A B C’s of

Hoodoo: Essential
Tools for the
Rootworker
Tina L. Harris
Copyright © 2013 Tina L. Harris All rights reserved.

Nopa rt ofthisbookmaybe reproduced or

transmittedin any formor by any
meanswhatsoever,electronic or
mechanical,including photocopying, recording, or
by any information storage and retrieval process
and/or system, without permission in writing from
the author, except for brief passagesthat are quoted
forthepurpose ofliterary articlesor reviews.

ISBN:1492809020 ISBN-13:978-1492809029
DEDICATION
To all those looking to use the Gifts of
God and the tools of Nature to improve
their lives and well-being.
DISCLAIMER

The information contained within these

pages are for educational and
entertainment purposes only. The author
does not advocate the use of any items
mentioned in this work as a substitution
for medical, legal, or psychological
care. I, Tina L. Harris, take no
responsibility for your actions.
Appropriate information contained
within responsibility of the reader. I take
no responsibility for any loss, illness, or
injury that may result from the use of
anything I may discuss.
use of the information of the

these pages are the express

v
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS xv
Introduction xvii
A1

Ancestors
Alligator
Almond
Alum
Ammonia
Amulet
Angel
Angelica Root Arrowhead

B3

Beans
Beth Root
Bible
Black Salt
Blood
Blue Balls
Boneyard
Bottles
Broom
Brown Sugar Buckeyes

C5
Camphor Candles
Castor Oil
vii

Chickens Cinnamon Coffee

Coins
Conjure
Cross

D7

Devil’s Shoestring Dirt

Dirt Dauber’s Nest Divination
Dolls
Dragon’s Blood

E9
Eggs
Epsom Salt Eucalyptus Evil Eye

F 11

Feathers
Five Finger Grass Flannel Bags
Floor Wash
Florida Water
Foot Washing
Frankincense

G 13

Galangal Garlic
Ginger
Goofer Dust Graveyard Dirt Gris Gris
Gunpowder
H 15

Hair
Handkerchief
Handwriting
Herbs
High John the Conqueror Holy Water
Honey
Horseshoe
Hoyt’s Cologne
Hyssop

I 19

Incense
Indian Head Penny Intention
Iron
Iron Pyrite
J 21

Jar
Jericho Rose Jewelry
Jezebel Root Job’s Tears
Juniper Berries

K 23

Kananga Water Keys

Knife
Knot Weed

L 25

La Madama
Lavender
Lemon
Lemon Balm
Licorice
Lodestone
Lovage
Lucky Hand Root Lye

M 29

Magnet
Magnetic Sand Mandrake
Mercury Dime Mustard
Myrrh
Myrtle

N 31

Nails
Needles Nickel
Nut
Nutmeg
O 33

Oak
Offerings Oil
Oil Lamp Olive
Olive Oil Onion
Oracle

P 37

Palm
Patchouli
Pendulum
Personal Concern Petition Paper
Pine
Pins
Pokeweed
Pot
Prayer
Prophet
Psalms

Q 41

Queen Anne’s Lace Queen Elizabeth

Root Queen of the Meadow

R 43

Raccoon Penis Bone Railroad Spikes

Red Brick Dust
Rice
Roots
Rosary
Rosemary
Rue
S 45
Sage
Saint
Salt
Salt Peter
Sassafras
Savory
Scissors
Spirit Guide Spiritual Bath Sulfur

T 49

Talisman Tealights Thyme

Tobacco
Turquoise

U 51

Uncrossing Underwear Urine

V 53
Valerian Vanilla Van Van Vervain Vetiver
Vinegar Violet
Vodka

W 55

Walnut
Water
Whiskey
Wine
Woodruff Wormwood

57 X

X:Crossroads X: 5 Spot
St. Expedite

Y 59
Yarrow
Yellow Dock Yerba Buena Yerba Santa

Z 61
Zircon Zydeco
xiii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First and foremost I thank the Almighty

Creator of all things, known by many
names, without Whom I would not even
be alive, let alone have the ability to
write a book.

Thanks to my ancestors, known and

unknown, whose shoulders on which I
stand.
Many thanks to my family: To my
husband Kevin, and my children Burnest,
William, and Aleisha, who have
demonstrated patience and supported me
in this and all my endeavors.
Many thanks to Rev. Valerie Love, and
the E.L.I.T.E. 11. Without their love,
patience, and encouragement this book
would not be possible.
Thanks to my best friend and hoodoo
“partner in crime” Lisa Cates Green for
sharing experiences, recipes, and fond
memories of growing up.
There are so many others, too many to
thank individually by name, but you
know who you are. Thanks to all the
teachers I have had over the years, who
were guiding lights along my path.
Thanks to all the friends and customers
who have urged me for many years to
write a book. And many thanks to all
those I have been privileged to guide,
teach, serve, and be an instrument of
God to assist in your healing, spiritual
growth, and well-being.
xv
Introduction

Hoodoo, rootwork, or conjure has

become extremely popular in recent
years. In these times of social unrest,
political corruption, economic collapse,
illnesses and epidemics, extreme
weather patterns, and just plain
uncertainty, people are looking for
simple yet effective ways to cope.
Hoodoo, also known as conjure, is an
AfricanAmerican folk tradition and
spiritual science that developed from a
number of West African, Native
American, and European spiritual
traditions. It developed in the US South
during slavery, spread throughout the
Southeast and North, and is now
practiced in various parts of the country
and all over the world. Conjure work is
appealing for many reasons. Although it
is an art and spiritual science that can
take many years to become proficient in,
it can be employed when needed without
a lot of ceremony and fancy tools. Many
times the things a person needs is right in
their own home or easily found. This
book is a beginner's guide to a few tools
that I consider essential, many that I
work with on a regular basis. This is by
no means an exhaustive list. The items a
person can work with is infinite and
limited only by one's imagination. Your
own list may vary depending on the
environment where you live and
resources available to you. There are
many tools and energies that a
rootworker uses. Here a just a few of the
items that a spiritual practitioner may
use. These tools help to focus and direct
energy, but the power does not come
from them. The power is awakened by
the rootworker as a result of the
relationship he or she has with God, and
the Spirit of the Divine in all things.
Without this relationship, the tools are
useless; the tool has no fuel.
xvii
A

Ancestors: Although this is not in

alphabetical order, the ancestors are the
most important spirits, second only to
the Creator, for the conjurer or root
doctor to work with. They are the
foundation of a person's work in all of
the African-based spiritual traditions.
Our beloved dead are powerful allies in
our spiritual work, interceding and
working for us because they love and
care for us. Theirs are the shoulders
upon which we stand. One of the highest
commandments of God is to honor one’s
parents in Exodus 20:12.

Alligator: Alligator teeth and alligator

paws are popular animal curios carried
by many for good luck. Alligator feet
and alligator teeth are worn on key
chains and jewelry to improve luck in
gambling. They can also be placed in a
mojo bag or hand, along with other items
for the same purpose. The alligator head
is used for protection. Alligators are
strong and not easily attacked. The Bible
refers to the alligator or crocodile as
Leviathan or Behemoth: Job 41: 1-7, Job
40:15-24, Psalm 74:12-14, Psalm
104:26, Isaiah 27:1, Isaiah 51:9 and
Psalm 89-8-10 and Job 26:12-13.

Almond: Symbols are used very often in

the Bible. One of them is an almond tree.
Almond trees grow in Syria and Israel
and are mentioned in the Bible 10 times,
beginning with Book of Genesis 43:11,
where it is described as "among the best
of fruits". There the almond tree is first
to blossom before other trees. Therefore
in the Old Testament, it was a symbol of
God's watchfulness and promise due to
its early flowering, and God's sudden or
rapid blessings or punishment upon His
people. In the book of Jeremiah, God
speaks about events that are going to
take place. The shape of the almond
blossom was the model for the menorah
which stood in the Jewish temple
(Exodus 25:33-34; 37:19-20). Almond
oil can be used in hoodoo for blessings,
prosperity, and money.
Alum: Alum is a fine white powder that
you can find sold with kitchen spices or
pickling ingredients. It is also sold as a
large crystal as a "deodorant rock" for
underarm use. It used in hoodoo to stop
gossip. Remember those Bugs Bunny
cartoons where alum would tighten and
pucker someone’s mouth? Yeah, that’s
the idea!

Ammonia: A household and spiritual

cleanser, it is used in floor washes and
baths to strip everything and everyone of
all negativity. It tends to be overused,
though. The use of too much ammonia
will strip away the good luck as well as
the bad.
Amulet: The word "amulet" comes from
the Latin amuletum, meaning "an object
that protects a person from trouble". An
amulet can be just about any object used
for the purpose of protecting its owner
from danger or harm. Amulets are
different from talismans as a talisman is
believed to bring luck or some other
benefit, though it can offer protection as
well. Amulets can include gems, statues,
coins, drawings, jewelry, plants, and
animals; even words in the form of a
charm or Scripture to repel evil or bad
luck.

Angel: An angel is a celestial being or

spirit, who act as an intermediary
between Heaven and Earth, or as a
guardian spirit or a guiding influence.
Angels are mentioned in the Bible 273
times. The angels are spiritual beings,
created by God, who worship and
glorify God and carry out His will
(Revelation 4:8 and Psalm 104:4). But
they also take interest in the affairs of
humankind and follow God’s command
to take care of us (Psalm 91:11-12).
They can be powerful allies in
rootwork, but they are not meant to be
worshipped (Revelation 19:10).

Angelica Root: Also known as

Archangel Root, Angelica root has a
variety of uses. The name comes from
St. Michael the Archangel since the plant
blooms usually on his feast day in
September. Also an old legend claims
that the healing benefits of this plant
were revealed to a monk by an angel
during a terrible plague. It is very
protective, useful for ridding oneself of
curses and evil spirits. It considered a
female herb, thus giving women
enhanced power.

Arrowhead: An arrowhead is the tip,

usually of sharpened bone or stone, of an
arrow, used as a weapon or tool. It can
be wore as jewelry or attached to a
medicine bag to enhance warrior energy.

Beans: Beans were an important staple

food in Biblical times (Ezekiel 4:9 and 2
Samuel 17:28). Beans of various kinds
are considered very lucky. They can be
worn, carried, planted, eaten, or wished
upon (Think: Jack and the Beanstalk).
One reason they are considered lucky
because when soaked, they swell, which
is symbolic of blessings growing.

Beth Root: Also known as Southern John

the Conqueror, Trillium, or Dixie John
Root, Beth Root is used for luck, love,
and sex work. It can be placed in a small
muslin bag and added to laundry when
washing sheets or night clothes. It is also
carried for assistance in family matters.

Bible: The Bible is a collection of 66

books whose writing spanning over
1000 years and written in 3 languages:
Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek.
Considered by many to be the Word of
God, the Bible is considered to be the
Hoodoo instruction manual. It is a book
of power, mystery, poetry, and wisdom
that can be utilized by anyone regardless
of their religion. It is the basis for
conjure formulas and workings.

Black Salt: Black Salt is a formula used

in the practice of hoodoo or rootwork to
remove evil and negativity from one's
home or to banish troublesome people.
Black salt is also used to curse one's
enemy. Black salt is composed of salt
plus a blackening agent. The blackening
agent can be one or more of the
following items; black pepper,
powdered charcoal, ash, or scrapings
from a cast iron pot, pan, or skillet.

Blood: Blood is a bodily fluid or person

concern that is sometimes used in
conjure work to link it to a person and
thus strengthening the work. Another
name for personal concern is tag lock.
Blood sacrifice has and is still used by
some religions to remove evil and
misfortune. Leviticus 17:11 KJV- “For
the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I
have given it to you upon the altar to
make an atonement for your souls: for it
is the blood that maketh an atonement for
the soul”. But many people regard Jesus
the Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, with
no need for any other (1 John 1:7 and
Hebrews 9:11-14).

Blue Balls: No, it’s not what you get

when you haven’t had sex in a long time.
I’m referring to laundry blueing that is
normally used to whiten clothing and
sheets. Blue balls are used in mojo
hands and washes for gambling luck,
purification, and protection from evil.
Blueing is mixed with Florida Water,
cascarilla (powdered egg shells),
flowers, etc., in the ritual cleansing
baths in the African Traditional
Religions (ATRs).

Boneyard: Another term for Graveyard.

It is also referred to as the City or
Garden of the Dead. Instead of being
scary, I’ve found it to be a rather
peaceful place to visit. You can ask for
gifts and favors of the spirits that reside
there, leave gifts and offerings, and bury
workings there.

Bottles: These are wonderful vessels for

container work or oils, powders, and
other mixtures. I often take home and
clean bottles that I find littering the
street. You can say that I’m helping the
environment!

Broom: As suggested by their mundane

use, brooms are used for spiritual
cleansing of a person or environment.
Brooms can also be protective. By
placing in over, on, or near an entrance,
it can help keep out unwanted people or
energies.

Brown Sugar: One of many sweeteners

that can be used for attracting love,
money, or when you want to have a
positive influence.

Buckeyes: Also known as horse

chestnut, buckeyes are used in conjure to
attract money, for gambling, and for
gaining employment. It is also said to
help arthritis and rheumatism and to
enhance male vigor.

Camphor: Camphor is a strong smelling

tree resin. It is an ingredient in chest
rubs for bronchitis, congestion and chest
infections. It is also a very effective
moth repellent. In the early translations
of the Bible, Kopher (Copher) was
interpreted as Camphire i.e. Camphor.
However, after a great deal of study and
research, it was re-translated as henna
(Song of Songs 1:14 and Song of Songs
4:13). In hoodoo, camphor can be
burned as an incense in order to cleanse
the home and at night to encourage
psychic dreams. It can also be placed in
the corners of a room to dispel
nightmares.

Candles: A relatively recent addition to

hoodoo or rootwork, candles are now
considered an indispensable tool.
Coming in all sizes, shapes, and colors,
candles are worked for every purpose
imaginable.

Castor Oil: The castor plant is

indigenous to the southeastern
Mediterranean, Eastern Africa, and
India, but is widespread throughout
tropical regions. Castor seed is the
source of castor oil, which has a wide
variety of uses. Castor oil is one of four
oils mentioned in the Bible. While
sitting under the shade of the castor tree,
God poured a gourd of oil over Jonah's
head to relieve his depression in Jonah
4: 4-6. Castor oil is used in conjure for
spiritual power.
Chickens: Chickens peck and scratch as
they walk. Therefore they have been kept
by conjure workers to help uncover any
enemy tricks that might be on the
property. Also a chicken foot or wing
can be a powerful cleansing tool to
remove a jinx or crossed condition.

Cinnamon: A sweet, warming herb that

is used in conjure for drawing love and
money. Cinnamon is probably one of my
favorites because it has a dual purpose,
is inexpensive, and readily available.
Cinnamon is mentioned in the Bible a
few times: in Proverbs 7:17, Song of
Solomon 4:14, Revelation 18:13, and as
an ingredient in the holy oil of anointing
in Exodus 30:23-24.
Coffee: Like ammonia, coffee strips
away negativity. Therefore it is used in
cleansing and uncrossing baths. In
divination, coffee grounds can be “read”
in the same way as tea leaves.

Coins: Coins are often used in conjure

as offerings or payment to spirits for
their services.
Conjure: To summon or invoke a spirit;
the folk magic practice of hoodoo; to
influence or effect.

Cross: Cross a term often used

interchangeably with jinx, hex, or curse.
After circles, crosses are one of the first
symbols drawn by people of all culture.

The cross is a also a simple yet

powerful symbol in Christianity. Made
up of a horizontal line over a vertical
line, it is seen as a representation of the
death and resurrection of Jesus and the
promise of eternal life for his followers.
In hoodoo the cross represents the
crossroads, a powerful place to perform
work.

Devil’s Shoestring: This is not as evil as

it sounds. Devil's shoestring is a
common name for different types of
Viburnum, a plant growing in North
America and belonging to the
honeysuckle family. They look like long
vines and are used to ‘trip up the Devil’
or your enemies. They can be buried in
the ground near the front door for this
purpose. The root from this plant can be
used for many things, such as protection,
good luck, drawing money and
customers, and keeping the law away.

Dirt: Dirt from a variety of places can

be used for many of purposes depending
on where the dirt came from. The
hoodoo practitioner may use dirt from
the following places: a bank, a school, a
graveyard, a hospital, a crossroads, a
grocery store, a church, etc., to
correspond to the work he or she is
doing.

Dirt Daubers Nest: Also known as mud

daubers nest, is the fine clay, protective
dwelling of a type of wasp. It can be
ground into powder and used in various
ways.

Divination: Divination is the attempt, by

using any of a number of methods, to
gain insight into a question or situation,
or solve a problem by communicating
with the Divine or Spirit. At first glance
it would seem that divination is
condemned by the Bible (Deut. 18:10),
but the casting of lots occurs frequently
in the Bible, along with references to
prophetic dreams and visions. The Urim
and Thummim, was an oracle that was
part of the breastplate of the high priest
of Israel, which was a way to get
guidance from God (Exodus 28:30,
Leviticus 8:8). Saul went in disguise to
the witch at Endor to help him speak to
the spirit of Samuel (1 Samuel 28:8-20).
What seems to be condemned are
FALSE visions, prophecies, and
divination where God did not reveal
give permission to speak it (Jeremiah
14:14, Ezekiel 13:6-9, and Zechariah
10:2).
Dolls: Dollies, poppets, ju ju dolls,
spirit dolls, or whatever you call them,
have been around for centuries. These
dolls have been made out of various
materials such as wax, sticks, cloth,
wood, yarn, etc. A spirit doll can
represent a god, deity or other spirit, a
person, or a desired condition or
situation. The most important part of doll
making is filling it with spiritual power
and bringing it to life according to
Genesis 2:7.

Dragon’s Blood: No, this doesn’t come

from real dragons. Dragon’s blood is a
bright red tree resin that is obtained from
different species of a number of trees.
This resin was used in ancient times and
today as varnish, medicine, incense and
dye. In folk medicine, dragon’s blood is
used externally as a wash to promote
healing of wounds and to stop bleeding.
In hoodoo, burned as incense for love,
bringing good luck, and warding off evil.
As its name suggests its fiery nature is
used as a catalyst to heat up a working.
E

Eggs: Eggs are a powerful tool for

cleansing, drawing out sickness and
pain. Gently wipe yourself or the person
you are treating with a raw egg and then
dispose of it at a crossroads or the base
of a tree to remove crossed conditions.
Sometimes the egg is cracked into a jar
or bowl or water for divination to
uncover the cause of the condition or
illness.

Epsom Salts: A mineral salt that is a

common ingredient in many spiritual
baths and floor washes to purify and
cleanse.

Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is a flowering

tree of the myrtle family. This plant is
used in formulas for cleansing, casting
off evil influences, and dispelling
enemies. It can be carried or worn, used
in a cleansing bath, or burned as incense.

Evil Eye: The evil eye, also known as

malocchio or the eye of envy, is an
intense harmful stare or look that many
cultures believe able to cause injury, bad
luck or misfortune for the person at
whom it is directed. Many times the
person does this unconsciously or
unknowingly. The Bible talks about the
evil eye in Mark 7:21-23 and Proverbs
23:6. And various people all over the
world have created many protective
measures against the evil eye. The
talismans, usually a blue glass eyeball or
hand (hamsa) with an eye, created to
protect a person or property, are also
frequently called "evil eyes."

F
Feathers: Feathers are used in cleansing
and smudging ceremonies. It is used like
a broom to sweep away negativity.

Five Finger Grass: Also known as

cinquefoil, is a very popular herb used
is hoodoo to bring the blessings of love,
wealth, health, power, and wisdom. This
multi-purpose herb can be used in all
kinds of spiritual workings. Some say it
looks like a hand, but I say it looks like a
baby marijuana leaf!
Flannel Bags: The stuff that mojo bags,
hands, or tobies are made of! Born out of
necessity, old worn-out flannel pajamas
were reborn as bags to hold roots, herbs,
coins, stones, and animal curios for
various workings.

Floor Wash: Floor washes are herbal

and mineral mixtures used to rid the
home or business of negative influences,
or to draw money, love, or more clients
and customers. There are a mind-
boggling number of floor wash recipes:
those that people make themselves as
well as commercial varieties. They
usually contain an odd number of
ingredients. Many of the commercial
varieties double as spiritual baths.
Florida Water: This cologne is a
rootworkers’ favorite! Florida Water is
an American version of Eau de Cologne,
or Cologne, including lavender, and
spicy notes such as clove. According to
the current trademark holders, Lanman &
Kemp Barclay, Florida Water was
introduced by the New York City
perfumer (and founder of the original
company) Robert I. Murray, in 1808. It
is used as an ingredient in spiritual
cleansing baths.

Foot Washing: Foot washing is a type of

spiritual bath or purification ritual. Jesus
gave us the example for foot washing in
John 13:4-10). I remember participating
in this ritual as a child in the Catholic
church on Maundy or Holy Thursday. In
the new Testament, while her sister
Martha was running around preparing
food a week before Passover, Mary
anointed Jesus’ feet with a pint of pure,
expensive spikenard oil, then wiping
them with her hair (John 12-1-7). In
another account, a woman who was
considered sinful by the town’s people,
recognized and honored who Jesus was
and washed his feet with her tears,
wiped them with her hair, and anointed
them with oil from an alabaster jar (Luke
7:36-47). My father’s side of the family,
who were Baptists, also observed foot
washing.

Frankincense: This is the most popularly

known incense used during ceremonies
and offerings (Exodus 30:34 and
Leviticus 2:1). It was one of the gifts
presented to the baby Jesus (Matthew
2:11). Its scent is considered powerfully
healing, cleansing, and relaxing. The oil
of frankincense is calming and soothing
and deepens breathing. I absolutely love
the smell of frankincense! It is used in
the Catholic church before mass to
purify the space. And the smell brings
back childhood memories of Advent
(before Christmas) and the Lenten
(before Easter) season.

Galangal: Galangal is probably the

second most popular root that root
doctors use next to High John the
Conqueror. It is known by several
names: Court Case Root, Low John root,
Little John to Chew, Chewing John Root,
and Wild Ginger. This root is chewed
much like chewing tobacco is chewed.
You can put some in your pocket or
chew a small pinch of it and spit it
outside the courthouse before you go in
order that the judge and jury believe
what you say. It can also be placed in
some olive oil and used to anoint a
brown candle before going to court, or
worn as a scent. You can burn it on
charcoal as an incense while praying
Psalms 35 and/or 37.
Garlic: Garlic has been used for
thousands of years as both food and
medicine. While wandering in the
wilderness, the Israelites had found
memories of eating garlic when they
were in Egypt (Numbers 11:5). Garlic is
not only incredibly healing physically, it
is very effective spiritually. It can be
added to wash water to protect, cleanse,
and rid a building of evil and negativity.
Many people will also hang a braid of
garlic in their kitchen for this purpose.

Ginger: Ginger is a sweet and spicy

herb/root that can be used to fire up a
romance, heat up a money or gambling
work, or to kick a protective formula up
a notch. Thus it is similar in action to
cinnamon and can be used with it. And
like cinnamon, it is affordable and
readily available.

Goofer Dust: This funny sounding named

substance is a powdered mixture that has
long been used by hoodoo practitioners
to lay tricks to jinx an enemy. It is used
to confuse, distract, or disorient an
enemy at the very least, or to sicken or
even kill an enemy. It is often used in
foot track work to cause the enemy to
suffer bad luck and hardship. This is not
something to be used lightly.

Graveyard Dirt: One of many types of

dirt that a conjurer may choose to use.
There are many types of graveyard dirt
that can be obtained and utilized
depending on the work at hand. And
these uses are not all necessarily
harmful. The dirt from a grave of a
police officer or fireman can be used for
protection. You might use the dirt from a
wealthy business person or bank owner
in prosperity work. And many hoodoo
practitioners use the dirt from the graves
of their dearly departed loved ones on
their home ancestor altar in order to
establish a closer link to them. You just
can’t go into a graveyard and grab a
handful of dirt. There is a systematic
way of entering the graveyard, collecting
and paying for the dirt, leaving, and
follow up cleansing.
Gris Gris: Gris Gris is not quite the
same as a mojo bag filled with
botanicals and animal curios; it is a
spiritual system. It is a system that uses
many types of formulas and substances,
and containers and methods of
deployment. It is at the same time a noun
and a verb. It is the act of making a
charm or trick, and the charm itself. The
most common types of gris gris are in the
form of a doll, bag, or powder.

Gunpowder: Gunpowder is a mixture

used to heat things up and get things
going in a big way! It is a powerful
ingredient in any conjure work. You can
use it as a blockbuster or to open the
way when things are very stuck or
blocked. As my Mom would say: “A
little dab will do ‘ya!”

Hair: Hair is a very popular tag lock or

personal concern that is used in hoodoo.
DNA is the most powerful way to
connect a working to a person. Samson
told Delilah that the secret to his strength
was his uncut hair (Judges 16:7). And
many believe that natural hair or locks
give you a greater connection to the
Divine. In hoodoo, you can use hair from
many parts of a person’s body, not just
the head. Also the hair of different
animals are used in conjure such as dog
hair, cat hair, horse hair, etc.
Handkerchief: A handkerchief is a way
to collect a personal concern such as
lipstick or mucus. It can be also be used
as an altar cloth to lay work upon or to
make a packet or bag to contain a work.
Miraculous healings occurred through
the use of handkerchiefs in the Bible
(Acts 19:12).

Handwriting: A signature is another

personal concern that can connect a
working to a target. In addition, any
petition, seal, or sigil is more effective
if handwritten than typed or copied.

Herbs: Herbs of all kinds form the basis

for the formulas used in hoodoo or
rootwork. The plant kingdom has many
allies that help us to attract what we
need and achieve our goals. As we build
a working relationship with plants and
herbs, they will reveal their secrets with
us. There would be no rootwork without
the root!

High John the Conqueror: This is

probably the most popular root used in
hoodoo. High John the Conqueror root,
also known as Johnny Conker, or jalap
root, is related to the morning glory and
the sweet potato. It is a very distinctive
smelling and looking root that is used for
gaining victory, strength, money, luck in
gambling and love. It is also associated
with male virility because of the dried
roots’ resemblance to testicles. It is
added to oils, incense, mojo bags, and
hand washes.
This powerful root has also been
personified: High John the

Conqueror embodies the spirit of a hero.

He was an African prince who was sold
as a slave in the Americas. Despite his
enslavement, his spirit was never
broken. Thus he represents courage,
strength, bravery, hope, and the will to
survive.

Holy Water: Holy water is water that has

been blessed by a member of a clergy or
religious figure. It is used for baptism
and in several religions. In hoodoo, holy
water is used for purification and
protection against evil. But you can also
make your own holy water.

Honey: Uncooked honey was offered by

the ancient Israelites as a first-fruits
offering, or tithe (Leviticus 2:11-12).
Honey is one of the sweetest foods on
the planet. And as such it is the main
ingredient in sweetening jar work for
love. Honey can also be used to draw
money, to influence someone in your
favor, and bring peace to the home. You
can pray and then eat a teaspoon of
honey before you have to speak so that
others will find your words pleasant and
agreeable.

Horseshoe: One of the most popular

lucky symbols is the horseshoe. When
used as a talisman, a horseshoe is said to
bring good luck. Some people believe
that it should be hung with the ends
pointing upwards so that it acts as a
storage container for any good luck that
comes by. Thus to hang it with the ends
pointing down, is bad luck because all
the good luck will fall out. Others
believe just the opposite: that the
horseshoe should be hung the other way,
with the ends pointing down, so it will
then release its luck to the people that
are around it. But either way, horseshoes
are often seen nailed to houses and
barns.

Hoyt’s Cologne: Hoyt's Cologne

developed in 1868 is truly an old
fashioned fragrance reminiscent of early
American colognes and toilet waters. It
has a clean scent with fragrance notes of
citrus and floral. In hoodoo Hoyt's
Cologne is believed to bring good luck
in gambling. Wear on your body or feed
your mojo hand before playing games of
chance.
Hyssop: Hyssop is a sweet smelling
member of the mint family that has been
used as an herb of purification for
thousands of years. It is probably the
best herb to use for cleansing and
uncrossing. It gets its heavy use from the
bible passage in Psalms 51:7 "Purge me
with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash
me, and I shall be whiter than snow".
I

Incense: Incense is blend of aromatic

herbs which releases fragrant smoke
when burned. Incense is used for a
variety of purposes, by many cultures,
including the ceremonies of all the main
religions, to purify or improve the
atmosphere, aromatherapy, meditation,
and for pleasure and relaxation. Exodus
chapter 30 of the Bible talks about the
altar of incense and how he priests of
Israel were to burn incense in God's
temple continually: "Aaron must burn
fragrant incense on the altar every
morning when he tends the lamps. He
must burn incense again when he lights
the lamps at twilight so incense will
burn regularly before the Lord for the
generations to come" v. 7-8. There are
different types of incense used in
hoodoo. There are sticks, selflighting
powders, cones, and resins. It is a
common practice to light incense while
praying.

Indian Head Penny: The Indian Penny,

was produced by the United States Mint
from 1859 to 1909. It is associated by
many rootworkers and spiritual
practitioners and with the spirit of a
Native American man. It is used as a
protective talisman, especially for those
who wish to avoid brushes with the law.
The Indian on the coin is employed as a
scout and lookout to protect the home.
Intention: A person's intention is the
where a person's work begins. The
intention is the specific purpose or goal
of a work which is born out of a need or
desire. Until a person has a clear
intention, the work goes nowhere. If a
person's intention is unclear, he or she
will end up with situations that were not
anticipated, and have results that are not
wanted with sometimes unpleasant
consequences.

Iron: Iron is the most common element

forming the planet Earth. Iron metal has
been used since ancient times. The Book
of Genesis, fourth chapter, verse 22
contains the first mention of iron in the
Old Testament of the Bible; "Zillah also
had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all
kinds of tools out of bronze and iron."
NIV.
Other verses allude to iron mining (Job
28:2), iron used as a stylus (Job 19:24),
furnace (Deuteronomy 4:20), chariots
(Joshua 17:16), nails (I Chron. 22:3),
saws and axes (II Sam. 12:31), and
cooking utensils (Ezekiel 4:3). Cast iron
was first produced in China during 5th
century BC. Iron is a powerful substance
to work with in hoodoo because it is
very strong, and is great for protection
and grounding. Iron pots can be used for
container work. I have a cast iron
container that I burn my incense in.

Iron Pyrite: The mineral pyrite, or iron

pyrite, has metallic luster and pale
brass-yellow hue, which has earned it
the nickname fool's gold because of its
resemblance to gold. Pyrite, a.k.a. Fool's
Gold, is a stone that assists you in
attracting money, material wealth, good
luck, and good health. It can be added to
a mojo, container, or oil lamp for
gambling luck and money drawing.

Jar: One of many types of vessels that

can be used for work in conjure. A jar
can be used in container work or as an
oil lamp. I often save my jelly, pickle,
relish, and olive jars for later use. You
could say that I’m an advocate for
recycling.

Jericho Rose: also known as Jericho

Flower, Rose of Jericho, or
Resurrection Plant. Jericho Rose is a
really cool plant to work with. It is used
for blessing, love, and prosperity. When
you first get it, it looks dead and brown.
But when placed in a bowl of water it
"blooms; it opens up and turns green. Put
coins in the bowl and place it in the
home or business for prosperity. You can
also sprinkle the water around a
property for blessings. You can use it to
resurrect a friendship, or to bring your
love "back to life".

Jewelry: Jewelry are items such as

rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets,
worn for personal adornment,
protection, and good luck. Jewelry has
been used for spiritual purposes for
centuries, whether ceramic beads, glass,
gemstones, coins or other metal. In
conjure a person's jewelry is not just
pretty, it serves a purpose. Jewelry may
be attached to the body as in piercings or
to clothes as in buttons or pins, and can
be powerfully effective when charged
with intent. So please, always ask
permission before touching another
person's jewelry.

Jezebel Root: Jezebel was a princess,

identified in the Hebrew Book of Kings
as the wife of Ahab, king of north Israel.
According to the biblical accounts,
Jezebel incited her husband King Ahab
to abandon the worship of Yahweh and
encourage worship of the deities Baal
and Asherah instead. Thus Jezebel
became associated with false prophets
and with prostitutes. Women carry
Jezebel root to control and dominate the
man (or men!) in their life. It is used by
prostitutes to attract customers and by
other woman to get a “Sugar Daddy” or
a man who will give her gifts and
money.
Job’s Tears: Job's tears have been used
in jewelry making for centuries. Job's
tears are the pearly seeds of an Asiatic
grass. Their name refers to Job in the
Bible, whose faith was greatly tried but
he never cursed God. Job was doubly
rewarded by God for his patience. Many
people use Job's Tears to help them get a
special wish or desire.

Juniper Berries: Junipers are conifers of

the cypress family. King Solomon used
cedar and juniper to build God’s temple
(1 Kings chapters 5 and 6; 2 Chronicles
chapters 2 and 3). Juniper Berries are
used as a spice and they also give gin its
distinctive flavor. In hoodoo, juniper
berries are used to increase male
potency, attract new love, and to incite
lust.

Kananga Water: Kananga Water is a

cologne based on a foundation of the
essential oil of Ylang Ylang. Kananga
Water, like Florida Water, is used in
various rituals including spiritual
cleaning, and appeasing the spirits of the
dead. It is used among people of the
African Traditional Religions (ATRs)
and in hoodoo.

Keys: The idea of a magical key that

will unlock the doors to secrets or
treasures is very intriguing. They are
even seen as sacred objects that open
heaven’s gates. A key can be used to
open the way to good, or a key can be
used to lock out harmful influences.
Keys, particularly skeleton keys, are a
popular talisman in conjure. They can be
used when working with spirit guardians
at crossroads and cemeteries.

Knife: Knife: A knife is a cutting tool

with a cutting edge or blade, hand-held
or otherwise, with or without a handle.
Knife-like tools were used since the
beginning on human history. Originally
made of rock, bone, flint, and obsidian,
knives have evolved to be made with
blades being made from bronze, copper,
iron, steel, ceramics, and titanium. Many
cultures have their own unique version
of the knife. Due to its role as mankind's
first tool, certain cultures have attached
spiritual and religious significance to the
knife. It can be used in conjure to cut
negative attachments from the aura, to
cut away sickness and crossed
conditions, and to cut ties from
relationships.

Knot Weed: Knot Weed also known as

Lady’s Thumb or smartweed, is native to
Southeast Asia, and is now found in
North America and Europe. It is used in
hoodoo to bind, restrict, or to control
someone. It can also be used to bind a
lover to you. Alternatively it can be put
into a small packet or mojo hand to help
with studying and test taking.

La Madama: For me, La Madama is the

spirit of an old slave woman who held
the covert keys to power in the "big
house" during slavery. Instead of just
being one spirit, she is a group, type, or
family of spirits, much like los Indios or
Native American Indian Spirits. I call
the La Madama I work with "Big Mama"
because she is the lead spiritual energy
who brings order to my home. She is
often depicted as a stereotypical house
servant or Mammy figure, wearing
gingham with a kerchief tied on her
head. Originally a part of the African
diaspora religions of Lukumi and Palo,
La Madama is a spirit guide for many
rootworkers. La Madama's tools are the
broom, mirror, rosary, and playing
cards. And she accepts offerings of
candles, molasses, whiskey, brown
sugar, water, and cigarettes. This
spiritual energy helps to keep the family
together and the household running
smoothly.

Lavender: This is my most used herb and

essential oil. Lavender has a scent that is
calming and relaxing and is widely used
for nervousness, insomnia, and
depression. It can heal soothe burns and
headaches. It can also be used for
cooking! Lavender is a member of the
mint family whose name comes from the
Latin lavare which means "to wash".
Therefore I use this herb in practically
all of my spiritual baths. In rootwork this
herb is also used for works of love,
marriage, and a peaceful home.
Lemon: Lemons have 2 major attributes:
cleansing and souring. It's clean, fresh
scent is used in most household
cleansers. It kills germs, disinfects, and
cuts through grease (Goodness, I sound
like a commercial). But it is these
properties that make it ideal for
cleansing baths, cutting ties and
removing unwanted influences. It's
acidic, sour nature makes it perfect for
crossing an enemy.

Lemon Balm: Lemon Balm is a

delightfully fragrant member of the mint
family, one that I love to grow! It is
sometimes called Melissa from the
Greek word meaning, ‘bee or honey
bee’. And bees do love lemon balm, so
you will attract many if you grow it in
the garden. During Emperor
Charlemagne’s reign, monastic monks
began using lemon balm in many ways.
Lemon balm was part of the monastery’s
apothecary gardens. Monasteries were
the first hospitals, so it was a cleansing
liquid and used during times of sickness.
The monks were well known for using
lemon balm to create Carmelite water,
which was a sort of perfume containing
lemon balm. Lemon balm goes well with
other mints, so I like to brew it into a
tea, which helps digestion and
relaxation. I use the leaves in fruit salads
to impart a sweet lemon flavor with a
hint of mint. But my family’s favorite is
lemon balm lemonade. And like other
lemon-scented plants, lemon balm is
used as a cleansing herb in hoodoo.

Licorice: No, I’m not talking about the

candy rope. The licorice plant is a
legume that is native to Southern Europe
and parts of Asia. It has a flavor similar
to anise and fennel, but it is not related
to them. The word licorice is derived
from the Greek meaning, ‘sweet root’,
the name given by Dioscorides.
Licorice, like calamus, is used in
hoodoo to gain dominance over another
person or control over a situation.
Therefore it is a primary ingredient in
commanding and compelling formulas.

Lodestone: Lodestones are stones

containing iron that are magnetized by
being struck by lightning. Lodestones are
a powerful tool in hoodoo, conjure, or
rootwork. It is used to draw or attract
good luck, money or love. They can be
added to a mojo bag, or used to create
magnet oil.

Lovage: Lovage has long been

cultivated, with all parts of the plant
being used. The leaves can be used in
salads, or to make soup or season
broths, and the roots can be eaten as a
vegetable or grated for use in salads. Its
flavor and smell is somewhat similar to
celery. Lovage tea can be applied to
wounds as an antiseptic, or drunk to
stimulate digestion. The seeds can be
used as a spice, similar to fennel seeds.
Lovage was a common herb used as a
flavoring for alcoholic beverages. In the
UK, an alcoholic lovage cordial is
traditionally mixed with brandy in the
ratio of 2:1 as a winter drink.

Long ago, some larger monasteries had a

garden for the person in charge of
ale/beer making. The herb is called
lovage since the ancients used it in a
love potion, and it is used in hoodoo to
attract new love or to strengthen love.

Lucky Hand Root: The lucky hand is

from a type of orchid whose root grows
to resemble a hand with "fingers". It is
primarily used for luck in gambling. The
root is either added to a mojo hand or
the root oil is used to dress the gambling
hand.

Lye: Lye, specifically Red Devil Lye is

an old time conjure thing. It's hard to
find lye commercially anymore because
it is so caustic. But Red Devil Lye can
be found at some home improvement and
industrial stores. This product is mainly
used as a drain cleaner, however, can
also be used to make soap. In conjure
containers of it can be buried at the four
corners of one's property for protection.
Similar to Indian Head Pennies, the
"devils" acts as lookouts to guard
against enemies, the law, and bill
collectors.
M

Magnet: A magnet is an object whose

invisible force pulls on materials
containing iron. Magnets are used the
same way as lodestones: to attract all
types of good.

Magnetic Sand: Also known as

lodestone food. These are fine metal
shavings used to feed lodestones. Since
lodestones are considered alive, they
need to be fed regularly in order to keep
working.

Mandrake: Mandrake (mandragora

officinarum) is a member of the
nightshade family with narcotic-like
properties. The root also vaguely
resembles the human form. The roots
have been carved and used as talismans
for thousands of years, especially to aid
in fertility in women, and to guard
against miscarriage. There are two
references to mandrake, literally
meaning “love plant", in the Jewish
scriptures, in both Genesis 30:14-16 and
Song of Solomon 7:13. Wild Mandrake
of American Mandrake, also known as
Mayapple (Podophyllum pelatum), is
most likely the plant that is used in U.S.
conjure for love.

Mercury Dime: Also referred to as the

Winged Liberty Dime, these coins were
minted in the U.S. between 1916 and
1946. Because of their scarcity and
silver content, these coins are
considered particularly lucky, even more
so if minted during a leap year. They are
worn or carried as money drawing and
gambling charms. They are used as
payment when working at crossroads
and cemeteries as payment for the spirits
that reside there. They are also worn as
protective amulets. Boiling or filing a bit
of silver in milk or water and drinking
the liquid was done to kill poisons, but
too much silver would turn you blue.
Today, colloidal silver (microscopic
silver particles suspended in liquid) is
sold in many countries as a dietary
supplement to treat a wide range of
illnesses.
Mustard: One of Jesus' most famous
parables was about mustard seed. It
spoke of the big power of a small faith
(Matthew 17:20). Mustard seeds are
used to flavor meats and vegetables.
Mustard seed can be used for sore
throats, to relax muscle and back pain,
and as a conditioner to treat damaged
hair. Additionally, mustard is used as a
poultice applied to the chest to treat
colds, asthma, and bronchitis. It is used
in rootwork for protection and to dispel
evil.

Myrrh: Myrrh gum, a thick aromatic tree

resin, is one of the holy incenses of the
Bible. In Biblical times it was sold as a
spice, used as an ingredient in the Oil of
Anointing, and used for the purification
of the dead. Today myrrh can be used as
a cleansing agent, and to help with sore
throats and mouth sores. Esther was
ceremoniously purified with myrrh for 6
months before being presented to King
Xerxes (Esther 2:12). Myrrh, along with
frankincense was brought by the magi
and given to the baby Jesus as a gift
(Matt. 2:11).

Myrtle: Myrtle is widely cultivated as a

garden shrub. On the islands of Sardinia
and Corsica it is used to make a liquor
called mirto. Anciently, the Israelites
used its branches for booths/huts in the
Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot):
Nehemiah 8:15, Leviticus 23:40. Myrtle
was a reminder of God's goodness
(Isaiah 41:19). In hoodoo myrtle is used
in works to draw love.

Nails: Rusty nails can be placed in jars

for crossing work. Square cut nails are
made out of iron and can be used to nail
down an enemy. You can use 2 placed
together into a cross and hang it in your
home as an amulet for protection. I
actually had a blacksmith bend one into
a ring that I like to wear to keep away
evil, along with a matching nail cross
pendant. And I’ll occasionally anoint
these with protection oil.

Needles: Needles can be used much like

nails; they can be used in container work
for crossing an enemy.

Nickel (Indian Head or Buffalo): The

Buffalo nickel or Indian Head nickel
was a copper-nickel five-cent piece
made by the United States Mint from
1913 to 1938. It was designed by
sculptor James Earle Fraser. A buffalo
nickel can be used much in the same way
as an Indian head penny, as a scout and
lookout to protect the home, and as a
protective talisman. I have a lovely pair
of Indian head nickel earrings that I wear
to protect me on both sides.

Nut: A nut is a fruit composed of a hard

shell and a seed, where the hard-shelled
fruit does not open to release the seed.
Many nuts are considered aphrodisiacs
and able to increase fertility, and have
been eaten or carried for that purpose
for centuries. It is no coincidence that
the male scrotum is sometimes referred
to as "nuts". Nuts can also be included in
works for prosperity and money.

Nutmeg: The nutmeg tree is important for

two spices derived from the fruit:
nutmeg and mace. Nutmeg is the seed of
the tree, which is very fragrant, and
mace is the outer covering. Nutmeg is
used by many people for good luck in
gambling. So nutmeg can be used with
cinnamon in many recipes.
O

Oak: Oak are a deciduous tree that is

common throughout North America and
other parts of the world. The oak is a
symbol of strength and endurance. In the
Bible, the oak tree at Shechem is the site
where Jacob buries the foreign gods of
his people (Gen. 35:4). In addition,
Joshua erects a stone under an oak tree
as the first covenant of the Lord (Josh.
24.25–7). In Isaiah 61, the prophet refers
to the Israelites as "Oaks of
Righteousness". Oak bark can be used in
a cleansing bath or burned as an incense
to remove jinxes and crossed conditions.

Offerings: Offerings are gifts of food,

drink, money, or other items given to
deity, the spirit of saints, or ancestors in
thanksgiving or when petitioning for a
favor.

Oil: Oils are commonly used in spiritual

rituals and was considered a very
precious liquid. In the Bible it has been
used to anoint objects to make them
sacred for worship (Exodus 30:22-25),
for light (Exodus 27:20), and to heal the
sick (James 5:14-15). And it also
symbolized a person being anointed by
the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 1:21-22 and 1
John 2:20). There are four oils
mentioned in the Bible: olive, palm,
almond and castor or Palma Christi.
These are commonly used as bases or
carrier oils. Essential oils along with
other plant constituents are sometimes
added to base oils in conjure to make
formulas for various purposes. There are
12 fragrant oils mentioned in ancient
scripture that were valuable and held in
high esteem: aloes/sandalwood, cassia,
cedarwood, cypress, frankincense,
galbanum, hyssop, myrrh, myrtle, onycha
(pronounced oh-nigh-kah, a very thick
oil, Styrax benzoin), Rose of Sharon or
cistus, and spikenard or jatamansi.

Oil Lamp: Oil lamps have been used for

thousands of years. Oil lamps are a form
of lighting, and were used before the use
of electric lights and candles. Oil lamps
have been associated with stories about
genies, and the granting of wishes. The
oil lamp was a very important household
item, and its light was given a positive
spiritual meaning. In the Old Testament
of the Bible, lamps are a symbol of
“lighting” the way for the righteous, the
wise, and for love and other positive
values: "Your word is a lamp for my
feet, a light on my path" Psalm 119:105
NIV. Oil lamps are used for many
spiritual rituals in conjure depending on
the type of oil and the objects placed in
it.

Olive: The olive is a species of small

tree native to the coastal areas of the
eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East,
and found throughout Africa. Its fruit,
also called the olive, is of major
importance in this region as the source
of olive oil. The word "oil" in multiple
languages ultimately derives from the
name of this tree and its fruit. There are
about 25 references to the olive tree and
more than 160 references to olive oil in
the Bible. Olive oil had four main uses
in Biblical times: as food, for light, as
an ointment, and in the manufacture of
soap. The first reference to the olive is
to the leaf is in Genesis 8:11. When a
dove brought Noah an olive branch, he
knew that it was safe to leave the ark
and repopulate the earth. Thus olive
leaves can be used in conjure to bring
peace to the home and family.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is a fat obtained
from the olive, a traditional tree crop of
the Mediterranean. The oil is produced
by pressing whole olives. It is
commonly used in cooking, cosmetics,
medicines, and soaps and as a fuel for
traditional oil lamps. Olive oil is used
throughout the world, but especially in
the Mediterranean countries and is
considered precious with spiritual and
religious significance. Olive oil is one
of 4 oils mentioned in the Bible (The
others are almond, palm, and castor or
Palma Christi). Olive oil is used in
conjure for healing, peace and blessings.

Onion: Since it is the nature of onions to

make you cry, you can use onions in
rootwork to cause sorrow for your
enemies. You can use onions much in the
same way as you can lemons to draw out
evil and negativity from your home. And
you can burn onion and garlic peels on
the stove to bring luck and money to the
home and draw clients to a business.
Oracle: An oracle is a person or tool of
divination; it is a method of
communicating with the Divine,
ancestors, or spirit guides. There are
numerous types of oracles including
cards, coins, shells, and bones.

Palm: Palms are flowering plants, most

of them from tropical, subtropical, and
warm temperate climates. Palms are
among the best known and most
extensively cultivated plant families.
They have been important to humans
throughout much of history. Many
common products and foods are derived
from palms, and palms are also widely
used in landscaping for their beauty. In
many cultures, palms were symbols for
victory, peace, and fertility. Palm trees
are mentioned extensively throughout the
Old Testament books of the Bible. In
Christianity, Palm Sunday festival
celebrating the triumphal procession of
Jesus the Christ into Jerusalem. Palm oil
is a common cooking ingredient and
ritual spiritual item used in Africa and in
the Diaspora. Palm oil can be used in
conjure for any type of work.

Patchouli: Patchouli is another of my

favorite herbs and oils that I use. It has a
deep, strong, earthy scent that you either
love or hate. Patchouli has been used for
centuries in perfumes, and more recently
in incense, insect repellents, and
alternative medicines. Patchouli oil and
incense underwent a surge in popularity
in the 1960's and 1970's in the US and
Europe, mainly due to the hippie
movement and the use of marijuana. But
in conjure it is used in conjure to attract
money and prosperity, as well as love.

Pendulum: Pendulums are a wonderful

divination tool in hoodoo to get "Yes"
and "No" answers to questions or to find
missing objects. A pendulum can be
made out of any weighted object at the
end of a string, thread, or chain. I have a
few pendulums: some are made of
gemstones, one is a root, and I can use a
pendant on my necklace in a pinch!
Some conjurers use a needle a bone, or a
key on the end of a string. One method of
divination that many people are familiar
with is holding a pendulum over the
stomach of a pregnant woman to
determine the sex of an unborn child. I
actually used a pendulum to help my son
pick out a laptop in an electronics store,
and he has had it for many years and it
gives him very little trouble.
Personal Concern: A personal concern
or tag lock, is an item that comes from or
that has been in contact with a person's
body. Some examples of personal
concerns are hair, fingernail and toenail
clippings, teeth, and bodily fluids. It is
used in conjure to connect a person (the
target) to a work in order to strengthen
it. It can be used in conjunction with a
petition or name paper.

Petition Paper: A petition paper is a

written wish or prayer. It spells out the
desire of the rootworker. You can think
of it as a set of instructions for spirit to
carry out. In hoodoo petition papers are
written on a torn square piece of a
brown paper bag, but you could also use
business cards, parchment papers, or
blank checks. It contains the name and
birth date of the object or target of the
prayer. And sigils, symbols, psalms or
other Bible verses can also be included.
Then candles can be burned on top of it
during prayer, or it can be added to a
mojo or container work.

Pine: There are 2 major types of

cleansing scents in conjure: lemon scent
and pine scent. Heck, you can get lemon
scented Pine-Sol and cover both bases!
Since pine is an evergreen, it needles
are available to me all year round to add
to a spiritual cleansing bath or floor
wash. Pine resin can be burned in the
home to rid it of negative spiritual
energy, but the properties of pine wood
do not make it favorable for burning in
the fireplace. The scent of pine is also
believed to attract money, so it is dual
purpose. The children of Israel were to
gather pine branches for Sukkot or the
Feast of Tabernacles to make booths
(Nehemiah 8:14-15).

Pins: Pins can be used much in the same

way as nails and needles in conjure
work. Stick pins can be used in a break
up jar or jar used to harm an enemy. You
used them to carve a candle or as a
divider if you want to burn a taper
candle over several days. You can use
them to stick in a figure candle just as
you would a doll. You can use them to
pin things together. And you can also use
an opened safety pin in a sugar bowl to
draw money into the home.

Pokeweed: Pokeweed grows throughout

many parts of North America. And
despite my many efforts I cannot get it
out of my yard! So I have found ways to
use it. Parts of this plant are highly toxic
to livestock and humans, but the young
spring leaves can be used as food if
properly prepared; its taste reminds me
of spinach. The berries can be used to
make ink for writing petitions. The root
can be used in a jinx removing or
uncrossing bath. It is also believed to get
rid of enemies and get rid of illness.

Pot: No, we are not talking about

marijuana...Pots are a useful tool in
hoodoo, whether you are talking about a
saucepan or a container with a lid. I do
not own a vaporizer so many times I will
fill a pot with boiling water and herbs in
winter to purify and kill the germs in the
air. At other times I can boil herbs to
fragrance the air depending on the mood
I want. I also have pots that are
dedicated to the spirits that work with
me that contain the tools that they
require. And I have pots that I use for
workings for a particular goal or
purpose. You can also use a boiling pot
of water and oil on the stove to
determine if you have people working
against you, and to destroy their work.
Ezekiel 24:1-12 and Jeremiah 19:1-15
contain clues on how to do the work.

Prayer: Prayer is the absolute essential

key to success to all rootwork! It is the
way to communicate with the divine.
Prayers can be sung or spoken. There
are many types of prayers: prayers of
worship, supplication, thanksgiving, and
intercession for others. It fairly common
practice in many cultures all over the
world to light a candle and burn incense
when praying.

Prophet: A prophet is an individual who

is claimed to have been contacted by the
Divine, and to speak for God, and
serving as an intermediary between God
and mankind. The message that the
prophet conveys is called a prophecy.
Prophets have existed in many cultures
through history, including Judaism,
Christianity, Islam, in Ancient Greece,
Zoroaster, and many others. There are
many figures mentioned throughout the
Bible that are called prophets. Prophets
are individuals who are recorded as
having had a visionary experience or
received direct revelation from God.
Many of them have books of the Bible
named after them. In conjure, the spirits
of these people are petitioned according
to their particular strength, character
trait or attribute: King Solomon for
wisdom, Job for faith, Daniel for
spiritual insight and psychic ability, and
Joshua for removing obstacles in one's
life.

Psalms: The Book of Psalms is a

probably the most loved book of the
Bible. The Psalms, a collection of 150
poems, were songs sung to the music of
stringed instruments. Many of the psalms
are attributed to Kind David, who was
the father of King Solomon. In conjure
they are used in candle work and
spiritual bathing, written on petition
papers, added to mojo hands, and prayed
over the ingredients used recipes and
formulas and the resulting product. In
each of the psalms there are spiritual
prescriptions to any and all of life's
problems.
Q

Queen Anne's Lace: Queen Anne’s (or

Ann’s) lace is an alternative name for
wild carrot in North America. It is
usually assumed that the Anne referred
to in the name is Queen Anne (1665-
1714; reigned 1702-7). The most
popular story surrounding this plant is
that it is Queen Anne pricked her finger
while making some fine lace, staining
the white with a tiny drop of her blood.
Very often a purple or red 'drop'
representing the royal blood on the lace
can be seen in the center of the flower.
Although she had many pregnancies,
Anne left no surviving children. It is said
that the seeds of Queen Anne’s Lace are
effective for birth control. Ironically,
this plant is used in Europe for just the
opposite! Magically speaking, Queen
Anne's Lace was predominantly used in
fertility and virility spells and rituals.
The roots were highly prized and
considered very lucky. This plant was
gathered by Scottish women on the
Sunday preceding St. Michael's Day,
which was known as Carrot Sunday. The
wild carrots were washed and tied in
bundles with three-ply red string, then
dried until St. Michael's feast day
(September 29th). On that day the
carrots are given with wishes of plenty,
prosperity and fertility and were given
as gifts. CAUTION: DO NOT
HARVEST OR INGEST THIS PLANT
UNLESS 100% CERTAIN OF ITS
IDENTITY. IT IS OFTEN CONFUSED
WITH POISON HEMLOCK WHICH IS
DEADLY.

Queen Elizabeth Root: Queen Elizabeth

Root, also known an orris root, is the
root of an iris that is somewhat rare and
highly prized, especially by woman
conjurers. Considered a female power
root, it can be used to attract a male
lover, and as a pendulum for divination.

Queen of the Meadow Root: Queen of

the Meadow Root, also known as gravel
root, is used primarily in hoodoo for
getting and keeping a job, and getting a
raise or promotion. It can also be used
for good luck in games of chance and for
receiving psychic visions.

Raccoon Penis Bone: A hysterically

funny part of the movie the movie “The
Skeleton Key” was when Kate Hudson’s
character goes into the gas station and
walks into what looks like a wind chime
or mobile. But they are actually hanging
strands of “coon dongs” or raccoon
penis bones! The bone in the penis aids
sexual intercourse by maintaining
sufficient stiffness during sex and allows
the male to mate for a long time. In
addition the baculum, as it is also
known, is proportionately large in
comparison to the rest of the animal. So
it is the curio of choice to symbolize
male virility used in love and lust mojos.
You can also wrap a large bill around a
dressed raccoon penis bone and carry it
for good luck in gambling.

Railroad Spikes: Railroad Spikes are

made of iron and are great way to fix,
fasten, or tie things down. It's like a
having a giant nail. They are used in
hoodoo secure your place in your home,
and to protect from eviction or
foreclosure. They can also be used to
bind an enemy from doing harm.

Red Brick Dust: It seems the knowledge

of the use of red brick dust was brought
to the mainstream by the movie "The
Skeleton Key". But it has been used for
generations by conjurers and
rootworkers to protect the entrance to
your home and to keep away bad energy
and negativity. People would either add
it to a wash to scrub down their porch,
or lay down a line across the threshold
to keep thieves, or those who wish to do
harm from crossing your door or coming
onto your property. Its most commonly
heard about in the Deep South in places
like New Orleans, but here in Baltimore,
MD people are known for taking pride
in keeping their marble steps clean. As a
child I would often see people up early
in the morning washing the entrance to
their homes or businesses.
Rice: Rice is the most widely consumed
staple food by much of the world’s
people, especially in Asia. Rice use
used in many cultures throughout the
world to symbolize wealth and
happiness. It was thrown at a newlywed
couple to wish them fertility and success
in their marriage. Sometimes it is dyed
with green food coloring and sold in
U.S. spiritual supply stores and sold as
lucky rice to draw money to the home or
paying customers to a business. Rice is
considered lucky in hoodoo because just
like beans, they swell when soaked,
which symbolizes wealth and success
growing.

Roots: There is no rootwork without

roots! Roots are the foundation; they are
the anchor. They are the underground
part of the plant that absorbs of water
and dissolved minerals and conduction
of these nutrients to the rest of the plant.
The roots are where these nutrients are
concentrated and stored.

Rosary: The rosary is from the Latin

rosarium, meaning "crown of roses" or
"garland of roses". It is a Roman
Catholic sacrament, devotional prayer
and the commemoration of Jesus and
events of his life. The term rosary is
used to describe both a sequence of
prayers (as in the phrase "pray the
rosary") and the string of 54 beads used
to count the prayers. Throughout
centuries, the rosary has been used for
the veneration of Mary and other saints.
The rosary tends to be used primarily by
Christian practitioners of hoodoo who
are Catholic, but others may use it as
well to gain grace and favor from the
spirit realm.

Rosemary: Rosemary is a fragrant

evergreen shrub. It is a female power
herb, so if placed above the front
entrance, it gives the woman the upper
hand in the home. Burned with basil as
an incense it brings peace to the home.
And rosemary is excellent to add to a
purifying and cleansing bath. A powerful
antiseptic, rosemary can be used in an
pot of boiling water with sage,
eucalyptus, and other herbs to kill
airborne germs. It can be combined with
lemon for a powerful cleanser.

Rue is another herb for protection and

cleansing. It breaks jinxes and hexes and
protects against the evil eye. In Italy a
silver charm called the Cimaruta, which
means “sprig of rue” is worn as an
amulet. In the Bible the Pharisees were
scolded for tithing small, physical things
like rue and mint, but neglecting the
‘tithe’ or giving of more important
spiritual things such as love and justice
(Luke 11:42).

Sage: Just we see a sage as an older,

wise person, the herb sage is used in
baths, candle workings, and mojo bags
for wisdom and longevity. The leaves
can also be burned as incense when
praying for clarity and guidance. It also
purifies the air and protects against evil
spiritual influences.

Saint: A saint is one who has been

recognized for having an exceptional
degree of holiness, sanctity, and virtue.
Its a person officially recognized,
especially by canonization, as being
entitled to public veneration and capable
of interceding for people on earth. But
there are saints not recognized by the
church, but have been popularized by the
local people. Saints are petitioned much
like prophets: according to their virtues
or the manner in which they died or
were martyred. For example, Saint Peter
is depicted as holding the keys to the
kingdom of heaven therefore he is able
to open the doors of opportunity.

Salt: Salt has often been considered a

valuable commodity during human
history. The word salary is linked the
Roman word salarium and the Latin sal
dare (to give salt). There are over thirty
references to salt in the Bible. Probably
the most familiar being the story of Lot's
wife who turned into a pillar of salt for
her disobedience when she looked back
at the city of Sodom in Genesis 19:26.
And Jesus the Christ refers to his
followers as the "salt of the earth" in
Matthew 5:13. The Israelites were told
that all food offerings to God were to
contain salt (Leviticus 2:13). Salt is a
very receptive substance. It is able to
take instruction. In hoodoo it is said that
“salt does what you tell it to do”. It can
be used in various ways for purification,
protection, blessing, and even cursing.

Salt Peter: Salt Peter is potassium

nitrate. Major uses of potassium nitrate
are in fertilizers, rocket propellants and
fireworks. It is one of the major
constituents of gunpowder and has been
used since the Middle Ages as a food
preservative. A popular use for salt
peter is to "tie a man’s nature" or to keep
him from being able to perform sexually.
Historically it was put in the food of
sailors and prisoners, and woman would
put it in the food of their men to keep
them from straying, but this is a very
dangerous practice. Small amounts of
salt peter can be added to incense to
help it ignite. And it is a mineral
ingredient that can be added to cleansing
baths.

Sassafras: Sassafras is a deciduous tree

in the Laurel family, native to eastern
North America and eastern Asia,
commonly found in fields and open
woods. The flavoring of root beer and
gumbo file, sassafras is used to attract
wealth and success in business.
Savory: Savory is indigenous to the
Mediterranean as well as Southern
Europe. In ancient Greece, people made
a wine by adding savory in with the
pressed grape juice. They still do that
today. There are about 30 species called
savories, the most important of which
are summer savory and winter savory.
Both summer savory and winter savory
are used to flavor food. Summer savory,
which is most preferred by cooks, is an
annual, and winter savory is an
evergreen perennial. It is called the bean
herb in Germany since it helps digest
beans, but is also good for the female
reproductive system. And if you plant
savory near your bean plants, savory
will help deter those bean beetles.
Savory is a plant related to rosemary
and thyme, therefore I would use it in
hoodoo as a cleansing and protective
herb.

Scissors: Scissors have many uses in

conjure. They can be used in ways
similar to knives. You can use them to
cut negativity from the aura. They are
used to cut away sickness and crossed
conditions, to cut ties from relationships,
and they are also used for protection.
They can also be used to stop gossip
(Psalm 52:2-9).

Spirit Guide: Spirit guide is a term used

by the Western tradition of Spiritualist
Churches, mediums, psychics, and others
to describe a dis-incarnate entity or
spirit of an enlightened or virtuous
individual that acts as a guide or
protector to a living incarnated human
being.

Some spirit guides are persons who

have lived many lifetimes and some
spirit guides live as energy, in the spirit
realm, or as beings of light.
Spiritual Bath: There are all types of
spiritual baths. They can be divided into
2 main categories: bitter baths and sweet
baths. Bitter baths are taken to remove
all evil and negativity. And sweet baths
are taken to attract the good desired
whether love, money, healing, success,
etc. Although most conjurers do not
follow moon phases, I tend to take bitter
baths during a waning moon and sweet
baths during a waxing moon. The baths
can also take many forms. Sometimes I
make a sea salt/Epsom salts and herb
mixture to add to a tub bath. Most of the
time I make a strong herbal infusion or
"tea". I let it cool, strain it, and pour it
over my head after I take a shower. And
still there are other times I make a cold
bath, also known as an omiero, where I
take fresh herbs and tear the leaves and
squeeze the essence of the plants into a
bowl of cold water. Just as I need to
wash myself physically on a regular
basis, spiritual baths are done on a
continual basis since I constantly picking
up psychic debris from my environment
and people around me.

Sulfur: Sulfur is also known as

brimstone, which is associated with hell
and God’s punishment (Genesis 19:24-
25, Psalm 11:6, Revelation 19:20,
20:10, and 21:8). Known for its rotten
egg smell, it is excellent for preventing
jinxes, curses and hexes, and for
destroying enemy strongholds.

Talisman: A talisman is an object which

is believed to contain certain properties
bring good luck for the owner, and offer
some protection from evil or harm.
Amulets and talismans are often
considered interchangeable despite their
differences. For example, the amulet is
an object with natural protective
properties, whereas a talisman must be
charged with energy by its creator. Thus
a talisman should be created by the
person who plans to use it. And it is this
act of consecration or "charging" that
gives the talisman its powers. The
talisman is always made for a specific
reason while an amulet can be used for
general purposes such as keeping away
evil.

Tealights: A tealight or tea light, is a

candle encased in a thin metal or plastic
cup so that the candle can burn
completely within it. They are typically
small, circular, and very inexpensive.
Because of their small size, they can be
used when there is not a lot of time to
work, or when quick results are needed.
Normally used for teapot warmers or oil
burners, their use in rootwork is
relatively recent, but they can be quite
handy.

Thyme: Thyme is a culinary and

medicinal herb that is easy to grow in
the home garden. It comes in many
fragrant varieties. Ancient Egyptians
used thyme for embalming. The ancient
Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it
as incense in their temples, believing it
was a source of courage. In the
European Middle Ages, the herb was
placed beneath pillows to aid sleep and
ward off nightmares. Thyme was also
used as incense and placed on coffins
during funerals, as it was supposed to
assist passage into the next life. In
hoodoo breathing the fragrance of
burning thyme before bedtime helps to
prevent nightmares. And it helps to grow
and protect your money.

Tobacco: Tobacco is another favorite

offering to give to the Native America
spirit guides as well as the ancestors.
The tobacco smoke blown from a cigar
is used in conjure for spiritual cleansing
as it strips away all negativity.
Turquoise: Turquoise is a beauty blue-
green stone and was among the first
gems to be mined. For at least 2,000
years, Iran, previously known as Persia,
has remained an important source of
turquoise, which was named "pirouzeh"
meaning "victory". In Iranian
architecture, turquoise was used to
cover the domes of the Iranian palaces
because its intense blue color
symbolized heaven on earth. The
Southwest United States and China are
significant source of turquoise, where it
is considered a sacred stone by people
of both regions. It is also one of the
stones in the breastplate of Aaron the
high priest of Israel. For protection
against the evil eye and all other harm,
wear turquoise jewelry set in silver.

U
Uncrossing: Uncrossing is the removal
of a crossed condition or jinx. A crossed
condition is when you have a continual
string of bad luck or when you have a
strange illness where the doctors can
find no cause. Or you constantly run into
obstacles in a particular area of your life
and nothing seems to go right.
Uncrossing removes the blocks and puts
a person back onto the right track. This
can be done with a combination of
spiritual bathing, burning candles and
incense to raise your vibration to get you
going in a positive direction. Many times
it's not that someone is throwing at you
or putting roots on you; you can jinx or
cross yourself! Don't be so quick to
blame the world or others for your self-
imposed problems. Be willing to take
responsibility for ALL of your thoughts,
words, and actions. Doing uncrossing
work will help to undo the destructive
patterns in your life.

Underwear: Worn, unwashed underwear

are a personal concern that can be used a
couple of ways. To keep your love
strong, tie a sock or a pair of your
underwear to that of your lover’s and put
in a safe place. Or you can dress your
lover’s laundry with love bath crystals
in the rinse cycle. To keep a lover
faithful, you could craft a doll or a mojo
hand with the underwear and fill it with
various herbs. You can also treat the
family member’s laundry with peaceful
home mixture.

Urine: Urine is a liquid waste product of

the body. In pre-industrial times urine,
being rich in ammonia, was used as a
cleaning fluid. And it is still used for
that purpose in hoodoo today. The first
morning urine can be used in a wash to
scrub down the front porch for
protection and cleansing and to mark
your territory. You can also use urine in
a container work to cross an enemy.

Valerian: Valerian, also known as vandal

root, is a plant that has a very distinctive
smell that can only be described as
sweaty gym socks. Valerian root is a
sedative herb that is used as a remedy
for insomnia. It can be used for
uncrossing and reverse a jinxes as well
as to harm or jinx an enemy.

Vanilla: Vanilla is a derived from the

seed pods of an orchid. Vanilla is the
second most expensive spice after
saffron. But despite the expense, vanilla
is highly valued for its flavor. Vanilla
beans can be kept in a sugar bowl and
the sugar fed to your sweetheart to keep
your love strong. Since it is said that the
way to a man’s heart is through his
stomach, anything you make with vanilla
and cinnamon will keep your lover
close.
Van Van: Van Van is the name of a
formula that is made of several Asian
grasses that is used in hoodoo for the
purpose of spiritual cleansing and for
changing bad luck to good. It is easily
recognizable by its clean, fresh, lemony
scent.

Vervain: Vervain or verbena is another

wonderful plant to use in works for love.
And there is a lemon-scented variety that
would be excellent in cleansing works.

Vetiver: Vetiver also known as Khus

Khus, is a deep earthy smelling herb that
can be used for money drawing and
business success.

Vinegar: Vinegar is a mild acid solution

made from the fermentation of things
such as apples, grapes, and other things,
mainly used for cooking purposes. A
weaker solution than ammonia, vinegar
can also be used in hoodoo for spiritual
cleansing and protection. Also due to its
sour nature it can be used much like
lemons in works used to sour. Violet:
These sweet-smelling bluish purple
flowers and heart-shaped leaves are the
perfect love plant. A nickname for violet
flower is called heart’s ease. Violet
flowers may be used in salads, desserts,
fruit salads, and teas to share with your
beloved. You can place violet leaves in
your shoe or a mojo hand to draw love
to you.
Vodka: Vodka is a distilled beverage
made by the distillation of fermented
substances such as grains, potatoes, or
sometimes fruits or sugar. Homemade
vodkas and distilled beverages referred
to as "moonshine". Vodka is another
alcoholic beverage that I occasionally
offer to my ancestors.

Walnut: Walnuts have numerous

nutritional benefits. In Genesis 43:11,
Jacob sent walnuts along with honey,
spices, and other valuable items to
ransom his son Benjamin. In hoodoo,
walnuts are used to cut ties in a
relationship and to jinx an enemy.
Water: Ah, so much could be said about
water, the universal solvent. It makes up
approximately 70% of the Earth and
70% of our bodies. Water is essential to
life. In the first chapter of the first book
of the Bible it is stated that before the
Earth was formed it was covered with
water (Gen 1:2). It contains the holy
trinity because it can exist in three
forms: solid, liquid, and gas. It also
holds a mystery since unlike other
liquids that contract upon freezing, water
expands! It is used to cool, cleanse and
renew the body and spirit. And it is also
used to cleanse the home and other
objects. You can put a glass or bowl of
water under the bed or on a nightstand to
keep away bad spirits or nightmares.
Blessing and praying over water before
drinking it can make it more beneficial
to the body. The hoodoo practitioner
may use water from the following: rain,
a well, a river, an ocean, a spring, etc.,
to correspond to the work he or she is
doing.

Whiskey: Whiskey is a type of distilled

alcoholic beverage made from fermented
grains such as barley, rye, wheat, and
corn. Whiskey is a common offering to
give to the ancestors and other spirits. If
you need money or power, you can soak
devil's shoestring and High John root in
whiskey and use as a handwash or add
to a floorwash.
Wine: Wine is an alcoholic beverage
made from fermented grapes or other
fruits. Wine can be used as an offering to
God (Numbers 15:7, Deuteronomy
18:4), and ancestors. You can add
crushed coriander or cumin seeds to
wine to encourage lust. Also a man can
drink wine that has crushed juniper
berries infused in wine to increase
virility. So if you end up pregnant, you
can just blame it on the alcohol!
Woodruff: Woodruff is also known as
Master of the Woods. It can be used in
works to attract money and prosperity.
As its name suggests, you can use
woodruff as an herb for commanding,
strength, and mastery.
Wormwood: The general term
"wormwood" refers to a number of
plants belonging to the Artemisia family.
Most are bitter or have a strong scent.
This plant has been used to make the
highly intoxicating drink absinthe.
Wormwood appears several times in the
Old Testament as a symbol of bitterness,
punishment, and suffering, i.e., Proverbs
5:4, and Lamentations 3:15. And it
appears once in the New Testament:
"The third angel blew his trumpet, and a
great star fell from heaven, blazing like a
torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers
and on the springs of water. The name of
the star is Wormwood. A third of the
waters became wormwood, and many
died from the water, because it was
made bitter." (Revelation 8:10–11, New
Revised Standard Version). Wormwood
is in the same family as mugwort and is
used similarly. It is burned as incense to
help develop psychic abilities and
summon spirits. It is also said to prevent
accidents when hung from a car's rear
view mirror.

Crossroads: Okay, so it’s not exactly an

X, but I had to put something here. A
crossroad is a junction where 2 roads
meet. The two roads can form an X, Y
or, T. A crossroad is also where the road
meets a railroad track or a bridge goes
over water. Crossroads are places of
magic where anything can happen. It is
the place where the physical plane
intersects the spiritual plane. It is a point
of choice and decision making. Many
spirits are said to reside at the
crossroads. Thus it is a popular place
where people go to ask for special
favors and blessings, skills and talents,
to leave offerings, and to dispose of the
remains of a work.

5 spot: A five-spot forms the

arrangement of five dots that forms an X
pattern on six-sided dice, playing cards,
or dominoes. In hoodoo petition papers,
money and other items are marked with
this pattern with some type of conjure
oil.
St. Expedite: Okay, you get now that this
isn't an X, but I like to have at least three
or an odd number of items. St, Expedite
is well-known in parts of Europe, New
Orleans, and among other Southern
conjurers, although he is not an official
Vatican approved saint. His name
loosely means, "Hurry up and deliver
this". Thus St. Expedite is invoked in
urgent needs and for quick solutions to
problems, especially in legal
proceedings. Many people say he is also
a big help to people who wish to
overcome obstacles and procrastination,
and for financial success. He is also a
patron of shopkeepers and sailors and
some people in the computer tech field
have adopted him as their own patron
saint. His feast day is April 19.
.

Yarrow: Yarrow sticks were used as a

divination tool in ancient China. In
hoodoo it can be worn or carried to
dispel fear and to bring courage. When
young and tender, the fresh early spring
leaves of Yarrow can be finely chopped
and added to salads, soups, meat dishes,
stir-fry and cooked beans. All of the
parts of Yarrow can be used medicinally
and therapeutically, separately or
together, fresh, dried, as teas, poultices,
steamed vapors, tinctures, oils, and
vinegars.
Yellow Dock: Yellow Dock, or curly
dock is a perennial flowering plant
native to Europe and Western Asia,
which is a widespread naturalized
species throughout the temperate world,
including throughout North America,
southern South America, New Zealand
and parts of Australia. It can be used as
a leaf vegetable (the young leaves
should be boiled in several changes of
water), or can be added directly to
salads in moderate amounts. Like
dandelion, once the plant matures it
becomes too bitter to eat. In hoodoo
yellow dock can be made into a strong
tea and added to a wash to attract
customers and draw money.
Yerba Buena: Yerba buena is the
Spanish name used for a number of
aromatic plants, most of which belong to
the mint family. Perhaps the most
common variation of this plant is
spearmint. The Spanish name yerba
buena translates as "good herb". You can
use mint in hoodoo for cleansing and
uncrossing, and to attract and protect
your money.

Yerba Santa: Yerba Santa means “sacred

or holy herb”. It can be mixed with other
herbs with the name “holy”, “blessed”,
or “sacred” in its name, such as holy
basil and blessed thistle for assistance
and protection from the spirit realm. You
can add it to a bath or burn the leaves as
an incense.

Zircon: Zircon is known by various

names and comes in many colors. Zircon
is one of the precious stones of the
Bible. Also known as jacinth or
hyacinth, it is on the third row of the
breastplate of Aaron the high priest of
Israel (Exodus 39:12). Hyacinth is a
zircon of a crimson, red, or orange
color. It is mentioned in the New
Testament also (Revelation 9:17 and
Revelation 20:21), where each stone is
associated with an apostle. It is a
talisman of travelers that will protect
them from wild animals and snakes bite
and warns when a strong storm is
approaching. This stone helps you to
bring out the qualities of strength,
confidence, courage and virtue.

Zydeco: Zydeco is a musical genre

evolved in southwest Louisiana by
French Creole speakers which blends
Cajun music, blues and rhythm and
blues. Usually fast tempo and dominated
by the button or piano accordion and a
form of a washboard. Zydeco music was
originally created at house dances,
where families and friends gathered for
socializing.

LAGNIAPPE

4711: 4711 is a brand of Eau de Cologne

by Mäurer & Wirtz launched in 1792.
This fragrance was developed by
Wilhelm Muelhens. There are citrus top
notes, floral middle notes with woodsy
and earthy base notes. It is used in the
same way as Hoyt’s Cologne.

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

Bible references:
New International Version of the Holy
Bible. Colorado Springs, CO,
International Bible Society, 1984.
YouVersion Bible application,
www.youversion.com.
And www.biblegateway.com.

Alvarado, Denise. The Voodoo Hoodoo

Spellbook. San Francisco, CA: Weiser
Books, 2011.
Casas, Starr. Old Style Spiritual
Cleansing. Self-Published
(http://www.oldstyleconjure.com),
2010.
Google and Wikipedia!

Yronwode, Catherine. Hoodoo Herb and

Root Magic: A Materia Magica of
African-American Conjure. Forestville,
CA: Lucky Mojo Curio Company, 2002.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ever since her early teens, Tina Harris

has been interested in all things
metaphysical and spiritual, including
yoga, meditation, tarot, astrology, and
feng shui. She is a reiki master, gemstone
and sound therapist. Her spirituality is
an eclectic mix of African, Hindu,
Christian, Buddhist, and Native
American traditions. She worked as an
herbal buyer and consultant for 5 years
at The Heritage Store in Virginia Beach,
VA. She was raised and currently
resides in Baltimore, MD, where she
work at a local metaphysical store
called The Turning Wheel. She also
teaches at the local community college in
Essex, MD, where holds classes on
crystals, herbs, aromatherapy, mantras,
and reiki.
In her "spare" time she enjoys belly
dancing, crochet, making conjure recipes
and prayer chaplets, and spending time
in nature.
You can visit her blog on crystals and
gemstones at
www.charmcityconjure.blogspot.com.
You can connect with her on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/CharmCityCon
And you can see her weekly YouTube
videos at
http://www.youtube.com/user/sepireshmaa