultural mix of the :rench, Spanish, and /reole speaking African American population in ;ew Orleans. 0his archaic spelling is :rench and was supposed to be pronouced as "vodu." 0he spelling was :rancophone adoption of word "vodu" in which was the words for "spirit" in the 2we and :on languages. $n 2we "vodu" or :on "vodun," it is pronounced "vodu" with a nasal high1tone. See "@est African odun." 0he angli9ed spelling of "oodoo" in now prefered by oodooists practicing ;ew Orleans oodoo !;O+A# and +ouisiana oodoo for two reasons. 0he spelling oodoo is +ouisiana /reole and differents ;ew Orleans oodoo !;O+A# and +ouisiana oodoo from the practice of aitian odou and -ominican udu. Also spelling it as "oodoo," rather than "odoun," keep visitors to these areas from pronoucing the "n" which is silent in :rench. See oodoo. % water# 1regorian %ater "regorian @ater" is /atholic holy water mixed with wine, salt, and ashes. water# ol$ water "oly water" is some form of water which has been prayed over. $n areas of the >SA South where /atholicism is widely practiced, "holy water" generally means water from a /atholic church which has been formally blessed by a priest. $n areas where sundry
water# spring water Spring water is underground water that flows naturally to surface of the earth from below. @ater from different springs may have absorbed different minerals from moving through the underground rocks. Some minerals dissolved in the water may give that spring water a uniue flavor or purported therapeutic benefits. On the other hand, sweet springs have water with no detectable salt or sulphur content. Some spring water has special folkloric or religious significance relating to legends of the area where the spring is located. npolluted spring water, collected pure at its source, could be viewed as having a mystic uality. 0hus, it is valuable for use in making spiritual washes, baths, or charms. Spring water is considered to be superior to well water. Spring water is known as "living water." According to some hoodoo practitioners, if a glass )ar of spring water is set in the light of the full moon, it can be used to wash hair in order to stimulate hair growth. water# tap "0ap water" from an indoor plumbing faucet became available in some parts of the >SA the last uarter of the 'Bth century and became more common during the mid1(Dth century. 0he availability and public health benefits of tap water are sometimes under appreciated by folks who grew up with it. +ocal government and the 2SA7s potable water supply of tap water. 0his website describes special types of water c ollected from different sources . $t should be pointed out that these special waters are often mixed with ordinary tap water when used for magical purposes. 0ap water can be used )ust as effectively as the other types of waters in many magical )obs. water# Tree 7ings0 %ater or ol$ Triple 7ings0 %ater 0hree %ings7 @ater is holy water that was blessed on January =, known as "0hree %ings7 -ay" or "2l -ia de eyes." 0his special holy water allegedly has certain properties, due to the day on which it was blessed. 0he "consecration with holy triple king7s water" is mentioned in #he .i+th and .eventh Books of $oses. 0he use of this water is apparently part of a purification ritual in which angelic presences are invited in anticipation of defeating demonic or negative forces. Author /.. *ilardi stated that the text was probably referring to "0hree %ings7 @ater" blessed on the holy feast day of January =. water# war water+iron water 0raditionally, "war water," is created by putting nine iron nails in a glass )ar of water, particularly water gathered during a thunderstorm, and allowing the nails to rust. $f the "war water," is to be used to place a hex, Spanish moss is sometimes added to the concoction, giving the mixture an unpleasant "swamp water" smell. $f spilled with malign intent, "war water" supposedly causes everyone in the household uarrel and fight after people have passed over this hoodoo "trick." "@ar water" is sometimes associated with the odou lwa of war, Ogun, as well as the Santeria orisha of war, lightning, and thunder, /hango?Shango. *oth are associated with iron. @ater in which iron nails, or other pieces of iron, have been allowed to rust is less commonly known as " iron water." $ron water" is sometimes associated with protection and healing. ;o other ingredients, other than iron nails, are used in "iron water." According to Judika $lles in the /ncycloedia of .irits, the -ominican odo lwa Ogun *alend)o, who is the patron of physicians, is a ssociated with "iron water." %est African =odun 0he term, "@est African odun," has also been spelled as "@est African odu, "@est African odon, "@est African udun, "@est African oodoo." $t is sometimes refered to as "@est African -ahomeyan odun." 0he orginal word, "vodu?vodun" meant "spirit" in the :on and 2we languages. $n :on and 2we, it is pronounced "vodu" with a nasal high1tone. 0he term, "@est African odun," now designates an indigenous organi9ed religion of coastal @est Africa. 0his religion is practiced in Africa by the 2we people, %abye people, ina people and :on people of southern and central 0ogo and southern and central *enin. $t is distinct from aitian odou, -ominican udu, ;ew Orleans oodoo !;O+A#, and +ouisiana oodoo. Iet this @est African indigenous religion is the root for several religions brought across the Atlantic in the African -iaspora, including aitian odou !aiti#, the -ominican udu in the !-ominican epublic#, ;ew Orleans oodoo aka ;O+A !>SA#, and +ouisiana oodoo !>SA#. wite sage tea+wite sage infusion ( Salvia alpine) 0hough it is a culinary herb when taken internally as a tea, white sage has also been said to decrease lactation in women. @hite sage tea is believed to have cleansing medicinal properties and is used as a soothing tonic. wild cinnamon see cinnamon, 3ild willow bar! ( Sali* alba and oter sali* ) /hewing a bit of willow bark was a headache cure used by African1Americans in the 'Bth century, but its medicinal use goes back much further than that in both 2urope and the Americas. $t was used by sundry ;ative American $ndian tribes to ease the throbbing pain caused toothache and arthritis, and to reduce inflammation. @illow trees contain salicin, a substance that chemically resembles aspirin. "@illow bark extract," called salicin after the +atin name .ali+, was isolated to its crystalline form in '4(4. ? -
